Politics
Biden says he’ll only call for Cuomo to quit AFTER sexual harassment probe as he goes back on pledge to take on bullies
JOE Biden stopped short of calling for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s immediate resignation on Tuesday amid a slew of sexual harassment claims – with the president going against an earlier pledge to take on bullies, “no ifs, ands or buts”.
After being asked by ABC News host George Stephanopoulos if Cuomo should resign, Biden said he should if the multiple allegations of sexual harassment and assault against him are found to be true.
Joe Biden said Cuomo should step down if the allegations against him are proven to be true[/caption]
Six women have accused the governor of sexual harassment or assault[/caption]
“Yes,” Biden said, before adding “I think he’ll probably end up being prosecuted, too.”
Biden joined one of countless politicians who have called for an investigation into Cuomo’s alleged misdeeds while governor – but he fell short of joining the calls from other politicians asking for Cuomo’s impeachment or immediate resignation.
Cuomo has asked New York Attorney General Letitia James to oversee an independent investigation into the sexual harassment claims made by female former staffers.
“A woman should be presumed to be telling the truth and should not be scapegoated and victimized by her coming forward, number one,” Biden told Stephanopoulos.
In the Tuesday night interview, the host told Biden of New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand deeming Cuomo unfit to govern, among a whole litany of local elected officials.
Biden said that was “a judgment for them to make,” but added Cuomo deserved a fair trial.
New York Senator Chuck Schumer has already called for Cuomo’s resignation[/caption]
State Attorney General Letitia James is investigating Cuomo’s allegations as well as his administration’s alleged mishandling of nursing home deaths[/caption]
“But there should be an investigation to determine whether what she says is true,” Biden said. “That’s what’s going on now.”
In the wide-ranging interview, Biden doubled-down on his belief that the governor must leave if the claims are proven true.
“And by the way, it may very well be,” Biden said. “There could be a criminal prosecution that is attached to it. I just don’t know.”
“I don’t know what it is, but I start at the presumption that it takes a lot of women to come forward,” Biden continued.
“So, the presumption is they should be taken seriously. And it should be investigated. And that’s what’s underway now,” Biden concluded.
The president’s comments seem to be in direct opposition to what he told his employees, saying he would fire them immediately if he hears they were being disrespectful.
Cuomo has denied all allegations[/caption]
A whole litany of lawmakers have called on Cuomo to resign[/caption]
“I’m not joking when I say this. If you’re ever working with me – and I hear you treat another colleague with disrespect, talk down to someone – I promise you I will fire you on the spot,” Biden said during an event at the White House in January.
Biden’s tough-guy stance to bullies seemed to only apply to those who worked directly under him, however.
“On the spot. No ifs, ands, or buts. Everybody, everybody is entitled to be treated with decency and dignity,” he said. “That’s been missing in a big way in the last four years.”
Most read in News
Biden’s thoughts were similarly echoed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who said Cuomo’s accusers should be believed, but Cuomo need not step down until he’s been found guilty.
Six women have come forward and accused the governor of sexual harassment or assault, just as over 50 lawmakers in the state’s assembly and senate have called on Cuomo’s resignation.
Cuomo has denied all allegations and said to resign would be “undemocratic” until an investigation has been thoroughly conducted.
