Here are some of the weirdest moments from Gov. Cuomo’s farewell speech
Outgoing Gov. Andrew Cuomo used his farewell speech on Monday to deny, complain, boast and — of course — take a parting shot at his longtime political nemesis, Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Here are some of the more tone-deaf, head-scratching and ultimately predictable remarks from the 16-minute, pre-recorded address that marked the disgraceful end of Cuomo’s nearly three terms in office:
“Unfair and unjust”
Cuomo again denied the allegations that he exploited his powerful position to sexually harass 11 women, nine of whom are current or former state employees and who include a state trooper assigned to his protective detail.
“You know me. I am a fighter, and my instinct is to fight this, because it is unfair and unjust in my mind,” he said.
“But you also know that I love New York, and I serve you. That is the oath that I took. And in this moment, I believe the right thing is that my service come first. Prolonging this situation could only cause governmental paralysis.”
Cuomo added: “And that is just not an option for you, and not an option for the state, especially now. There is real work to be done, and it will require government to function at the highest level.”
“Not fair or sustainable”
Although he developed a well-earned reputation for vindictiveness and made millions of dollars off the popularity of his daily coronavirus briefings, Cuomo painted himself as the victim of politics and decried the current state of politics and media coverage.
“When government politicizes allegations and the headlines condemn without facts you undermine the justice system. And that doesn’t serve women, and it doesn’t serve men or society,” he said.
“Of course, everyone has a right to come forward and we applaud their bravery and courage in doing so,” he said. “But allegations must still be scrutinized and verified, whether made by a woman or a man. That is our basic justice system.”
Cuomo added: “I understand that there are moments of intense political pressure and media frenzy that cause a rush to judgment. But that is not right. It’s not fair, or sustainable. Facts still matter.”
“Political firecracker”
Cuomo continued his attacks on the devastating, 168-page report issued by Attorney General Letitia James — the result of an outside investigation he not only authorized but repeatedly said would uncover the “facts” due to James’ reputation for competence.
“A firecracker can start a stampede. But at one point everyone looks around and says, ‘Why are we running?'” he said.
“The truth is ultimately, always revealed. The attorney general’s report was designed to be a political firecracker on an explosive topic, and it worked. There was a political and media stampede.”
Cuomo added: “But the truth will out in time — of that, I am confident.”
“Not talk, action”
Although his top aide told NY1 that Cuomo “has no interest in running for office again,” he sounded like he was still seeking a fourth term when he launched into a lengthy recitation of his accomplishments and policy positions, including prescriptions for the future.
“We’ve embarked on the most aggressive green energy plan in the nation. Not talk, action. Hundreds of projects all across the state, starting now,” he said.
“New transmission lines for a green grid. We are rebuilding our upstate airports. Buffalo is building back, a new LaGuardia Airport — first new airport in the nation in 25 years — a new JFK Airport, a new Penn Station to end the hellacious conditions of Penn Station. More affordable housing than ever before.”
Cuomo also said he was “very concerned” about the Delta variant of the coronavirus, saying, “Please don’t forget what we learned together last year” during the first wave of the pandemic.
“And don’t forget what we accomplished. We went from the highest infection rate in the nation to the lowest. We did what no one thought could be done,” he said.
“Why? Because when the rest of the nation put their head in the sand, and denied science and played politics … we made the tough but necessary decisions.”
Cuomo advised that “teachers must be vaccinated … masks must be required in high-risk areas and private businesses must mandate proof of vaccination for large gatherings,” adding that “this simply will not happen without a state law mandating that it happen.”
“The next mayor”
True to form, Cuomo couldn’t resist using his last stand on the bully pulpit to attack de Blasio near the end of his remarks, albeit without mentioning Hizzoner — who recently began likening the governor to a “Shakespearean” villain — by name.
“[Democratic nominee] Eric Adams will be the next mayor of New York City,” Cuomo said.
“I think he’ll bring a new philosophy and competence to the position which can give New York City residents hope for the future.”
De Blasio’s chief spokesman responded with an optimistic reference to the end of the day, at which time Cuomo’s resignation was set to take effect.
“All I can say is I’m looking forward to 11:59 p.m.,” press secretary Bill Neidhardt said.
But Assemblyman Phil Steck (D-Schenectady) said the move was part of Cuomo being unable “to leave without insulting someone.”
“What does Bill de Blasio have to do with the governor leaving office? Zero,” Steck said.
“The governor insulting everyone under the sun has been a hallmark of his administration.”