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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCuomo's position is getting less and less tenable for Democrats
First Read is your briefing from "Meet the Press" and the NBC Political Unit on the day's most important political stories and why they matter.
March 2, 2021, 9:07 AM EST
By Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Carrie Dann and Melissa Holzberg
WASHINGTON One allegation of sexual harassment is a big problem for a politician.
A second allegation turns into a full-blown crisis. And a third in less than a week becomes unsustainable for the politician and his political party, because no one knows when a fourth or fifth allegation might surface.
This is the untenable political situation for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., who saw a third woman accuse him of harassment as New Yorks attorney general has begun proceeding with an investigation of the governor.
And its not too dissimilar from the circumstance that Al Franken faced when he ultimately resigned his Senate seat.
more
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/meet-the-press/cuomo-s-position-getting-less-less-tenable-democrats-n1259264
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The Difference Between Al Franken and Andrew Cuomo
March 2, 2021 at 9:27 am EST By Taegan Goddard
First Read: For one thing, there hasnt been a cascade of calls for Cuomo to resign; so far, just one New York congresswoman, Kathleen Rice, has called for Cuomos resignation. (Notably, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand wants the matter investigated first.)
In addition, unlike with Franken in 2017, Democrats are under less pressure to claim the political high ground and make an obvious contrast against a current congressional candidate (Roy Moore in Alabama) or a current president (Donald Trump).
And Cuomo has never been someone willing to walk away, even when facing a crisis thats become impossible to control.
But Democrats need to be asked this question after the latest allegation against Cuomo: How could you call for or accept Al Frankens resignation, but not do the same for Cuomo?
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https://politicalwire.com/2021/03/02/the-difference-between-al-franken-and-andrew-cuomo/
BlueTsunami2018
(3,491 posts)At least Cuomo asked, he didnt just kiss or grab anyone by the 🐱.
Im sorry but if its meaningless for Тяцмр to have 20+ allegations, every one way more serious including a full blown rape allegation then this shouldnt even be a blip on the radar.
They always try to use our own standards against us and never apply it to themselves. Its time to stop playing by their rules. Dont let them Franken this guy.
He should apologize if anyone felt uncomfortable and move on. They wouldnt even do that.
We need to be knife fighters like they are.
luvs2sing
(2,220 posts)They weaponize our morality and use it against us. We need to figure out a way to defuse that weapon, and this morning Im thinking that maybe ignoring their bluster might be the solution, at least in this case. He was a creepy old horn dog, and he should apologize and commit to doing better.
Ms. Toad
(34,069 posts)Just because Republicans do it?
Our standards mean that women are important, and that we don't turn a blind eye when women (blacks, LGBT individuals, etc.) are being abused.
It is NEVER ok for men to sexually assault women, no matter how many Republicans get away with it.
BlueTsunami2018
(3,491 posts)But Im also for pragmatism.
If were going hold our own responsible for asking for a kiss and theyre not going to hold their own responsible for far worse, theyre always going to win.
What happened to Franken was ridiculous. Whats happening here isnt much better. Do the investigation first before we railroad this guy out of office.
Ms. Toad
(34,069 posts)They always try to use our own standards against us and never apply it to themselves. Its time to stop playing by their rules. Dont let them Franken this guy.
This = allegations of sexual harassment
They always try to use our own standards against us and never apply it to themselves = if sexual harassment/rape/etc. does not mean anything when alleged against them, it doesn't mean anything when alleged against us.
Which says the victims of rape and sexual assault don't matter because it's all politics.
This sounds precisely like the justificiation for gay-bashing Republicans - they are so bad that we should throw out common decency (and it doesn't matter who else it hurts).
As to the specifics here:
Cuomo has admitted the acts (in at least two of three instances). What he disputes is that he intended them as sexual harassment. His intent is completely irrelevant to the impact of the acts he has admitted to committing.
I don't know that he should necessarily resign - but I do find it more troubling that the acts were committed within the context of employment than had the same acts been committed between peers.
Between peers, completely outside of the employment context I would favor some education (including mediation with the women, if they are interested and willing), coupled with a real acknowledgement of the impact, an understanding that his intent was irrelevant, and change going forward.
I am less inclined to be tolerant in the employment context, since employment is the means to provide for one's self and one's family (both paying the bills and access to health care).
Sur Zobra
(3,428 posts)Did he ever, ever say that that after the 23rd allegation against Trumpass that his position was untenable?
The fucking hypocrisy of the press is untenable
lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)Nikki28
(557 posts)Cuomo will be a great president when Biden run his terms because he stands up to Mitch and the other GOQ's and is a fighter. He is one who will not be bullied by these quacks and knows how to run a country.I love me some Cuomo and I hope the DNC would not make the same mistake they did with Al Franklin and others because look at the former guy and noway should Cuomo step down In fact he should throw his hat in the ring for higher office because this will be the GOQ's worst nightmare to have him run because he is not a snow flake. I do not see a problem right now with him flirting, especially when it comes to the former rapist in chief. I feel this has Roger Stone,Flynn,Don JR, and Rudy all over it. Until I hear something on tape like we did the former guy,I am hesitant to go for this at this early stage.JMHO.
Dem4Life1102
(3,974 posts)Isn't she Biden's natural successor?
tritsofme
(17,377 posts)Harris would be the favorite and frontrunner, but would not clear the field. Gore and Bush both faced competitive primaries as incumbent VPs, I wouldnt expect it to be any different for Harris should she run.
Dem4Life1102
(3,974 posts)But the poster was stating a preference for Cuomo over Harris.
mvd
(65,173 posts)I strongly think Franken may have gotten a little carried away but was no predator. I dont know about Cuomo yet. We should let the investigation play out.
Botany
(70,501 posts)frazzled
(18,402 posts)Last edited Tue Mar 2, 2021, 11:49 AM - Edit history (1)
The fact that Cuomo has always seemed a little creepy makes it not surprising to me that his smarmy advances toward young women are in the news. The fact that hes a bully in general is kind of well known. And his self-importance has long been on display and only grew because of the unwarranted attention he got early in the pandemic. (Many other governors were delivering excellent daily press conferences to inform their citizens, but it wasnt New York, and it wasnt a political sideshow.)
These allegations are entirely believable, and certainly worthy of our condemnation. But theyre probably not going to bring him down. There are just so many other fish to fry in our current climate. It pales in comparison to George Floyd, and no one wants to be on the end of receiving the retribution that those who forced Al Franken to resign have (in that case, rightfully) gotten. Plus, the Republicans get away with worse.
The real issue is that there are bigger issues with Cuomo that should bring him down. Possibly the nursing home scandal, or abuses of power. Hopefully, voters will decide.
dsc
(52,160 posts)but he did a fantastic job here and no, he didn't get one millionth of the attention while doing that excellent job.