“The View” co-host Meghan McCain sounded off Thursday on the sexual misconduct scandal surrounding New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
To date, three women have accused the three-term Democrat of sexual harassment or making inappropriate advances.
“I now understand that I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable,” Cuomo told reporters at a news conference Wednesday. “It was unintentional, and I truly and deeply apologize for it. I feel awful about it and frankly, I am embarrassed by it. I never touched anyone inappropriately.”
McCain remarked Thursday that it is time to “stick a fork” in Cuomo’s political career before criticizing Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., for what McCain called a double standard in her response to sexual harassment claims against powerful men.
In 2018, Gillibrand vociferously opposed now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination, especially after sexual misconduct allegations were made against him by Christine Blasey Ford.
“Enough is enough. One credible sexual assault claim should have been too many to get a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court and make decisions that will affect millions of women’s lives for generations. Two is an embarrassment. It’s time for a new nominee,” Gillibrand said at the time.
Gillibrand was also the first Democratic senator to call for the resignation of then-Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota amid his own sexual misconduct scandal.
“Kirsten Gillibrand, if, quote, ‘one critical assault claim is enough’, as you said — and as Joy [Behar] keeps pointing out with Al Franken,” McCain began, “why is one claim enough for Brett Kavanaugh and for Al Franken, but it’s not good enough for Cuomo?”
“You’re real silent, real silent, senator. You’ve got nothing say about this … The hypocrisy can last all day, but I’m so over Cuomo,” she added.
In a series of statements, Gillibrand has said accusations of offensive behavior by Cuomo are “serious and deeply concerning” and that the three women “who have come forward have shown tremendous courage.” She has said that the claims against Cuomo are “completely unacceptable” and called for a full investigation — but stopped short of demanding his resignation.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has also been silent on whether or not Cuomo should resign.
“The allegations that have been made … are serious [and] very troubling,” he said, according to The Hill. “I’ve always believed that sexual harassment is not acceptable and must not be tolerated.”
New York State Attorney General Letitia James, a fellow Democrat, took control Sunday of a probe into the governor’s actions.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
