Hochul’s Awkward Attempt to Rally Bills Fans

During an event in front of an enthusiastic crowd of Buffalo Bills supporters on Tuesday, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul faced an awkward moment. As she approached the microphone, ready to lead a chant, the response from the crowd was almost deafening silence.

This somewhat cringeworthy incident quickly spread on social media. Hochul, a Buffalo native, sported a Bills cap and a blue-and-white outfit, which might have signaled her intent to connect with the local fans. She started, “Okay, let’s get the party started – let’s go!” attempting to initiate a “Let’s go, Buffalo!” chant.

However, the crowd’s reaction was limited to a few scattered claps. Not one to back down easily, Hochul shouted, “Buffalo, let’s go!” while gesturing towards different sections of the audience, but her enthusiasm was met with noticeable indifference.

After a moment of awkwardness, she paused and looked out at the crowd. “Okay, are you serious? Do you want to win the season championship with such enthusiasm? Workers, you know what I’m talking about,” she remarked, before trying to get them to chant once more, which fell flat again.

Eventually, she seemed to accept defeat and light-heartedly chided the audience, asking for some “good karma” before reverting back to her prepared speech.

In contrast, other speakers at the event—a celebration of the newly completed $2.1 billion, 60,000-seat stadium after three years of construction—had better luck engaging the crowd. Team owner Terry Pegula and Mary Wilson, widow of the late former owner Ralph Wilson, also took part in the festivities. The venue was reportedly 99.75 percent finished, as noted by Frank Cravotta, the Bills’ senior vice president of design and stadium operations.

Going forward, this stadium will serve as the home for the franchise in Western New York for the next three decades, replacing the older facility, which has been the team’s home since 1973. The new venue is set to open just in time for the upcoming NFL season.