Biden was speaking to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Construction Conference in Washington, DC. Before beginning his speech, he said, "I just want you to know. I had permission to hug Lonnie." He was referring to IBEW president Lonnie Stephenson, who had just introduced him.
Biden returned to the subject with another joke midway through his remarks -- after inviting a group of children at the event up onto the stage, Biden put his arm around one of the kids and said to laughs, "By the way -- he gave me permission to touch him."
Biden addressed the allegations in a video released on Twitter Wednesday, but his remarks Friday were the first time he's referenced the subject in public.
In Wednesday's video, Biden said he would be more thoughtful and respectful about his interactions with people going forward.
"I've never thought of politics as cold and antiseptic. I've always thought it about connecting with people, as I said, shaking hands, hands on the shoulder, a hug, encouragement, and 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," he said.
Biden's video response came several days after Lucy Flores, a former Nevada assemblywoman, penned an essay detailing a 2014 encounter during which the former vice president made her feel "uneasy, gross and confused" when he came up from behind her and kissed the back of her head. Several women have since come forward with similar stories about Biden.
Flores responded to Biden's video, writing that she was "glad" that he "acknowledges that he made women feel uncomfortable," but also pointing out he hasn't apologized for his behavior.
"Given the work he has done on behalf of women, Vice President Biden should be aware of how important it is to take personal responsibility for inappropriate behavior," Flores wrote, "and yet he hasn't apologized to the women he made uncomfortable."
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