Cuomo Under Scrutiny for Lack of Respect for Democrats

Andrew Cuomo, a former three-term Democrat governor, is facing backlash after he failed to name a single member of his party whom he respects.

Currently running as an independent for mayor, after losing the Democratic primary, Cuomo recently shared his thoughts in a New York Times interview. He mentioned three elected officials he either respects or feels politically aligned with.

Critics quickly noted the irony, particularly because Cuomo has long identified as a Democrat. Many found his tepid comments surprising, especially considering his extensive background in the party.

One user on Reddit quipped, “At least he didn’t name himself,” highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

Another commenter suggested that Cuomo’s inability to name a living Democrat reflected poorly on his own ego, implying he might be “harming” his dignity.

“His brain was trapped in my loop!” joked a user, suggesting that perhaps Cuomo couldn’t think of anyone due to self-absorption. “No principles or loyalty are coming out just for myself,” noted another, suggesting his comments lacked substance.

One more commenter pointed out that this approach could damage any lingering positive opinions about his legacy, saying, “That’s weird.”

Kenneth Friedman, a Democrat, commented, “Andrew Cuomo can’t acknowledge his past mistakes; it’s no surprise he can’t name Democrats he admires.” He sarcastically suggested that perhaps Cuomo should go back to admiring his late father, Mario Cuomo.

During his interview, Cuomo did finally mention three deceased Democrats: Mario Cuomo, John F. Kennedy, and Robert F. Kennedy, both of whom were assassinated in the 1960s.

When pushed to name living Democrats, he finally acknowledged Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for doing well in managing his state and mentioned California Governor Gavin Newsom for his efforts, albeit somewhat ambiguously. “The Democrats haven’t seen them at that moment,” Cuomo remarked, without providing further clarification, suggesting that there was something lacking within the party.

Cuomo had once praised left-leaning firebrand Zoran Mamdani but was met with firm rejection from voters during the Democratic primary. In a debate leading up to the June election, he was asked, “Who is the most effective Democrat in the country?”

A spokesman from Cuomo’s campaign later explained that the former governor was differentiating between those he admires and those he thinks are performing well in their roles.

Mamdani had named progressive Boston Mayor Michelle Wu as an “effective Democrat” during the same debate.