The White House press briefing Friday was inundated with questions about a growing chorus of sexual harassment allegations - specifically those against Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), Republican Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore, and even the president himself.
Congress has called for an ethics investigation into the Franken incident, which occurred during a 2006 USO tour. Reporters wanted to know if it was fair to suggest a similar investigation into Trump's past behavior, considering several women accused him of sexual misconduct - allegations which surfaced on the campaign trail last year.
What's the difference between the two men, the press wondered.
WH press secretary Sarah Sanders on Roy Moore: "The President certainly finds the allegations extremely troubling" https://t.co/3S7YL1ht8Y
— CNN (@CNN) November 17, 2017
"Sen. Franken has admitted wrongdoing and the president hasn't," Press Secretary Huckabee Sanders said. "I think that's a very clear distinction."
"The American people spoke very loud and clear when they elected this president," she added.
During the campaign, Trump denied the charges and said he would sue all the women claiming he sexually harassed them.
A year later, and no such lawsuits have been introduced.
"I'd have to ask him why he hasn't chosen to take that path," Huckabee Sanders responded.
The press also wanted to know whether it was "hypocritical" for the president to tweet about Franken and not Moore.
That statement is "inaccurate," Huckabee Sanders said. Trump has weighed in on the Moore controversy, she reminded them. The president, she reiterated, finds the allegations against Moore "extremely troubling" and if the allegations are true, he thinks he should step aside.
Yet, as for now, it's in the hands of Alabama voters.
Alabamans are growing disenchanted with Moore - especially where morals are concerned - but the majority believe he should stay in the race, according to a new Fox News poll.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member