Andrew Cuomo, the former New York Governor with a long Democratic track record, just stumbled into a firestorm by initially refusing to name a single living Democrat he admires in a recent high-profile interview.
New York Post reported that the thrice-elected ex-governor, now running for mayor as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, faced sharp backlash for his responses during a New York Times interview published on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, where his hesitance to praise peers fueled accusations of self-absorption.
Cuomo’s political journey took a turn when he lost the Democratic primary to progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani earlier this year. Now campaigning as an independent for mayor, the 67-year-old lifelong Democrat found himself under scrutiny during the Times interview. The question was simple: name three elected officials he admires or aligns with politically.
His first answer? A flat “Admire? None comes to mind.”
That response alone lit up the internet with critics on Reddit and elsewhere pouncing on what they saw as an ego-driven dodge. Many wondered if Cuomo, once a heavyweight in Democratic circles, had grown too focused on his own legacy to acknowledge others. It’s a fair critique when a seasoned politician can’t muster a kind word for a colleague.
Pressed further by the Times, Cuomo finally tossed out names—but not without a twist. He listed three deceased Democrats he admires: his father, former Governor Mario Cuomo, along with John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, both tragically assassinated in the 1960s. It’s telling that his admiration seems rooted in the past rather than the present.
When pushed to name a living Democrat, Cuomo offered tepid praise for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, saying he’s “doing a good job as a manager.” He also mentioned California Governor Gavin Newsom as someone “doing the best he can.” These half-hearted nods hardly scream admiration, and they only came after prodding.
Interestingly, during a debate before the June 2025 primary, Cuomo had named House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as the most effective Democrat in the country. That earlier comment stands in stark contrast to his recent reluctance. It raises questions about whether his current stance is more about political strategy than genuine sentiment.
A campaign representative tried to clarify on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, stating that Cuomo sees a difference between admiration and recognizing competence. “The Governor made it clear that he respects Minority Leader Jeffries and thinks Governors Pritzker and Newsom are doing a good job,” the spokesperson noted. Yet, this explanation feels like damage control after the initial fumble.
The online reaction was swift and brutal, with Reddit users piling on. One anonymous commenter quipped, “His brain got locked into a loop of ME!” It’s a biting observation that captures the perception of Cuomo as more self-focused than party-loyal—a dangerous image for someone seeking public office.
Another Reddit user remarked on his political future, suggesting this misstep is “completely maiming the little bit of dignity he has left.” For a man who governed New York through tough times, this kind of critique must sting. Yet, in a hyper-critical digital age, every word is a potential landmine.
Democratic operative Ken Frydman didn’t hold back either, telling The Post that Cuomo’s inability to name a living peer isn’t surprising given his past self-assuredness. Frydman’s jab—“Guess he’s gotta go back to Mario Cuomo”—hints at a reliance on family legacy over current alliances. It’s a polite but pointed dig at a politician seemingly out of touch with today’s party dynamics.
Cuomo himself didn’t shy away from critiquing the Democratic Party in the Times interview, stating, “The Democratic Party is not meeting the moment.” He’s not wrong to question the party’s direction, especially when progressive policies often seem detached from everyday struggles. But his delivery risks alienating the very base he once led.
For conservatives watching this unfold, Cuomo’s predicament is a curious case of a career Democrat clashing with the modern left’s agenda. His independent run and reluctance to embrace today’s party figures might resonate with those frustrated by ideological conformity. Yet, his apparent self-focus undercuts any chance of broader appeal.
In the end, Cuomo’s interview blunder offers a cautionary tale about the perils of political pride in an era where humility—or at least the appearance of it—goes a long way. While his record as governor isn’t the issue here, his inability to play nice with fellow Democrats paints him as a lone wolf. Whether that helps or hurts his mayoral bid remains to be seen, but for now, the spotlight is on his words, not his deeds.
