A recurring and visually potent line of political attack against President Joe Biden centers on his history of close physical interactions with women and children, often characterized by his opponents as "sniffing" or inappropriate touching. This controversy stems from years of public appearances where Biden, a self-described "tactile politician," has been filmed placing his hands on shoulders, whispering closely, and smelling the hair of individuals. While supporters defend these actions as an old-fashioned, affectionate style meant to connect with people, critics and political rivals, most notably Donald Trump, have framed them as "creepy" and evidence of poor judgment, creating a persistent narrative that continues to feature in political discourse and campaign strategies.
A Pattern of Public Interactions
The foundation of the controversy is not a single event but a collection of moments captured on camera over many years, primarily during his time as Vice President. These instances typically occurred in public settings, such as swearing-in ceremonies, photo lines, and campaign rallies. The behavior in question involves a consistent pattern of close physical contact that some have found uncomfortable or unusual.
Notable examples that have been widely circulated include:
- Stephanie Carter (2015): During the 2015 swearing-in ceremony for her husband, Defense Secretary Ash Carter, then-Vice President Biden stood behind Stephanie Carter, placed his hands on her shoulders, and leaned in to whisper in her ear. The photograph and video of the moment went viral, with many commentators describing the interaction as awkward and inappropriate.
- Maggie Coons (2015): At the swearing-in ceremony for her father, Senator Chris Coons, a 13-year-old Maggie appeared visibly uncomfortable when Biden leaned in and whispered to her, followed by a kiss on the side of her head. This clip became one of the most frequently used in attack ads and critical montages.
- Various other instances: Numerous other clips show similar behavior with the families of senators, supporters, and even foreign leaders. These interactions, compiled and shared widely on social media, helped solidify a narrative of Biden being overly familiar and invasive of personal space, particularly with females.
Initially, many of these moments were dismissed by mainstream observers as "gaffes" or quirks characteristic of a politician from an older generation with different social norms. However, as the political climate grew more polarized and social media became a more powerful tool for shaping public opinion, these clips were reframed into a more damaging and deliberate narrative about his character.
From "Tactile Politics" to Allegations of Misconduct
The perception of Biden's behavior shifted significantly in 2019 as he prepared to launch his presidential campaign. What was once seen as a series of awkward but perhaps harmless public moments became the subject of more serious allegations. In March 2019, Lucy Flores, a former Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor of Nevada, published an essay in The Cut detailing her experience with Biden at a 2014 campaign rally.
Flores wrote that as she was waiting to go on stage, Biden came up behind her. **"I felt two hands on my shoulders. I froze. 'Why is the vice-president of the United States touching me?'"** she recalled. **"He proceeded to plant a big slow kiss on the back of my head. My brain couldn’t process what was happening. I was embarrassed. I was shocked. I was confused."** Flores clarified that she did not consider the act sexual or violent, but she described it as "demeaning and disrespectful."
Her account opened the door for several other women to come forward with their own stories of uncomfortable interactions with Biden. They described him touching them in ways that, while not rising to the level of assault, made them feel that their personal space had been violated. This wave of allegations forced the Biden campaign to address the issue directly, moving it beyond the realm of partisan attacks into a conversation about consent and evolving social standards, particularly in the context of the #MeToo movement.
Biden's Acknowledgment and Apology
In response to the growing criticism, Joe Biden released a video message in April 2019. In it, he did not apologize for his specific actions but rather for the fact that they had made people uncomfortable. He acknowledged a shift in societal norms and promised to be more mindful in the future.
**"Social norms have begun to change. They’ve shifted,"** Biden said in the video. **"And the boundaries of protecting personal space have been reset, and I get it. I get it. I hear what they’re saying. I understand."** He explained that his intentions were always to make a human connection but recognized that his approach was no longer universally appropriate. "I will be much more mindful. That's my responsibility, and I'll meet it," he pledged.
This response was seen by his supporters as a sincere acknowledgment and a promise to adapt. Critics, however, viewed it as a non-apology that downplayed the discomfort he caused and framed the issue as a matter of changing norms rather than his own behavior.
Crafting a Political Narrative: Trump's Debate Angle
For political opponents, the controversy has been an invaluable tool. Donald Trump and his campaign were particularly effective at weaponizing the clips and allegations, coining the moniker **"Creepy Joe"** and using it relentlessly. The Trump campaign produced and promoted numerous video compilations of Biden's most awkward physical interactions, often edited without context to maximize their negative impact. These videos became viral sensations in conservative media ecosystems.
The "Biden sniffing kids" angle fits perfectly into Trump's broader strategy of attacking his opponent's character and fitness for office. In a debate setting, this issue serves multiple purposes for Trump:
- Character Attack: It allows him to portray Biden as morally questionable or "creepy," a simple and memorable line of attack that resonates with his base.
- Questioning Fitness: The behavior is often linked to accusations of cognitive decline, with opponents suggesting it is a sign of senility or a man who is "out of it" and unaware of his actions.
- Deflection: By focusing on Biden's conduct, Trump can attempt to deflect from the numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and assault made against him over the years. It creates a "whataboutism" scenario, muddying the waters for voters.
In a debate, Trump is unlikely to delve into the nuances of the issue. Instead, he would likely use a shorthand reference, such as a direct "Creepy Joe" insult or an insinuation about why people, particularly women, might feel "unsafe" around Biden. This tactic is designed to be a soundbite, forcing Biden into a defensive position to re-explain incidents from years ago.
Separating Fact from Viral Distortion
While the video evidence of Biden's tactile behavior is real, the context surrounding these moments is often stripped away in political attacks. Several of the individuals involved in the most famous clips have come forward to defend the former Vice President.
Stephanie Carter, the subject of the widely circulated 2015 photo, later wrote an essay to provide her perspective. She explained that she was nervous and unsteady during her husband's swearing-in, and Biden had leaned in to offer words of support. **"The Joe Biden in my picture is a close friend helping someone get through a big day, for which I will always be grateful,"** she stated, calling the misrepresentation of the moment "a cheap shot."
Similarly, Senator Chris Coons defended Biden's interaction with his daughter Maggie, stating that she did not see it as strange or inappropriate. He noted that Biden has known his children their entire lives and is a close family friend.
Fact-checking organizations have repeatedly debunked claims that the videos show anything criminal, and they have worked to restore the context that is often missing from viral clips. However, in the fast-paced world of political campaigning, the visual impression left by a selectively edited montage can be far more powerful than a detailed explanation. The controversy persists because it operates on two levels: the verifiable reality of Biden's hands-on political style, and the highly effective partisan narrative built around it.
Ultimately, the "Biden sniffing kids" controversy is a complex issue where personal space, generational norms, and political opportunism intersect. It highlights a documented pattern of behavior from Joe Biden that, regardless of his intent, has made some people uncomfortable and has violated modern standards of social interaction. Simultaneously, it serves as a case study in how political opponents can amplify and distort real events to create a potent and enduring character attack. For voters, discerning the line between a personal failing and a political smear remains a central challenge, especially when the issue is raised in the high-stakes environment of a presidential debate.
