New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez cautioned over the weekend that Andrew Cuomo’s potential return to political office could serve as a springboard to a national campaign.
“This is not just about New York City, but this is about the United States,” she told a cheering crowd during a rally in support of Zohran Mamdani, her fellow progressive and candidate for mayor, at Manhattan’s Terminal 5.
“I mean that literally, because Andrew Cuomo has made clear that if he wins this race, he wants to run for president of the United States of America,” AOC said.
Ocasio-Cortez, 35, a longtime ally of Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, 83, also took a swipe at Cuomo’s age. Despite having backed 82-year-old Joe Biden for reelection last year, she criticized Cuomo, now 67, for representing an older political era she believes should step aside for younger leadership.
“In a world and a nation that is crying to end the gerontocracy of our leadership that wants a new day, that wants to see a new generation ascend, it is unconscionable to send Andrew Cuomo to Gracie Mansion once again,” the congresswoman said.
It’s worth noting that Cuomo has never actually lived in Gracie Mansion, having never served as mayor of New York City. His political experience stems from his time as New York’s governor between 2011 and 2021.
Responding to her remarks, Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi dismissed the accusation. “I have no idea where the far left got this silly new talking point, but the governor has said that — death aside — he’ll be finishing his own term,” Azzopardi told The NY Post.
Ocasio-Cortez insisted the upcoming June 24 Democratic primary is a pivotal moment for progressives, not just in the city, but nationwide.
“If we can change the page in the biggest and best city in the United States, then we can change the page in the country,” she proclaimed.
Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman, has gained traction recently with a campaign anchored in unapologetically progressive policies.
Among his proposals: city-operated grocery stores, a 2% millionaire tax increase, raising the corporate tax rate by 4.5%, universal childcare, free public bus service, and shifting law enforcement duties toward social services and mental health care.
Despite Mamdani’s rise in popularity among some circles, Cuomo remains the dominant figure in the race, as many in the Democratic establishment fear a Mamdani victory could alienate moderate voters.
Ocasio-Cortez blasted the support Cuomo has received, calling it a betrayal by party elites. She highlighted the inconsistency of those who once called for his resignation after allegations of misconduct — which he has denied — but are now endorsing his candidacy.
“I cannot tell you how shocked I have been,” she said of those backing Cuomo again. “As a survivor of … assault, I will never unsee that.
“The [message the] political establishment sends to so many people is that it does not matter your positions, your content, your ideas, how experienced you are,” she complained. “It doesn’t matter how much you work with them. They will still choose their old friends and an old generation every single time.”
{Matzav.com}