Gov.  Andrew M. Cuomo, who many thought was a beacon of hope in the early days of the pandemic, must resign. Ten women have accused Cuomo of inappropriate sexual behavior. In this day, and with someone in as high of a position as the governor of New York, every single allegation must be thoroughly investigated. 

In modern American politics, it is obvious there is a problem when both sides of the political aisle are calling for someone to resign. Democrats and Republicans have united to tell Cuomo to resign, and many New York residents agree.

To give Cuomo credit, he led the state through tough times and fought for the right issues. Cuomo fought hard to legalize same-sex marriage in New York in 2011, helped raise the state minimum wage and helped lead through Superstorm Sandy. In 2020, he implemented tight COVID-19 restrictions that helped save lives and has stuck by them while states like Texas and Florida eased restrictions and became hotbeds for the virus. While a controversial figure throughout New York due to issues like harsh gun restrictions, he has done a lot for the state, especially in chaotic times like the pandemic.

However, the reality is the position of governor has no place with a man out of touch with the state of the world. Many argue that Cuomo is just an old man who does not know how to talk to women or that he is just a bit old-school. That does not fly. In the era of the #MeToo movement, it is painfully obvious that this behavior is unacceptable.

Many have questioned the severity of some claims. Cuomo claims he kisses people as a way of greeting, the same way his father Mario Cuomo, the 52nd governor of New York, did. However, former aide Lindsey Boylan’s accusation of Cuomo touching her inappropriately should be enough to sink his ship. The accusation of Cuomo fondling an aide under her clothes is more than enough to warrant his complete resignation.

While due process still exists and no criminal charges have been filed against Cuomo, he should leave the office of governor with dignity instead of being dragged out kicking and screaming in a lengthy and embarrassing trial. 

Cuomo’s attempts at apologizing are embarrassing as well. He deflects the blame, clearly not regretting that he did what he is accused of but that he is in trouble for it. He sets conditional apologies and expects to get away with it, while all it accomplishes is turning away his supporters.

Instead of simply admitting that the actions Cuomo was accused of are wrong, he deflected the blame onto those that were “offended” by it, saying “What I also understand is, it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter my intent. What it matters is if anybody was offended by it,” in a press briefing in March.

Coupled with the scandal of underreporting nursing home deaths, Cuomo should take his bow with grace and leave office. If Cuomo were to resign, the state would not go without a governor until the 2022 governor election. Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul would take over the position of governor until the 2022 election. 

If any concrete evidence is found, Cuomo should resign from the position of governor. To be tried for any sexual harassment while in the position of governor would not only be an embarrassment to the state of New York, but to his and his father’s legacies.

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