Fact Check: Over 40 Cuomo endorsers once demanded his resignation.

Fact Check: "Over 40 Cuomo endorsers once demanded his resignation."

What We Know

In 2021, a significant number of New York Democrats, including prominent politicians, publicly called for then-Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign amid serious allegations of sexual harassment. Reports indicate that at least 40 Democratic lawmakers were part of this chorus, asserting that Cuomo was unfit to lead the state (NBC News). Following his resignation, which was prompted by an investigation from the New York Attorney General that found he had sexually harassed multiple women, many of these same politicians have since endorsed Cuomo in his bid for mayor of New York City (ABC News).

Recent endorsements have come from several individuals who previously demanded his resignation, including state Senator Jessica Ramos and Representatives Adriano Espaillat, Gregory Meeks, and Ritchie Torres (NBC News). This shift in support highlights a complex political landscape where immediate electoral needs may outweigh past grievances regarding Cuomo's conduct.

Analysis

The claim that "over 40 Cuomo endorsers once demanded his resignation" is partially true. While it is accurate that a large number of Democratic lawmakers called for his resignation in 2021, the current endorsements do not necessarily reflect the same level of support or commitment to Cuomo's past actions. The endorsements appear to be driven by a pragmatic assessment of the current political climate rather than a complete endorsement of Cuomo's past behavior (Politico).

Critics of these endorsements argue that they represent a troubling trend of overlooking serious allegations in favor of political expediency. Political strategist Basil Smikle noted that many Democrats are prioritizing what they perceive as immediate needs for leadership over the implications of Cuomo's past actions (NBC News). This sentiment is echoed by various political commentators who suggest that the endorsements may be more about tactical positioning in a competitive electoral environment than genuine support for Cuomo (ABC News).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this issue is generally high, as they include established news organizations like NBC News and Politico, which have a track record of covering political developments comprehensively. However, it is essential to consider potential biases, as these outlets may have varying editorial slants that could influence their framing of the story.

Conclusion

The claim that "over 40 Cuomo endorsers once demanded his resignation" is partially true. While it accurately reflects the significant number of lawmakers who called for Cuomo's resignation, the current endorsements do not equate to a full endorsement of his past actions. Instead, they illustrate a complex interplay between past grievances and current political necessities, suggesting that many politicians are willing to overlook previous criticisms in light of new electoral dynamics.