Andrew Cuomo’s Biggest Hurdle: Overcoming His Own Obstacles

With Andrew Cuomo gearing up to announce his mayoral campaign, it’s time for a catchy slogan.

Judging by his recent moves, I suspect he’ll adopt something along the lines of “No Remorse, No Regrets.”

A steadfast commitment to moving forward could save him a lot of time and, more critically, help him avoid revisiting his problematic legacy in Albany.

After all, justifying the numerous missteps in his 14-year tenure could easily become a full-time job.

It’s accurate to say, “he’s got more baggage than a Red Cap,” and that description fits him perfectly.

Therefore, he can’t afford to bury his past. Neglecting his errors or attempting to cover them up might do more to hinder his efforts than help him win.

‘Desperate’ for Andy? 

However, based on his discreet campaign thus far, it appears he doesn’t feel that way. He seems to think that New Yorkers are so starved for effective leadership that he might unite a winning coalition by highlighting his achievements in infrastructure without addressing the significant failures and scandals from his administration.

The flaw in this strategy echoes the words of novelist William Faulkner: “The past is never dead. It’s not even entirely past.”

This certainly resonates with Cuomo’s stint in Albany, which ended abruptly with his resignation in August 2021; had he not stepped down, he likely would have faced impeachment and conviction by the Legislature.

How can he justify that without simply dismissing it as “politics”?

Furthermore, many pressing issues facing New York today—like extremely lenient criminal justice laws—bear his fingerprints.

So do the plans for congestion pricing, which should be an electoral liability for anyone who still endorses it.

Cuomo also advocated a moratorium on all “fossil fuel infrastructure,” including gas pipelines, while asserting that New York would achieve 100% “renewable energy” by 2030.

That’s unlikely, and his misguided agenda is a significant factor in why New Yorkers grapple with some of the highest energy costs in the U.S.

The ex-governor faced numerous sexual harassment allegations that ultimately led to his resignation, and I anticipate some of those cases will resurface during his campaign.

Although he may prefer to avoid these discussions, both his adversaries and many voters won’t allow him that option.

Shameful COVID move 

Additionally, we can’t ignore Cuomo’s controversial choices during the COVID crisis, particularly his infamous directive requiring nursing homes to admit infected hospital patients.

This decision remains indefensible, yet he still refuses to take responsibility for the resultant fatalities, maintaining that his order aligned with federal protocols.

This is false, and his efforts to obscure the real number of nursing home deaths while profiting $5 million from a book deal is scandalous.

Arlene Mullin, who first drew my attention to this order after her mother contracted COVID and died in a nursing home in 2020, certainly hasn’t forgotten or forgiven Cuomo.

She recently expressed that “every time a radio station gives him a platform and he repeats that federal guidelines line without being challenged, I can collectively feel the anguish of over 15,000 families!”

Cuomo, of course, doesn’t exhibit much humility and certainly doesn’t hail from the Fiorello La Guardia style of governing. “The Little Flower” admitted to a mistake once, acknowledging he doesn’t make many, but when he does, “it’s a beaut.”

In that regard, Cuomo resembles Donald Trump, who seldom concedes any faults publicly.

While this stance has hurt Trump with some voters, it has not precluded his historic political comebacks. Presently, polls hint at some success for Cuomo’s strategy as well; even if largely due to name recognition, his lead is notable, with 35% to 40% of surveyed voters consistently supporting him in a crowded Democratic primary field.

Recent polling for likely voters revealed Cuomo at 38%, overshadowing the scandal-riddled Mayor Adams at a mere 10%.

A surprising outcome of the survey was that Zohran Mamdani, a state assembly member from Queens backed by Democratic Socialists, landed in second place with 12%. City Comptroller Brad Lander, another leftist, garnered just 7%, while former Comptroller Scott Stringer received 5%.

Spitzer-Weiner lesson 

Nonetheless, history serves as a cautionary tale about a potential comeback for Cuomo.

Eliot Spitzer, the ex-New York governor who resigned in March 2008 over a prostitution scandal, attempted to revive his career through a city comptroller bid in 2013.

Initially, he secured a substantial lead over then-Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer in the primary, with polls showing him at 48% to Stringer’s 33% just two weeks before the election.

However, Stringer cautioned voters “not to repeat the same mistake” regarding Spitzer’s past, and with union support, he eventually won by four points.

That same year, former Congressman Anthony Weiner attempted a return after being disgraced in a sexting scandal. He led the mayoral primary until another sexting incident ensued, forcing him to withdraw.

Cuomo’s situation speaks to the city’s desperation; many New Yorkers appear to perceive him as a potential savior, seeing a city in distress and believing he is someone who can get things accomplished.

While that may be true, it was also the case for Spitzer and Weiner in their respective ways, and ultimately, Democratic voters ditched them.

Both were similarly distrusted by their peers, and their political downfalls drew little sympathy.

This isn’t to suggest Cuomo should humiliate himself in a public apology; that’s unrealistic and ineffective.

However, I firmly believe that the only reasonable path ahead is for him to acknowledge his entire record and take accountability for his mistakes.

He also owes nursing home families a much greater explanation.

Without evident signs that he has changed from the individual who once faltered, I doubt Cuomo will earn or deserve a second chance.

It all begins with rebuilding trust. Cuomo once had it, but he squandered that trust.

If he fails to restore what was lost, even a victory would feel empty.

Unpatriotic Dem says it out loud

While many Washington Democrats lack a clear plan, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett stands out for her unfortunate comment.

Referring to the Trump administration’s tariffs, she stated, “The fact that I’m rooting for Canada and I’m rooting for Mexico a lot is really wild, but they are really the ones that are speaking truth to power right now.”

Now that’s an interesting take on patriotism.

Tabloid headliner

Reader Jonathan P. Kahn provided a witty observation about Gov. Hochul’s approach to public issues, stating: “She’s like a deer caught in the headlines.”