Cuomo’s COVID Legacy: A Stain on Any Future Political Ambition
A scathing bipartisan report paints a grim picture of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially derailing any hopes he might have for a political comeback.
The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic revealed that Cuomo engaged in unethical practices, including attempts to influence witness testimony and potentially providing misleading information about his role in crucial pandemic decisions.
"Cuomo committed ‘medical malpractice’ during the COVID crisis," the report concludes, echoing the sentiment of both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
This damning assessment comes amidst mounting calls for Cuomo to abandon any plans for a mayoral run in New York City next year. The report cites Cuomo’s infamous March 2020 directive ordering nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients – a decision that resulted in a devastating loss of life – and his subsequent attempts to cover up the true number of fatalities in those facilities.
"Likely? Cuomo denied messing with report on COVID deaths that Malatras said the then-gov and other staffers were all over," the report states, highlighting the governor’s alleged attempts to obfuscate the truth.
Further tarnishing Cuomo’s reputation is a pattern of withholding COVID-related data from both lawmakers and the general public, eroding trust in his leadership.
While Cuomo might bask in past electoral successes and name recognition, his track record extends beyond the pandemic. His "no-bail" law, Raise the Age legislation, and other criminal justice reforms have been linked to a surge in crime across the city. He also pushed through controversial policies like congestion pricing and cuts to crucial hospital and mental health beds, leaving a legacy of discord in the state.
"He signed the ‘no-bail’ law, Raise the Age and other ‘criminal justice reforms,’ driving up crime," the report states. "He forced the congestion-pricing plan through the Legislature; he cut hospital and state psychiatric beds."
Cuomo’s reemergence on the political scene risks a repeat of the 2013 New York City mayoral race where disgraced politician Anthony Weiner’s high-profile campaign crowded out other contenders, ultimately paving the way for Bill de Blasio’s victory.
Instead of seeking new office, Cuomo should prioritize accountability and address the damaging consequences of his past decisions. Only then can he begin to repair the fractured trust he left behind.
