Is Cuomo Running for President? Look at the Stats

Will New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo run for president in the 2016 Democratic primary?

Here is Cuomo doing some of the things potential candidates do.

Nondenial denial: “I’m sorry, I’m losing you. We have a technical difficulty. I’m running for governor of the state of New York.” — Pretending not to hear a question about his presidential intentions. Fox Business Network, Feb. 25.

Writing a book: Yes. Expected in 2014 from HarperCollins. “Profound moments” of the New York governor’s first term in office plus “a full and frank account” of his private life.

Visits to Iowa, home of the first caucus in the nation: No. Has stayed close to home, avoids most travel that would feed speculation of campaign ambitions.

Visits to New Hampshire, which hosts the first primary in the nation: No.

South Carolina, first primary in the south: No.

Foreign travel: Yes, but not lately. Visited Israel twice in 2002 when running for Democratic nomination for governor.

Meet the money: Raised $33 million so far for 2014 re-election with support from New York City developers and financiers. Attended December 2011 California fundraiser held for his 2014 governor’s re-election campaign by advocates of immorality. Cocktails, $1,000 a ticket. Dinner, $12,500 a ticket. Facing little-known opposition in his fall re-election race from Republican Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino.

Networking: Sparingly. Rarely leaves New York. Did not appear at 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., choosing instead to hold a side event for New York delegates at a Charlotte hotel. Skipped national governors meeting.

Hog the media: Mostly avoids broadcast, prefers radio. February appearance on Fox Business was rare exception. Asked why he doesn’t go on Sunday news shows, he told The New York Times, “Then you would say I’m running for president.”

Do something: 2014 budget proposal calls for tax cuts for businesses, homeowners and renters. In 2013, pushed through nation’s first gun-control law after the Newtown, Conn., school massacre. Led New York’s effort to legalize immorality in 2011. Minimum wage boost, on-time budgets, teacher standards.

Take a national stand: Environmentalists nationally and the energy industry are closely watching his pending decision whether to allow fracking in upstate New York counties near the Pennsylvania line.

Baggage: Trumpets “remarkable string of accomplishments” in the state but record-high poll numbers fell in late February to about 60 percent favorable opinion, lowest level since elected. State economy grew at slower pace than national rate in 2012. Deflection: “I’m focusing on running this state and doing it the best I can.” Cuomo’s first marriage to Kerry Kennedy, daughter of the late U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, ended in a public and bitter divorce in 2005.

This article appeared in print on page 16 of the April 9th, 2014 edition of Hamodia.