During Hillary Clinton’s failed 2008 bid for president, campaign advisor Burns Strider was accused of harassing a young subordinate. Allegedly, Strider kissed the young woman’s forehead, touched her inappropriately, and sent her suggestive emails. The emails were reviewed and campaign staff concluded that Strider was guilty of sexually harassing her. Staffers urged that Strider be removed from the campaign, but Clinton refused to pull the trigger.
Strider was married at the time and was advising Mrs. Clinton on faith-based issues. For most people, such an accusation backed up by evidence would result in being dismissed. Strider, however, was kept on Clinton’s staff even against the advice of senior staffers. Strider was sent to counseling and was also docked several weeks’ pay. The young woman was moved to a new job.
The complaint was first brought to Jess O’Connell, who was then the national director of operations for the Clinton campaign. O’Connell had recommended that Strider be fired. When this was overruled by Hillary Clinton, the young woman was moved to a new job and was kept away from Strider.
The accusations come following the #MeToo movement that has shaken up Hollywood.
Strider also provided assistance to the failed Hillary Clinton campaign in 2016 as well, heading the group “Correct the Record.” This super PAC was set up to challenge slanderous accusations against Mrs. Clinton on social media. The super PAC also paid tipsters for “dirt” on Donald Trump and primary challenger Senator Bernie Senators.
Strider was fired from his position after further allegations emerged that he was harassing young female aides. Apparently, the counseling that Clinton had required fell short.
On the campaign trail, Clinton often used her gender to drum up support. Clinton has also generally been held in high regard by feminists. However, when presented with evidence of sexual harassment, Clinton failed to act. It remains unclear why Clinton would stay so loyal to Strider.
Several members of Congress also resigned in recent months. Members of both parties were forced from office.
The accusations come following the #MeToo movement that has shaken up Hollywood. Countless women have accused high-profile industry heads of sexually abusing them. In some instances, men have also reported harassment. Michigan State University has also been rocked by wide-sweeping allegations of mishandling sexual harassment accusations.
Several members of Congress also resigned in recent months. Members of both parties were forced from office. Congress itself has come under fire for how it handles sexual harassment claims. Essentially, taxpayer funds have been used to pay accusers “hush money” in exchange for non-disclosure agreements.
Most recently, billionaire Steve Wynn was pushed out of his role as the Republican National Committee’s finance chair. Apparently, Wynn had reached a $7.5 million dollar settlement with a woman that he allegedly raped. The Wall Street Journal conducted an investigation into the claims and found that women would often hide from Wynn.
Wynn has denied the claims and has suggested that they are the “work” of his ex-wife Elaine Wynn. Wynn is a multi-billionaire and CEO of Wynn Resorts. He lives in and owns property around Las Vegas. Wynn Resort shares have been in a free fall since the accusations became public.
