Cuomo‘s Pandemic Poison: Why a Mayoral Run Would be a Disaster for New York
A Bipartisan House Report Exposes the Former Governor’s Troubling Legacy
New York Democrats and Republicans agree on one thing: Andrew Cuomo committed “medical malpractice” during the COVID-19 pandemic. A bombshell report by the House Select subcommittee investigating the pandemic’s origins paints a damning picture of Cuomo’s pandemic mismanagement, reminding New Yorkers why his rumored mayoral run next year would be a catastrophic mistake.
The report reveals that Cuomo attempted to influence another witness’s testimony, his former top aide Jim Malatras, and concluded that Cuomo “likely gave false statements” about his role in pandemic decision-making. Cuomo denied any wrongdoing, dismissing accusations that he tampered with reports on COVID deaths. His response? “Likely?”
But the accusations don’t stop there.
Even before sex scandals forced his resignation, Cuomo and his team repeatedly lied to, misled, and stonewalled requests for COVID-related data from the Legislature and the public. This wasn’t just a failure of transparency; it was a deliberate attempt to conceal the true extent of the crisis and Cuomo’s role in it.
Perhaps the most egregious sin was Cuomo’s March 2020 edict, ordering nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients. This disastrous policy resulted in thousands of preventable deaths. Adding insult to injury, Cuomo’s administration then tried to cover up the true death toll in those facilities.
Clearly, Cuomo’s pandemic leadership was disastrous. The report highlights how his bad decisions, questionable orders, and blatant disregard for public transparency undermined public health during a time of unprecedented crisis. All this while he and his staff were busy writing a book lauding his pandemic leadership, a testament to an astounding level of self-delusion.
But Cuomo’s legacy of failure extends far beyond the pandemic. His tenure as governor was marred by a series of controversial policies that continue to plague New York today.
He signed the “no-bail” law, Raise the Age, and other so-called “criminal justice reforms” that have demonstrably driven up crime rates across the state. This gave criminals a free pass, while undermining public safety and confidence in the legal system.
Cuomo rammed through the congestion pricing plan, a misguided scheme that will burden commuters and businesses while doing little to address traffic problems. He also slashed hospital and state psychiatric beds, exacerbating an already dire healthcare crisis, especially in underserved communities.
One of his 2017 orders forbade law enforcement statewide from working with ICE and CBP, effectively turning New York into a sanctuary state. This has led to increased criminal activity and made it harder to keep dangerous individuals off the streets.
And let’s not forget his misguided climate and energy policies, which are driving up electric bills and jeopardizing the state’s energy security.
While his supporters may point to economic gains made during his tenure, these gains came at an enormous social and cultural cost, leaving New Yorkers with a degraded quality of life and a sense of insecurity.
It’s deeply unsettling that Cuomo, despite his record, might have enough name recognition to be a top contender in next year’s mayoral race. His candidacy would be a shameful reminder of the very policies that have turned New York into a shadow of its former self. It would be a rerun of the 2013 mayoral race, when a disgraced Anthony Weiner consumed all the oxygen on his way to another defeat, allowing Bill de Blasio to slip into Gracie Mansion.
Cuomo needs to do more than just say he’s sorry. He should come clean about his many mistakes and commit to making things right. Until he does, New Yorkers should reject his attempts at a political comeback. The last thing New York City needs is another reckless politician at the helm.
What was controversial about Cuomo’s policy regarding nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic?
## Cuomo’s Pandemic Legacy: An Interview
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the shocking findings of a new bipartisan House report detailing former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining us today is Alex Reed, a [Alex Reed Title/Expertise] who has been closely following this story.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** This report is incredibly damning. Let’s start with the most pressing issue: the accusation that Cuomo pressured a former aide to change their testimony and “likely gave false statements” about his role in pandemic decisions. What does this say about his leadership during that crucial time?
**Alex Reed:** This is deeply troubling. As the report states, it reveals a pattern of behavior where Cuomo and his administration prioritized political expediency over transparency and accountability. Trying to influence witness testimony and potentially making false statements erode public trust and undermine faith in our elected officials. [[1](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/09/nyregion/cuomo-pandemic-nursing-home-deaths.html)]
**Host:** And this goes beyond influencing testimony. The report mentions Cuomo’s administration repeatedly misled the public and legislature about COVID-related data. Why is this so concerning?
**Alex Reed:** In a public health crisis, accurate and timely information is vital. Withholding or manipulating data not only prevents people from making informed decisions about their health and safety, but it also hinders effective policy making. This lack of transparency directly contributed to a climate of confusion and fear during a very difficult time.
**Host:** The report also highlights Cuomo’s controversial policy of requiring nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients. Can you explain the implications of this decision?
**Alex Reed:** This was a disastrous policy that directly led to thousands of preventable deaths. Nursing homes, already vulnerable, became breeding grounds for the virus, putting both residents and staff at immense risk. The fact that the Cuomo administration then attempted to cover up the true death toll is simply unconscionable.
**Host:** Beyond the pandemic, the article mentions that Cuomo’s tenure was marked by other controversial policies. Can you elaborate on that?
**Alex Reed:** Yes, Cuomo’s legacy is unfortunately marred by policies like the bail reform laws and Raise the Age legislation, both of which have been linked to increases in crime rates across the state.
**Host:** rumors are swirling about Cuomo possibly running for mayor of New York City. What message does this send given the findings of this report?
**Alex Reed:** A mayoral run by Cuomo would be a monumental mistake. New Yorkers deserve leadership that is transparent, accountable, and committed to the well-being of all its citizens. Given the revelations in this report, it’s clear that Cuomo is not that leader.
**Host:** Thank you for your insights, Alex Reed. This is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. We encourage our viewers to stay informed and engaged on this important topic.
