Even the former vice president’s formal candidacy, announced earlier this week, does not appear to have resurrected the story in any meaningful way, suggesting his campaign has succeeded in largely defusing what might otherwise have been a major story in the #MeToo era.

Global online media coverage has focused more heavily on the Biden touching story, but even there it has continued to fade in recent weeks from a total of 86 percent of online stories about the candidate at its peak to less than 40 percent and falling.

The issue of Biden’s physical greetings has received far more attention online than on television news, but even online outlets appear to be moving on in the face of no new developments.

Another Democrat, Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, has also seen media interest in his #MeToo scandal fizzle out. Despite two separate allegations of sexual assault, Fairfax refused to resign and vehemently denied the allegations.