On Tuesday’s broadcast of MSNBC’s “MTP Daily,” Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) argued that it is a “distraction” to talk about Senator Al Franken (D-MN) resigning and stated that while former President Bill Clinton’s behavior can’t be defended, we should “move forward.”
Hirono said, “I think that that is a distraction to be talking about resignation. Because what’s really at the bottom of this whole issue of sexual harassment is that it is pervasive in our culture. And Al will be going through the ethics probe. He’ll be cooperating, and that’s appropriate. Because people who do these kinds of indefensible acts have to be held accountable.”
She added, “[I]n the case of Senator Franken, he has admitted to the — what happened with the photo, which is more than I can say for President Trump, who has admitted to being a sexual predator. And just today he came out in support of Roy Moore. And as far as I’m concerned, it’s not surprising to me that one liar is standing up for another liar. We’re talking about a person running for the US Senate from Alabama, who is accused of molesting underaged girls. That is a crime. So these allegations, these kinds of stories need to be brought forth. And frankly, it is about time. I hope that we’re reaching some kind of a tipping point in our country that this kind of behavior, not only is acknowledged, but it comes to an end, and that we prosecute the people who need to be prosecuted so that they are held accountable.”
Hirono later responded to a question on Moore being expelled if he wins by stating she hopes voters in Alabama vote “the right way.”
Anchor Katy Tur followed up on the possible expulsion of Moore and what precedent having Moore in the Senate or expelling him would create. Hirono answered, “I think that if we look at the precedent, which was, I believe, Senator Packwood, there was no investigation, and various allegations and statements came to light. And that may be the appropriate process. We’re not there yet. And I think there’s a lot more debate and discussion that needs to occur. But the bottom line is that people who engage in this kind of behavior should be held accountable. I wish that I could wave a magic wand and tell what you the response and answer should be, but the good thing is that we’re talking about it in the light of day. And it is about time.”
Tur also asked Hirono about Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s (D-NY) comments about Bill Clinton. Hirono responded, “Well, the whole question of resignation, once again –, in my view, he went through an impeachment process as a result of his actions. I certainly do not defend his indefensible actions, but let’s move forward. Talking about Bill Clinton should not be a shield to the rest of us talking about what are we going to do about this going forward.”
Follow Ian Hanchett on Twitter @IanHanchett