April 25, 2019 - Former Vice President Joe Biden Announces Candidacy 

• On April 25 Biden became the 20th "major" candidate to announce his candidacy for the 2020 Democratic nomination.  The announcement came in a video and is being followed by "multi-week rollout underscoring the core values of his campaign: reclaiming the soul of the nation; rebuilding the middle class, the backbone of America; and uniting Americans."  On the evening of April 25 Biden did his first fundraiser, at the Philadelphia home of Comcast executive David L. Cohen. The next morning he made his first media appearance, taping "The View."  He is to speak on "his vision for rebuilding America’s middle class" at Teamsters Local 249 in Pittsburgh on April 29, followed by events in the early states, culminating in a rally in Philadelphia on May 18.

• This is Biden's third campaign for president.  He launched his first bid on June 9, 1987 (+), as a 44-year old U.S. Senator in his third term, but the run came to an abrupt end in Sept. 1987 amid plaigarism charges.  About 20 years later, on Jan. 31, 2007, with more than 30 years of experience in the Senate, he launched his second bid via video (+), but withdrew on Jan. 3, 2008 following a poor fifth place showing in the Iowa caucuses.  Biden also considered a run for the 2016 nomination but ruled it out on Oct. 21, 2015 (+).  Now Biden has the added experience of two terms as vice president in the Obama Administration.

•  Pre-announcement, through the first quarter of 2019, Biden the non-candidate was seen as a or the frontrunner among the Democratic prospects; he finished atop many polls in 2018 and early 2019 (+).  Certainly he is well known from his service as a Senator and Vice President and has a large network he can draw upoon for support.  However polls at this early stage are very often meaningless.  There are many reasons to doubt Biden's prospects for success, incliuding his poor showing in 2007-08, his age, 76, his fundraising ability, and his propensity for gaffes.  Biden's long record in the Senate also provides points of attack. 
"Brian Schwartz.  "NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo plans to open his formidable fundraising network to Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign."  CNBC, Apr. 25, 2019.
Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Carl Hulse. "Joe Biden Expresses Regret to Anita Hill, but She Says 'I'm Sorry' Is Not Enough."  New York Times, Apr. 25, 2019.


• Like several other candidates on the verge of their announcements, Biden received a pre-launch blow when former Nevada Assemblywoman Lucy Flores recounted a blatantly "inappropriate and unnerving" 2014 incident in which Biden had kissed her on the back of her head.  See: Lucy Flores. "An Awkward Kiss Changed How I Saw Joe Biden."  The Cut (New York Magazine), March 29, 2019.  There had been other reports of "creepy" behavior over the years.  The initial response from the Biden camp came in the form of statements from spokesman Bill Russo.  On April 3 Biden addressed the matter directly in a 2:06 video posted on Twitter.  Biden was also featured on the cover Time ("The Test Case" April 15, 2019 issue, out on April 4).

• In the days preceding his announcement there were considerable rumors and reports or mis-reports about the launch timing and venue.  In particular, it looked like he might announce in Charlottesville, harking back to the Aug. 12, 2017 white supremacist "Unite the Right" rally which led to the death of one counter protester and to President Trump's much criticized remark about "very fine people on both sides."  The campaign decided against a Charlotteville event, but Biden did focus on the subject in his announcement video.
Editorial.  "Biden's near announcement in Charlottesville."  The Roanoke Times, Apr. 25, 2019.
Joseph Simonson.  "Biden abandons plan to launch 2020 bid in Charlottesville."  Washington Examiner, Apr. 22, 2019.


• The campaign launched with a solid national organization in place (+).  There were also staff announcements in two of the four early states, South Carolina and New Hampshire.  The campaign reported very strong fundraising in the 24 hours after the announcement, bringing in $6.3 million, including 107,431 online donations from 96,926 individuals in all 50 states."  Biden also received a number of early endorsements.


Biden for President
April 25, 2019

Biden Announces Candidacy for President with Multi-Week Rollout Highlighting Core Values of Campaign

Vice President Joe Biden announced his candidacy for President of the United States this morning and announced a multi-week rollout underscoring the core values of his campaign: reclaiming the soul of the nation; rebuilding the middle class, the backbone of America; and uniting Americans.

Moments ago he released a video laying out the first of these pillars, Biden’s belief that the core values of this nation—our standing in the world, our very democracy and everything that has made us who we are—are at stake. We are in a battle for the very soul of this nation.

Over the coming weeks, Biden will travel to key cities and states across the country to make his case to voters and listen to the concerns of the American people.

On Monday, April 29, Biden will travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to lay out his vision for rebuilding America’s middle class. The middle class has always been the greatest source of stability in our country and for far too long it has been under attack. Biden’s remarks will lay out his vision for making sure when we rebuild the middle class, this time everyone - regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability - is in on the deal.  

After these remarks, Biden will travel through early voting states to hear directly from voters about their concerns and the issues affecting their everyday lives.

On May 18, he will hold a rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - the birthplace of our democracy. In Philadelphia, Biden will lay out his vision for unifying America with respected leadership on the world stage—and dignified leadership at home.  Joe Biden will be a president who will stand up for all of us, demanding equal opportunity, equal rights, and equal justice for all.

Joe Biden knows that when you give ordinary Americans a fighting chance, they do extraordinary things. That’s the campaign we’re building.

He believes our best days are still ahead. That’s the future we’re fighting for.


Biden for America "America Is An Idea" 3m29s video

[Music]

Biden:  Charlottesville, Virginia is home to one of the great documents in human history.  We know it by heart.  "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights..."

We've heard it so often, it's almost a cliche, but it's who we are.

We haven't always lived up to these ideals — Jefferson himself didn't — but we have never before walked away from them.

Charlottesville is also home to a defining moment for this nation in the last few years.

[chants from Charlottesville rally clip]

It was there on August of 2017 we saw klansmen and white supremacists and neo-Nazis come out in the open, their crazed faces illuminated by torches, veins bulging and baring the fangs of racism, chanting the same anti-Semitic bile heard across Europe in the '30s.

They were met by a courageous group of Americans and a violent clash ensued, and a brave young woman lost her life.

And that's when we heard the words of the president of the United States that stunned the world and shocked the conscience of this nation.

He said there were, quote, some very fine people on both sides. 

Very fine people on both sides?

With those words the president of the United States assigned a moral equivalence between those spreading hate and those with the courage to stand against it. 

An in that moment I knew the threat to this nation was unlike any I had ever seen in my lifetime.

I wrote at the time that we're in a battle for the soul of this nation.  Well that's even more true today.  We are in the battle for the soul of this nation.

I believe history will look back on four years of this president and all he embraces as an aberrant moment in time.

But if we give Donald Trump eight years in the White House he will forever and fundamentally alter the character of this nation, who we are.

And I cannot stand by and watch that happen.

    [archival imagery]

The core values of this nation, our standing in the world, our very democracy — everything that has made America America is at stake.
   
    [archival imagery ends]

That's why today I'm announcing my candidacy for president of the United States.

Folks, America is an idea, an idea that's stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator or tyrant.

 It gives hope to the most desperate people on earth. 

It guarantees that everyone is treated with dignity, and gives hate no safe harbor.

It instills in every person in this country, the belief that no matter where you start in life, there's nothing you can't achieve if you work at it.

That's what we believe, and above all else that's what's at stake in this election.

We can't forget what happened in Charlottesville.  Even more important, we have to remember who we are.  This is America.

_____________________
 


REACTIONS
- fundraising appeals from other campaigns -
Cory 2020
April 25, 2019

Vice President Biden is officially running. Eric -- there is no doubt his decision could shake up the race.

More voices make us a stronger party, but even I admit it’s getting hard to keep track of how many Democrats are running for president. As of today, we're at 20 candidates.

The truth is this poses a real challenge for an underdog campaign like ours.

Space on the debate stage is limited, and we know the DNC will decide who makes it based in part on how many donors each campaign has.

Will you help guarantee my spot by making a donation today?

Some campaigns begin with a massive head start when it comes to fundraising, but I haven’t spent the last few years building a massive online donor base.

We chose a difficult path -- from Day One, we’ve refused to take money from corporate PACs or federal lobbyists. I’m proud of the way we’re building this campaign together.

That means I need you. With so many great Democrats running, I’m not asking you to support me and only me. There’s a lot of time left to decide who should be our party’s nominee.

But if you believe I’m worth taking a chance on -- if you want my voice in the national debate -- your donation today would mean so much.

Thank you,

Cory

______________________


Kamala Harris for the People
April 25, 2019

Jill,

I’m sure you saw the news: As of this morning, my friend Joe Biden is now running for president. And you know what I say to that? The more, the merrier!

Joe brings a wealth of knowledge to the race, and I’m excited to debate ideas and policy with him and the many other candidates running for president in the coming months.

It’s still very early in this primary election -- and as we press forward, we’ll see the issues develop and which candidates emerge as the strongest to win this election and take on Donald Trump.

Let me be clear, Jill: I intend to win. But with a primary field this crowded, it’s on us to find new ways to cut through the noise and reach more voters. It’s going to take a lot of resources. That’s why I’m asking again:

Can you add a donation of $1 or more today? We’re up against our end-of-month fundraising goal, and we have to keep pushing hard if we’re going to reach our target of 10,000 first-time donors:

______________________

Beto for America
April 25, 2019

Jill,

Joe Biden just announced he’s officially running. The field is the biggest in the history of the modern Democratic Party, and this presidential primary is wide open.

Today is an important day to show the strength of our grassroots campaign, especially given the fact that the former vice president has already been collecting checks from major donors for a week leading up to this launch.

We aren’t starting with the same level of name recognition as Joe Biden. But we can win by making sure every voter is heard and no one is left behind or taken for granted.

Can you make a $3 contribution to Beto right now? It’s time to accelerate our fundraising so we can stand out in this unprecedentedly large field of Democratic candidates for president.

Beto is running to build the largest-ever grassroots campaign — one capable of bringing new ideas and bold ambitions to the White House. Let’s show today how strong our campaign is by getting as many people to donate as possible.

- Team Beto

______________________

Cory 2020
April 26, 2019

Jill,

In a few days, we’ll close the books on April -- if you’ve been following the news, you know why we need to turn our fundraising up a notch.

FiveThirtyEight reports that we’re now tied for the lead in a study of activist Democrats in early states. And among those who haven’t made up their minds yet, we’re neck and neck at the front of the pack.

But yesterday, Joe Biden became the 20th Democrat to throw his hat in the ring just as our early state strategy is showing real signs of paying off. If we don’t capitalize on this momentum right now, there’s no guarantee we’ll get a second chance.

What we raise before our April budget deadline will determine how far we can take our grassroots operation in the weeks ahead -- can you make a donation today?

I hear all the time from people who like a lot of the Democrats running. (I do, too.) But now that there are 20 of us in the race, trust me: It’s getting harder and harder to stand out.

That’s why this FiveThirtyEight research is so encouraging. It digs deeper than traditional polls to find out what’s actually resonating with voters in early states.

Even though I’m still far from being a frontrunner in this race, it feels like we’re on the cusp of something big right now. And I have this team to thank for it.

The question is whether we’ll make the most of this moment -- chip in before our April budget deadline and let’s take a leap forward together.

Thanks,

Cory

______________________

Beto for America
April 26, 2019

Jill,

Joe Biden just announced he raised more money in his first 24 hours than Beto or Bernie — $6.3 million. The good news is more people contributed to Beto’s campaign, and there’s strength in numbers. Still, we cannot risk being heavily outspent in this primary.

Right now, we’re hoping you’ll add a $3 contribution to help Beto compete during this critical moment. If most of the people reading this email right now decide to give, we will have what we need. Please donate as soon as possible at the link below:

https://act.betoorourke.com/go/17456?t=2&akid=28801%2E2556345%2EhEmviF

This is an early test. How we respond in this moment will determine whether or not we have the resources we need to run a competitive campaign in this wide-open primary.

Let’s give it our all.

- Team Beto


Biden for President
APRIL 26, 2019

Biden for President Raises $6.3 Million in First 24 Hours  

The Biden for President campaign has raised $6.3 million in its first 24 hours, topping every other 2020 presidential campaign in the first true 24 hours of fundraising. The final number includes 107,431 online donations from 96,926 individuals in all 50 states. 65,000 donations came from individuals who are new and did not originate from existing email lists, an unprecedented number for the first day of a campaign.
 
Today’s numbers are measured from 6:00 am ET Thursday April 25th when Vice President Biden posted the video announcing he was running for president, until 6:00 am ET Friday April 26th.  
 
“We are incredibly heartened by the energy and enthusiasm displayed throughout the country for Joe Biden,” said Kate Bedingfield, Biden for President Deputy Campaign Manager and Communications Director. “It is crystal clear from the last 24 hours that Americans are ready for dignified leadership, someone who can restore the soul of the nation, rebuild the middle class so everyone gets a fair shot and unite the country behind the core values we all believe in. That person is Joe Biden, and today’s announcement demonstrates Americans agree.”  
 
Other highlights from the first 24 hours of include:
  • The average online donation was $41
  • 97% of online donations were under $200
  • 90 minutes after the video went live, the campaign received donations from all 50 states
  • The campaign met the fundraising threshold to qualify for the DNC’s debates in 12 hours 
  •       61% of total money and 61% of donations raised online came from new people to our lists
Also, in the first 24 hours, further underscoring the wide enthusiasm for Joe Biden’s candidacy, the campaign received thousands of job applications and thousands of volunteer sign ups.
 
# # #

Biden for President
Apr. 26, 2019

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: Joe Biden Announces for President

Yesterday morning, Vice President Joe Biden declared that he is running for president in order to restore the soul of America, rebuild the middle class, and bring the country together.

Below are some of the very first responses to Biden’s announcement that he is a candidate for President of the United States in 2020:

Statements and Quotes:

Spokesperson for President Barack Obama: “President Obama has long said that selecting Joe Biden as his running mate in 2008 was one of the best decisions he ever made. He relied on the Vice President’s knowledge, insight, and judgment throughout both campaigns and the entire presidency.  The two forged a special bond over the last 10 years and remain close today.”
 
Former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun (D-IL): “I’m happy to endorse his candidacy for president. I worked with Joe Biden as a colleague for six years. I served on the Senate Judiciary Committee at his urging. And so I can testify as a person who’s been there with him that this is a hard-working man of great character and will be a fabulous president for this great country.”
 
U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH): "He's so well respected around the world. and he's got that depth of experience that I think this country is looking for and certainly the world is hungry for...I know that he will defeat Donald Trump."

Nevada State Sen. Yvanna Cancela: “At a time when billionaires get mega tax cuts and regular people can barely make ends meet, I believe we need a president who’s committed to working people and the fight for a sustainable and accessible middle class. For me, that’s Joe Biden.  He has the experience and heart to move the country forward. I trust him and I believe in him as a leader.”

U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA): “Trump has been so destructive to minority communities, cutting government services and raising tuition. Voters have had enough of it. They want to win now and if they can win with a friend whose track record they know, it’s a win-win.”

Former New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch: “He’s a person of strong moral character, ethics, and integrity, and that’s what I think we need in the White House.”

U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE): “In November 2020, voters will have a real choice to make. Will they choose to continue down a path that undermines progress, worker protections, and civil rights; will they choose a strong economy for some or opportunity for all, and will they choose to meet this historic moment with proven leadership that can heal our divisions and inspire us to reach for higher heights? I believe the American people will choose hope and compassion over fear by electing Vice President Joe Biden as the next President of the United States...Joe is the right leader for this moment in history. I am excited to endorse his candidacy, and I look forward to working with him to restore the soul of this nation, rebuild the middle class, and unify our country.”
 
U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE): “Joe has spent his career championing policies that help all Americans. He is a tested, experienced leader with a proven track record of getting things done for our country. Alongside President Barack Obama, Joe helped lead our nation out of the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression. What followed was the longest streak of private sector job growth on record. He helped expand access to quality, affordable health care for millions of Americans under the Affordable Care Act...Joe is not afraid of a fight and has shown that he has what it will take to win. We need somebody who won't just unite our party, but somebody who can unite our country. Joe has earned the respect of Democrats, Independents, and even many Republicans. In an increasingly polarized country, it’s Joe’s authenticity that continues to be well-received in red and blue states alike.”

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE): “We are at a crucial moment in our history. We need leaders who will bring us together instead of tearing us apart, who will focus on the real issues facing American families, and who will restore the United States’ role in the world as a force for stability, freedom and human rights. Joe Biden is that leader, and I’m proud to endorse him for President of the United States...He played a leading role in making the Obama-Biden Administration a progressive and effective government that did more to lift up American families, broaden access to health care, deal with climate change, rein in Wall Street, and respect the LGBTQ community than any before it.“

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), via CBS News: "Joe Biden is an 'excellent' presidential candidate who enters the race with 'great advantages,' Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Jack Reed declared."

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL): “The quality that makes Joe stand out is his ability to bring people together to find common ground while standing up for what he believes is right. We need to listen to each other & get things done for working people.  Joe can, and will, do that. That’s why I support Joe Biden.”

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA): “The corporate agenda of President Trump and Congressional Republicans has betrayed the middle class, our children and all Americans seeking a fair shot at the American Dream. These policies have increased the fortunes of the super-rich and large multi-national corporations, while leaving behind too many working families struggling to make ends meet. At this make-or-break moment for the middle class, our children and our workers, America needs Vice President Joe Biden to be its next President. Joe Biden has spent a lifetime fighting battles on behalf of hardworking Americans while ensuring America’s values and interests are represented abroad. As both a U.S. Senator and our Vice President, he has delivered results for the middle class, kept our country safe and strengthened our standing in the world.I have worked closely with Joe Biden on a range of issues important to the people of Pennsylvania while he served as Vice President and U.S. Senator. I know he will fight for Pennsylvania families as President. In order to accomplish the urgent task of defeating President Trump, Democrats must win Pennsylvania. Joe Biden can and will win Pennsylvania if he is the Democratic nominee for President. I am confident that Vice President Joe Biden will work to raise wages for middle class families, provide a better future for our children and restore America’s standing in the world and that is why I am endorsing him to be the next President of the United States."

U.S. Rep.Brendan Boyle (D-PA): “To win the White House back in 2020, we need the candidate who gives us the best chance to win back Pennsylvania. I believe that’s Joe Biden.”

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA): “He has the kind of experience & practical know-how & relationships with heads of the state all over the world that not only will he put our nation on an even keel, but he’ll move us forward.”

U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY): “He has the experience, the knowledge, the relationships, the gravitas and the integrity to put our country on the right track,” Suozzi said. “Americans are ready for someone in the White House who will directly address the issues and problems they and their families face and do something about solving them. Joe Biden has the ability to do that and that is why I am proud to endorse him for President.”

Former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland (D-GA): “the moment in American history demands someone with a working class background, someone who understands the dilemmas of working families. Look at the man’s leadership...“This moment also demands someone who knows about leadership, and no one in the history of the United States entered the race with more experience in politics as Joe Biden. That’s what we need.”

Former U.S. Sen. and Former Chief of Staff to Then-Senator Joe Biden Ted Kaufman (D-DE):“When Joe Biden looks in that mirror, he's not going to stop and not do this because it's going to be hard or he might lose or anything else...He does it because he won't feel right about himself that he had this opportunity and I personally believe a rare opportunity and a rare time in history for someone of his background, his experience to become President of the United States.”

International Association of Fire Fighters President Harold Schaitberger: “...in order to win a presidential election, obviously you’ve got to get to 270 electoral votes… You’ve got to win in places like Iowa, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin.”

Tweets

https://twitter.com/Alyssa_Milano/status/1121851135164239873  

 
https://twitter.com/ananavarro/status/1121847641980198912

 
https://twitter.com/TerryMcAuliffe/status/1121747232343187456


https://twitter.com/danpfeiffer/status/1121845263574818816?s=20  

 
https://twitter.com/ForecasterEnten/status/1121846956979052544

 
https://twitter.com/rufusgifford/status/1121850490411732992?s=20

 
https://twitter.com/davidaxelrod/status/1121357055078621184  

 
https://twitter.com/MikeSigner/status/1121363248228524034  

 
https://twitter.com/NewtownAction/status/1121374904992055296  

 
https://twitter.com/SymoneDSanders/status/1121440139736158209  

 
https://twitter.com/AsteadWesley/status/1121441312803311622  

 
https://twitter.com/RNicholasBurns/status/1121377555276357632  

 
https://twitter.com/PattiSolisDoyle/status/1121369093800591361  


https://twitter.com/anthonyfoxx/status/1121413543381716992?s=20

 
https://twitter.com/EricSchultz/status/1121384990812639233  


https://twitter.com/robreiner/status/1121372333556535296  


https://twitter.com/CapehartJ/status/1121354266252333056  


https://twitter.com/brianefallon/status/1121433133222649856


Press

The Hill: "Biden leads Trump by 6 points in first post-announcement poll"

Politico: "Biden crushes it in first-day fundraising: $6.3M"

Associated Press: "Biden reports $6.3 million 1-day haul, biggest in 2020 field"

New York Times: "Joe Biden Raises $6.3 Million, Topping Rivals’ First-Day Hauls"

USA Today: "Biden quickly raises $6.3 million, marking the largest 24-hour haul from 2020 candidates"

MSNBC: "Joe Biden raises $6.3M in first 24 hours of his campaign"

ABC News: “Biden cites Charlottesville and saving 'soul' of US in 2020 presidential bid”

CNN: “Biden is Trump's most anticipated -- and feared -- rival”

Politico: "Trump’s Biden insults fueled by belief he can win"

The Hill: “Biden makes hard push for African American vote” - “While most lawmakers are keeping their powder dry, Biden on Thursday wrapped up the endorsements of former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun (D-Ill.), the nation’s first African American female senator, and Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.), the former chairman of the 55-member Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), who got a phone call from Biden on Wednesday.”

Roll Call: “Biden’s nascent campaign racks up congressional endorsements”

The Hill: “Biden racks up congressional endorsements”

Associated Press: “A leading Nevada lawmaker endorses Biden presidential bid”

The State: “Joe Biden enters 2020 race with a full team in South Carolina”

Washington Monthly: “Joe Biden Announces His Candidacy By Attacking Trump’s Dangerous Racism”

CNBC: “Biden makes an early play for Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state in the race to beat Trump in 2020”

Associated Press: “Biden hires strategist Symone Sanders, adds diversity to bid”
David Ignatius, Washington Post: "Joe Biden is the best candidate to beat Trump"

Eugene Robinson, Washington Post: “Joe Biden begins his presidential campaign with a lead over the crowded Democratic field and a simple message the nation can immediately grasp: I can stop the madness. I can beat President Trump.”

Dean Obeidallah in CNN column: “Joe Biden's presidential announcement video on Thursday clocked in at just over three minutes and did something urgently needed in the 2020 race: put President Donald Trump's history of hate front and center.”
 
###



Republican National Committee
“Joe Biden has been running for president and losing since the ‘80s. 2020 won’t be any different. Biden’s fingerprints are all over foreign policy blunders and the weakest economic recovery since World War II. We don’t need eight more years of Biden. Just ask President Obama, who isn’t even endorsing his right-hand man.” – RNC Communications Director Michael Ahrens


1. The New York Times, 1/1/19

2. MSNBC, 8/25/15

3. The Hill, 3/16/19

4. Newsweek, 2/9/19

5. Foreign Policy, 1/18/19; CNN, 10/5/16


Responding To Charges of Inappropriate Touching

April 3, 2019 post on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1113515882960052224

Social norms are changing. I understand that, and I’ve heard what these women are saying. Politics to me has always been about making connections, but I will be more mindful about respecting personal space in the future. That’s my responsibility and I will meet it.



Transcript...
Folks in the coming month I've expected to be talking to you about a whole lot of issues, and I'll always be direct with you. Today, I want to talk with you about gestures of support and encouragement that I've made to women and some men that made them uncomfortable. And I'll always try to be, in my career I've always tried to make a human connection; that's my responsibility I think. I shake hands, I hug people, I grab men and women by the shoulders and say "you can do this." And whether they're women, men, young, old, it's the way I've always been; it's the way I try to show I care about them and I'm listening.

And over the years, knowing what I've been through, the things that I've faced, I've found that scores if not hundreds of people have come up to me and reached out for solace and comfort, something, anything that may help them get through the tragedy they're going through. And, and so it's, it's just who I am. And I've never thought of politics as cold and antiseptic; I've always thought of it about connecting with people. As I said shaking hands, hands on the shoulder, a hug, an encouragement. Now, now it's all about taking selfies together.

You know social norms have begun to change; they've shifted, 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 it, and I'll be much more mindful. That's my responsibility, my responsibility, and I'll meet it. But I'll always believe governing, quite frankly—life for that matter—is about connecting, about connecting with people. That won't change, but I will be more mindful and more respectful of people's personal space, and that's a good thing; that's a good thing. I've worked my whole life to empower women. I've worked my whole life to prevent abuse, I've written a—  and so the idea that I can't adjust to the fact that personal space is important, more important than it's ever been, is just not thinkable. I will. I will.