Cuomo’s Debate Encounter on Nursing Home Deaths
In a significant debate on Wednesday, Andrew Cuomo, the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, sidestepped a direct question about the specific number of nursing home deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Back in March 2022, an audit indicated that the New York State Department of Health had significantly underreported the deaths of nursing home residents while Cuomo was in office. During the debate, he faced immediate scrutiny over his contentious policy requiring nursing homes to accept Covid-positive patients, which was tied to earlier inaccuracies regarding the reported death toll.
“New York reports were continuously counting deaths in nursing homes and hospitals,” Cuomo stated.
Despite the moderator attempting to shift the conversation, one candidate challenged Cuomo directly, asking if he would acknowledge the nursing home deaths. “Do you admit death? It’s a straightforward question. Have you misled Congress? 15,000 people have died, yet you still won’t answer,” the candidate pressed.
Cuomo denied having misrepresented the facts to Congress. “No, I told Congress the truth,” he asserted. “We didn’t alter the data on deaths. We’re ranked 38th among the states, which shows that compared to others, we managed relatively better, with only 12 states reporting lower mortality rates.”
He further recognized the hard work of nursing home staff. “We should really value the extraordinary efforts of those who work in nursing homes,” Cuomo mentioned.
Reports earlier in May highlighted a criminal investigation by the Justice Department concerning Cuomo’s handling of Covid-19, suggesting deception during the investigation of nursing home fatalities.
Cuomo repeatedly dismissed these accusations. However, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Kommer suggested in March that the former governor “willfully and intentionally made a false statement to Congress” regarding nursing home deaths.
When asked whether he participated in compiling the nursing home death report, Cuomo responded, “I was well aware of the report. We discussed it at a press conference,” acknowledging that other candidates had criticized him in the process.
The moderator pointedly noted, “No, before it was released, Cuomo. The concern is about crafting a report,” prompting a moment of hesitation in the discussion.
Choosing to move forward, the moderator shifted to poll results, revealing a January survey in which Cuomo drew 32% support from Democratic voters. Former City Comptroller Scott Stringer followed with 10%, while current Secretary Brad Lander trailed with 8%.
Cuomo had stepped down from the governorship in 2021 following allegations of sexual harassment from 13 women associated with the state. In a June interview with the New York Times, he stated that he felt staying in office at that time would be a distraction to government functions.
