I’m thinking of former Vice President Joe Biden’s struggle now with the accusations he’s made women feel uncomfortable with his pats, hugs and kisses in public places. This reminds me of a column my father wrote in Post Scripts in 1972 about Senator Edward Muskie.

Biden’s Lesson That Times Have Changed

Vice President Biden is learning that in today’s “Me-Too” climate the hugs and kisses he’s given in the past should be stopped. Those who know him well insist these pats, hugs and kisses are innocent and are doled out to men and women. “It’s just Joe,” they say. I for one am giving him a pass, especially given his pledge to be more careful of personal space in the future.

Senator Muskie’s Tears

Dad wrote the following:

“Senator Edward Muskie of Maine is not our choice for the Democratic nomination for president, but we sincerely regret the reaction that resulted following his “weeping” incident in the heat of the New Hampshire Primary election.

What Does America Expect?

“Sometimes we have to wonder just what America expects of its candidates. Under our political system good people and bad people are involved for months and months one of the most grueling and demanding experiences that could possibly be faced. The speeches, the dinners, the insults, the hand-shaking, the absolute discipline for constant good humor and a wide smile. The television cameras and the arrogance of the press corps always boring in, always seeking a new angle, one more picture, one last statement…how do they stand it?

“So Mr. Muskie wept.

Jesus Wept

“…Do tears shed in defense of a man’s wife mean that a candidate lacks the firmness or courage required to be President of the United States? God help us if it does! Many of the great men of history wept–the Bible tells us Jesus wept–and isn’t this  part of the greatest story ever told?

Who Do We Want as President?

“What kind of a person do Americans want for their president? Do they want an iron-willed, full fisted robot that knows no fear, shows no emotion and feels no pain? Is that the kind of person best suited for the lonely, burdened confines of the White House? …

“So Senator Muskie wept…

We Won’t Hold Tears Against Him

“Well, he is not our candidate but we will never hold those tears against him. We want our president to be a human, gentle person, with patience and understanding. We want someone strong, but we want that person to have great compassion for the feelings of others. What kind of a man would not go to the defense of his wife if he thought her unfairly attacked in the press, especially if he loved her dearly and they were sharing the rigors and pressures of a presidential campaign side by side, day after day….

Thank God We Have Such a Candidate!

“Tears, we suppose, are subject to interpretation. But there are love and power in tears. We much prefer those who can shed a tear, to those who can’t seem to find a fluid drop of remorse or sadness, even in the face of tragedy….So Mr. Muskie wept? Thank God we have such a candidate!”

Muskie’s Fate

Note: The late Edward Muskie, after the failed presidential bid, became Secretary of State under President Carter. In that job he successfully negotiated the release of the 52 Iran hostages on the last day of Carter’s term, January 20, 1981. The previous Secretary of State could not accomplish this. Carter’s re-election defeat to Ronald Reagan was largely due to this crisis. Muskie’s presidential aspirations faltered, in some ways on the heels of the tears. He was defending his wife, who was accused of drinking too much and using racial slurs. Muskie’s hastily called press conference was held outside in the snow, and some have said the tears were melting snowflakes or snowflakes mixed with tears.

Biden and Muskie

I don’t know if Biden is the best candidate to lead the Democratic ticket. Many fine men and women are running.  And we have time to see what develops. However, I don’t think Biden’s violation of personal space should keep him out of the race, just as Muskie’s tears didn’t keep him out of the running. Care for fellow humans needs to be evident in our leaders, something both Muskie and Biden have displayed.