Big news today out of New York:
President Joe Biden called on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) to resign Tuesday after an explosive report concluded that Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women.
“I think he should resign,” Biden said at a press conference. He said he had not spoken to Cuomo ahead of calling for him to resign.
New York state Attorney General Letitia James released a 165-page report on Cuomo Tuesday, the work an independent investigation into harassment claims.
James said the investigation found that Cuomo “sexually harassed current and former New York State employees by engaging in unwelcome and non-consensual touching and making numerous offensive comments of a suggestive and sexual nature that created a hostile work environment for women.”
Investigators also concluded that Cuomo and his senior team retaliated against one accuser.
Cuomo was defiant Tuesday. He recorded a statement ― allowing for no questions from reporters ― making clear he intends to stay in office and fight the allegations, which he denied. He portrayed himself as a feminist hero and a champion of women, claiming that his concern and caring nature were just misunderstood.
Long seen as one of the most powerful governors and figures in the Democratic Party, Cuomo is known as a combative bully who has a grip on state politics and who took on former President Donald Trump. He received acclaim for his response to the coronavirus pandemic ― and even prematurely wrote a book about his supposed triumph. But his bullying caught up to him, and he has had few defenders as his scandals have built up.
Biden has joined other big name Democrats in calling for Cuomo’s resignation: