Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives, offered a measured defence of Joe Biden on Tuesday, arguing that the allegations of inappropriate touching did not disqualify the former vice-president from a 2020 presidential run.
“I don’t think it’s disqualifying,” Ms Pelosi said during a live interview with Politico Playbook. “He has to understand in the world that we’re in now that people’s space is important to them, and what’s important is how they receive it and not necessarily how you intended it.”
The House speaker also gave a veiled critique of Mr Biden’s apologies, suggesting that he should say sorry for invading any accuser’s personal space rather than the fact that his accuser took offence.