In a recent revelation, it has come to light that former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, during a congressional inquiry in June, downplayed the role of his successor, Kathy Hochul, in the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cuomo suggested that Hochul, who was then serving as Lieutenant Governor, spent most of her time in her hometown of Buffalo rather than actively participating in the state's pandemic response.
According to The New York Post, during a transcribed interview with the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, Cuomo was asked about Hochul's involvement in the state's pandemic response. "She was an adviser," was Cuomo's curt response. When probed further, Cuomo admitted, "She was not in the briefings, and I dont think she was involved on the working group. She wasnt involved in the working group."
Cuomo's dismissive remarks about Hochul's role were met with criticism. Representative Nick Langworthy (R-NY) asked if Hochul was present in Albany, to which Cuomo responded, "She was in Congressman Langworthys district, usually. I dont know what they were doing. And I dont know if it was coincidental, but thats where she was. She was in Buffalo, mostly." Langworthy responded, "I think your response speaks volumes about the Lieutenant-Governor Hochul."
Cuomo's attempt to belittle Hochul's role was further highlighted when he quoted former Lieutenant Governor David Patterson, saying, "David Patterson was the lieutenant-governor before he became governor. He said the lieutenant-governor has one job. You call up the governor in the morning. If he answers the phone, you go back to sleep."
Interestingly, Hochul, who assumed the governor's office in August 2021 following Cuomo's resignation due to sexual harassment allegations, was not mentioned in Cuomo's 300-page pandemic memoir. Cuomo reportedly received approximately $900,000 for the memoir after "taxes, contributions and expenses."
Hochul, who won re-election in November 2022, has previously commented on her relationship with Cuomo. "I think its very clear that the governor and I have not been close, physically or otherwise, in terms of much time," she said during a news conference in August 2021. She further clarified her position to CNN, stating, "The people who know me know that Ive not been close to the governor. Ive not been in the rooms where any of these actions occurred and my role as lieutenant governor for seven years has really been to spend as little time in Albany as possible except when Im presiding over the [state] Senate."
These revelations underscore the strained relationship between Cuomo and Hochul, and raise questions about the former's leadership during the pandemic. It also highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of all individuals involved in managing a crisis, regardless of their political affiliations or personal relationships.
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