"Things have changed today, and I think under those circumstances there should be a very different reaction," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said. | Mike Groll/AP Photo Democrat Gillibrand says Bill Clinton should have resigned over Lewinsky scandal

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand on Thursday said that former President Bill Clinton should've stepped down had his affair with Monica Lewinsky occurred in the current political and cultural climate.

Gillibrand — who holds established ties to the Clintons and is viewed as a potential presidential candidate in 2020 — made the remarks during an interview with The New York Times.


Asked whether Clinton should have resigned because of the affair with the former White House intern, Gillibrand said, "Yes, I think that is the appropriate response."

She continued: "Things have changed today, and I think under those circumstances there should be a very different reaction."

Gillibrand's remarks prompted an immediate rebuke from Philippe Reines, a top adviser to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He derided Gillibrand on Twitter as a "hypocrite" who had taken the Clinton's endorsements and money for years.

"Senate voted to keep POTUS WJC," he wrote. "But not enough for you @SenGillibrand? Over 20 yrs you took the Clintons’ endorsements, money, and seat. Hypocrite."

He added, "Interesting strategy for 2020 primaries. Best of luck."

Gillibrand's comments also come as allegations of harassment, old and new, consume the halls of Congress. On Thursday, Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) apologized to a woman who said the senator groped and kissed her without her consent in 2006.

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Gillibrand said the reports about Franken were "disturbing."

"I was very disappointed," she said. "But it's important that survivors are coming out and speaking truth to power and telling their stories."

In the Senate, Gillibrand has been known for her efforts to combat sexual assault in the military and reform the ways in which those cases are reported and dealt with by military commanders.