New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Yang is talking to members of the media next to Canal Street Subway Station in New York City. | Spencer Platt / Getty Images
NEW YORK – Andrew Yang, mayoral candidate, said on Sunday that he would “not endorse any abuse of women after being criticized by one of government prosecutors Andrew Cuomo for his reaction in a video when asked if he” suffocated (s) – –es. “
Charlotte Bennett, a former governor who accused Cuomo of sexual harassment, wrote in an open-ended article in the Daily News that Yang was showing “cowardice” when he laughed at the vulgar question of a man approaching him.
“New York City should not be led by someone who laughs at jokes that demean and threaten women, or a man who takes his own instant comfort and that of a man he talks to beyond the safety and respect of half of his voters do not propose, “Bennett wrote. “New York City should definitely avoid a man whose cowardice and misogyny shine so brightly.”
In the video circulating online, Yang laughed and went backwards, apparently pointing with his hand that the conversation was over.
“I’m sorry she feels that way,” Yang said during a campaign in Brooklyn on Sunday when asked about Bennett’s criticism. “I would certainly not endorse any abuse of women in any context.”
Several of his mayors’ rivals also condemned Yang for his reaction in the video, saying he should have spoken out against the comments.
But Yang again defended his approach on Sunday, saying he was trying to pull himself out just as quickly as possible.
“I said at the time that I would end the interaction as soon as possible,” he said.
Bennett wrote that Yang should rather have been ‘straightforward and unequivocal in his reproach. If it does not succeed, even a simple ‘it’s not funny’ would suffice. ”
She also criticized Yang for saying he would accept the governor’s approval.
“Given everything we know and everything we’ve learned, it’s perhaps no surprise that Yang recently said he would still welcome an endorsement from Cuomo,” she said.
“The election of Andrew Yang will bet on more of what we saw this week – toxic masculinity, cowardice and privilege for those who already enjoy it.”
Yang reiterated on Sunday that he would accept the governor’s support, but noted that he had called on Cuomo to step down and allow Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul to accept his duties while he was being investigated. for sexual harassment and other allegations.
‘My job as mayor is going to be to deliver to the people of New York, and if there’s anyone who wants to help New York get a positive direction, I think it’s someone I should be open to working with. , ”Yang said.
Yang, a former Democratic presidential candidate, made the comments at a news conference in Bensonhurst, where he received approval from the New York City Asian-American Democratic Club.
Several other mayors who have hope also gave their approval on Sunday.
Rep. Greg Meeks, head of the Queens Democratic Party, has given his support to former Wall Street executive Ray McGuire.
“There are many formidable candidates in this race, but there is only one candidate with the right combination of lived experience, passion for this city, detailed plans and a proven track record of leading through a crisis,” Meeks said. in the approval by Senate Leroy Comrie, Vivian Cook of the Assembly and several leaders of the Queens Democratic districts.
Brooklyn President Eric Adams has received approval from the Vulcan Society, which represents black firefighters, the Grand Council of Guardians, an organization of black law enforcers, and the NY Charter of the National Latino Peace Officers Association.
Former Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia has received a vote of confidence from Senate Diane Savino, who has nominated Garcia as her No. 2 choice as mayor. The Staten Island Democrat has already endorsed Adams as her best choice.
“I know very few people who work harder or care for this city more than Kathryn Garcia,” Savino said, praising the foster care plan Garcia announced last week. “We need a mayor who knows the ins and outs of municipal governance.”