— darth™ (@darth) February 17, 2015
As Carter was delivering his first speech as Pentagon chief, Biden waved for Stephanie to join him in the background, where the veep proceeded to get handsy.
— Brandon Morse (@TheBrandonMorse) February 17, 2015
Biden placed his arms on Stephanie's shoulders – which he massaged – then leaned in close to whisper something into her ear.
— Brian S. Wise (@BrianSWise) February 17, 2015
It’s unknown if Biden told Stephanie “This is a big fu**ing deal,” as he remarked to President Barack Obama upon signing health insurance reform into law, only to have the comment picked up by the microphone and broadcast to the audience.
The Internet, of course, swiftly responded with a flurry of tweets criticizing and poking fun at Biden’s touchy-feely behavior.
— Brad Thor (@BradThor) February 17, 2015
— Jenn (@JennJacques) February 17, 2015
Some could call Tuesday’s ceremony an encore to Biden’s similarly hands-on performance at the swearing-in of new senators in January, when he got close to the 13-year-old daughter of Democratic Delaware Senator Chris Coons.
He also kept handing out unsolicited dating advice to all of the girls at the ceremony.
In 2013, he tightly embraced The Hill’s White House correspondent Amie Parnes around the waist in a holiday photo.
And while on the campaign trail in September 2012, Biden cozied up to a woman at a biker bar in Ohio, prompting a round of amazed stares from the motorcyclists who were there.
— Jamal Ralphio (@BigBroJamal) July 15, 2014