Democrat Double Standard

 

Two Years After Rushing To Attack Brett Kavanaugh, Democrats Are Singing A Different Tune On Joe Biden

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IN AN EFFORT TO CONTAIN ALLEGATIONS SWIRLING AROUND JOE BIDEN, HIS CAMPAIGN IS SCRAMBLING TO UNIFY THE PARTY BEHIND ONE MESSAGE: READE'S STORY "DID NOT HAPPEN"

At the request of the Biden Campaign The New York Times amended their report on the sexual assault allegations, eliminating language acknowledging that Biden has engaged in "hugs, kisses and touching that women previously said made them uncomfortable."

The Biden Campaign was quick to send talking points that instructed allies to say that Reade's allegations "did not happen" and cite The New York Times report.

The guidance indicated that the campaign is working to cast the allegations as " thoroughly vetted ," and though a New York Times spokeswoman dismissed Biden's narrative as " inaccurate ," his allies have been more than happy to comply.

Failed Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams , a Biden surrogate and aspiring VP pick, echoed those talking points saying, "The New York Times did a deep investigation, and they found that the accusation was not credible."

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) downplayed the allegations by citing the amended report saying, "you can look at that article in The New York Times … and they thoroughly interviewed dozens of people."

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) said that Reade has a right to tell her story but she could, "only speak to the Joe Biden I know," going on to praise him as a, "lifelong fighter, in terms of stopping violence against women."

BIDEN AND THE DEMOCRATS WHO LINED UP TO DEFEND HIM MIGHT CONSIDER ONE NEWS REPORT ENOUGH TO DISMISS SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THEIR OWN NOMINEE, BUT THEY HAD A MUCH HIGHER STANDARD 2 YEARS AGO

Biden was forced to walk back his 2018 stance that when a woman comes forward with sexual assault allegations " you've got to start off with the presumption " that she is telling the truth.

In 2018 he also said that, "for a woman to come forward in the glaring lights of focus, nationally, you've got to start off with the presumption that at least the essence of what she's talking about is real, whether or not she forgets facts."

When confronted on that hypocrisy this morning, Biden now claims that, though he believed women's claims should be taken seriously before they must be vetted thoroughly.

His fellow Democrats were also far less hasty in their evaluation of accusations against Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh, calling for the Senate to delay his nomination until a full FBI investigation could be conducted.

Sen. Harris : "People in the FBI who have the experience dealing with sexual assault should be charged with doing an investigation."

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) called for a full investigation into Ford's accusations saying, "we need to take the time to get it right."

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT): "Clearly what has to happen now is the FBI needs to do a full investigation."

Then House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) insisted that their desire for a full investigation was not a political issue but a "matter of respect for the women making the allegations."

When asked about concerns their handling of allegations against Kavanaugh could hurt Democrats politically Sen. Klobuchar insisted that that was not a concern, "this wasn't a hand to be played, she came forward and we had to give her, her day."

Sen. Klobuchar went on to say that she felt obligated to act, " when you are in a position of power and something comes forward at the last minute what do you do, do you just sweep it under the rug? "

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IN AN EFFORT TO CONTAIN ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT SWIRLING AROUND JOE BIDEN, HIS CAMPAIGN IS SCRAMBLING TO UNIFY THE PARTY BEHIND ONE MESSAGE: READE'S STORY "DID NOT HAPPEN"

After The Biden Campaign Pressured The New York Times Into Removing Damaging Language From Their Report On Reade's Claims, They Were Quick To Capitalize, Sending Out Talking Points Directing Allies To Point To The Article As A Total Exoneration Of Biden

The New York Times Amended Their April 12^th Report To Eliminate The Language Acknowledging That Biden Has Engaged In "Hugs, Kisses And Touching That Women Previously Said Made Them Uncomfortable" At The Request Of The Biden Campaign. "The New York Times's since-amended April 12 report, which represents its first attempt to investigate a woman's claim that she was sexually abused by Biden when she worked for him as a Senate aide in the early 1990s, ended originally with a line that read: 'The Times found no pattern of sexual misconduct by Mr. Biden, beyond the hugs, kisses and touching that women previously said made them uncomfortable.' The second part of that line was removed later at the request of the Biden campaign, according to New York Times executive editor Dean Baquet. A spokesperson for the paper also explained at the same time that it is common for them to amend news reports depending on the feedback they receive from the targets of their coverage." ( The Washington Examiner , 4/29/20)

The Biden Campaign Sent Out Talking Points That Instructed Fellow Democrats To Say That Reade's Allegations "Did Not Happen" And Cite The New York Times Report. "The talking points obtained by BuzzFeed News are printed below: The New York Times did weeks of extensive investigative research, talking to nearly two dozen former Biden staff from the 1990s, including those who worked directly with Ms. Reade. Here is what they found: 'No other allegation about sexual assault surfaced in the course of reporting, nor did any former Biden staff members corroborate any details of Ms. Reade's allegation. The Times found no pattern of sexual misconduct by Mr. Biden.' All four of the people Mrs. Reade says were notified of an official complaint told the New York Times on the record that they have absolutely no recollection of any such conversation -- and that they certainly would have remembered it, especially because this alleged conduct would have been so wildly out of character for Joe Biden ... Biden believes that all women have the right to be heard and to have their claims thoroughly reviewed. In this case, a thorough review by the New York Times has led to the truth: this incident did not happen." ( Buzzfeed , 4/28/20)

The Guidance Indicated That The Campaign Is Coordinating With Democrats To Cast The Allegations As "Thoroughly Vetted," And Though A New York Times Spokeswoman Dismissed Biden's Narrative As "Inaccurate," His Allies Were More Than Happy To Comply

The Private Guidance Suggests That, Despite His Silence On The Allegations, Biden's Campaign Is Taking The Matter Seriously Enough To Coordinate With Other Democrats To "Try To Cast The Matter As One That's Been Thoroughly Vetted And Determined To Be Unfounded." "With good news and bad, talking points are standard fare on presidential campaigns. In substance, the private guidance largely hews to the sole public statement on the matter from Biden's deputy campaign manager, Kate Bedingfield. But the messaging shows that while Biden has stayed quiet on the allegations on the eve of his nomination, aides were taking the claims seriously enough behind the scenes to coordinate messaging among other Democrats to try to cast the matter as one that's been thoroughly vetted and determined to be unfounded." ( Buzzfeed , 4/28/20)

A New York Times Spokeswoman Debunked Claims That Their Investigation Exonerates Biden Saying That The Campaign's Talking Points "Inaccurately Suggest" That The Investigation Found That Tara Reade's Allegation Did Not Happen, When It "Made No Conclusion Either Way." "The New York Times, which defended its decision to take editorial cues from Biden's team, is not pleased with this development. 'BuzzFeed reported on the existence of talking points being circulated by the Biden campaign that inaccurately suggest a New York Times investigation found that Tara Reade's allegation 'did not happen,'' a spokeswoman for the paper told the Washington Examiner. She added, 'Our investigation made no conclusion either way.'" ( The Washington Examiner , 4/29/20)

Failed Georgia Gubernatorial Candidate Stacey Abrams, A Biden Surrogate And Aspiring VP Pick, Echoed Those Talking Points Saying " The New York Times Did A Deep Investigation, And They Found That The Accusation Was Not Credible." "Luckily for Biden, his campaign surrogates have adhered closely to these instructions. Failed Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, for example, said this week that the 'New York Times did a deep investigation, and they found that the accusation was not credible.' 'I believe Joe Biden,' the desperate vice-presidential wannabe added, 'I think that he is telling the truth and that this did not happen.'" ( The Washington Examiner , 4/29/20)

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Downplayed The Allegations Against Biden By Citing The Amended Report Saying, 'You Can Look At That Article In The New York Times … And They Thoroughly Interviewed Dozens Of People." "Earlier, Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota also downplayed the allegations against Biden by citing the New York Times. 'You can look at that article in the New York Times,' the senator said during an interview on National Public Radio, 'and they thoroughly interviewed dozens of people. They thoroughly interviewed dozens of people who … were working directly at that time.'" ( The Washington Examiner , 4/29/20)

• Klobuchar Went Even Further In An MSNBC Interview When She Declared The Matter Closed Saying "I Think This Case Has Been Investigated" She Pointed Viewers The New York Times Report And Added That "The Vice President As A Major Leader On Domestic Abuse." "'I think this case has been investigated,' Sen. Amy Klobuchar said in an MSNBC interview earlier this month, pointing to the New York Times article a few days after its publication. Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, dropped out of the presidential race to endorse Biden in March. Before the pandemic shut down campaign events, she was one of his most active supporters, holding rallies for his campaign as he sought to defeat Sanders in the primary. 'I know the vice president as a major leader on domestic abuse. I worked with him on that. And I think that, again, the viewers should read the article. It was very thorough.'" ( Buzzfeed , 4/28/20)

Sen. Kamala Harris Said That Reade Has A Right To Tell Her Story But She Could "Only Speak To The Joe Biden I Know," Going On To Praise Him As A "A Lifelong Fighter, In Terms Of Stopping Violence Against Women." "Sen. Kamala Harris said in a recent podcast interview that Reade 'has a right to tell her story' and that she could 'only speak to the Joe Biden I know. He's been a lifelong fighter, in terms of stopping violence against women.'" ( Buzzfeed , 4/28/20)

Sen. Kirstin Gillibrand, Who Has Been A "Fierce" Me Too Advocate Also Defended Biden Saying, "Vice President Biden Has A Strong Record For Fighting For Women In His Life." "'Vice President Biden has a strong record for fighting for women in his life,' said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a fierce #MeToo advocate, in a radio interview earlier this month. 'We are right now at the investigation stage of the allegation.'" ( Buzzfeed , 4/28/20)

BIDEN AND THE DEMOCRATS WHO LINED UP TO DEFEND HIM MIGHT CONSIDER ONE NEWS REPORT ENOUGH TO DISMISS SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THEIR OWN NOMINEE, BUT THEY HAD A MUCH HIGHER STANDARD 2 YEARS AGO

Biden Was Forced To Walk Back His Unequivocal Stance That When A Woman Comes Forward With Sexual Assault Allegations "You've Got To Start Off With The Presumption" That She Is Telling The Truth

In 2018, While Discussing Allegations Against Brett Kavanaugh And Clarence Thomas Biden Said That "For A Woman To Come Forward In The Glaring Lights Of Focus, Nationally, You've Got To Start Off With The Presumption That At Least The Essence Of What She's Talking About Is Real." "He added, speaking more generally, 'For a woman to come forward in the glaring lights of focus, nationally, you've got to start off with the presumption that at least the essence of what she's talking about is real, whether or not she forgets facts, whether or not it's been made worse or better over time. But nobody fails to understand that this is like jumping into a cauldron.'" ( CNN , 9/17/18)

Biden Backed Off Of That Stance This Morning Saying That Though He Believed Women's Claims Should Be Taken Seriously But Must Be Vetted Thoroughly. MIKA BRZEZINSKI: "You were unequivocal in 2018 during the Kavanaugh hearings that women should be believed. You said this, for a woman to come forward in the glaring lights nationally, you've got to start off with the presumption that at least the essence of what she is talking about is real. Whether or not she forgets the facts, if it has been made worse or better over time. She's going to go on television on national television. To use your words, should we not start off with the assumption that the essence of what she says is real. she says you sexually assaulted her?" FORMER VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: "I said from the beginning, taking women's claims seriously, vet it, look into it. That's true in this case as well. Women have a right to be heard. The press should investigate claims they make. I uphold that principal. In the end, the truth is what matters. In this case, the truth is that these claims are false." (MSNBC's "Morning Joe," 5/1/20)

Democrats Were Far Less Hasty In Their Evaluation Of Accusations Against Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh Calling For The Senate To Delay His Nomination Until A Full FBI Investigation Could Be Conducted

On September 18^th 2018, All 10 Democrats In The Judiciary, Including Sens. Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar, Cory Booker And Bernie Sanders Wrote A Letter Urging The FBI To Reopen Its Background Investigation Into Judge Kavanaugh In Might Of Sexual Misconduct Allegations "Instead, the request is for the FBI to conduct appropriate follow-up, including interviewing Brett Kavanaugh, Mark Judge, Christine Blasey Ford, other attendees at the party and all other relevant witnesses, as part of its background investigation of Judge Kavanaugh in connection with his Supreme Court nomination. This is especially important here, as the allegations involve reports of medical evidence and a polygraph test as well as multiple witnesses. The FBI routinely considers information that does not implicate federal crimes when it conducts background investigations on judicial nominees." (Press Release, Sen. Dianne Feinstein , 9/18/18)

On September 21^st 2018, All 10 Democrats In The Judiciary, Including Sens. Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar, Cory Booker And Bernie Sanders Wrote A Letter Urging That The Hearing Be "Fair, Impartial, And Designed To Uncover The Truth," And Include FBI Testimony As Well As Testimony From "All Witnesses To The Event." "Now that it appears the Committee may be holding a hearing potentially as soon as next Thursday, we need to ensure the hearing is fair, impartial, and designed to uncover the truth. This means the Committee should at a minimum hear from the FBI, the individual who administered Dr. Ford's polygraph test, and all witnesses to the event. This includes Mark Judge, each of the individuals Republican staff have contacted, and other relevant witnesses. There is simply no reason not to hear all the facts." (Press Release, Sen. Dianne Feinstein , 9/21/18)

On September 18^th 2018, Harris Said That "People In The FBI Who Have The Experience Dealing With Sexual Assault Should Be Charged With Doing An Investigation." HARRIS: "Well John I think that this comes back to the point of ordering the FBI to do a comprehensive investigation and complete background check. I strongly believe that the FBI, and particularly the people in the FBI who have the experience dealing with sexual assault should be charged with doing an investigation. And again, this is about this guys background, it's not about proving a crime, it's about his background. I have had many cases where there was enough evidence to believe something happened but not necessarily prove it beyond a reasonable doubt in a courtroom but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. The United States Senate needs to know who this person, Brett Kavanaugh, really is." ( Twitter Feed , 9/18/18)

On September 16, 2018, Booker Called The Allegations "Deeply Troubling" And Said That "At Minimum, The Senate Must Delay Kavanaugh Nomination Until A Full Investigation Is Complete." "It takes enormous courage to come forward publicly like this. These allegations are serious, credible, and deeply troubling. At minimum, the Senate must delay Kavanaugh nomination until a full investigation is complete." ( Twitter Feed , 9/16/18)

Sen. Elizabeth Warren Has Called For a Full Investigation Into Ford's Accusations And Claimed, "We Need To Take The Time To Get It Right." "Brett Kavanaugh is up for a lifetime appointment to the nation's highest court. Dr. Ford - and the American people - deserve a full investigation. Republicans shouldn't rush this. We need to take the time to get it right." (Elizabeth Warren, Twitter Feed , 9/19/18)

Sen. Sanders Said That The FBI Investigation Should Not Be Limited To A Week. "'Clearly what has to happen now is the FBI needs to do a full investigation, determining his veracity,' Sanders said, alluding to questions Kavanaugh's critics have raised regarding whether or not the nominee misrepresented his youthful drinking habits during his testimony Thursday. 'If you are lying you should not be seated,' Sanders said, adding that the investigation should not be limited to a week." ( The Hill , 10/2/180

Democrats Insisted That Their Support Of Kavanaugh's Accuser Was Not A Political Issue But A Matter Of Respect For The Women Making The Allegations"

WATCH : Dismissing Concerns That Their Handling Of Allegations Against Kavanaugh Could Prove Short Sighted Klobuchar Insisted Democrats Were Obligated To Give Ford "Her Day" Saying, "When You Are In A Position Of Power And Something Comes Forward At The Last Minute What Do You Do, Do You Just Sweep It Under The Rug?" MEGAN MCCAIN: "Is it conceivable that Democrats may have misplayed their hand or could they have done or handled anything differently in that hearing in general?" SEN. AMY KLOBUCHAR: "First off, good question, but this wasn't a hand to be played, she came forward and we had to give her, her day. But it is what happened and when you are in a position of power and something comes forward at the last minute what do you do, do you just sweep it under the rug? But now where do we go from here, and I think this is a good point." (ABC's "The View," 10/28/18)

This Isn't "For Us A Political Issue. It Isn't Something That We Fan The Flame Of. We Just Want Them To Have The Investigation. So The Integrity Of The Court Is Upheld, And The Respect For The Women Making The Allegations Is There." MINORITY LEADER NANCY PELOSI: "It's very scary, because there's violence involved, and there is crudeness about it. And I know - that's probably what her family is going through. But it is - it isn't for us a political issue. It isn't something that we fan the flame of. We just want them to have the investigation. So the integrity of the court is upheld, and the respect for the women making the allegations is there. And that should be in every case." (Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Remarks At Weekly Press Briefing , Washington, DC, 8/28/18)

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