Former vice president Joe Biden continues to sweep the Democratic primaries on his way to becoming the party’s presumptive nominee. However, the recent allegations of sexual assault against the presidential candidate came to light again as an old neighbor of accuser Tara Reade comes forward recalling a conversation about Biden.
CNN reports that Lynda LaCasse, an old neighbor of Reade’s, recalled having a conversation about Biden and his alleged actions on Reade in the early 1990s. Recalling the conversation via phone call to CNN, their talk was around 1995 or early 1996, a few years after the alleged incident. “She started talking about Joe Biden, and I didn’t really know much about Joe Biden,” shared LaCasse, who then cited the actions done to her by the former vice president during his days as a Senator.
Biden and his campaign have constantly denied the allegations, with deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield issuing a statement citing Biden’s work in advocating for women. “Such claims should also be diligently reviewed by an independent press. What is clear about this claim: It is untrue. This absolutely did not happen.”
As the allegations came to light, the Democrats were then faced with the dilemma of supporting Biden’s candidacy and addressing the allegations at the same time. As well, the women who are predicted to be on the shortlist of people that the former vice president will pick to be his running mate have been asked about these allegations. They have since pointed back to Biden’s work in advocating for women. The New York Times also spoke to two dozen people who worked with Biden during the time of the allegations and none seemed to back up Reade’s statements.
Biden’s longtime executive assistant back in his days at the Senate Marianne Baker also refuted the allegations, saying that she had no memory of these events ever happening nor heard or received reports of inappropriate conduct. Two other Biden aides at the time – Denis Toner and Ted Kaufman also refuted the claims.
Some Democrats have shown concern about the accusation, as it provides Donald Trump and his allies some leverage against his potential Democratic rival. Trump has also been accused of sexual assault and misconduct by multiple women. Democratic strategist Chris Lippincott weighed in on the situation, saying that this is a problem for Biden that would not be one for Trump.