We begin our coverage tonight with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's resignation.
Many New Yorkers and lawmakers have been up in arms over Cuomo's decision to remain in office.
And today, having been stuck between a rock and a hard place, the 63-year-old Democrat finally decided to leave his post.
But, despite a rash of sexual harassment allegations, today, the defiant Cuomo emphatically denied intentionally mistreating women and called the pressure for his ouster politically motivated.
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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo did not confess to mistreating women, but to his accusers, his resignation might be the next best thing.
Having been caught between a rock and a hard place, Cuomo took a page from those who resigned because of sexual allegations, saying resigning is the best way to help, or words to that effect.
New York being subjected to political turmoil used to be the worst-case scenario, should Cuomo remain in office.
New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo: "And I think, given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to governing."
He had earlier said he would resign if need be, and so it is.
His fall from grace came as 11 women broke silence and accused the 63-year-old Democrat of sexually harassing them, such as groping and kissing.
Today, in a televised address to the public, vowing to take full responsibility for his actions, Cuomo said he just didn't realise the line had been redrawn, but that he never hugged or kissed people inappropriately. He said generational or cultural differences may account for the misunderstandings.
Governor Andrew Cuomo, "I take full responsibility for my actions. I have been too familiar with people. My sense of humour can be insensitive and off-putting. I do hug and kiss people casually, women and men. I have done it all my life. In my mind, I've never crossed the line with anyone. But I didn't realise the extent to which the line has been redrawn."
Be that as it may, he did thank his accusers for breaking silence, saying it was very brave of them to do so, while reiterating he accepts full responsibility.
Cuomo: "But I want to thank the women who came forward with sincere complaints. It's not easy to to step forward. But you did an important service and you taught me, and you taught others an important lesson: Personal boundaries must be expanded, and must be protected. I accept full responsibility."
The third-term governor's resignation will take effect in two weeks. It came amid the momentum built in the Legislature to impeach Cuomo due to sexual harassment allegations against him.
Among those who threw their weight behind asking Cuomo to resign, President Biden today said he respects Cuomo's decision to step down.
Biden: "I respect the governor's decision and - I respect the decision he made."
While some say it is good riddance, although his guilt has yet to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, the others, including some occupying the middle ground, cut him some slack and thank him for his patriotic fervour, as he stayed with New Yorkers through thick and thin during some of the darkest days of the COVID pandemic.
Among those hailing Cuomo for his daily national briefing and leadership during the pandemic is President Joe Biden once again.
Biden: "Well, he's done a hell of job. I thought he's done a hell of a job. And, I mean, both on - everything from access to voting, to infrastructure, to a whole range of things. That's why it's so sad."
But a barrage of problems continue to befall on Cuomo, even after his resignation, as exultant Republicans rubbed salt in the wound by urging impeachment, which could prevent him from throwing his hat into the gubernatorial ring again.
What's more, at least one of his accusers has filed a criminal complaint against him. Before long, court judges will start subpoenaing the accusers to testify in court.
The string of accusations against him began in news reports last December and went on for months. Cuomo described some of them as utterly fabricated and expressed his firm denial of any inappropriate touches. But he acknowledged he might have made some aides uncomfortable with comments he said were intended to be playful, despite the fact that his accusers consider the comments off-colour.
For now, the heir-apparent is Kathy Hochul, the lieutenant governor. The 62-year-old is expected to take the helm of the state after Cuomo steps down, and will be the first woman ever to lead the state.
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