Politics roundup: Biden touched women without their consent. What should we do now?

Joe Biden has been accused of touching without consent. What does this mean for the women involved, U.S. politics, and the 2020 elections?

Biden accused of inappropriate contact

Former Vice President and current maybe-running presidential candidate Joe Biden has been accused of inappropriate touching by multiple women. A former Nevada state lawmaker, Lucy Flores, recently came forward with a story wherein Biden approached her at a campaign rally, touched her shoulders, and kissed the back of her head. Amy Lappos, a former congressional aide, recalled a similar incident wherein Biden touched noses with her at another event. Two more women soon related their own stories involving Biden.

So far, no one has accused Biden of sexual misconduct. However, the women who have stepped forward acknowledge that Biden’s actions made them feel uncomfortable and even embarrassed. Indeed, Biden has been known to whisper in people’s ears, make unfortunate jokes, and get “handsy” with women at various public events.

Biden has since issued an apology, including a video where he acknowledges responsibility and promises to work to respect personal space in the future.

The case illustrates a major point of contention that appears split along generational divides. Is Biden simply an old-school politician who meant no harm and could do with a bit of sensitivity training? Is he a creep that doesn’t respect women’s autonomy? Is he simply out of touch?

All of this could be slightly more comfortable to discuss if Biden weren’t a favorite for the 2020 Democratic nomination. He hasn’t even announced that he’s running yet, but big clues from his staff and the general temperature of many sources strongly indicate that he will announce a campaign soon. So, while this may be one thing if Biden were moving towards retirement, it is something even more trouble if he wants to leads a nation.

This does not excuse Biden’s behavior or invalidate Flores’ and other women’s’ experiences. It does, however, add another layer of complexity and political angst to the situation. Some, perhaps, might think of this as an overreach of the #MeToo movement, of hypersensitive critics who are more concerned about appearances than a candidate’s political acumen.

Biden has also been held forth as a kind of bridge to middle-of-the-road voters. He’s a progressive who ostensibly values women’s rights and was Barack Obama’s Vice President. He also retains something of an old-school aspect that can appeal to voters who themselves complain about “political correctness.”

Others may argue that this is no time to become lax about issues concerning consent, respect, and women’s’ autonomy. Biden himself has acknowledged that “social norms are changing” and that he believes it is his responsibility to change in response. It remains to be seen whether this is a genuine change, political appeasement, or a hybrid of the two.

Mueller team speaks out on report

Last week, Attorney General William Barr had hold of the final report issued by Robert S. Mueller and his investigative team. Mueller and company were tasked with looking into investigation interference, specifically whether or not Russian agents had any say in the outcome of the 2016 U.S. elections. Many speculated that the current White House administration was cozier with Russia than previously admitted.

Right now, it appears as if the Mueller investigation did not find anything truly spectacular. However, we can’t know for sure, as Barr has not released the full report to Congress, and certainly not to the public. Politicians haven’t even gotten their hands on a redacted version, one with top secret details – like classified information and grand jury testimony – blacked out for security’s sake.

It could be that Barr’s office is simply taking its time with redaction. The report clocks in at an estimated 400 pages, after all.

Then again, members of Mueller’s own team have reportedly spoken to journalists in order to voice their displeasure with the current process. They have stated that Barr has only disclosed some of the details of their work, with key details missing from the public story. Some have argued that the full report is more damning for the current president than Barr is letting on.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General has said that his March 24 summary letter to Congress is merely preliminary. Still, there is considerable debate as to who should have the first say, and how the conversation over Mueller’s report should continue.

Lightfoot elected mayor of Chicago

This week, Chicago made history when its citizens elected Lori Lightfoot as their mayor. Lightfoot, a former lawyer who has never held political office before, previously headed Chicago’s police accountability task force, which was formed by outgoing mayor Rahm Emanuel in the wake of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald’s death in 2014. Lightfoot has also served as the president of the Chicago Police Board.

Lightfoot’s platform includes an emphasis on addressing the “fractured relationship” between the city’s police force and its people. She has specifically stated that race and segregation have contributed to this matter.

Her other campaign platforms include not just police reform, but increased support for homeless people and affordable housing options. Lightfoot’s election is also significant because she is both the first black woman and the first openly LGBTQ person elected to the position of mayor in Chicago.

Toni Preckwinkle, her opponent and Cook County Board President, is also a black woman, ensuring that the election would be historic regardless of its outcome.

Congress pushes to end involvement in Yemen

On Thursday, the House voted to withdraw U.S. support from the war in Yemen. Though the fighting is superficially a civil war, it is more accurately a conflict-by-proxy between Saudi Arabia and its allies, against Iran and its own allied states. Saudi-backed forces have received support from the United States, including weapons supplies, in-flight refueling, training, and intelligence information. For the Yemeni people, locked in a violent stalemate since 2014, it is a disaster either way.

The House vote comes after a vote on the same measure held in the Senate last month. Though bipartisan Congressional support remains strong for the measure, it is likely that the effort will be vetoed once it reaches the White House. The President has taken a hard stance against Iran, meaning that powerful regional supporters like Saudi Arabia must be appeased.

And, finally, your palate cleanser

If all of the above news makes you feel like rebelling in a serious way, then check out the work of Olive Schreiner. Sure, she mostly lived and worked in the 19th century before she died in 1920, but her often radical work still resonates today. Her novel, The Story of an African Farm, was so influential that it’s drawn comparisons between her and Charlotte Bronte, if Charlotte Bronte was even more politically and social outspoken.

It is hard to pin Schreiner down as one thing or another. She was an outspoken proponent of feminism and minority rights, while working as a vocal political advocate. Yet, Schreiner rarely ascribed to radical views and often spoke of moderation and cooperation.

Learn more about Schreiner through reading her own letters. This book excerpt is another good source, while you’re at it. Many of her works are also in the public domain and are freely accessible online.