Fair, thorough reports needed on Reade claim

I don't pretend to know if the sexual assault allegations made by Tara Reade against her former boss, Joe Biden, are credible. I do know that she should be heard and responsible journalists and reporters should seek out the facts and report them without bias. I also believe Joe Biden should be considered innocent of the charges until and if the facts show otherwise.

To date, I am not seeing unbiased reporting from major news outlets. The New York Times reported on the allegations but then said it could find "no pattern of sexual misconduct." Strangely, in the same article, it went on to list a series of sexual misconducts.

The deputy opinion editor for The Washington Post wrote a piece saying in effect there's nothing to see there. She did happen to mention that she wrote a book about Christine Blasey Ford's allegations of sexual assault against Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Predictably, she declared Kavanaugh guilty of all charges even though most legal experts acknowledge that Ford was unable to corroborate her accusations.

CNN is silent on the just-breaking corroborating statements by Reade's former neighbor and former co-worker.

It is not possible for me to identify with women who have been victims of sexual harassment or any form of sexual misconduct. Emotions must range from discomfort to sheer terror. Those who allege any form of misconduct deserve our respect and the opportunity to present their stories.

Joe Biden is the presumptive Democratic candidate for president. For many voters, especially women, Tara Reade's experience, if true, may decide how they cast their votes in November. If journalists and reporters truly believe that they have a responsibility to the voting public, they should report the facts without bias, direct or indirect.

David Carrell

Campton Hills