Lucy Flores, a former Lt. Gov nominee in Nevada, accused Joe Biden of being Joe.

 Just before the speeches, we were ushered to the side of the stage where we were lined up by order of introduction. As I was taking deep breaths and preparing myself to make my case to the crowd, I felt two hands on my shoulders. I froze. “Why is the vice-president of the United States touching me?”

I felt him get closer to me from behind. He leaned further in and inhaled my hair. I was mortified. I thought to myself, “I didn’t wash my hair today and the vice-president of the United States is smelling it. And also, what in the actual fuck? Why is the vice-president of the United States smelling my hair?” He proceeded to plant a big slow kiss on the back of my head. My brain couldn’t process what was happening.

Is it true?

There is photographic and video evidence of Joe Biden behaving similarly toward other women in public.

After his spokesman, Joe Biden came forward with an interesting non-denial denial.

“In my many years on the campaign trial and in public life, I have offered countless handshakes, hugs, expressions of affection, support and comfort,” Biden said. “And not once—never—did I believe I acted inappropriately. If it is suggested that I did so, I will listen respectfully. But it was never my intention.”

Two things here.

1. Joe Biden doesn’t actually deny Lucy Flores’ account. He’s claiming that he behaves affectionately (the Franken defense, as I predicted). 

He says, “never—did I believe I acted inappropriately”.

He isn’t denying a specific behavior, the kiss on the neck, the hair smelling. He’s denying that he believes he acted inappropriately.

That’s not just a non-denial. It’s a borderline admission.

2. Biden emphasizes the “countless” expressions of affection in public trial. This isn’t just about Flores. It’s a preemptive defense against all the accusations to come.