New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand says former President Bill Clinton should have resigned after his relationship with Monica Lewinsky was revealed.

Gillibrand's remarks, in an interview with The New York Times published Wednesday, come as allegations of sexual assault against men in positions of power continue to rock Capitol Hill, Hollywood and C-suites across the country.

Asked by the Times if Clinton should have stepped aside, Gillibrand said: "Yes, I think that is the appropriate response."

Democrats have sought to re-examine their longstanding defense of the former president in the face of allegations of sexual assault from multiple women. At the time, and in the years since, many liberals have dismissed Clinton's accusers as politically motivated and untrustworthy. But in the wake of allegations against Alabama Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore in recent weeks, the revival of coverage of President Donald Trump's accusers, and a movement on Capitol Hill to change sexual harassment policies, several prominent liberals have called for a "reckoning" about Clinton as well.

That Gillibrand would join them is all the more remarkable because of her longstanding political ties to both Bill and Hillary Clinton: She says she was inspired and encouraged to run for Congress by the former first lady and former New York senator, then was appointed to fill Clinton's Senate seat when President Barack Obama made Clinton secretary of state. The Clintons have supported Gillibrand's career through endorsements, campaigning and fundraising, and Gillibrand returned the favor as a big booster of both of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaigns.

Gillibrand credited a shift in culture around sexual assault in the 20 years since Lewinsky became a household name. The interview response came in a week when a Democratic senate colleague, Al Franken of Minnesota, publicly apologized after a TV anchor came forth and accused him of groping her on a USO tour in 2006.

"Things have changed today, and I think under those circumstances there should be a very different reaction," Gillibrand said. "And I think in light of this conversation, we should have a very different conversation about President Trump, and a very different conversation about allegations against him."

A spokesman later clarified to the Times that Gillibrand specifically meant to say that if Clinton were president now, his relationship with Lewinsky would be cause for him to step down. But her remarks nonetheless set off backlash among some in the Clintons' orbit, accusing Gillibrand of playing politics ahead of a possible 2020 presidential campaign.

"Ken Starr spent $70 million on a consensual blowjob. Senate voted to keep POTUS WJC. But not enough for you @SenGillibrand?" Philippe Reines, a longtime Hillary Clinton adviser, tweeted. "Over 20 yrs you took the Clintons' endorsements, money, and seat. Hypocrite. Interesting strategy for 2020 primaries. Best of luck."

Ken Starr spent $70 million on a consensual blowjob. Senate voted to keep POTUS WJC. But not enough for you @SenGillibrand? Over 20 yrs you took the Clintons’ endorsements, money, and seat. Hypocrite.



Interesting strategy for 2020 primaries. Best of luck.https://t.co/KIsnfY4WLT — Philippe Reines (@PhilippeReines) November 17, 2017

Conservatives piled on, calling her insincere and highlighting her previous statements in support of the Clintons.

Others, however, said it was better late than never.