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Andrew Cuomo was recently spotted enjoying a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, but what was the former governor so cheerful about? Just moments earlier, he had participated in the final New York mayoral debate, where he aimed some pointed remarks at front-runner Zohran Mamdani. Despite his efforts, Cuomo is still projected to lose the election.
His attendance at the NBA game, coinciding with a gambling scandal involving the league and the Mafia, was nothing short of a calculated photo opportunity alongside Mayor Eric Adams, who had just endorsed his former rival. This is noteworthy, especially given that Adams had previously labeled Cuomo "a snake and a liar" just last month.
Cuomo’s Campaign Strategy: A Political Game of Chess
Adams, who faced his own corruption indictment until the Trump Justice Department intervened, is currently polling in the single digits. Although his endorsement may not significantly sway voters, it could enhance Cuomo’s credibility within the Black community and among Orthodox Jews.
Navigating New York City politics is akin to playing a complex game of chess, filled with shifting alliances, fierce rivalries, and contrasting narratives. As a New Yorker, it’s essential to understand the city’s diverse boroughs, ethnic neighborhoods, and the dynamic between Wall Street and Albany.
Historically, New York mayors have risen to national prominence—figures like John Lindsay, Ed Koch, Rudy Giuliani, and Michael Bloomberg all established their legacies in the city’s media capital. It’s no coincidence that influential leaders like Donald Trump, Andrew Cuomo, Hakeem Jeffries, and Chuck Schumer hail from New York.
Mamdani, who began his campaign with a mere 1 percent support, has proven to be a compelling candidate, capable of challenging Cuomo’s establishment status. Despite Cuomo’s lackluster campaign, Mamdani is poised to win, even if Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa drops out—a move he has no incentive to make.
The Growing Opposition to Mamdani
The race has transformed into a concerted effort to halt Mamdani, primarily fueled by his self-identification as a democratic socialist and his past calls to defund the police. Republicans are eager to frame him as a national symbol of their party’s opposition, with Trump branding him a "communist." Many Democrats express concern that Mamdani’s policies could drive businesses away from the city.
Cuomo, the son of a former governor, carries the weight of his past, including allegations of sexual harassment from 13 women that led to his resignation. Mamdani made headlines during the debate by inviting one of these women, Charlotte Bennett, to attend as his guest. Cuomo, trying to deflect, pointed out that no formal charges were ever filed against him.
He is also under scrutiny for his role in nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Debate Highlights: A Clash of Ideologies
The New York Times summarized key debate takeaways, highlighting Cuomo’s energetic performance and his pointed criticism of Mamdani, suggesting that he lacks real-world experience. In a quintessential New York jab, Cuomo claimed that Trump would easily overshadow Mamdani, asserting, "He thinks he’s a kid and he’s going to knock him on his tuchus."
Mamdani fired back, arguing that Cuomo would merely serve as "Trump’s puppet." The unpopularity of the former president in his hometown is evident, especially as he now resides in Palm Beach.
Both candidates targeted Mamdani over his stance on Israel, with Sliwa emphasizing concerns for his Jewish sons’ safety. This issue resonates deeply in a city with the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, and Mamdani’s past remarks and affiliations have raised alarms among Jewish voters. However, he has also garnered support from younger Jewish constituents focused on affordability and the humanitarian issues surrounding Gaza.
In an unexpected move, Cuomo recently released an AI-generated ad depicting Mamdani supporters in a negative light—an action that has drawn significant backlash.
The Drama Continues in NYC Politics
As if the political landscape couldn’t get any more tumultuous, Curtis Sliwa announced his resignation from WABC, a prominent talk radio station, expressing frustration over perceived bias against him and his campaign. His departure has left many questioning his motivations, especially as he battles to halt Mamdani’s momentum.
New York’s political scene is as vibrant and chaotic as ever, with shifting loyalties and public sentiments. Stay tuned for more developments in this high-stakes mayoral race!
Howard Kurtz is a political and media analyst, and a former host of FOX News Channel’s MediaBuzz. He is based in Washington, D.C., and has been with the network since 2013, regularly appearing on programs such as Special Report with Bret Baier and The Story with Martha MacCallum.
