Sadly all I have heard from Joe Biden on the Tara Reade news is his denial. With that being the only thing said, we see useless headlines like the one above on FiveThirtyEight.com — IMHO, this issue is not an either-or option for Democrats. The Biden campaign needs to take this issue and use it to their advantage, and here is how I think he can.
- He can claim it never happened but also make it clear that our cultural view — when this alleged event was to have occurred — on this was different 30 years ago. That he has changed along with the culture of our nation and understands that sexual harassment needs to end, and he will lead that change.
- He should acknowledge that his perspective of the events and hers can be quite different and that whether she will accept his apology or not, he should publicly offer an apology for her feeling that he harassed her. Be a little different from Republicans and at least acknowledge that she can legitimately feel this way.
- Then turn this around on the Republicans. Unlike Kavanaugh and Trump, he can empathize with the #MeToo movement and that he will bring changes to the national conversation and federal policy surrounding this issue. As president, he will establish ( maybe even create Cabinet-level position ) federal guidelines and enact policies to protect women and children against violence. It is crucial to remind all voters that the Republicans and Trump have voted against this legislation.
- Biden needs to make it clear that this issue is significant for our nation, and while the “Do Nothing” Republicans fail to act, he will make this part of his campaign.
“When life gives you lemons ….”