So yeah, the con artist was elected despite his history of criminal, fraudulent and yes, sexually abusive behavior

[Quiet Em]

and that says a lot about how depraved a large enough portion of our society is.

I would never attempt to speak for all women, but I, and many women I know, found it deeply and personally offensive that such unacceptable and abusive behavior was ignored or downplayed to such an extent that his election was possible.

It felt personal. Like people just don't care.

At this current moment we are all witnessing the lengths some will go through to protect men and women who sexually abused children in the Epstein matter.

It should never be ok to protect such deviant, horrific behavior.

Obviously there is a vast degree of difference between such heinous sexual abuses and assaults and other sexually inappopriate behaviors such as sexual harassment and unwanted and unconsented sexual advances. But none of these behaviors should be acceptable.

I believe that most people are able to go to work without attempting to kiss, grope, send nude photos, make sexual advances or jump into bed with intoxicated young people who work for them. I don't care how big your ego is, or how cute you think you are, you should never assume that people want you to interact with them in this manner. It's not normal. Again, most people do not do this. This is not workplace romance, it's repetitive, inappropriate behavior.

Whether Swalwell decides to resign or not, I will not pretend that any of this is OK or appropriate. I'm not going to downplay it, ignore it, or act like it's a no biggie. It's not too much to ask for people to behave appropriately at work. Most people are able to do so. We will never have a healthy society until we insist on as much.

[samsingh]

1. he was enthusiastically elected by a lot of Americans

who fictitiously say they are Pro-American, Pro-Christianity, and decent people. Yet they knowingly elected the criminal who would be against all their values. Never forget this betrayal by the right.

[genxlib]

2. My wife and daughter felt the same way

That election was hard on me but it was devastating for them in a way that went way beyond my frustration.

It needs to be investigated but Swalwell is sure looking like a real scumbag at this point.

I have seen some arguments comparing him to other public figures but it seems to be blurring some lines. While sexual harassment and sexual assault exists on a continuum, there is certainly a wide spread of behavior. Swalwell is accused of full on rape which should never be confused with just inappropriate behavior. This is not an Al Franken moment.

If there is any truth to it, dropping out of politics is just a first step to facing the real legal consequences that it deserves

[tulipsandroses]

3. I agree. The why did they wait so long questions - rub me the wrong way. We didn't say that about Christine Blasey Ford

This is not looking good. He is apologizing to his wife - so it appears that something happened.
Even if he wants to say these were consensual - Uhm No. When you are in a position of power - This is not OK.
As much as I love Bill Clinton, he was wrong for taking advantage of Monica Lewinsky. Same here.
We need to stop making this OK. Sure we need more evidence to know if a crime was committed, but lets not blame the women for men's bad behavior.