Punishment should not come before that process. Democrats seem to be coming under some kind of authoritarian spell in the age of Trump.

Authoritarian regimes on both the left and the right have used accusations and denunciations as one of their central tools. Over and over. We see it in history and we have seen it in our own time.

Do we believe in rule of law or not?

I don't think this is an example of an authoritarian impulse. Sexual assault is notoriously difficult to prove and only results in criminal charges under the most severe cases.

That doesn't mean we have no good way of adjudicating claims in the court of public opinion. We know, for example, what it looks like when a ham-fisted political operative makes a vague Twitter accusation. Sen. Blumenthal faced that a few weeks ago, but noboddy's calling for his resignation.

To prove a criminal case against Trump, a general admission of improper behavior against women, like in the Access Hollywood tape would not be enough to secure a conviction beyond reasonable doubt. But it's the kind of thing that could make a difference in a civil suit, and should do plenty to inform us about what he considers proper behavior around women.

But okay...if that's what you want... let's call for an adjudication (like that's gonna happen).

NOTHING is happening to the men who are accused of real groping, harassment, and abuse of power.

This Franken thing was driven by personal ambition to run for President. Franken had to be gotten out of the way. He was stealing the limelight, was too successful at the Sessions hearings, was being asked by the public to run for President, and was being asked on all the talk shows (instead of the Dems who plan to run for higher office). So he had to go.

Now a lot of people know Gillibrand's name, and she's been on tv a lot, as have some of the others. Mission accomplished.

i want them indicted,tried,convicted and jailed on racketeering charges

not allowed to resign and waltz off with their ill gotten gains

He said he "hopes" the President thinks about resigning.

There are impeachment articles in the House. Might be the most legally sound and binding effort to get this done.