Self-styled car enthusiast Andrew Cuomo faced backlash online this Wednesday following the release of a new campaign video for “Clingi.” In the clip, he attempts to assist someone with a behind-the-scenes moment in New York City.
Viewers were quick to criticize various aspects of the footage, including his clumsy technique with jumper cables and an awkward handshake he gives the driver.
“Talking to those managing campaign ads, this is just embarrassing,” remarked a user named Samislam about the video, which appeared on Cuomo’s Instagram on Tuesday.
“This is completely disgusting and fraudulent,” added another observer, Tianaco.
The video aims to rally support for Cuomo’s independent mayoral bid, coming just weeks after a significant loss to Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani.
In the footage, Cuomo sets up jumper cables and climbs into the back seat to start the car, declaring, “Start the engine… we can repair this city together.”
However, a self-proclaimed automotive expert quickly pointed out flaws in his cable installation. “You should connect the jump car negatives to the dead car’s chassis instead of the battery terminal to avoid fire,” said user Thehitponcho, suggesting that Cuomo’s actions could pose risks to New Yorkers.
Many speculated that his path to the mayor’s office could be rocky, given his history of scandals while in office. “You clearly aren’t a car enthusiast, but you should be,” advised user brookey4ng.
“Maybe just stay in Westchester and pick up some hobbies,” one Instagram user, Avec.Davey, humorously suggested.
At the video’s conclusion, Cuomo gives the man a series of five awkward handshakes, which sparked further online scrutiny. “I’ve seen smoother car crashes than that handshake,” commented user Yomikeson.
In response, Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, defended him, saying the former governor is a “trained mechanic” who simply helped a New Yorker in need after filming for his campaign. Azzopardi remarked that Cuomo’s backstory includes working as a law school student driving a town truck, and dismissed online criticism.
The opposition, including Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, criticized Cuomo for choosing to drive instead of using public transportation like many residents do.
Sliwa expressed this sentiment on social media Tuesday, stating, “Some people may prefer cars, but I opt for the subway with others.”
A separate campaign ad released by Cuomo’s team also received flak for its lack of energy and clarity. In that clip, he critiques Mamdani for empty slogans while discussing affordable housing and the city’s future, but it failed to resonate.
Dan Pfeiffer, a former Obama advisor, called it “one of the most disengaging campaign videos I’ve ever seen.” He slammed Cuomo for lacking charisma and clarity, sharing his thoughts on social media.
Pfeiffer described Cuomo as a “frustrated man wearing an inappropriate shirt and saying something he’s clearly insincere about.”
Azzopardi countered these remarks, claiming that if professionals don’t appreciate the content, it probably indicates they’re on the right track.
Some users pointed out the presence of visible boom microphones in the video, questioning its authenticity. “Why is there a booming microphone in what’s supposed to be an ‘organic’ street interaction?” asked user CENTEVERDIE.
Overall, many commenters expressed that the new videos were dissuading them from supporting Cuomo’s independent campaign. “Seeing this, I’m all in for Zohran,” one user remarked on the campaign’s Instagram post, while another added, “Eager to vote for Mamdani again!”
