Sen. Al Franken's (D-MN) first accuser doesn't deserve to be believed, "Morning Joe" anchor Mika Brzezinski suggested on her program Friday morning.
Radio host and model Leanna Tweeden revealed last month that Franken had forcibly kissed and groped her while the two were performing at a USO tour together. She had photographic evidence for the latter claim. A few weeks and more accusations later, Franken announced Friday that he'd be resigning from Congress in the coming weeks.
Despite the photo and the fact that other women have come forward to accuse Franken of inappropriate contact, Brzezinski wondered if Tweeden's conservative politics hurt the credibility of her claims.
"So I'm surprised that a comedian's picture of a performer, playboy model who goes on Hannity who voted for Trump. I see some politics there but I haven't brought that up every step of the way because of course, in this ‘Me Too’ environment, you must always believe the women.”
After all, a dress owned by Monica Lewinsky didn't bring down a president, she noted.
Brzezinski then mentioned how her former colleague Mark Halperin had been brought down by sexual allegations too.
“I spoke to them, I believe them," she acknowledged. "I’m just wondering if all the women need to be believed. I’m concerned that we are being the judge the jury and the cops here and so did Senate Democrats getting ahead of their skis."
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Brzezinski repeatedly quoted from a Washington Post piece published by Ruth Marcus, entitled, "Was Al Franken's Punishment Fair?" In the piece, Marcus suggests that Democrats were so quick to condemn Franken because they feel guilty about letting Bill Clinton slide for his impropriety when he was in the White House. Furthermore, failing to call for Franken's resignation over his behavior would make them hypocrites as they continue to speak out against President Trump and Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore.
Franken is one of several lawmakers currently facing sexual assault allegations. Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), who settled a claim with a female staffer three years ago to avoid a court battle, retired from Congress earlier this week.
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