In a recent interview, Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, candidly expressed his belief that Curtis Sliwa, the Republican contender in New York City's mayoral race, was instrumental in his electoral defeat.
Cuomo, a Democrat, did not mince words when he labeled Sliwa as "a total fraud for decades" during a conversation on 77 WABC radio. He asserted that had Sliwa not entered the race, he "wouldve won" against the now Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani, also a Democrat.
As reported by Breitbart, Cuomo's remarks came during a discussion with another former New York governor, David Paterson. Paterson admitted his unfamiliarity with Mamdani's name until earlier this year and questioned the factors contributing to Mamdani's success. Cuomo, reflecting on the election dynamics, remarked, "I always believed he [Sliwa] would drop out because there was no way for him to win."
He further accused Sliwa of acting as a spoiler, ultimately facilitating Mamdani's victory. Cuomo expressed disbelief that Sliwa, as a Republican, could reconcile with being the catalyst for Mamdani's win, stating, "If he had dropped out, I would have won, Im convinced."
Cuomo's critique of Sliwa extended beyond the election's outcome. He accused Sliwa of engaging in a "clown show," focusing more on attacking Cuomo than Mamdani. Cuomo also highlighted the extensive coverage Sliwa received from WABC and radio host Sid Rosenberg, suggesting that they "made Sliwa" by providing him with significant media exposure. He recalled past controversies involving Sliwa, including fabricated stories about the Guardian Angels and false claims of being kidnapped by the New York Police Department.
The election results, as reported by CNN, showed Mamdani securing 50.4 percent of the vote, while Cuomo garnered 41.6 percent. Sliwa, meanwhile, captured 7.1 percent. Cuomo's contention is that Sliwa's participation siphoned off crucial votes, altering the election's dynamics and costing him a potential victory.
Before the election, Sliwa faced criticism for his campaign strategy. During an interview with 77 WABC, Rosenberg cautioned Sliwa about his focus on Cuomo rather than Mamdani. "So far, youve been on this show for eight minutes, and all youve talked about is Cuomo," Rosenberg remarked. "And, I know you hate him, and Im going to be honest with you, Curtis because weve been friends for a long time I dont feel like youre running against Mamdani anymore."
Cuomo's reflections on the election underscore the complexities of political contests, where third-party candidates can significantly influence outcomes. His comments also highlight the role of media coverage in shaping public perception and electoral dynamics. As the dust settles on New York City's mayoral race, the implications of Sliwa's candidacy and the broader electoral landscape remain topics of discussion.
Login