That was because Newt was, essentially, molested by his high school teacher. He was overweight, lonely because he was overly bright but from a dysfunctional family, and she took advantage of this. He was about half her age, literally - he was still a teenager and she was in her 30s.
I think he’s right on the political hysteria part, since this has taken on a life of its own and even pretty mild things are now considered rape. But on the other hand, Franken’s behavior - which was backed by power - was way beyond just suggestive or bumbling attempts at flirtation. And the accusers seem to be credible.
He was half her age when he was 7 and she was 14.
When they wed he was 19 and she 26.
No one molested him. He probably found girls his own age boring and he probably came on to her.