US President Donald Trump makes his way to board Air Force One before departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, New York on December 2, 2017. (AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGANMANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)
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US President Donald Trump makes his way to board Air Force One before departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, New York on December 2, 2017. (AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGANMANDEL
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Photo: MANDEL NGAN
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 12: U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) listens during a news conference December 12, 2017 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 12: U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) listens during a news conference December 12, 2017 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo: Alex Wong, Getty
Recent sexual harassment and abuse allegations
Recent sexual harassment and abuse allegations
Photo: AP
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Harvey Weinstein
A New York Times article uncovered multiple incidents of Weinstein's sexually harassment or abuse. Thousands of women embracing the "Me Too" movement to own their histories of sexual harassment and abuse, and those issues swirling at high volume in the culture overall, parents are reaching for teachable moments in the post-Weinstein world.
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A New York Times article uncovered multiple incidents of Weinstein's sexually harassment or abuse. Thousands of women embracing the "Me Too" movement to own their histories of sexual harassment and abuse, and
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Photo: Chris Pizzello, Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
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Matt Lauer
NBC News fired longtime "Today" show host Matt Lauer on Wednesday for "inappropriate sexual behavior," making him the second morning television show personality to lose his job because of sexual misconduct charges in a week.
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NBC News fired longtime "Today" show host Matt Lauer on Wednesday for "inappropriate sexual behavior," making him the second morning television show personality to lose his job because of sexual misconduct
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Photo: Richard Drew, AP
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Louis C.K.
Louis C.K. has been accused of sexual misconduct toward several women, including masturbating in front of them to their horror and embarrassment, according to a report in The New York Times.
Louis C.K. has been accused of sexual misconduct toward several women, including masturbating in front of them to their horror and embarrassment, according to a report in The New York Times.
Photo: Chris Pizzello, Associated Press
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Kevin Spacey
Spacey says he is “beyond horrified” by allegations that he made sexual advances on Anthony Rapp when he was a teen boy in 1986. Spacey posted on Twitter that he does not remember the encounter but apologizes for the behavior.
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Spacey says he is “beyond horrified” by allegations that he made sexual advances on Anthony Rapp when he was a teen boy in 1986. Spacey posted on Twitter that he does not remember the encounter but
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Photo: Evan Agostini, Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
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Al Franken
Sen. Al Franken has announced his resignation from the Senate after accusations of sexual harassment. Leeann Tweeden, shown above, accused the Senator of groping her while they were touring with the USO before Franken took office. Subsequent accusations were made for alleged actions while Franken was in office.
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Sen. Al Franken has announced his resignation from the Senate after accusations of sexual harassment. Leeann Tweeden, shown above, accused the Senator of groping her while they were touring with the USO before
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Photo: Creighton Holub, Associated Press
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Charlie Rose
The Washington Post says eight women have accused television host Charlie Rose of multiple unwanted sexual advances and inappropriate behavior. CBS News fired Rose and PBS is to halt production and distribution of his show following the sexual harassment report.
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The Washington Post says eight women have accused television host Charlie Rose of multiple unwanted sexual advances and inappropriate behavior. CBS News fired Rose and PBS is to halt production and distribution
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Photo: Theo Wargo
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Rep. Trent Franks
Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., announced his resignation after an ethics inquiry into his discussion of surrogacy with female staffers
Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., announced his resignation after an ethics inquiry into his discussion of surrogacy with female staffers
Photo: Carolyn Kaster
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John Lasseter
Pixar and Disney Animation chief John Lasseter is accused by several women of unwanted touching and has announced he is taking a six-month leave of absence. He has acknowledged some "missteps" with employees and apologized for any behavior that made workers uncomfortable.
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Pixar and Disney Animation chief John Lasseter is accused by several women of unwanted touching and has announced he is taking a six-month leave of absence. He has acknowledged some "missteps" with employees
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Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
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James Toback
Toback, who received an Oscar nomination for writing "Bugsy," has been accused of sexual harassment by more than 30 women. He said: "anyone who says it is a lying c---r or c- or both ... Anyone who says that, I just want to spit in his or her f--g face."
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Toback, who received an Oscar nomination for writing "Bugsy," has been accused of sexual harassment by more than 30 women. He said: "anyone who says it is a lying c---r or c- or both ... Anyone who says that, I
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Photo: Richard Shotwell, Associated Press
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Former President George H.W. Bush
Accused of patting seven women (including Heather Lind, pictured above) below the waist while posing for photos with them in recent years, well after he left office. The 93-year-old Republican has issued repeated apologies through a spokesman "to anyone he has offended," with the spokesman noting that the former president uses a wheelchair and that his arm sinks below people's waists when they take photos with him.
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Accused of patting seven women (including Heather Lind, pictured above) below the waist while posing for photos with them in recent years, well after he left office. The 93-year-old Republican has issued
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Photo: STF
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Warren Moon
Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon has been accused of sexual harassment by an assistant for his sports marketing firm, according to a lawsuit filed in California. The civil lawsuit was filed Monday in Orange County Superior Court. According to court documents, Wendy Haskell alleges Moon made "unwanted and unsolicited" sexual advances as part of her role as his assistant working for Sports 1 Marketing. Moon is the co-founder and president of the company.
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Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon has been accused of sexual harassment by an assistant for his sports marketing firm, according to a lawsuit filed in California. The civil lawsuit was filed Monday in Orange
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Photo: Ira Strickstein/Houston Chronicle
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Congressman John Conyers
The longtime Michigan Congressman denied settling a sexual harassment complaint in 2015 from a woman who alleged she was fired from his Washington staff because she rejected his sexual advances.
The longtime Michigan Congressman denied settling a sexual harassment complaint in 2015 from a woman who alleged she was fired from his Washington staff because she rejected his sexual advances.
Photo: Paul Sancya, AP
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Roy Moore
U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore was accused of sexually assaulting two women decades ago when they were teenagers. About a half-dozen other women also have accused Moore of inappropriate conduct. Moore, a former state Supreme Court chief justice, has called the allegations "unsubstantiated," ''unproven" and "fake." He has rebuffed pressure from national Republican leaders to step aside; the state GOP is standing by him.
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U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore was accused of sexually assaulting two women decades ago when they were teenagers. About a half-dozen other women also have accused Moore of inappropriate conduct. Moore, a
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Photo: Brynn Anderson, Associated Press
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Dr. Larry Nassar
Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman says she is among the young women abused by a former USA Gymnastics team doctor. Raisman tells "60 Minutes" she was 15 when she was first treated by Dr. Larry Nassar, who spent more than two decades working with athletes at USA Gymnastics. He's now is in jail in Michigan awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography.
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Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman says she is among the young women abused by a former USA Gymnastics team doctor. Raisman tells "60 Minutes" she was 15 when she was first treated by Dr. Larry Nassar, who spent more
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Photo: Robert Killips
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Brett Ratner
Film director Brett Ratner has been accused by six women, Including actress Olivia Munn, of harassment or misconduct in a Los Angeles Times report.
Film director Brett Ratner has been accused by six women, Including actress Olivia Munn, of harassment or misconduct in a Los Angeles Times report.
Photo: Willy Sanjuan
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Mark Halperin
Halperin apologized for what he terms "inappropriate" behavior after five women claimed he sexually harassed them while he was a top ABC News executive.
Halperin apologized for what he terms "inappropriate" behavior after five women claimed he sexually harassed them while he was a top ABC News executive.
Photo: Richard Shotwell, Associated Press
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Russell Simmons
In a report published Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in the Los Angeles Times, Model Keri Claussen Khalighi accused Simmons of sexual misconduct in 1991 when she was 17-years-old. Simmons, denied the allegations in a statement.
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In a report published Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in the Los Angeles Times, Model Keri Claussen Khalighi accused Simmons of sexual misconduct in 1991 when she was 17-years-old. Simmons, denied the allegations in a
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Photo: Chris Pizzello, INVL
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Steven Seagal
Jenny McCarthy said on her Sirius XM show Nov. 9, 2017, that Seagal sexually harassed her during an audition in 1995. A Seagal spokesman has denied the McCarthy’s accusations to The Daily Beast.
Jenny McCarthy said on her Sirius XM show Nov. 9, 2017, that Seagal sexually harassed her during an audition in 1995. A Seagal spokesman has denied the McCarthy’s accusations to The Daily Beast.
Photo: Ivan Sekretarev, AP
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Jeremy Piven
CBS is investigating a sexual harassment allegation against Piven, who currently stars in the CBS series, "Wisdom of the Crowd." Actress and reality star Ariane Bellamar claimed in posts on her Twitter account that the Emmy-winning "Entourage" star groped her on two occasions.
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CBS is investigating a sexual harassment allegation against Piven, who currently stars in the CBS series, "Wisdom of the Crowd." Actress and reality star Ariane Bellamar claimed in posts on her Twitter account
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Photo: Richard Shotwell, Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
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Garrison Keillor
Author and humorist Garrison Keillor of "Prairie Home Companion" fame he has been fired by Minnesota Public Radio over allegations of improper behavior
Author and humorist Garrison Keillor of "Prairie Home Companion" fame he has been fired by Minnesota Public Radio over allegations of improper behavior
Photo: Leila Navidi
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Michael Oreskes
Former executive Michael Oreskes lost his job as National Public Radio newsroom chief following sexual harassment reports. Oreskes was vice president and senior managing editor at the AP from 2008 to 2015.
Former executive Michael Oreskes lost his job as National Public Radio newsroom chief following sexual harassment reports. Oreskes was vice president and senior managing editor at the AP from 2008 to 2015.
Photo: Chuck Zoeller, AP
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Chef John Besh
Chef John Besh stepped down from the restaurant group that bears his name after a newspaper reported that 25 current or former employees of the business said they were victims of sexual harassment.
Chef John Besh stepped down from the restaurant group that bears his name after a newspaper reported that 25 current or former employees of the business said they were victims of sexual harassment.
Photo: Edmund D. Fountain, For The Chronicle
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Dustin Hoffman
Hoffman is apologizing for alleged sexual harassment of a 17-year-old intern in 1985. Writer Anna Graham Hunter alleges that the 80-year-old actor groped her on the set of TV movie “Death of a Salesman” and “talked about sex to me and in front of me.”
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Hoffman is apologizing for alleged sexual harassment of a 17-year-old intern in 1985. Writer Anna Graham Hunter alleges that the 80-year-old actor groped her on the set of TV movie “Death of a Salesman” and
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Photo: Jordan Strauss, Associated Press
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Ed Westwick
The BBC said Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, it is pulling a new Agatha Christie adaptation from its television schedule because of a sexual assault allegation against actor Westwick. Westwick has strenuously denied the allegation.
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The BBC said Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, it is pulling a new Agatha Christie adaptation from its television schedule because of a sexual assault allegation against actor Westwick. Westwick has strenuously denied the
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Photo: Dan Steinberg, Dan Steinberg/Invision/AP
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Tom Wopat
The former star of "The Dukes of Hazzard" has been accused of indecently assaulting two female members of a musical in Massachusetts.
The former star of "The Dukes of Hazzard" has been accused of indecently assaulting two female members of a musical in Massachusetts.
Photo: AP
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Jeffrey Tambor
Trace Lysette, an actress on "Transparent," says the shows star Tambor pressed his body against hers in a sexually aggressive manner during filming and made inappropriate and unwanted sexual statements. Tambor denies the allegations saying he has never been a predator - ever.
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Trace Lysette, an actress on "Transparent," says the shows star Tambor pressed his body against hers in a sexually aggressive manner during filming and made inappropriate and unwanted sexual statements.
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Photo: Willy Sanjuan
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Robert Knepper
Knepper was accused by one woman of sexual assault. He denies the allegations.
Knepper was accused by one woman of sexual assault. He denies the allegations.
Photo: Richard Shotwell, Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
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George Takei
Takei has denied he groped a struggling model in 1981.
Takei has denied he groped a struggling model in 1981.
Photo: Phil Mccarten, AP
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Jann Wenner
Rolling Stone co-founder and publisher Jann Wenner was accused by one man of sexual harassment. He says he did not intend to make the accuser uncomfortable.
Rolling Stone co-founder and publisher Jann Wenner was accused by one man of sexual harassment. He says he did not intend to make the accuser uncomfortable.
Photo: Evan Agostini, Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
New Republic publisher Hamilton Fish faces multiple sexual harassment allegations. He has resigned from the magazine.
Correction: An earlier version of this slideshow contained an incorrect photo. SFGATE regrets the error. less
New Republic publisher Hamilton Fish faces multiple sexual harassment allegations. He has resigned from the magazine.
Correction: An earlier version of this slideshow contained an incorrect photo. SFGATE regrets ... more
Photo: Laura Cavanaugh/FilmMagic
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Leon Wieseltier
New Republic editor Leon Wieseltier is accused of sexually harassing numerous women. Removed from the masthead of The Atlantic magazine. He has apologized for his behavior.
New Republic editor Leon Wieseltier is accused of sexually harassing numerous women. Removed from the masthead of The Atlantic magazine. He has apologized for his behavior.
Photo: Dan Balilty, AP
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Glenn Thrush
New York Times White House reporter Glenn Thrush is accused of making drunken, unwanted advances on women. He disputes some of the accusations but has said he had had a drinking problem and apologized for "any situation where I behaved inappropriately."
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New York Times White House reporter Glenn Thrush is accused of making drunken, unwanted advances on women. He disputes some of the accusations but has said he had had a drinking problem and apologized for "any
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Photo: Kirk Irwin
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Jeff Hoover
Kentucky House Speaker Jeff Hoover stepped down as speaker this month after news surfaced that the Republican had settled a sexual harassment claim from a GOP caucus staffer. Hoover denied the harassment allegation but said he sent consensual yet inappropriate text messages. He remains in the Legislature.
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Kentucky House Speaker Jeff Hoover stepped down as speaker this month after news surfaced that the Republican had settled a sexual harassment claim from a GOP caucus staffer. Hoover denied the harassment
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Photo: Timothy D. Easley, AP
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Stephen Bittel
Florida Democratic Party Chairman Stephen Bittel (center), is accused of sexually inappropriate comments and behavior toward a number of women, Bittel resigned. Meanwhile, Democratic state Sen. Jeff Clemens resigned after a report that he had an extramarital affair with a lobbyist, and Republican state Sen. Jack Latvala is being investigated by the Senate over allegations of harassment and groping. Latvala has denied the allegations.
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Florida Democratic Party Chairman Stephen Bittel (center), is accused of sexually inappropriate comments and behavior toward a number of women, Bittel resigned. Meanwhile, Democratic state Sen. Jeff Clemens
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Photo: Patrick Farrell, AP
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Gary Goddard
Director-producer Gary Goddard — Accused by one man of sexually molesting him when the man was 12. He denies the allegation.
Director-producer Gary Goddard — Accused by one man of sexually molesting him when the man was 12. He denies the allegation.
Photo: Patrick McMullan/Patrick McMullan Via Getty Image
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Matthew Weiner
"Mad Men" creator Matthew Weiner has been accused by one woman of sexual harassment. He denies the allegation.
"Mad Men" creator Matthew Weiner has been accused by one woman of sexual harassment. He denies the allegation.
Photo: Chris Pizzello, Associated Press
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Tom Sizemore
Actor Tom Sizemore is accused of groping an 11-year-old actress in 2003. Utah prosecutors declined to file charges, citing witness and evidence problems. He denies the allegation.
Actor Tom Sizemore is accused of groping an 11-year-old actress in 2003. Utah prosecutors declined to file charges, citing witness and evidence problems. He denies the allegation.
Photo: John Carucci, AP
Bryan Singer
Director Bryan Singer has been accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old male in 2003.
Bryan Singer
Director Bryan Singer has been accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old male in 2003.
Photo: Matt Sayles, Matt Sayles/Invision/AP
Mario Batali
Batali has taken leave from his restaurants and co-hosting duties on ABC's "The Chew" after the website Eater reported Monday, Dec. 11, 2017 that four women, all unnamed, have accused Batali of sexual harassment. In the wake of the allegations, the Food Network announced it is putting plans to relaunch his seminal show, "Molto Mario," next year on hold.
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Mario Batali
Batali has taken leave from his restaurants and co-hosting duties on ABC's "The Chew" after the website Eater reported Monday, Dec. 11, 2017 that four women, all unnamed, have accused Batali of
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Photo: Andy Kropa, Associated Press
Gillibrand, allies respond to Trump tweet alleging she'll 'do anything' for donations
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's war of words with President Donald Trump escalated Tuesday, when he assailed her on Twitter as a ''lightweight'' who would ''do anything for'' campaign contributions.
But political observers suggest that the combat could demonstrate the extent to which Gillibrand has become a heavyweight, especially on the issue of sexual misconduct.
Trump's tweet came a day after Gillibrand and other Democratic lawmakers said the president should resign due to what she termed "credible'' and "numerous" accusations of sexual misconduct dating back to the 1970s. If he does not quit, Gillibrand said, Congress should conduct bipartisan hearings into the allegations.
As is his style, Trump responded with a blistering morning Tweet: ''Lightweight Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a total flunky for Chuck Schumer and someone who would come to my office 'begging' for campaign contributions not so long ago (and would do anything for them), is now in the ring fighting against Trump. Very disloyal to Bill & Crooked — USED!''
Gillibrand took to the same platform to respond to Trump: ''You cannot silence me or the millions of women who have gotten off the sidelines to speak out about the unfitness and shame you have brought to the Oval Office.''
At a news conference several hours later, Gillibrand said she viewed Trump's attack as "a sexist smear. ... It's not going to silence the numbers of women out there speaking out every day since (Trump's) inauguration about things they disagree with.''
Veteran Gillibrand watchers said the Trump-Gillibrand exchange only burnishes Gillibrand's credentials among Democratic voters in New York who she'll appeal to as she seeks re-election in 2018 – and potentially elsewhere if she harbors presidential ambitions in 2020 or beyond.
''For a Democrat, to be attacked by Donald Trump is a medal of honor,'' said Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics. ''It is something you will wear forever in primaries and general elections, whatever you're running for. You will get you a lot of votes just because voters know Donald Trump hates you.''
Gillibrand is not expected to have serious GOP competition for her Senate seat. Roll Call, a publication focused on the intricacies of Capitol Hill, cast Tuesday's Twitter war as a "possible 2020 preview."
Gillibrand's allies quickly joined New York's junior senator on the ramparts.
Former Hillary Clinton campaign official Patti Solis Doyle quoted Trump's suggestion that Gillibrand would "do anything" for campaign donations: "What does that mean, @realDonaldTrump?! You, a man, accused by more than a dozen credible women of assault and harassment, (have) the audacity make this vile, disgusting implication. SHAME!"
''Are you really trying to bully, intimidate and slut-shame @SenGillibrand? Do you know who you're picking a fight with? Good luck with that,'' Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., tweeted at the president.
The charges of sexual assault against Trump gained prominence during the 2016 campaign when an ''Access Hollywood'' recording revealed him using vulgar language to brag about his pursuit of women, including descriptions of groping. But the recent spate of accusations that have brought down famous men like entertainment mogul Harvey Weinstein have cast a new light on Trump's conduct.
White House Spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders denied Trump's tweet was sexist.
''Only if your mind was in the gutter would you have read it that way,'' Sanders said at the regular White House briefing. ''It's obviously talking about political partisan games that people often play, and the broken system that (Trump)'s talked about repeatedly." Others noted that Trump's Twitter feed offered examples of him using similar phrasing to attack male politicians.
Rep. John Faso, R-Kinderhook, criticized the Twitter exchange but declined to assign a greater share of blame to either participant.
''It is entirely unproductive and doesn't advance the public good on either part,'' he said. ''I think tweeting generally is not a good way to conduct public policy, on either part.''
Gillibrand, 51, has turned sexual assault in the military and on campus into signature issues. ''She has street cred" on the subject, Sabato said.
A week ago, her statement that Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Franken should resign amid a growing chorus of sexual-abuse allegations led to numerous other Democrats also calling on the former "Saturday Night Live" writer and player to quit.
Franken announced a day later he would vacate his Senate seat.