Biden: I’ll ‘be more mindful’ after unwanted touching allegations

Presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden vowed Wednesday to “be more mindful” of personal space as a rival said women accusing Biden of untoward touching “must be heard.”

For the first time since four women publicly accused the former vice president of inappropriate hugs, rubs and caresses, Biden said in a Twitter video that he would get with the times and keep hands off.

“Social norms have begun to change, they’ve shifted and the boundaries of protecting personal space have been reset,” Biden said in the clip, which ran just over two minutes. “I get it.

“I hear what they’re saying, I understand it and I’ll be much more mindful.”

Biden’s promise to keep his hands to himself came hours after rising Democratic darling and presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke said the women speaking out about Biden were courageous and deserved to be heard.

“I think we need to listen to those who are raising their stories, who have the courage to come forward to share their experience and also be part of the conversation about his candidacy or how he fares as a contender for the nomination,” the former Texas congressman said after addressing the annual convention of the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Tuesday Biden’s actions should not disqualify him for a White House run, but O’Rourke wouldn’t go that far.

“Ultimately, that’s a decision for him to make,” O’Rourke said.

Biden — who has yet to formally declare his candidacy but is widely expected to after Easter — insisted Wednesday that he meant no ill will, and that his handsy ways are “just who I am.”

“I’ve never thought of politics as cold and antiseptic,” he said. “I’ve always thought that shaking hands, hands on the shoulder, a hug, encouragement — now it’s all about taking selfies together!

“But I will be more mindful and respectful of people’s personal space, and that’s a good thing.”

One of Biden’s accusers said she felt he was headed in the right direction.

“It’s a start,” said Amy Lappos, who claimed Biden rubbed noses with her during a political fundraiser in 2009. “Not everyone wants to be touched . . . That being said, anyone who can hear women and change behaviors is taking the right steps.”

But Lucy Flores, another accuser, said “he hasn’t apologized to the women he made uncomfortable.”