Statement on Biden Rape Apologists
Statement drafted by the Socialist Party USA Women's Commission and passed by the National Action Committee
April 29th, 2020: The Women’s Commission of the Socialist Party USA stands with all victims of sexual assault. We are horrified and disgusted by the rape apologia coming from the Biden campaign and from Biden supporters.
As socialists and feminists, we must support victims of sexual assault by ending the dual oppression of workers under capitalism and patriarchy. We must demand policies that enable women who are subject to abuse to leave their workplaces or families without fear of destitution. We cannot rely on ruling class institutions for our liberation. Many of those who were vocal in the popular #MeToo movement hypocritically denounce Republicans like Trump and Kavanaugh as evil rapists while turning a blind eye to the numerous victims of Democrats like Bill Clinton and Joe Biden.
Corporate media outlets, even those claiming to be "progressive," chose to do damage control in service of the Democratic Party rather than investigate or report allegations made by Tara Reade against Joe Biden. The New York Times claimed, "We found no pattern of sexual misconduct by Biden, beyond hugs, kisses and touching that women previously said made them uncomfortable"
Some Biden supporters claim it does not matter if Reade’s allegations are true, and that Biden represents a "lesser evil rapist." It is clear they see sexual assault as nothing more than a talking point or a political tool. The Democratic Party’s insistence on “Blue No Matter Who” gives the lie to their pandering slogans like “believe women.” We demand that governments prioritize preventing violence toward women, with coordinated programs to educate and provide shelter for women and children, and vigorously protect women from their abusers.
The Democratic party claims to be the party for women while abandoning the working class. In reality, both capitalist parties serve the interests of the establishment ruling class—of white, upper-middle class, cishet women. Patriarchy, sexism, and gender-based bigotry affects all of us, but it is a lie to pretend it affects all of us equally. Let this serve as a wake up call to all workers: it is time to build the party for the working class, a party that represents us. The Socialist Party is this party.
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The Times has since edited out the latter part of the statement, after its incoherence was widely criticized. “Examining Tara Reade’s Sexual Assault Allegation Against Joe Biden,” by Lisa Lerer and Sydney Ember. Published April 12, 2020, updated May 8, accessed May 19, 2020. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/12/us/politics/joe-biden-tara-reade-sexual-assault-complaint.html
