The latest Joe Biden catastrophe started when Biden was swearing in our new Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter. The new secretary had invited his wife Stephanie and their kids to the swearing in, and Stephanie was standing beside the podium with Biden. Biden couldn’t help himself. He put his hands on Stephanie’s shoulders and I think I detect some rubbing happening. Then he leaned in really close and whispered something to her while her husband was speaking. The whole video should be watched as an example of Workplace Sexual Harrassment (and I’m saying that as someone who ordinarily likes Uncle Joe).
Biden has apparently known Ashton Carter and his wife for years. That’s not an excuse, but it’s possible he’s simply friendly with Carters and the whole thing has been misinterpreted. And while Stephanie Carter hasn’t said anything about this and perhaps she wasn’t even that uncomfortable with it, it does seem like yet another example of the Veep getting too friendly/handsy/inappropriate with the ladies. The only thing I’ll say in Biden’s defense is that he’s always a pretty handsy guy and he seems to enjoy the baby-kissing and voter-hugging part of political life, and he is legitimately that way with men, women and children equally. But yeah, he needs to stop.
Photos courtesy of WENN, Getty.
I like joe biden, but that was a little too handsy. I will give him the benefit of the doubt though, because if his intent was sexual, I don’t think he would of done it in full view of everyone.
But that’s exactly what he’s counting on—everyone will give him the benefit of a doubt, because most of them will not comprehend that he could possibly get a charge out of it if people are watching! He likes getting his hands on women, it makes him feel good, and he is capitalizing on being in a power position where he is able to do this. He does this over, and over, and over again to women all over the place. In every picture I’ve seen of this happening, all of them look uncomfortable and unhappy about it. My guess is that none of them says, “Back off, Creepy McCreeper!” because he’s the V.P. of the United States, and they, like the rest of us, want to believe that he’s just a kindly affectionate old man who couldn’t possibly intend any inappropriate satisfaction to himself out of it.
Chaine nails it.
I had no idea this was e regular thing for him. So depressing.
Co-sign!
Yup, Chaine says it right. Her expression is full of contempt, but she realizes they are in full view of the public. And I like Biden too. Le sigh.
Agreeing with Chaine here.
Agree with everything you said. He’s a creep and makes my skin crawl.
On Today Show they had a segment of pictures of him touching anywhere from really young girls to grown women inappropriately. Granted it was all taken with ha ha the VP is handsy.
It made me very uncomfortable, I can imagine how they felt. I do not like him much. For all the people who want to throw out obama,this is your replacement.
Please all those saying it’s an isolated thing go watch the today show clip. It’s creepy.
She does NOT in any way whatsoever look “comfortable” with what he’s doing. I’ve had a co-worker do that to me and I reacted exactly like Merkel – it was totally out of bounds.
That is disappointing because I don’t hate him *much* either as politicians go. These old goats jut do.not.get.it.
All I can think about is the FBI swinger on Ray Donovan …
WHAAAt difference does it make!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL!!
I don’t think he’s a perv.
He’s a gregarious, old-fashioned, Irish guy, who lost his wife and baby girl to a traumatic accident and then raised his sons [with help from family], choosing to live at home and commute to DC.
He has a good heart, even when he exhorts a guy in a wheelchair to “stand up so we can see you!”
That’s just Joe.
I agree, he is just a warm, kind guy. The wife doesn’t look mad, she looks like sheiks trying to not laugh.
Much ado about nothing.
I understand that female Secret Service agents get upset because he swims in the nude while they are on duty. He’s a pervert.
Guys, this is not cool (to quote Aniston).
I mean, if it was Obama, it’d be a bigger deal (even if it was Bush, Cheney, etc).
I hate people who encroach my personal space. If a women did this to a male spouse, that would be weird too!
She looks really uncomfortable, too. Those pictures are hard to look at, imo.
I agree….this encroaches on the personal space of others. He definitely should not assume all women take kindly to this. It is kind of creepy. I personally wouldn’t like it, even though you know he’s probably harmless. It could also feel embarrassing if someone were to do this in public. Yes, I think he’s definitely got a problem with wanting to be too touchy with females. However, this kind of press will kind of KILL it, dontcha think? He’ll get a lot of flack now, if he hasn’t already, and hopefully, he’ll be forced to keep his mitts off the females.
When I saw these photos yesterday, it made me so second-hand uncomfortable! Yech, Uncle Joe, just stop!
I was cringing the whole time I watched the clip. She looked SO uncomfortable and stiff.
Maybe it’s the photos, I haven’t seen the whole thing, but she looks like she wants to run screaming. What was he thinking?
I can’t think of a single woman who would be ok with this. Professional setting. Cameras. Preparing to give a speech and maybe field questions. And then you feel hands on your shoulders and from behind you someone whispering into your ear. Not OK! Biden may have honestly thought nothing was wrong with his actions, but his wife needs to tell him what many won’t. He’s acting really creepy and not as a professional should.
Wow. This is really bad.
She looks horrified. And I’m agreeing with FLORC that I don’t know a woman on earth that would think that’s ok.
Wow! That’s so inappropriate.
Yes. I think Biden’s a good guy, on the side of the angels, and reckon this is a friendly gesture only.
But damnit Joe! If you wouldn’t do it to Angela Merkel, don’t do it to the rest of us. It looks patronising, whatever your intention may be. (Merkel made her feelings crystal clear when George W did exactly this, by flinging up her hands in annoyance and shaking him off)
Angels? Really? What have you been smoking?
I honestly didn’t think it was a big deal. The pictures make it look worse, but to me it looked like an affectionate, friends type hands on the shoulders. She didn’t look uncomfortable, I actually personally thought it looked fairly genuine.
Also, being from a non us country, I hadn’t really seen Joe before, but even tho dude is like a hundred, I found him weirdly attractive ahabahahaah. In like a, charmer old man kind of way lol. Am I the only one?!??
Probably you are. I found it creepy, and I disagree that it looked affectionate. Her body language — specifically her head turned away from him — makes her look like she wants to flee.
@NYer hahaha yeah probably am! I have watched it like 3 times and I still don’t think it looks that bad! But the majority here seems to be going with creepy so I must be misinterpreting something.
Feel bad for her husband. Probably the biggest thing of his career and all his acceptance speech will come up as Joe Biden being creepy!
No, you’re not. I don’t think it’s a big deal either. I think he just likes people and shows it with hugs, shoulder rubbing, etc. We’re all so politically correct these days that you have to be afraid to show honest affection or say what you mean. As usual, the humans have gone too far.
He was gorgeous when he was young. I think he’s still attractive, but then I’m about his age.
It has nothing to do with political correctness. Even if you are a “touchy feely” type person, it’s your responsibility to realize that not everybody else is comfortable with that. Personal space and all that.
Like the post said he is like this with everyone. Not the best decision but I think it’s more dangerous to stick a label of sexual harassment on it because that is not what this was. Who knows what she’s thinking… it could be stop touching me or it could be please shut the hell up I want to hear my husband speak at one of the most important moments in his life.
What MrsB said.
Meece: Nope. He seems like he’d be a fun guy to party with! Ha ha!
I don’t think it was professional, but I also don’t think it was a big deal. IMO, it’s similar to GWB giving Merkel a shoulder rub back in some conference.
Yes – that was the first thing I thought of as well. I usually like Biden, but eew. It was gross and inappropriate when Bush did it to Merkel, and it’s gross and inappropriate here. Gak!
Meece, I agree with you.
the still pics DO make it look like she was uncomfortable, but the video?…honestly, to me, it looks sort of fatherly. I think she’s uncomfortable because SHE isn’t the person who is usually in the spotlight, and having to stand “out front” like that, when you’re not usually front and center, is unnerving and I think the hands on the shoulders was meant to comfort her.
the bf has a relative that worked for Hillary Clinton when she was Sec of State. EVERY pic of him making a statement or a speech that his wife appeared in, she looked the same way. that type of exposure is old hat to him but she was uncomfortable EVERY TIME. that’s what this woman looks like to me. her hubby is used to being the center of attention but she is not, and I really think Biden was going for the comforting touch.
but maybe I’m wrong and he’s just an old creeper.
I haven’t watched the vid yet, but the pics creep me out.
the pics creeped me out, too, but the video isn’t as creepy.
and as I’ve said, I’ve seen the exact situation before…husband is a professional in the political realm and has been for decades…wife is always around to support him when he’s doing an event but she ALWAYS looked as uncomfortable as this lady did. some people never get used to being in the public eye, even if they’re always on the fringe of it. HE was a public figure but SHE was not, and her tension showed clearly in all the pics. it’s a running joke in the family.
like I said, maybe I’m wrong and Biden is just a creeper, but I didn’t get that from the video. after he removes his hands, she STILL looks tense as hell. and I thought “I know THAT look…”
In my group of friends, this could easily happen as well. Body language is a difficult thing, especially if you go by pictures. We don’t know if she was uncomfortable or if – as friends – this is totally normal to them.
Having said that, they weren’t hanging out on Saturday night. You wouldn’t catch me or any of those friends I mentioned doing anything remotely like this at WORK. That’s what this was, a public engagement, a work thing. Come on, Joe, be a professional.
Watch it live if you want to see it look worse.
I agree with you, it’s just friendly. Everyone always reads such bad intentions into everything.
Hands on shoulders is hardly grabbing a butt. Please.
If he had behaved like this in a corporate setting he would be sitting in human resources, looking stupid over his write up. Inexcusable.
She ain’t liking it much either! Hands off women, dude. Are you tipsy or something? Fool. Step back and stay there.
She looks like “ugh. Stop talking to me…and stop touchiiiinnggg meeeee.”
Yeah, I really don’t think she’s okay with it (judging from her expression)
its inappropriate and unprofessional.
this is the 4th sec. of defense in Obamas presidency and this behavior makes it seem like they’re in bed together, all buddy buddy and hiring their friends for major positions not because of experience or ability, but because they’re ‘friends in real life’.
What is worse is that even if she did want him to stop, she couldn’t do anything because unlike Biden, this woman is remembering she is on television in the public eye.
biden just took away this guys big moment by whispering behind his back to his wife while hes speaking.
f***ing rude.
they’re all creeps.
+1.
Before reading the rest of the “in bed together” sentence I thought you meant it literally and I agreed with you.
One word… ick. Felt gross watching the video playback and the pics make it look even more disgusting.
Even if my husband and I knew the guy for YEARS – if anyone ever pulled that sort of douche looking move on me ANYWHERE, they’d end up bruised and bloodied.
So true here, too. Even with male friends of my spouse that I have known for years, they don’t usually get more than a Duggar-pre-marriage-side-hug from me, if that. No need for shoulder rubs, kissy face, or intimate ear whispering.
another demonstration of the inappropriateness of the entire administration.
this is not hollywood or a social event, mr. vp.
this is a formal, national ceremony representative of our country’s respect for official office.
you are not in your living room.
embarrassing…
On the bright side, at least he didn’t shoot anyone in the face.
🙂
‘Make Love not War’, as expressed by Veeps!
True, there haven’t been any reports of Mr. O hurting anyone on his weekly golf outings.
You’d think by now, Biden would have had proper training.
@ bella – Totally agree.
She looks creeped out by him. It also looks like she’s holding her arms that way to restrain herself from hauling off and punching him in the face.
That’s HOT! Rub my shoulders, You Cassanova!
That is just creepy and she does not look comfortable at all. She has the go away already look. Your vice president does this in public and according to many sources, but not proven, your president keeps busy with extra cirricular activities too. Between that and his golfing no wonder he has no time to run your country properly.
tabloid fodder
Umm, her English is better than yours. So maybe just don’t be a dick.
Oh, you edited your message.
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I thought it looked very uncomfortable and the poor woman probably wanted to hear her husband speak and not have some old guy all over her.
what “sources” are those?
Probably those oh so credible “Anonymous” sources. Lol
Obama is way too afraid of Michelle to have a sidepiece.
Eewwwwww….I don’t care how close their friendship is, that is totally inappropriate. I’ve had the husbands of girlfriends do that to me and it was very creepy, and the intent wasn’t just a friendly or reassuring touch, it had *MEANING* if you get my drift.
That looks weird. I don’t like idiot Biden and he should know better to be posing like that.
I can’t help but think this is funny, mostly because of her husband’s facial expressions while this is going on. Has the makings of a great SNL skit
Joe Biden has been way the **** out there for years.
I often wonder about the mental stability of elder politicians, especially when they behave like loose cannons.
Oh PLEASE.
It’s definitely unprofessional. However if they all are close friends and she’s not uncomfortable with it (the vibe I sensed from the video) then no biggie.
I’ve been a victim of workplace sexual harassment. This was inappropriate (something Joe is known for), but it was NOT workplace sexual harassment when it was viewed publicly by millions of people. Sexual harassment is done covertly, not overtly.
I still like Joe…he’s just a touchy-feely guy and not a creepy guy. Still, it was not appropriate.
He might not be a creepy guy ,but what he’s doing sure is creepy.
Yes, I’ll agree w/ that.
I live in Delaware, and I can’t stand Joe Biden, but I agree this wasn’t workplace harassment or an attempt to grab a feel. It was inappropriate due to the formality of the situation. She’s trying to focus on her husband’s big moment and this idiot behind her is giving her a back rub. I imagine they are friends and he was just being affectionate, but it wasn’t the time or place and put her in an awkward situation. I’m glad he’s being criticized, because he should be. But to call it sexual harassment trivializes the term, I think.
Perfectly stated, Gnatty.
There is no rule that says harassment must take place behind closed doors. You can be harassed in public, which is exactly what Old Joe did to this woman. If he weren’t VP he’d have gotten a phone call by now. Totally inappropriate.
I like Biden, but I’d slap his hands. Women shouldn’t have to squirm “politely,” there’s nothing polite about his behavior and we don’t have to be “polite” back.
One good public slap and he’d never do it again. At least in public.
So true! Exactly what I was thinking, why do men think they can just touch a woman whenever they want and invade her personal space. Then they get to play it off like they’re just touchy feely nice guys. If my husband did that to one of my friends I would be so embarrassed and we would have some words. If a friend of mines husband did that to me I would be very uncomfortable. It reminds me of the discussion that was had here a while ago about cat calling and how women are supposed to just take it or laugh it off because if you don’t you’re a b!+@&
What a creep.
Biden gets a pass on a lot of things. It doesn’t matter if he’s a friendly guy or not, he needs to learn boundaries.
He also made some kind of comment about alot of Somalians in his town being taxi drivers. His mouth needs to stay closed.
It’s so many wrongs – It’s like a move that “puts her in her place”, it infantalizes her, and invades her personal space in away that’s sexual harassment.
He’s clueless, typical behaviour of someone who has an inate sense of entitlement, the type who always gets a pass…
I hate when a man feels entitled to this kind of power play- it’s a kind of ownership-
And he’s robbing her of a moment for her and her husband
Kind of makes your skin crawl! Ugh!!!!
He is being very very inappropriate.
Take a look at the following vidoe. The guy has a very serious problem yet he’s still holding the position of VP. Wonder how the powers that be have no issue with his behaviour. They must be all the same, I guess.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTT5dQcarl0
Geez – i’m not a big fan of his at all – and obviously there are a lot of instances of him being inappropriate in a variety of ways – but this really doesn’t seem that bad to me – maybe I just haven’t had enough coffee yet this morning! LOL!
Call me a prude, I’m sure some people might, but Joe Biden is the kind of man who gets women labeled as “bitches.” I’ve met many men who behave exactly like this, and everyone acts like “oh that’s just how so-and-so is, he’s harmless, we love him!” And if you’re the woman who feels uncomfortable and actually says something it becomes “well what’s your problem?” He is inappropriate and needs to be called out on it.
100% agreed with you.
Let me preface this by saying I’ve always felt Biden had good intentions. He’s definitely on the side of Angels. But the recent Brian Williams scandal made me remember what a creepy ass fabricator he’s known for being as well. http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/history_lesson/2008/08/the_write_stuff.html For me, his “handsiness” with Stephanie Carter is part of a pattern of…inapprorpriateness? Recklessness? He’s just kinda…weird. We laugh it off as “Oh that’s just Joe” but I have to say it always bothered me that he got a free pass for his fabrications. And yes I think she looks very uncomfortable. He needs to reign in his behavior. He may not MEAN harm but it’s not cool.
He has also claimed on numerous occasions that his wife and child were killed by a drunk driver, which isn’t true. The driver of the truck that caused the accident was tested for alcohol, and he had not been drinking. Joe just says that because drunk driving is such a hot topic. It makes me sick that he uses the tragic deaths of his family as a political tool. That’s one of the many reasons I can’t stand him. He has gotten by on his looks and “charm” his entire life.
Wow! I didn’t know that! I’ve always thought they were killed by a drunk driver.
No, and the family of the truck driver have begged him to stop because it’s a small state and people know who he was. He died a few years ago, and it upsets them terribly to hear him falsely accused of drunk driving. But he doesn’t care, because it gets him sympathy.
He’s a handsy guy. At one campaign event years ago his entire family was on stage and he was rubbing his granddaughters shoulders and head continuously.
It was more awkward and annoying than anything else. He wasn’t trying to hide anything I think he’s got a ton of nervous energy. But my husband and I both noted how weird it looked. The little girl did not appear to be uncomfortable and kept talking to him the whole time.
That, I understand. He came from the generation where it was still okay to touch another family member on the shoulders or waist without it being though of as questionable. My grandparents and family were always hugging and holding me close or standing next to me with an arm on my shoulder or holding my hand. My Grandma loved rubbing my tushee (my behind) and she’d make me laugh at her delight. It was totally innocent and I know the difference, having had to deal with a situations as a teen and adult that made me feel the opposite of such.
Biden seems to lack both perspective and a filter for that perspective. It’s fine to do the above with his granddaughter but not on stage. It’s not okay to touch another person, a woman at that, in a very, very familiar way in front of the entire world at any point, let alone during the grandest moment in her husbands professional career. But he’s so entrenched and so catered to and is rarely, if ever, told “No” and he’s old. He’ll just continue to embarrass himself, others and his position until he’s out of office.
I agree with all those who said Uncle Joe, for some reason gets a pass on his inappropriate behavior. He made a public comment that in order to work in a 7 Eleven you need to have a slight Indian accent. I was highly offended and was waiting for a public apology and the media to pick it up as a launchpad for cultural sensitivity. I’m still waiting.
It is plain inappropriate to do this in front of cameras during an official ceremony. And the lady doesn’t look to comfortable either. So I am leaning more towards sexual harassment.
If you guys think this is creepy, google the video of him and the little girl.