The dems also tried to peddle the lie about Kavanaugh organizing a gang bang or rape of Christie Balsey Ford.
I'll say this much about the Democrat establishment:
With Blasey-Ford, I think they were caught off-guard by what was essentially a "rogue" actor making an incredible accusation. That said, they quickly organized and weaponized her against Kavanaugh as a "hail Mary" attempt to keep SCOTUS from tilting conservatively.
With Biden, it might be a similar situation where they were caught off-guard by the seriousness of Reade's updated accusation, but they just as quickly organized AGAINST Reade to protect Biden.
So there is the double-standard based on who's ox is being gored.
Honestly, I think that if this came out after the DNC convention, they would have supported Reade and tossed Biden so they could replace him with a DNC leadership pick. Since it happened before the convention, they have to assume that Sanders has the most committed delegates and will make a stink of things at the convention, making it harder for the DNC establishment to overtly insert their choice. That's why they need Biden to limp his way to the convention, no matter what. They can always oust him over this later.
-PJ