Former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo of New York on Wednesday charted a path back from the political wilderness a year after resigning in disgrace: He plans to host a weekly podcast, set up a gun safety initiative, and form a political action committee.
In an eight-minute videoMr Cuomo, a once-powerful Democrat who resigned over sexual harassment allegations last year, said he had gained a “new perspective on politics” during his time on the sidelines and closed the door. frame its efforts as an attempt to help bridge political discourse in a divided nation.
In revealing his plans, Mr. Cuomo did not directly refer to the circumstances that led to his resignation, but he painted a bleak picture of a deeply polarized country, while also pointing his nose. focuses on the “cancellation of culture” and the “crowd” mentality in society. media, both of which he has previously blamed for his political downfall.
“I have seen both extremes, the worst in politics and opportunism,” Cuomo said. “But I have also seen the best in government and service. I believe, at the end of the day, I will be the better person for it, and I want to move forward and focus on what really matters. “
Mr. Cuomo offered some specifics about his future efforts.
In his new political action committee, he only said it would aim to “elect the right people to office”, adding that “we don’t need more vandals, we need producers”. .” It is not yet clear whether he will seek to transfer some of the remaining $10 million in his campaign account to kickstart the committee.
The Fall of Andrew Cuomo
The path to resignation. After drawing national praise for his leadership in the early days of the pandemic, Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York has faced a number of scandals that led to the announcement his resignation on August 10, 2021. Here’s what to know about his political downfall:
Criticizing Democrats in Washington for not passing an assault weapons ban, he shared only the name of his new gun initiative: “The Safe Guns Project for America.”
And he didn’t say when he would release his podcast or what its subject would be, but he vowed that he would “tell the full truth, not omitted” because “it’s not true” Fortunately, today we lack facts and are too long on opinions.”
“This show will come in different formats,” Cuomo said, addressing viewers directly in a dark suit jacket and blue button-up shirt against a white backdrop. “But, more than anything, I wanted to chat with you because it’s about you and you have the right information and your political will to make a difference.”
The video message is seen as Mr. Cuomo’s most concerted attempt to return to public life after he abruptly resigned in the face of public pressure and threats of impeachment, far unanimously approved by members of his party. avoid.
Mr. Cuomo, 64, has remained relatively tight-lipped since an investigation overseen by state attorney general Letitia James concluded that he sexually harassed 11 women, including state employees. The allegations, which he has largely denied, overlap with a series of other scandals that have engulfed his administration, including attempts to obfuss actual death toll of nursing home residents during the pandemic.
But over the past few months, Mr. Cuomo has made hesitant efforts to restore his reputation and chart a path back to relegation after more than a decade in power at Albany.
He stated at a handful of Black churches, was spotted dining with Mayor Eric Adams and has maintained an active social media presence. He deployed his attorneys to publicly discredit the attorney general report that led to his downfall.
Earlier this year, he spent at least $2.8 million for TV commercials that has sought to ignite his legacy as governor, leading to intense speculation that he might jump into the governor’s race and attempt a political comeback. In the end, he decided against running away.
Since his resignation, five district attorneys have closed investigations into several allegations of sexual harassment because there is insufficient legal basis for criminal charges, although some insist that they see testimony. Women’s is trustworthy.
Even so, Mr. Cuomo is facing lawsuits from two of the women: a state soldier who accused him of repeated unwanted touching and Charlotte Bennett, a former assistant who accused him of asking intrusive questions about her personal life which she considered sexual overtness.
In the video message – titled “What’s Next” – Mr. Cuomo said that after decades in the limelight, he has used his time outside of politics to engage in “something called life.” , spending time with his three daughters and his mother, Matilda, as well as hiking, fishing, and restoring an old Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Mr. Cuomo, who himself reputation as a ruthless politician those armed with powerful weapons that bring both allies and enemies to their knees, lamenting that politics has become a bloody sport. He said “democracy is in jeopardy” and his efforts to give hope to Americans disillusioned with the country’s situation.
“I’ve fought well in government and politics all my life, and I’m not done fighting yet,” he said.
