The recent arrest of International Monetary Fund Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn has led to reports that sexual harassment is part of the culture at the IMF.
US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner worked at the IMF at one time. Politico.com reporter Mike Allen asked Geithner about reports of a “predatory atmosphere” there. His answer? Well, you really need to watch this video.
Geithner’s evasive response, and that he had no “feel” for the atmosphere there, inevitably leads to the conclusion that yes, he was aware of the IMF culture, but he was immune to it since he’s a man and it’s a question for a woman. Apparently, it just didn’t affect him like it would female staffers. In other words, this is the way things are and so be it?
His answer would be troubling for any public official, but especially for someone with such a high position in government.