Share on FacebookA new poll sheds light on how Americans feel about Joe Biden’s personal interactions—especially when it comes to his physical gestures and use of certain terms. The results are clear: most people are not okay with behavior that invades personal space, even from a sitting president.
Biden’s History of Controversial Encounters
Over the years, President Joe Biden has faced scrutiny for his interactions with women. Whether it’s holding onto someone’s hand a little too long, using terms like “sweetheart” in professional settings, or commenting on a young girl’s looks, critics have pointed out a pattern of behavior that some find uncomfortable.
One of the most talked-about incidents came from former Nevada lieutenant governor candidate Lucy Flores.
In 2014, she recalled how Biden placed his hands on her shoulders, sniffed her hair, and kissed the back of her head at a campaign event—an experience that left her unsettled.
Since then, other women have shared similar stories of unwanted touching, whispers, and close interactions that made them uncomfortable. Biden has denied any wrongdoing, but the discussion around his behavior continues.
What the Poll Says
To gauge public opinion, the U.K.-based market research firm YouGov conducted an online poll of over 1,200 U.S. adults. The results? Americans overwhelmingly disapprove of Biden’s behavior.
Hair-Sniffing: 77% of respondents said it is completely unacceptable for Biden to come up behind a woman and sniff her hair. Interestingly, older generations were even more critical—85% of Baby Boomers said it was unacceptable, compared to 70% of Millennials.
Terms Like ‘Sweetheart’ in Politics: 56% of those surveyed said it is completely unacceptable for Biden to refer to a female moderator or candidate as “sweetheart,” while an additional 20% found it somewhat unacceptable. That means a total of 76% disapprove of the term in professional settings.
Commenting on a Young Girl’s Looks: More than half of respondents said it was inappropriate for Biden to comment on a young girl’s appearance, such as calling her “good-looking.”
What This Means for Biden’s Presidency
As voters consider Biden’s leadership, personal behavior remains an important factor. While some argue that certain actions are harmless or just “old-fashioned,” the data suggests that many Americans feel strongly about maintaining personal boundaries, even when it comes to the President.
With the election cycle underway, Biden may need to be more mindful of how he interacts with people—because, as this poll shows, the public is watching and forming opinions based on more than just policies.
