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Here's a selection of our readers' responses, which come from emails sent by readers of On Politics, as well as comments on our site. They have been slightly modified for clarity.
Many of you defended Mr. Biden, claiming that he belonged to an older generation, while the social mores of physical contact were different.
I'm 68, a little younger than Joe Biden. But I come from a large Irish family and we always kiss and kiss people. It was an expression of welcome and warmth. Now, I understand in this MeToo movement that there are those who are not comfortable with such intimate physical expressions. So, now that Joe has been called, it's up to him to show his behavior change when he's running for president, which I hope to do well. – Sally Ziegenfuss, Pennsylvania
I am a 70-year-old woman who has always thought that male attention that may involve non-intimate touching was a source of satisfaction, even pride. This is definitely a generational problem and younger women need to become aware and understand that what was very acceptable in the past, even a few years ago, must not and can not be judged by the standards of today. – Ellen Goodman, Massachusetts
In the 1960s, this problem did not exist. It was a different moment. When will we stop looking back on our collective shoulders and go forward? – Whitney Devlin, 74 years old, New York
But many others said Biden's age was no excuse for his actions.
I am in my 60s. Regardless of age and habitat, Joe Biden's delicate actions with women (and men, allegedly) are disgusting and inappropriate. I do not think they are the fruit of innocent affection, even though he has convinced himself. They derive from unconscious male privileges and are humiliating and distressing to the recipients. – Joan Weis, California
The men of his generation thought that the "affection" given would be well received and appreciated, especially since it was given by a man in power. The problem is that no one has bothered to ask women or girls. – Lori Abbott Moreland, Sacramento, California.
This is not a generational misunderstanding. Biden's licentious behavior (let's call it that) was never the norm and not what most women wanted or expected. – Dwight Dekeyser, 63, Cherry Hill, N.J.
Joe Biden is facing a moment of "white privilege". It was not because HE did not think gently rubbing his shoulders and kissing behind his head was not inappropriate, it did not mean that this incident could be considered paternal or innocent. It is the woman's feelings about kissing / touching that matter.
He lives in a different era and is no longer relevant to most generations. He must withdraw. – Sandra Mathews, 51, Madison, N.J.
Some readers have expressed concern that the # MeToo movement will hit the road.
This is where we go, ban the "jokes, hugs and kisses" of the public sphere? From the beginning, we, the baby boomers, have rejected the rigorous formalities of previous generations for easy physicality, a reciprocally grateful gift between the sexes that gave everyday life moments of lightness and warmth. Do we really want to push the Joe Bidens and Al Frankens of our lives? It may be generational, but I'm afraid of losing something that I have cherished for a long time. #Me too. – Millie Olson, California
As a student constantly warned of the dangers of campus life, I fear that the legacy of the MeToo movement is not empowering women, but a generation of women terrified by an interaction with men, who consider any physical intimacy as a threat.
When men kiss me on the head or press my shoulders, it makes me feel uncomfortable. But does that make me uncomfortable because it is scary or because I have been told I should find that scary? I hope the clock will soon return to a more reasonable and thoughtful, less impulsive political and cultural climate. – Meg Edwards, Ohio
This story personifies exactly what's wrong with the # MeToo movement. It started as a positive force, highlighting predatory behavior, and we are now at the point where a compression or muzzle is horrible.
It is precisely for this reason that the Democrats (of which I am a part) will lose the elections of 2020. We eat ours and for what purpose? – Monica Evenson, 47 years old, Los Angeles
A special thanks to Lela Moore to The Times Reader Center for help with today's newsletter. To add your own answer, visit our story at Reader Center here.
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