Opinion: Amid accusations, Biden has yet to formally apologize

With the 2020 elections fast approaching, former Vice President Joe Biden is expected to make a run for the presidency. However, as his political appearances are ramping up, so are allegations of inappropriate conduct against the potential presidential candidate.

Although the allegations are minor, they are many, and Biden must make a formal apology if he wants to keep his political reputation and preserve a shot at the presidency.

In total, according to The Cut, a total of eight women have come forward to speak out against the actions of Biden with incidents ranging from “a big slow kiss” on the back of the head to a hug that was “just a little bit too long,” and date as far back as 1993.

These incidents have since been claimed to be categorized in the #MeToo movement by executive director of the National Employment Lawyers Association Terry O’Neil.

In an interview with WBUR, O’Neil stated that though Biden may not have been intentionally offensive, that is how his actions were received.

Regardless of the number of allegations, it does not seem that many, if any, believe that Biden is a predator or belongs in jail.

O’Neil commended Biden for his intent to listen and for “committing to be more mindful.”

The Chicago Tribune noted that Biden was human and that he “like all of us, has blind spots.”

However, they still condemn him for his actions.

The Chicago Tribune chided Biden on his justification of his actions, stating that he used the “language and logic of assailants.”

Though Biden has since stated that he would “be much more mindful,” Vox emphasized the lack of an apology by the long-term politician.

While some do condemn Biden, there are others who have spoken on his behalf regarding the alleged incidents.

The Intelligencer highlighted Democratic Senators Dianne Feinstein and Joe Manchin as coming to Biden’s defense in the face of the allegations. They claimed Biden was a “warm, tactile person. He reaches out and he touches and it’s like this and that. It’s hardly sexy.”

Biden’s actions are not criminal. They may be inappropriate, but not criminal. His actions should not be repeated, but if no one had called him out on his behavior, how could he change?

People won’t change unless they are forced to change. Up to this point, no one has forced Biden’s behavior to change. He has been confronted and now only time will tell if he will adjust his actions or not. If Biden wants a shot at the presidency, then he needs to modify his behavior toward women.

Biden has stressed his willingness to listen and alter his attitude, but the best move for him going forward is an apology.

The Cut quoted Biden stating that he never believed that he acted inappropriately, but that if he did it was never his intention.

While it’s close to an apology, it’s not enough to placate the masses and regain the trust and support of the female population. The best solution for Biden is a formal apology for making those women feel uncomfortable or else his political career may come to a screeching halt, forcing him to kiss his presidential bid goodbye.