The incident occurred in 2006 before he was a senator. He issued two apologies yesterday and said that he would cooperate with an ethics committee investigation. Nevertheless, there is a hue and cry for him to resign. It must be noted that many of the #FrankenShouldGo tweets are saying that if Franken should go Trump also should go.
With sexual misconduct, harassment, abuse, and assault being the hot topic everywhere this week, women in government have stepped forward. Jackie Speier is especially active on this front having shared her own story of an assault when she was a congressional aide.
But this is a minefield and not easily negotiated as Kirsten Gillibrand discovered yesterday. She should have been prepared for this.variety.com
Two Current Members of Congress ‘Have Engaged in Sexual Harassment,’ Rep. Jackie Speier Says – Variety
Ted Johnson
I don't know about you, but I found her response confusing, incoherent. I really don't know what she was trying to say and cannot make sense of her statement.washingtonpost.com
Kirsten Gillibrand says Bill Clinton should have resigned, as old allegations resurface
By Eli Rosenberg
Gillibrand said she thought it would have been “the appropriate response,” when asked if Clinton should have stepped down by a reporter. The comments were published Thursday by the New York Times.
Read more and see video >>>>
Franken's accuser, Leeann Tweeden said she could not have made her story public 11 years ago. We are in a different time. She noted that Jackie Speier telling her own story is what gave her the courage to speak up.
Gillibrand also alluded to times being different. But what is she saying?
Bill Clinton, we should remember, was impeached but not convicted. He went through a process. Now she (and others) are saying he should have resigned?
I always find these attacks on WJC obliquely aimed at Hillary. That's just me. The Clintons are out of politics now. They really cannot be hurt. But Gillibrand has been seen as a rising star. With this response she disappointed me and probably shot herself in the foot. Or maybe in both feet.
Here is what Philippe Reines had to say.
Philippe is not known for holding back. He makes an interesting point.Ken Starr spent $70 million on a consensual blowjob. Senate voted to keep POTUS WJC. But not enough for you @SenGillibrand? Over 20 yrs you took the Clintons’ endorsements, money, and seat. Hypocrite.— Philippe Reines (@PhilippeReines) November 17, 2017
Interesting strategy for 2020 primaries. Best of luck.https://t.co/KIsnfY4WLT
Yesterday Gillibrand said she will give the money Franken contributed to her to charity. Hmmmm... what will she do with the money the Clintons contributed over those 20 years?
(Cross-posted at The Department of Homegirl Security)
