Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D., N.Y.) on Friday defended his refusal to resign by invoking the Democratic Party’s proud tradition of consequence-free sexual misadventure.
The embattled governor, who faces numerous accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior, blamed the scandal on "very different theories within the Democratic Party," suggesting that younger, more progressive members were out of touch with the party’s storied history, and the contributions of legendary perverts such as Bill Clinton, Ted Kennedy, and Chris Dodd.
Cuomo bravely spoke his truth after repeatedly questioning the motives of his accusers and those calling on him to resign, including left-wing celebrity Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.). "People know the difference between playing politics, bowing to cancel culture and the truth," he said.
In refusing to resign while facing multiple investigations and possible impeachment, Cuomo joins a long line of Democratic statesmen who refused to let criminal misdeeds get in the way of politics.
Many thought Ted Kennedy’s political career would end after the 1969 "incident" in which Kennedy drove a car into a pond, leading to the death by drowning of 28-year-old Mary Jo Kopechne. But Kennedy persevered, and went on to serve another 40 years in the Senate, during which time he was best known for making "waitress sandwiches" with fellow Democratic senator Chris Dodd (D., Conn.).
Like Kennedy, Dodd refused to let the fact that he publicly forced himself on a screaming waitress stand in the way of success. After leaving the Senate, he became a lobbyist for the Motion Picture Association of America, where he maintained a "friendship" with convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein, a longtime Democratic donor. In 2020, then-candidate Joe Biden tapped Dodd to head his vice-presidential selection committee while refusing to answer questions about his own legacy of alleged sexual harassment.
Biden refused to bow out, and won the election. At the same time, former president Bill Clinton, a notorious skirt chaser who was impeached for hooking up with his 22-year-old intern, has been remarkably resilient in the face of the so-called #MeToo movement. His wife, Hillary, almost became president in 2016 but was ultimately deemed even less likable than Donald Trump.
Biden's been handling Cuomo's scandal like an old pro, refusing to answer questions about allegations against the governor at his own press conferences. Across the Potomac, Justin Fairfax (D.) still serves as lieutenant governor of Virginia despite facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
A lesser Democrat might bow out after more than 30 women described his creepy, perverted behavior to New York magazine. But not Cuomo. Like the proud Democrats of old, the "Luv Guv" plans to stand his ground. He recently retained the services of a top defense lawyer best known for defending Weinstein and Woody Allen. He already won an Emmy. His mommy still supports him. Resign? Not a chance.