Critics Mobilize as Cuomo Eyes Political Comeback
A new organization is initiating a digital campaign that sharply criticizes the former governor’s handling of Covid.
TroibNews 
**NEW YORK** — A former campaign strategist for ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo is spearheading efforts to thwart his possible political comeback.
Peter Kauffmann, who has a long history as a communications adviser and operative on two of Cuomo's campaigns, is leading a new organization that released a digital advertisement on Wednesday sharply criticized the Democrat's handling of Covid.
The group, which was first reported by PMG, cautions New Yorkers about scandal-ridden politicians like Cuomo. The advertisement, titled “The Truth,” juxtaposes footage of Cuomo against images of other disgraced former New York politicians — Anthony Weiner, Eliot Spitzer, and George Santos.
“Government officials should tell the truth, especially in matters of life and death,” states the narrator over a black-and-white image of a stone-faced Cuomo, following clips highlighting his pandemic management failures.
New Yorkers for Better Government, comprised of business and labor leaders, has not disclosed how much it is investing in the 30-second advertisement or the total funds it has raised. The group's structure permits it to shield donor identities from public scrutiny.
Kauffmann's initiative marks the first organized effort to dissuade New Yorkers from backing a former official like Cuomo as he contemplates a return to politics years after his dramatic fall from grace.
“People look at the situation right now and see a real crisis of leadership,” Kauffmann shared in an interview. “We feel very strongly that there should be some accountability for responsible and ethical civic engagement and good governance.”
“We will be educating New Yorkers about the impact that mismanagement, bullying, petty feuds, sexual harassment — how all those things have a direct impact on the ability of government to deliver for the people it represents,” he added.
Previously, Kauffmann contributed to the New York City government's Covid response during Bill de Blasio's tenure, a known adversary of Cuomo.
As the former governor considers a mayoral candidacy in light of Mayor Eric Adams’ growing legal issues — with Adams pleading not guilty to a federal corruption indictment — Cuomo has been reaching out to potential allies to garner support for his campaign, as reported by sources close to the situation.
The possibility of Cuomo returning to power has raised concerns among New York Democrats, and this initiative could act as a significant hurdle to his ambitions, especially if it can raise enough funds for television advertisements.
Cuomo stepped down in 2021 after the New York Attorney General's office found he had sexually harassed 11 women. Additionally, he faced backlash over his administration's handling of nursing home deaths in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic and the state’s reporting of those fatalities. Cuomo has denied any wrongdoing concerning these allegations.
The digital advertisement emphasizes Cuomo's pandemic management, a crisis that initially propelled him to national fame due to his commanding daily press briefings during an unprecedented emergency. Cuomo's team has long maintained that the criticism regarding Covid is merely a talking point for Republicans.
“At a time when government at all levels are facing a crisis in competence and the city itself is still dealing with the migrant situation, along with rising homelessness, anti-Semitism and an affordability fueled exodus, these de Blasio refugees are bear-hugging MAGA lies in some sort of legally dubious dark money exercise while real, actual, crucial elections for the White House and Congress are hitting the home stretch,” noted Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi. “Governor Cuomo believes these are the issues that need to be focused on and will leave the silliness and pettiness to others.”
Despite his controversies, Cuomo is viewed as a strong contender in a field of lesser-known candidates. Polls indicate that he outpaces potential Democratic rivals in hypothetical matchups. With near-universal name recognition, his team anticipates leveraging his past achievements, including same-sex marriage and gun control measures, in any campaign.
Outside of office, Cuomo has sought to build support from religious Jews and Black voters — two critical groups within the New York electorate essential for his potential victory and traditionally aligned with Adams’ base.
However, the ad campaign might resurface memories of Cuomo's last months in office among New Yorkers.
The advertisement highlights Cuomo's recent testimony before a House panel investigating the governmental response to Covid and his handling of nursing home fatalities. Republicans on the House Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic have accused him of providing misleading testimony regarding alterations to a state Department of Health report. In response, Cuomo's team has pointed to his transcribed interview, indicating that he did not recall seeing the report as a defense against the allegation of misleading lawmakers.
The ad's reference to Weiner and Spitzer brings attention to another issue for Cuomo. Both resigned following high-profile sex scandals and struggled to rehabilitate their images during attempts for political comebacks.
Including Spitzer could be particularly poignant for Cuomo, given the animosity he has publicly expressed towards his predecessor.
Even with a modest investment in the advertisement, it may draw increased donations or caution against supporting Cuomo.
The organization operates as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, a classification that prevents it from disclosing donor information while simultaneously restricting its political activities. Kauffmann has chosen not to reveal the organization's backers or supporters.
He mentioned that the group's activities will ramp up following the upcoming election, with plans to continue raising awareness about how poor leadership can affect government services.
The establishment of this organization is the latest Democratic initiative aimed at obstructing a potential Cuomo resurgence.
Former New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer has circulated a campaign memo outlining Cuomo's political vulnerabilities, particularly regarding nursing home deaths during the pandemic.
Moreover, some Democrats — including allies of Cuomo's successor in Albany, Gov. Kathy Hochul — have urged Attorney General Tish James to consider entering the mayoral race. This poses a potential obstacle for Cuomo, as he and James share a vital base of working-class Black voters from Brooklyn.
James has publicly maintained that she is not a candidate, a sentiment she has conveyed to allies, including Kathy Wylde, President and CEO of Partnership for New York City.
“It’s premature to even talk about it,” Wylde stated. “She said that to me. We have a mayor and she said it’s premature to even discuss it.”
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
Peter Kauffmann, who has a long history as a communications adviser and operative on two of Cuomo's campaigns, is leading a new organization that released a digital advertisement on Wednesday sharply criticized the Democrat's handling of Covid.
The group, which was first reported by PMG, cautions New Yorkers about scandal-ridden politicians like Cuomo. The advertisement, titled “The Truth,” juxtaposes footage of Cuomo against images of other disgraced former New York politicians — Anthony Weiner, Eliot Spitzer, and George Santos.
“Government officials should tell the truth, especially in matters of life and death,” states the narrator over a black-and-white image of a stone-faced Cuomo, following clips highlighting his pandemic management failures.
New Yorkers for Better Government, comprised of business and labor leaders, has not disclosed how much it is investing in the 30-second advertisement or the total funds it has raised. The group's structure permits it to shield donor identities from public scrutiny.
Kauffmann's initiative marks the first organized effort to dissuade New Yorkers from backing a former official like Cuomo as he contemplates a return to politics years after his dramatic fall from grace.
“People look at the situation right now and see a real crisis of leadership,” Kauffmann shared in an interview. “We feel very strongly that there should be some accountability for responsible and ethical civic engagement and good governance.”
“We will be educating New Yorkers about the impact that mismanagement, bullying, petty feuds, sexual harassment — how all those things have a direct impact on the ability of government to deliver for the people it represents,” he added.
Previously, Kauffmann contributed to the New York City government's Covid response during Bill de Blasio's tenure, a known adversary of Cuomo.
As the former governor considers a mayoral candidacy in light of Mayor Eric Adams’ growing legal issues — with Adams pleading not guilty to a federal corruption indictment — Cuomo has been reaching out to potential allies to garner support for his campaign, as reported by sources close to the situation.
The possibility of Cuomo returning to power has raised concerns among New York Democrats, and this initiative could act as a significant hurdle to his ambitions, especially if it can raise enough funds for television advertisements.
Cuomo stepped down in 2021 after the New York Attorney General's office found he had sexually harassed 11 women. Additionally, he faced backlash over his administration's handling of nursing home deaths in the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic and the state’s reporting of those fatalities. Cuomo has denied any wrongdoing concerning these allegations.
The digital advertisement emphasizes Cuomo's pandemic management, a crisis that initially propelled him to national fame due to his commanding daily press briefings during an unprecedented emergency. Cuomo's team has long maintained that the criticism regarding Covid is merely a talking point for Republicans.
“At a time when government at all levels are facing a crisis in competence and the city itself is still dealing with the migrant situation, along with rising homelessness, anti-Semitism and an affordability fueled exodus, these de Blasio refugees are bear-hugging MAGA lies in some sort of legally dubious dark money exercise while real, actual, crucial elections for the White House and Congress are hitting the home stretch,” noted Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi. “Governor Cuomo believes these are the issues that need to be focused on and will leave the silliness and pettiness to others.”
Despite his controversies, Cuomo is viewed as a strong contender in a field of lesser-known candidates. Polls indicate that he outpaces potential Democratic rivals in hypothetical matchups. With near-universal name recognition, his team anticipates leveraging his past achievements, including same-sex marriage and gun control measures, in any campaign.
Outside of office, Cuomo has sought to build support from religious Jews and Black voters — two critical groups within the New York electorate essential for his potential victory and traditionally aligned with Adams’ base.
However, the ad campaign might resurface memories of Cuomo's last months in office among New Yorkers.
The advertisement highlights Cuomo's recent testimony before a House panel investigating the governmental response to Covid and his handling of nursing home fatalities. Republicans on the House Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic have accused him of providing misleading testimony regarding alterations to a state Department of Health report. In response, Cuomo's team has pointed to his transcribed interview, indicating that he did not recall seeing the report as a defense against the allegation of misleading lawmakers.
The ad's reference to Weiner and Spitzer brings attention to another issue for Cuomo. Both resigned following high-profile sex scandals and struggled to rehabilitate their images during attempts for political comebacks.
Including Spitzer could be particularly poignant for Cuomo, given the animosity he has publicly expressed towards his predecessor.
Even with a modest investment in the advertisement, it may draw increased donations or caution against supporting Cuomo.
The organization operates as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, a classification that prevents it from disclosing donor information while simultaneously restricting its political activities. Kauffmann has chosen not to reveal the organization's backers or supporters.
He mentioned that the group's activities will ramp up following the upcoming election, with plans to continue raising awareness about how poor leadership can affect government services.
The establishment of this organization is the latest Democratic initiative aimed at obstructing a potential Cuomo resurgence.
Former New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer has circulated a campaign memo outlining Cuomo's political vulnerabilities, particularly regarding nursing home deaths during the pandemic.
Moreover, some Democrats — including allies of Cuomo's successor in Albany, Gov. Kathy Hochul — have urged Attorney General Tish James to consider entering the mayoral race. This poses a potential obstacle for Cuomo, as he and James share a vital base of working-class Black voters from Brooklyn.
James has publicly maintained that she is not a candidate, a sentiment she has conveyed to allies, including Kathy Wylde, President and CEO of Partnership for New York City.
“It’s premature to even talk about it,” Wylde stated. “She said that to me. We have a mayor and she said it’s premature to even discuss it.”
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
