KLOBUCHAR Vs The People

by Tonieann Harvey

Sen. Amy Klobuchar faces backlash for recent allegations of her mistreating her staff. Many say her behavior reminds them of Donald Trump.The Minnesota senator Amy Khobuchar who recently made the announcement She is running for president in 2020, is now being accused of mistreating her staff. 

Klobuchar’s behavior could cause her to lose supporters.  In a recent interview with two York College professors they said Klobuchar's behavior might affect her campaign. Professor Michael Sharpe who teaches Political science at York college weighed in on these recent allegations about Khobuchar and answered a few questions relating to the nature of the issue from a male perspective. While the issue could reflect that of a double standard to why it has become a such a bigger publicized issue his views were that “The case of her being a woman could be why, but I was thinking of the long-term effect.” However, it’s not the only case of it been a gender issue but “a personality issue” but “it’s okay for her to be angry and she should be able to control her emotions I’m more concern with her policies.” These issues on the other hand made Sharpe feel as though it wouldn’t hinder him from voting for her as a New Yorker, but he stated, “I would have to know more about her policies, but this wouldn’t stop me but for many it will.” The policies are what should be focused on. But her mannerism to Sharpe does not reflect that of Trump because of “Trump’s patriarchy it lets him get away with things.” However, these allegations could cause a “Hilary effect” meaning this could affect her chances of winning “Gender inequity, patriarchy is far from over in the society because I think after Obama, we are experiencing a blow back against progressiveness and liberalism and the gloves have been taken off.” Sharpe said.  Pictured -Michael Sharpe, Associate Professor Political Science at York College “Trump’s patriarchy lets him get away with things”-Michael Sharpe A woman’s views on a woman’s matter. Also, with a recent interview with the director of the Women’s Center Ebonie Jackson at York College she speaks on the matter from the views of a woman. Ebonie Jackson, Director of the Women’s Center at York College With these allegations against Klobuchar she is not the only person to have accusations brought up about them in the presidency candidacy. Jackson explains this as "it shows that no one is immune to having bad stuff happen on their watch. what separates the good from the bad is what you do about those allegations and what you do before you were in the limelight about it” but unfortunately these answers are nothing until it is a big story Jackson highlighted. “No matter who is doing it they should be held accountable.” she expressed, her being a woman is not an excuse but “look critical at it as woman are held higher than men.” Her behavior poses a threat for the people who work under her. “held accountable for the environment you created in your office, her reactions to being called out, she got to own it.” “I think they are ready for a female president”- Ebonie Jackson On her upward moving forward this might not stop her as she is not the only one with serious allegations,   “it’s just a testament to person’s character.” Being said that “women understand things like sexual harassment because they are normally on the receiving end, that tends to make them more sensitive to the matter sometimes.” Jackson stated and continued to say, however, “this does not stop me from voting but other issues like policies would”. In the day and age people tend to be more sensitive. Her attempt to deflect the issue is a red flag of what Trump would do. “We hold our elect officials to a higher standard, it’s not just you and your family in your living room but as a public person doing public policy that affects millions, it’s important that your character be accountable”. Jackson stated Local New Yorkers express their concerns with the Klobuchar allegations. While interviewing local Queens residents on the Khobuchar matter some had mixed reviews and concerns. Kiara Bernard, 21, a college student who resides in Queens said that “Even though her actions were  wrongful I think that they are holding her actions to a higher level because she’s a woman if it were a man they would of seen it an gotten over it but this going to be held over her head her entire career”. As a Queens resident she said, “I would not vote for her, her action dismissed her from that, and you have to trust who you vote for”. Another resident Marcia Haughton who has reside in New York for the last 20 years, had her own thoughts stated that “whether it was a man or woman it is wrong” but this “is a red flag and that you might treat the staff in the white house the same”. Now it is up to Sen. Amy Khobuchar to prove the nation wrong and that these allegations do not define her approach or policies moving forward. According to BuzzFeed News She has been accused of throwing papers, office supplies and even writing berating emails to her staff. The allegations made headlines everywhere.  Although these allegations directly contradict Khobuchar public persona as she appears to be one of the warmest and friendliest people in the Senate. Her popularity in Minnesota is indisputable: she has won all three of her Senate elections. However, her reputation does not perceive her as such. It is said that she has allegedly created a verbally abusive environment for her staff. Many say that her true colors are shown in the way that she treats people who are of less power than she is.  Former staff proclaim that with a temper like hers it is oftentimes unpredictable: she is prompt to outburst. Even though the allegations brought against her seems to hold up some strong factual insight. On the other hand, the current staff members are backing the senator and saying that these allegations are false, and that the senator treats her staff well.