Does this mean there will be no Sex and City III movie?
I'm with her.
I've been hoping for a gubernatorial challenger who is not a tool of organized crime or the Republican Party. Cynthia Nixon fits the bill, no matter how unfortunate her surname.
5
She's never held any political office so what makes her think she can run an entire state? Let her start on the community level and get some experience. She has no chance against Gov. Cuomo so she should stop wasting her time now.
6
Is this a joke? DeBlasio is not at all popular in NYC and less so in the rest of the state. The strategy of winning a gubernatorial primarily on his coattails is bizarre.
Re Ms Nixon. I’m surprised at her Ivy League credentials. I stayed for a talkback some years ago when she performed off broadway in Prime of Miss Jean Brody. Based on the quality of her unscripted interaction with the audience I mentally tagged her as a bubblehead.
2
I presume she is a member the acting unions--SAG & AFTRA. Has she ever been on a council, or an elected official, or participated in contract negotiations? I think it would be wise to consider what sort of experience--any, really-- a candidate has before supporting them just because you don't like the the other guy. Walking in a march is one thing, but as we clearly see by having an "outsider" run things, the learning curve is pretty wide and it may never become a straight line. Sometimes the devil you know is better than the devil you don't know.
4
Just how far left are we going? Look what de Blasio has done to this city. Do we really want Ms. Nixon to do that our our state? Experience? Oh yeah, an actress in Sex and the City. I baked brownies for a living. I would think I am as qualified as she is. On other words, "are you kidding me"?
2
The worst........another also ran.
1
I will vote for her!
5
Bravo Christine Quinn for putting into words what almost everyone thinks! Thank you for the courage to speak out against an unqualified de Blasio lackey running for Governor.
https://nypost.com/2018/03/20/christine-quinn-bashes-unqualified-lesbian...
2
To all the posters writing Ms. Nixon off as lacking “experience”, I’ll take her any day over the anointed one. Andrew Cuomo is a corrupt, bought and paid for governor who will continue the path we are on - the slide of the once great Empire State into irrelevance.
And please to those posters who think Ms. Nixon should start at the bottom, what exactly did Cuomo do before politics? Nothing. He is where he is because he is the son of a former governor. End of story. At least, she is self- made. Go Cynthia! Just don’t use “Nixon’s the One” as a campaign slogan.
8
Being a New York City resident, I am of the parochial belief that being Mayor is harder than being Governor. I'm also impatient with Gov. Cuomo, who in his two terms has done a few good things, but spent a lot of time trying to set himself up as a national candidate, which I don't think he is.
As for Nixon, she's been a longtime activist and organizer, city resident, union member, and is a product of NYC public schools.
So much of the feedback I'm seeing is that she's not tough or experienced enough for a role like this; some of that, I think can be attributed to sexism. Some of it to people who don't believe that skills in other careers can be translated into the ability to function in a public office.
At this point, I am willing to take chances on smart, committed progressives with skin in the game, and Nixon answers that role for me.
Cuomo could have done a lot more for this state, and has not done anything to break the blockade the IDC holds in the state Senate. Even if he triumphs in the primary, if Nixon pushes him, he's going to have to go to the left.
I gave to her campaign.
11
Excuse me? He will not "have to go to the left" because you ma'am will have no other choice to vote for besides him or enjoy another Republican governor - remember Pataki? Don't think for one second a moderate Republican couldn't beat Cuomo or certainly Nixon who is a female Bernie Bro who will not fly outside of NYC or even in NYC considering Bernie himself was trounced in the 2016 Democratic presidential primary here - he even lost the Lower East Side, East Village, Greenwich Village, and Willamsburg the epicenters of progressive youth in the city, historically.
Good job giving money to a candidate with no legitimate shot at winning when you could give that to Cuomo in his fight against the Republican.
3
I liked George Pataki. He is the kind of Republican we may never see again. Nothing good comes from one-party states, no matter what the party.
2
NYC Public Schools? She's a graduate of Barnard College aftr going to technically a "public school" which is pretty impossible to get into. She's a Park Slope Brownstone Private educated type who will have to solve the problems of the STATE of New York. Does she even have knowledge of the far reaching corners of this state?
2
“I’m not nervous about whoever runs,” Mr. Cuomo said last week. “There’ll be people who run. That’s called elections, and that’s fine.” - NYT quote from the article.
You've done a terrible job as governor, from your stewardship of the MTA downstate, to wholesale destruction of the economy upstate.
I grew up downstate, went to college upstate, started my career in tech upstate, and have personally seen what's happened to New York. You were not responsible for the beginning of the end, but you and your family certainly are responsible for the end of the road for New.
And yes, that was intended as a double-entendre, drive the throughway, cross the bridges, take the LIRR, the PATH, or ride the bus if you don't know what I mean.
It's time for change. I believe that whether a person considers them self right or left, in terms of their political affiliation, Ms. Nixon represent a far better choice for the future of New York than you Mr. Cuomo.
In case you're wondering, I am a lifelong independent, never registering for a political party because I believe them to be the problem, not the solution.
Furthermore, you'll notice I live in S. Florida, that's because the lack of opportunity, the taxes and the cost of living priced me right out of the market in New York.
6
Silly, egotistical woman! It’s amazing to me how people can have such high opinion of themselves that they overlook all forms of incompetence and knowledge. Agree with others that had she been sincere, she would have started in the trenches. We are observing the outcome of this every day and it is destroying our country and maybe our world.
3
Well....if you knew anything about her background (other than her acting career), you'd know that Nixon has had another public life since her teen years. She's a union member, a public school product (and sent her children to public schools), and has a long, productive and real record as an organizer and activist.
4
Alas, what you describe above doesn't make a good governor. How about City Countil first. Fools folly that only takes away from reality.
2
The fact that you're great at Jeopardy doesn't qualify you to be a professor at Harvard. And the fact that you're passionate about politics does not a governor make. If Ms. Nixon is convinced that Mr. Cuomo has failed miserably at governing NY State - well then let her find a qualified candidate and support that person. But do not assume that the fact that you 'care' and have a Tony award makes you a person in whom voters should place their trust. That, I believe, is what is called hubris. Haven't we figured out that we need Qualified Leaders?
6
Her campaign ought to show how strongly voters favor the "left". Is this an idea whose time has come?
Actors with no experience or getting into the ring with single-issue campaigns are becoming viable candidates because the so-called experts with law degrees and relevant education are doing an incompetently horrific if not corrupt job. There's no George Washingtons around.
2
She is definitely a single issue campaigner because there is nothing she brings to the table Cuomo hasn't brought or can't bring to it.
Bottom line is Nixon cares more about NYC than NYS and she will lose because of it especially with Trump in office. No upstaters and a good chunk of NYC folk want a divisive Democratic gubernatorial primary or a NYC-centric person. Cuomo will either still be the right man for the job or the safest bet to most people.
It should NOT matter at all but reality is Nixon will lose countless votes from religious/devout Catholics and Jews because she's a lesbian married to a woman.
Cuomo is the new Hillary Clinton i.e. someone people blindly hate, and I really think part of it is he's Italian and a great deal of you out there automatically think Italian = Mafioso, corrupt, shady etc. Some of you are no different than Claudia Tenney (Google her name and Italian.)
Is Sarah Jessica Parker going to be her campaign manager? From Donald Trump on down, let's have a rule that people will no elective service shouldn't start at the top. If Ms. Nixon loves New York so much, she should get her feet wet with a run for City Council. It's fairly obvious this is simply a run on behalf of her good friend Mayor de Blasio, to annoy Gov. Cuomo.
5
Yet another discouraging product of the Trump era: another celebrity using their status to appeal to the uneducated masses, turning our political system into a JOKE. Yes, maybe she is intelligent etc. and marketing herself as a Washington outsider, but she is still exploiting her status as another form of aristocratic type rule where instead of the common man it is celebrities who have the power to hold office. We have come a long way from our founding fathers... George Washington ushered in by the people against his own personal ambitions/desires because of his devotion to the countries ideals and service/ sacrifice in their defense and HUMILITY is a far cry from the clown in office now (and any of these red carpet sauntering celebrities)- it must be cultural decline. (I must add that if Obama could have been a little more moderate perhaps we would not have the pendulum swing to this horrible extreme...)
3
I really wish it was someone other than a celebrity running against Andrew Cuomo, but a challenger is sorely needed and I will vote for her in the primary if no ones else enters the race. I hope her presence in the race will bring out Cuomo's not so latent nastiness for a national audience. If she is able to let others see what a corrupt bully he is, even better.
2
A challenger is not sorely needed, a challenger is sorely not needed...or wanted by many New Yorkers.
Cuomo will now have to waste time fighting amongst his party and the fighting will be ammunition for the Republican.
You do know that the Democrat has to face the Republican ultimately right?
Alot of you, and I suspect you are one of them, have this mentality that it's Cuomo vs. Nixon when it's Cuomo vs. Nixon then the Republican.
An incumbent Democrat should be allowed to focus 110% his/her energy on not only against the general election Republican but on the job. This ivory tower celebrity idiot who was last among the working people since never (or on her way to and from school at ages 5 through 18) is preventing this focused fight.
de Blasio's puppet? It's not about 2018 and the governorship. It's about 2020 and the Democratic presidential nomination.
1
Not a fan of Cuomo, but I'll take him any day over her.
6
In terms of governing New York, it is no place for a novice regardless of her political activitism. Start with the State Legislature and move up from there.
5
Really?Like Andrew Cuomo did? Please....
3
A platform based soley on social politics is just ridiculous. Did Dems not learn anything about the presidential election? She's not just NYC centric, but Manhattan centric. I'm not sure how many people will vote for her outside of NYC. Let's remind ourselves that Republicans have strong representation in the NY Senate.
3
She has my vote.
2
I am a far left queer cis-male from Queens and a college professor; who voted for Teachout in the last Democratic primary. So I should be a shoe-I supporter for Cynthia Nixon, but her statement and the audio track that has been running has turned me off immediately. I am not interested I am not interested in electing the governor of New York City rather a governor for New York State. Having lived 37 of my 64 years in NYC and moved out TWICE, I can tell you there are a lot of issues that NYSers face. Ms Nixon may well have some good ideas and could be a good leader but unlike other novices running for state-wide offices, Ms Nixon has not done her homework (think Hillary Clinton’s listening tour in 2000 or Kristen Gillibrand’s tours across the state after her appointment as Senator) Does Ms Nixon know where the Southern Tier is - not Mississippi and Louisiana. What about the North Country, no not Westchester nor Canada. There is no doubt that New York State could use new aggressively progressive leadership. But that leadership needs to be professional, skilled and knowledgable. Ms Nixon may get there but it would be nice to see her start to try to get to know the state and its problems that she hopes to lead.
20
People need to look at Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, the likely Republican nominee. He was the mayor of Tivoli, NY when he was 19- at the time the youngest Mayor in the country. Do not write him off
1
Tivoli town of just under 1,100...he must've got enough family and highschoolers to vote for him haha.
If he's a moderate he's dangerous.
1
Go Cynthia! Cuomo needs a wakeup call. His war with the Mayor is over the top. He is an egoistical man who deserves to be shown that he has to work harder and think outside of the box for our state. And stop the cronyism.
2
Cuomo needs to 110% focus on his job and beating the Republican not a vanity opponent who is blatantly pro-NYC which will not fly in NY STATE.
If a positive is to come out of her running it is she will galvanize the upstate vote against her as she again blatantly pro-NYC/NYC first.
Look at her campaign ad. Walking through the streets of NYC and riding the subway. It looks and comes off like an ad for NYC mayor - that's not flying in NYS and I'm a NYCer through and through. I know how people up there think.
1
The founding fathers saw politics as a temporary service performed for the people by a member of the people. An elite professional ruling class was anathema to them and reminisrant of Imperial Europe. Reading the comments here some liberal progressive NYT Democrats are demanding "professional" politicians to fill Americas
1
Anyone’s better then Cuomo, but Cynthia Nixon doesn’t have the brainpower needed for this job. Zephyr Teachout should run again.
Now that we've entered the world of the celebrity candidate, we might as well pick someone who has more brains than the current occupant of the White House. That not being very hard to do, Cynthia Nixon might add some entertaining fun into the New York political game. Look what Zephyr Teachout did some years back. She turned in a pretty good showing and gave old Andrew a run for his money. Nothing wrong with that. Even we Libs enjoy a good knockabout once in awhile.
DD
Manhattan
It's as simple as "ABC", Anybody But Cuomo.
2
NY can NOT go the way of the White House and have a woefully inexperienced and unqualified candidate occupy this seat. I will NOT vote for her the same way I did NOT vote for Trump. Unqualified. Period
1
...and what exactly were the qualifications of Cuomo, besides being the former governor’s son? Oh yeah, HUD secretary which he was appointed to because....he was the governors son.
He was a governor's son? Why isn't that a qualification in your opinion?
I’m democrat and I will never vote Mr. Cuomo. Cuomo is spending millions of our hard earned taxes dollars in placing NYS troopers in the nyc because he hates the current mayor. He has held back millions in NYCHA repair money bc he wants to get back at our major. Go Cynthia!!!!
2
Already, the Cuomo team's canard of lumping together Ms Nixon and Mr. Cuomo is working. No experience? Big deal. Anyone smart enough to be governor can hire experienced advisors who place the well being of the citizenry above their own.
1
Oops. I meant to say "lumping together Ms Nixon and Mr. Trump". Apologies.
Nixon is a terrific woman but it is disturbing to have anyone with absolutely zero experience in government aspire to a high executive office. Why not run for city council first, show humility & respect for the job. Especially after Trump, the idea of no real competence necessary as been debunked.
Who would want a pilot, RN, plumber or teacher to take a job with no training? Managing a vast state administration is a complex job.
Nixon should have earned our trust first.
10
I wouldn't be so quick to write off Ms. Nixon. Yes, there are more experienced politicians that could challenge Cuomo, but it's she who is actually doing so.
7
You make an excellent point!
Many comments on this article have suggested that government positions should require a candidate to have political experience. That is not a good idea! If a sitting government official felt threatened by any young politician they could use political experience as a way to protect themselves. you would end up with more corruption and less diversity in government. Requiring political experience is also a clear violation of the first amendment. It is up to the voters to be informed about each canidate and to choose the candidate they believe will represent them honestly.
4
I think using Teachout as a baseline is a poor idea. Even if you don't agree with her she has strong knowledge about public policy, of which Nixon has very little. Up until being drilled about issues, she probably considered Westchester to be upstate. I'm sure she will play well in Central New York -- ha!.
5
" I'm sure she will play well in Central New York -- ha!."
You're probably right, since CNY is trump country -- ugh!
1
I like her, but I'm just wondering. For any kind of job -- from a job at McDonald's to a faculty position in a university -- there are clear requirements stated in the application. But, why is there no such thing for top level executive positions in the public service? I mean, that includes the position of the President of the USA. How can ANYONE with no strong relevant experiences apply for such crucial positions???
18
Here we go again, the Democratic left offers up another unqualified candidate who thinks that celebrity status and empty slogans will win the day. And it just might: for Republicans!
18
Agreed: See likely Republican candidate, the 42 year old telegenic workhouse Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro
Well, Trump is all that and was elected President.
1
2014 New York State
Democratic gubernatorial primary:
Andrew Cuomo (incumbent) .............. 62.92%
Zephyr Teachout (virtual unknown)..... 33.47%
Randy Credico (who?) ....................... 3.61%
Thinking back 50 years, Minnesota Sen. Eugene McCarthy's 41.9% against President Lyndon Johnson's 49.6% in the New Hampshire Democratic primary was considered a moral victory, so maybe if Cynthia Nixon could build on Ms. Teachout's base and achieve 40% or beyond, voters who detest corrupt government (business as usual in Albany, with more criminal trials on the horizon) could feel that they have at least sent enough of a message to strike a blow against strong-arm, pay-to-play politics and bloody the bully's nose.
Alas, not as satisfying as victory itself, but invigorating nonetheless.
4
Nixon winning 40% or more but losing would be awful because it would show division in the party when we need unity. See the 2016 Democratic presidential primary when that utter lowlife party freedloader/infiltrator/deadbeat Sanders divided it so much he helped give us Trump.
I am really REALLY growing angry at allusions to the Mafia re: Cuomo "strong arm", "pay to play". He has not strongarmed anyone. He has not collected money from anyone. Stop equating him, an Italian, to a Mafioso gangster. Not only is it bigotry it is ammunition for the Trump base.
2
She may not deserve your vote, but she deserves your attention. She takes public school. She sends her girl to public school. She takes the New York Subway, and she takes the Amtrak train. What percentage of politicians still do that?
8
Infrastructure infrastructure infrastructure,... that's what we continue to need to keep jobs and modernize our amazing state.
2
Stop just stop. First off, shame on her using a public school thus depriving someone with far less means to attend it when she has more than enough to send her kid to a private school. Second she takes the subway because she has been so D-List or lower since SITC most people wouldn't notice her. She wasn't taking the subway in her Sex In The City days and if she was it was probably sparingly and/or with bodyguards and that brings me to her if she became Governor of NY. If she did she would not ride the subway anymore, she would be living in the Governor's Mansion on Eagle Street in Albany and sending her kid to a private school up there as a security detail for the kid to attend a public school would be costly as well as disruptive and unsafe for the other students.
The only time "I take the subway" is valid is if you are neither rich nor a celebrity. If a construction worker was running for mayor and said "I take the subway to work" that's real. Her? She's in the one city in this entire city where celebrities more often than not are left alone.
does she live in Park Slope where the public schools are full of other high earning liberals? Will she be sending her kids to private high schools or perhaps use her celebrity to send them to one of a tiny handful of public schools that are run like elite private schools? She's a graduate of Barnard and don't forget many people who are native NYers are rich and Ivy league educated and also control things.
I am a democrat and NY state resident who will not vote for her under any circumstances. Loved her in Sex and the City and no great fan of Cuomo, but she is naive to think she can run new york. She has ZERO knowledge of anything outside NYC, she will be a second rate Bill DeBlasio. Please, no. No more celebrities. Seriously, who do these people think they are? You are an actress. Please. Stop.
24
Who is this actress? Does she think this is a bit role she is auditioning for? We here in California tried it a couple of times and they both failed miserably. Dear NYC do not hurt yourself .
11
Good point...other than the sex show about NYC what else has she accomplished? Maybe on stage she is known.
Having grown up in the crony politics of NYC and Albany, I like political incompetence to be unalloyed of any whiff of "high-faluten."
I liked it when a Union Boss in contract negotiations purposefully mispronounced the NYC Mayor's name.
That was theatre, and things got done!!!
Ms. Nixon is well-known to some, but she isn't even part of her professional unions executive committees.
Can't imagine how she could understand the width and depth of political chicanery, much less have answers for solving those issues.
Celebrity candidacies have been fueled by the way the media treats elections. The ability to tell a story (a job that actors do full-time) is key to winning races. So it should come as no surprise that popular actors and actresses are now running. Not only do they tell stories well, but they also get the automatic news coverage of their celebrity status that does part of the candidate's marketing for them.
If Ms. Nixon can expand her knowledge base on governance and surround herself with experts, why shouldn't she run for governor? Yes, being a celebrity does not qualify her for governor, but it should not disqualify her either.
1
I haven't lived in Upstate New York for a long while, but as a former way-Upstate New Yorker, I have to say that the imagery and language of her announcement video made her sound more like someone running for mayor of New York City than governor of the entire state of New York. (Also, I respect her as an actress and an activist, but do not want to see Democrats follow Republicans down the celebrity-turned-politician rabbit hole.)
11
Bingo re: her commerical. She could care less about NY beyond the city.
1
Trump couldn’t have dreamed a better candidate than Cynthis Nixon to run for Governor of New York against Cuomo in the Democratic Primary. A few more hopeless celebrity left wingers in other states will not only help re-elect Trump but tee up Pence-Haley in 2024.
8
I admired his father and I have voted for Andrew Cuomo. But I am sick to death of Andrew Cuomo constantly trying to undermine the mayor. I am also sick of Cuomo's tolerance of the so-called Independent Democrats who vote with Republicans. Renters in upper Manhattan and the Bronx, despite a couple of rent freezes, still get big rent increases due to the loophole known as MCIs (Major Capital Improvements), the cost of which are passed on as permanent rent increases. MCIs include facade work, roofs, windows, etc. (In that case, what does the rent pay for?) My own "Independent" state senator seems to be more concerned with the safety of dogs on airlines than the rent increases her constituents are facing. Our district is more than 90 percent Democrat and we have a state senator who for all intents and purposes is a Republican. Altogether, it's outrageous. I plan to vote for Cynthia Nixon.
6
Why don't you get Ms Nixon to run for your state senate district or as your state representative? In that way she might get some useful experience. As far as I can tell she has no experience in any political office and no educational background to qualify her.
I left Manhattan 30 years ago, so I have not lived under Cuomo's governance. Isn't there any progressive Democrat with background and experience to take him on?
The whole thing strikes me about the same as having Oprah run for President, although Nixon (unfortunate last name) is actually not comparable to Oprah who has achieved much more starting with much less.
6
My observation is that the only people that like DeBlasio are teachers and rent stabilized tenants. Despite your feelings to the contrary, your rent does not cover the cost of capital projects. Live in a coop or condo and you will understand that.
On second thought maybe you shouldn’t. The middling coop that I live in and serve on the board of has seen average annual increases in real estate taxes of 7% over the past five years.
5
When a co-op does a capital project, there's an assessment based on the number of shares held by the co-op owner. When the project is done and paid for, the assessment ends and you go back to paying the normal maintenance. Not so with MCIs. The "assessment" becomes a permanent part of the rent so that the tenant continues to pay, long after the project's costs have been covered.
3
Great...another well-intentipned celebrity, who is passionate about a cause, but has no serious ability to actually do the job.
NYS needs a qualified executive, not yet another candidate with a high Q-factor, and fanciful dreams of how making an entity run successfully.
11
If Cynthia Nixon is dismissed as a celebrity, what then propelled Andrew Cuomo into public office? Surely not the celebrity of sharing his father's famous name.
8
One fatal flaw in your insinuation:
Mario Cuomo wasn't a celebrity before or during his gubernatorial run and wasn't much of a celebrity as NY governor. His fame came from accomplishment/
Yes, Andrew Cuomo got his foot in the door with help from his father, but he paid his dues. He didn't run for governor right after Dad lost to Pataki in 1994, he ran SIXTEEN YEARS after Dad lost, and put in heavy work in those years with zero fanfare or accolades.
I know who I am NOT voting for!
6
Go, Cynthia! Go!
6
She is a smart, dedicated New Yorker.
Wish she was running against Gillibrand!
4
Ms. Nixon is a descent human being and that is the quality most dear to me.
7
My mother is a very decent human being, but she's not qualified to be governor of a state either.
She might be better qualified than Nixon by dint of the fact that she doesn't have the hubris to think she should start at the top.
15
Not a chance. Don’t need a dilettante. No more progressives.
10
ZEPHYR TEACHOUT "I am so proud to tell you that I am officially supporting Cynthia Nixon to be the next governor of New York.
In the past 8 years, Cuomo has brought shame to NY. He slashed taxes for the rich slashed services for everyone else. Instead of cleaning up corruption in Albany Cuomo’s closest aides have gone on trial for criminal activity - just last week his right-hand man Percoco was convicted on 3 corruption charges in federal court.
While Cuomo was selling out Democratic values Cynthia was fighting for them. She’s spoken out against the cancer of corporate money that’s infecting our party.
Andrew Cuomo already has $31 million in his campaign war chest.
Cuomo has a well-oiled political machine, establishment endorsements, and millions of dollars at his disposal. The media will be quick to label Cynthia’s run as some kind of protest bid -- but I can tell you firsthand that she’s in this to win. She’s going to work day and night to convince New Yorkers that we deserve better than Andrew Cuomo.
We deserve a governor who’ll fight for all our kids -- who’ll expand affordable housing, overhaul our racist criminal justice system, fix the subway once and for all. We deserve a governor who’ll pass sweeping campaign finance reform to get corporate money out of politics and corporate politicians out of office.
Cynthia Nixon can win this race, unseat Cuomo, and put New York back on the right track." (Zephyr Teachout)
6
Good for her. New Yorkers have nothing to lose. Cuomo seemed to have promise, then did some crazy things like opening many casinos that are so badly run, the taxpayers are giving these near-bankrupt organizations bailouts!! Bad, bad judgement. Nothing like giving people upstate seven more ways to lose their shirts!
4
I find it gratuitous that she would run for this having zero government experience or education. Have we learned nothing from the sideshow currently unfolding in Washington? I thought the Democratic Party was supposed to be different from the mess going in the Republican Party.
14
I believe quite a few on NY's left and center voted for Teachout despite her significantly lower name recognition. With (or perhaps despite) Nixon's celebrity, I would not be surprised by her having a good showing from the left and even a fair showing from the center, absent any significant stumbles on her part. A good part of this will be a protest vote against Cuomo and his aspirations for our highest office, but Nixon may surprise us with substance (unlike the current occupier of the White House). Who knows, but I also kept saying 2016 was going to be razor-thin and could go either way to many hrrmphs.
5
How delusional — do you wake up in the morning and say “hey, I think I’ll become governor? Or an astronaut or brain surgeon if the gov thing doesn’t work out?” I think the line separating acting and reality has been crossed by Nixon. Someone please take her aside and tell her to snap out if it.
26
Hope you voted for Hillary.
Nixon's the One?!
1
Funny. I have to crack out my David Frye Lp's. May he rest in peace.
I’m sorry, but did Cynthia Nixon just launch a gubernatorial campaign against income inequality? The same Cynthia Nixon from that tv show about New York as a consumerist fantasyland? In which the working poor were either ignored or caricatured?
Ah, the proud delusion of privilege.
20
SATC was a documentary, and Miranda a real person?
7
Actually, I’d consider her more qualified to run if the show had been a documentary. Perhaps one about the long term effects of rampant materialism on the urban housing market...
It’s a free country and she’s entitled (ahem) to run just like anyone else, but spare us the campaign rhetoric about the plight of the poor. Her biggest contribution to popular culture went out of its way to omit or embarrass them.
4
...and convince countless braindead wannabes to move here - see all the wastes of space up and down Stanton, Ludlow, Essex, and Rivington Streets Thurs-Sat. All real life SITC women. Girls before Girls.
Man do I miss the the real Nixon. Warts and all he was fifty times more qualified to be president than Trump.
6
This is ridiculous. Republicans should draft Megan Kelley. I am not being sarcastic. A savvy lawyer w/ plenty of name recognition; as Governor, she would get out of that stupid time slot on NBC and do some good. Nixon in politics is identity politics cubed.
5
How is her candidacy about identity politics when her primary issues are education and transporation?
5
I am from Iowa--and love NY, too. I am puzzled, though, by the number of New Yorkers responding to the Cynthia Nixon announcement who say they don't want any more celebrity politicians. In other words, because Trump is a disaster NO person in the entertainment business is worthy. This, of course, is nonsense. Cuomo is a savvy and capable politician, most capable in the sense he has a low order of animal cunning--and highly capable of pulling the levers of power, but in a direction suitable to him. But not always in the best interests of New Yorkers. He also has a kind of Trumpian ethos about him, and probably travels in some of the same circles. What Cuomo (and Trump) don't have is what Nixon offers: a sustainable, progressive sense of what can move NY forward and the drive to get it done. And because your governor isn't a professional actor doesn't meant he doesn't act.
20
Just a bunch of words. Nixon's pet project-- more funding for low-income schools-- betrays total ignorance about where school funding comes from (over-taxed New Yorkers, mainly property owners, who just lost a huge deduction thanks to the so-called federal tax reform act) supplemented a bit by state aid that favors Upstate where districts are so lacking they make places like East New York or Roosevelt on LI look "rich." She is just hot air, like Trump. And ignorant, like Trump. And unqualified, like Trump. And demagogic, like Trump, because she thinks a state of 26 million people just need her to make it all better.
11
Who does she really care about? What does she believe is best for all the people in NYS or the rest of the country? Who is supporting her financially?
5
Oh good!! Another entertainment celebrity going into politics. Perhaps the experience gained while acting in Sex and the City is just what we need.
10
Why?
Her only qualifications seem to be her NYC residency and access to DeBlasio.
My jaded view makes me wonder if there were discussions between her and the wife of the mayor to slice the pie.
If the Democrats can't field a better and more qualified candidate, we are in deep trouble.
15
She is a trial balloon for De Blasio's 2022 gubernatorial run.
Think about it: Nixon loses, De Blasio gets the lay of the land. When his term is up in January 2022, he runs for governor vs. Cuomo and loses badly cuz an NYC mayor ain't winning the state.
2
@Primary, if Cuomo is still running for governor in 2022, who's the loser?
Unfortunately, Ms. Nixon has it wrong. We need more experienced politicians not fewer. Experienced politicians have a better understanding of what is politically realistic and therefore can pass the legislature given the divergent opinions held by citizens of this state. Yes, we all want a better life for our citizens but when it comes to the nitty-gritty of legislation - such as how to pay for this better life and how to implement effective policies - we are divided. It is pure fantasy to think that some outsider can step into Albany or Washington D.C and make the government work for the "common person". Change is incremental and difficult to achieve. The sooner that we recognize this - and most experienced politicians do - the less disappointed we will be when things don't change or change slowly.
13
Of course we need experienced politicians, but 'experience' comes in many forms. Old white guys who do nothing but keep going with the'status quo' is not getting us anywhere. I think we should at least be open-mined and listen to what outsiders like Ms Nixon have to say. Writing them off from the start like you are isn't fair.
11
What do Andrew Cuomo, Rudolph Giuliani, and Chris Christie have in common - besides their gratuitous abrasiveness? They were all prosecutors. Let's add Eliot Spitzer to the list. Once these men achieve office, the zeal for retribution they once obeyed as attorneys curdles into low, petty vindictiveness in the political arena. Perhaps this should be a cautionary tale.
I'm not saying Ms. Nixon is the most qualified challenger, but Cuomo has proven himself someone who doesn't take a breath without first calculating its effects on his doomed, eternal presidential prospects. Nobody has gained by his feud with de Blasio, not even himself, yet he never learns. A la Nixon, another paranoid, I'm sure Andrew's got his own, ever expanding, enemies list, which is one more reason not to make him President or retain him as Governor.
50
She's got my vote
5
She should start with the presidency. When she gets enough experience, THEN she should run for Governor of New York.
14
Hopefully just the first of many Dems challenging Cuomo. She gets credit for being first but I doubt she’ll get much more than that.
6
I, for one, am glad, because we need someone to expose Cuomo for what he's become: our very own Chris Christie, less interested in his current job than his aspirational future one.
55
Nah that's De Blasio with his trips all over the country.
4
Cynthia Nixon seems like a fine person with good intentions, but why does experience matter in every professional field except the most important one: government? You can't get a gig as a waiter at the local Italian restaurant, but for some reason, when it comes to governing 20 million people, knowing what you're supposed to do is not a requirement. It's insane. This woman is no more qualified to do this job than I am. She should be taken seriously just because she was on television? Are you kidding me?
28
FYI she's been more involved in public policy than Reagan was when he ran for governor of California.
4
How so? Reagan was a two-term SAG union leader and campaigned for Barry Goldwater. Where was Nixon for Sanders? Wait - where has she been for NYC?
Didn't Carville say "Politics is Hollywood for ugly people"?
5
Sure, why not? Cuomo has done nothing except antagonize de Blasio and routinely lie about malfeasance in his administration. Cynthia Nixon would be a welcome breath of fresh air.
6
No. Just no. The left cannot keep shooting itself in the foot with absurdly unqualified candidates. Please don't support her candidacy. It's not enough that you agree with her ideology, that we could use a woman for governor, or that you liked her on Sex and the City. This is real. Do her and everyone else a favor and talk her out of it.
And yes, I'd be saying the same thing if the guy who played Big were running.
16
Mr Big, Chris Noth, was elected governor of Illinois on the Good Wife.
2
Same difference.
Cynthia Nixon is the kind of arrogant, bumbling idiot at the far left of the Democratic Party in New York who tries to enter politics at a level beyond her adminstrative ability. She does this out of a sense of entitlement and her success at coming out. She is running on fame, Sex in the City, and the mistaken belief some Democrats have that a far left candidate will do better than a mainstream Democratic candidate who discusses the issues voters care about. with executive experience like Cuomo. Bernie brought all of these naive liberals out of the woodwork and gave the Presidency and majorities in the Senate and House to Tea Party Repubicans. Emerge America has encouraged all women who want to run to do so - regardless of the likelihood that they cannot win and will merely split the Democratic voters making room for better controlled Republican candidates to snatch victory again.
Democrats need to run from a position of strength, not ignorance and hope. Hope doesn't cut it any more - we are all still smarting from how much Obama hurt us on the Hope front. Democrats could blow the 2018 elections again by wasting their votes on long shot black swans.
11
Nah nah you're not laying this on Obama who buries Trump.
3
If Obama had been interested in anything other than shoveling money at corporate bank balance sheets, maybe there wouldn't be a Trump.
You mean the Obama who created the ACA/affordable healthcare for millions? That Obama? Why didn't your savior Bernie primary him then?
If racists, bigots, people afraid of the other in general, crazy lefties who wanted a perfect candidate, and idiots who helped Trump win PA, MI, and WI by voting for Jill Stein or not at all, there wouldn't be a Trump?
1
Hopefully she'll do little harm in running.
3
How 'bout none and working with Cuomo?
Nah too hard. Too difficult to drop the "my ball or I go home" mentality that despicable Sanders fostered. Can't stand that man.
3
The argument for an "experienced" candidate is odd, given that Andrew's Cuomo's have a propensity for getting convicted of corruption charges.
4
Admirable, and perhaps she will advocate for NYC residents. However, what does she know about the NY outside of the city? She also needs to work for those in upstate, esp, the rural and blue-blood areas, not just downstate and the elites.
As an aside, disliked SATC. It ruined NYC.
11
The implicit equation of the challenger and Trump are ludicrous. She seems to have done her homework, has a strong character and listens well. Not knowing where all the bodies are buried hardly seems a disqualification.
4
Waste of time. She was unlikable on Sex in the City so that won't help her. She's inexperienced and with what we have down in Washington, this State knows better.
6
Uh, no. Just because you were a successful B-list actress doesn't mean you get to run a state with nearly 20 million people. If you're sincerely interested in public office run for state senate or Congress. The arrogance and self-regard is breathtaking.
To say she's smarter than Trump is little comfort. Every dog in my building is smarter than Trump.
23
Does that go for Ronald Reagan as well?
Let's face it, many seasoned politicians are doing a terrible job. If a person has the qualities of a leader (political experience or not), surrounds themselves with knowledgeable people, has a moral compass and a backbone (lacking these days), has a desire to change things for the better, and is willing to work hard, then why not?
54
I wonder if this race is shaping up to be the same as the California race when Gray Davis was recalled and everyone and his dog were on the ballot.
At least Cynthia Nixon lives in New York. She can be called a lot of things but "carpetbagger" isn't one of them unlike some previous NY governors.
1
I think she should begin a political career running for Board of Education.
11
Quixotic as Ms. Nixon's candidacy may be, it will provide a long-overdue opportunity to shine a high-profile spotlight on the dark underside of Andrew Cuomo's Albany. But don't expect any debates, especially after the Percoco verdict. The governor will sit on his lead (and his fat campaign bank account) and thumb his nose at us all the way to a third term. Don't we deserve better?
43
No thank you, I don't care how liberal she or is not. I don't care that she is a woman or gay. And yes they both groups should be better represented in government But No thank you. She is an actress and has no business going from scenes on the screen to managing a state. She may be very sincere but no thank you. No more celebrities, please.
105
Anyone who is a citizen should be allowed to run without prejudice.
I am tired of professional politicians and speaking as an attorney...I am tired of lawyers serving as elected representatives.
9
Right. Because the "Pros" ( you know, those folks who KNOW their business ? ) have done such a fine job.
Have you forgotten Ronald Regan?
A Governor is expected to lead and manage government within a complex system of constitutional and statutory constraints. A legislator or advocate can focus on broad policy issues with little immediate concern for the mechanics of implementation. A governor must see that his/her policies are not only adopted, but that they are implemented in an effective and efficient manner. The point is—Experience Required.
Ms. Nixon is a first-rate actor and sincere political activist. As much as I want more women in politics, I would be grateful if she earned the privilege to run for governor by first succeeding in at least one other governmental position.
If you think Mr. Cuomo rode his father's coattails straight to the governorship: YES, he began his career as campaign manager for his father, but THEN he became assistant district attorney for New York City. He founded Housing Enterprise for the Less Privileged and was appointed chair of the NYC Homeless Commission. In '93, Cuomo joined the Clinton Administration as Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development in the Dept of HUD. 1997-2001, he served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. In 2006, Cuomo was elected Attorney General of New York. FINALLY, In 2010, Cuomo was elected governor. During his first term, New York legalized same-sex marriage and enacted gun control legislation. In 2014, he was elected to a second term with 54% of the vote.
12
But he won in 2014 by suckering the Working Families Party - getting them to endorse him and then selling them out after he was elected.
Ms. Nixon hasn't been governor - and in this case, that is a plus.
The most important question is: will Patricia Field be in charge of her wardrobe? I sincerely cannot wait for the campaign to start. Seriously, hasn't this country learned anything about the perils of celebrity politicians?
11
Theory:
DeBlasio prompted her to primary Cuomo to get her out of the way of his gubernatorial run in 2021.
She loses now, he runs for the open seat later, no Cuomo or Nixon challenging him in the Dem primary.
5
Good luck to her; however, I wish she would have taken on Mayor first.
That would have been an interesting democratic primary race. Nixon vs. de Blasio. Then, time comes, she can run for governor. A candidate WITH experience.
Oy.
6
Celebrities - Jesse Ventura, Arnold, trump, Oprah, etc. - being taken seriously as public officials just shows what Americas think of as governance has become - theatre.
75
no worse than trump
Gopher from the Love Boat served in Congress and Miss Hathaway from the Beverly Hillbillies ran and lost.
1
Hmmm. Perhaps one person elected with no qualifications other than "star power and ability to draw media attention" is enough?
64
Hmm, when have I seen that before? I know if I think hard enough I'll think of it. You know when a name is on the tip of your tongue, but you can't say it? I hate that.
1
“We are now the most unequal state in the entire country, with both incredible wealth and extreme poverty,”
It is reported that Ms Nixon's net worth is $60,000,000. Seems as though she might be living in a glass house.
https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/actors/cynthia-nix...
30
Did you have a problem with FDR's wealth as well? What difference does it make? There are plenty of 1% oligarchs already running this country who don't care at all about poverty.
7
Celebrity issues aside, you expect a lower-middle-class person to be able to handle this challenge? Get real.
5
@TMC: Nixon has been a highly paid actor for many years. Any inside intel on how she spends her money? Where she donates her cash and time? Whether she pays her taxes? How many other political candidates are rolling in dough, and how many are willing to do something about economic disparity?
2
And I'm sure should Ms Nixon support liberal policies like those advocated by Ms Teachout, or Bernie Sanders in 2015/16, that Ms Nixon will receive "substantial and honest coverage from the likes of the NY Times".
Oh, wait...
22
I didn't think she could do anything that would excite me less than another "Sex and the City" movie. I was wrong.
28
She is running for Governor, not Chief of Neurosurgery.
Like we have done so great with a bunch of third rate personal injury lawyers?
I'm in.
28
Under Andrew Cuomo New York is considered The Most Corrupt State in
the United States. And that is saying something.
Andrew's father's "third son", Percoco, just was criminally convicted in Federal Court and could face decades in jail.
Cynthia Nixon might not have "executive" experience, but does Andrew????
He has "syndicate" experience.
Enough of him.
She'll surround herself with people who know how to run things without corruption. Shake 'em up - hard.
Maybe Preet Bharara will jump in (too bad he is not running for Governor - that would be a dream come true).
Cuomo is your worst nightmare. The public doesn't know what goes on behind his closed doors. It's much worse than they know.
Albany is so corrupt. New York deserves better. She'll attract better.
17
I am sure you are earnest and knowledgeable Ms Nixon but I wish you would reconsider and begin your political career at a community level.
What makes you think you have the experience and knowledge to begin at the top? We have a know-nothing president - NY doesn't need a governor learning on the job
41
I'm with Deirdre.
My patience and tolerance for know-nothing no experience public officers is currently less than zero.
22
She is the sacrificial lamb - doesn't stand a chance - not because she is a woman, but because she is totally unqualified - and does not admit it.
22
Two words: Donald Trump.
Voters always fall for the "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" daydream where an average Joe (or Cynthia) swoops down and saves us with fresh air and shiny ideas and incorruptibility.
Not a fan of Cuomo or fossilized Albany corruption... but man, can't elected positions require an education in public service and from-the-ground-up experience? Like a profession?
Daydreaming...
93
I join the chorus of other commentators expressing dismay at yet another celebrity with no experience treating the White House or a Governors Mansion as an entry level job.
That said, Andrew Cuomo has been a disaster. That he has ambitions on the presidency in 2020 while his state is in such disarray and his staff keep receiving corruption indictments speaks volumes about him. If all Cynthia Nixon does is keep him preoccupied on this race, and thus distracts him enough to keep the presidential primaries free from his unique brand of toxic nepotism, corruption, and incompetence, then we will all owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude.
7
How has he been a "disaster"?
- Minimum wage is 13 an hour in NYC (15 on New Year's Eve '18), 11 in Long Island & Westchester (12 on NYE '18), and 10.40 for the rest of NYS (11.10 on NYE '18.)
- Pro-sanctuary state and anti-Trump all the way.
- Signed a same sex marriage bill without which Nixon doesn't have a legal wife if she married her wife in NY.
- Free college tuition the first East Coast state.
Etc.
As for the subway system, it's a boondoogle to spend money on it with all the other problems the state has. It will always be in disrepair as it's a finite resource being taxed by an ever increasing population using it.
6
I'm a Democrat; I might vote for a primary opponent to Mr. Cuomo: the Moreland Commission ... I have not forgotten it.
Percoco -- haven't forgotten him either.
Mr. Cuomo's statement after the conviction was "“no tolerance” for lapses of integrity in public service. I agree, and Mr. Cuomo has not only tolerated "lapses" -- he has hired the malefactors and attempted to protect them.
15
"Governor Nixon" has a nice ring to it, but I'm sure glad California was spared a Governor Nixon in the sixties. It seems like later model Nixons are of a much higher quality than the older and expired models.
6
If she is sincere about fostering change, she should get behind a strong democratic candidate, preferably someone with considerable experience. Use her celebrity and connections and money to elect someone that is well-suited for public office. She has absolutely no experience in Government nor has she proven herself to be a strong public servant. It’s yet another incredible example of someone convinced of their ability to perform a job for which they have absolutely no skills..
32
I wish it were Eric Schneiderman announcing for Governor instead of Nixon; but maybe we need him more at the Attorney General's slot, just in case either Trump fires Mueller or Pence pardons Trump.
10
All of the readers saying that they don't want another Celebrity running for office should look at the qualities that she brings to the table. She is an impassioned citizen who cares about her state, she sends her kids to public schools and is herself a public school graduate, and she wants to end economic inequality for all those in her state. While people might be concerned about her "celebrity", I see her as a much more grounded person who cares for her state, and wants to fight what she believes is right for all New Yorkers.
18
I hear what you're saying, but a desire for change, however passionate, and the ability to bring change about are two different qualities. I don't doubt Ms. Nixon has the first, a great many people have. She's done nothing to show she has the latter. Passion without the ability to transform it into constructive action is wasted energy.
17
Terrific. Passion now makes up for lack of experience. Passion makes up for a lack of decades of commitment to public service. Passion can be substituted for paying ones dues.
This is of course absurd. What Nixon lacks in political experience she more than makes up for in hubris and self absorption. Heaven help New York.
18
What Jonathan Cerreta is describing is a job description for a kinder garten teacher. Being a successful leader is a hard job - look at how few people are successful at it - Jerry Brown in California? I can't think of many who even deserve to be mentioned. Cynthia Nixon is running on celebrity and showing courage by coming out as a lesbian. This will win you a seat on City Council but not tell you how to run a state which has vast economic and social problems. Those are tough issues requiring how to work with groups who don't get along together, etc., etc. Cynthia Nixon will take votes away from a more qualified Democrat - she's the equivalent of Jill Stein dooming Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016 - and we all know what that cost us - the Trump Administration from which our country may never recover.
4
Starting with Board of Education or Selectman or even dogcatcher would be good starters but going for Governor of NY is a bit of a political over reach.
Celebrities should not be involved with these positions. Look what Reagan brought us. I don't want Kid Rock or Kanye or any of the Kardashians to run for any office. I'm afraid we may be going in that direction. Actually already have. Trump used to shill for Doritos ads. Ms. Nixon may be smart or capable but it'll always be about the Manolo Blahniks and brunch. Sorry.
14
I have no love for Mr. Cuomo who is a power grasping tool; so not a reflection of his father. So, I'm willing to give anyone an ear. At first, more than a bit skeptical of an inexperienced celebrity, I just had to get to the point of reading how De Blasio, a totally empty suit to put it politely, is backing her. I'll take a pass. The only reason he's in at all is that no one good wants to run in New York as there's too many opportunities to do more exciting things. Any friend of De Blasio is not someone I would ever vote for.
7
Cynthia Nixon represents the populist left much like Bernie Sanders did. Her run will be an interesting test for the Sanders wing of the party. I live in Jersey, so I don’t have a dog in this fight, but I find the populist Left’s idealism naive.
It is easy to say we must upend the system, but it is another thing to do it. It is a lot harder than left wing populist let on and it is fraught with unforeseen consequences.
Conspiracy Theory #1: She is running for Kirsten Gillibrand who wants to run for President to weaken Governor Cuomo who wants to run for President. You’ve got to admire Gillibrand’s ruthlessness, she got rid of potential rival Al Franken, and now she wants to knock off Cuomo. You can’t be President unless your willing to chop off a few heads. No one can accuse Gillibrand of being naive, she’s a politician through and through.
5
Seems to be a lot of Cuomo trolls (er, supporters) commenting here, all apparently reading from the same script. Blah, blah, blah, no experience, run for city council first, a de Blasio plant, blah, blah, blah. The only difference between Cuomo's trolls and Putin's is that Cuomo's use better grammar.
Nixon is a smart, thoughtful, capable person. Rather than disparage her now, Cuomo trolls, how about we let the primaries run their course. And, we'll see what she potentially has to offer (versus Cuomo, about whom we know pretty much all anyone needs to know -- and some of it ain't so wonderful).
If Nixon's such a lightweight, like you say Cuomo trolls, then you won't have anything to worry about -- it'll be Cuomo in a landslide.
13
If anyone's a troll it's you Mr/Mrs. Marylander who calls people "trolls" because GASP! they don't think Miss Sex In The City should be mayor because she was on that show.
And let's look at that show: a shallow, vapid portrayal of young NYC women, insular and uniform where there was anything but "the city" since little or no non-white people were in it like its siblings Friends and Seinfeld. Fake NYC for fake NYC people.
2
Cuomo has bothered me more each passing month, especially since he shut down the ethics investigation.
14
I had not heard of Ms. Nixon before. It seems that some of this information about her history as an activist should have been embedded in this article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/style/cynthia-nixons-embrace-of-politi...
2
As someone who doesn't live in the state of New York but follows the news out of the City and Albany (and visits upstate frequently), I cannot tell you what Cuomo has done for New York. I can, however, tell you at length what he has NOT done for New York state in general and New York city in particular.
My summary outsider takeaway is that Cuomo is another hack politician who is long on promises yet has delivered nothing of substance, and has played the Albany insider game when he can get away with it. Yet for some odd reason Cuomo feels that he has a shot at national office, perhaps because of the other New Yorker who managed to do so.
In sum, he soils the office once held by FDR. Go Cynthia!
48
Tappanzee bridge, Goethals Bridge, LGA, desperately needed road improvements
Are we coming fast into the era of everyone and anyone with no experience but a few good thoughts and bit of celebrity recognition or on the peripheral of fame is sufficient to be good at everything? No wonder there's fake, news, fake memos, fake experts.....and fake politicians all around. In the words of one famous fake politician "SAD!!!".......so much for the Oxford dictionary or education of any sort. And we wonder why young children see no need to work on anything to become good at something.
7
I suggest a viewing of 'A Face in the Crowd.' Our political lives have been reduced to reality television and youtube videos. Our 'leaders' will be 'celebrities' mouthing sound bites and slogans aimed at the lowest common denominator, funded by and working on behalf of wealthy and influential individuals and corporations.
Experience and competence? What's that? Who needs it?
It's all about 'the ratings.' Lonesome Rhodes nailed that over 50 years ago; and that's Donald Trump's mantra today. In real life, not in the movies.
4
She has my vote. Anything that I can do to help drive the party so far left that it goes off the road, is worth doing!
2
I am no Andrew Cuomo fan, but Nixon's candidacy is symptomatic of the far left's notion that only it can solve our problems and moderation is unacceptable. Right now there are so many bigger issues to focus time and money on than trying to defeat Cuomo, particularly by a far left liberal with little chance of winning a general election. Even worse, should she win that result could potentially lead to turning over NY State's governorship to a Republican at a time when big blue states like NY and California are among the few counterweights to Trump. This is just not the time for such a Quixotic campaign.
5
This has Deblasio's fingerprints all over it. He's gonna use Ms. Nixon as a challenge to Cuomo's left flank. I love when ppl discuss qualifications, the only qualifications required for public office these days is the ability to raise large sums of money. Now who will the Republicans dust off for this new opportunity. Can't wait for the exciting end of as NY turns!
5
How humble of Cynthia Nixon to choose Governor of New York State as her entry level job in politics, something that Donald Trump felt was beneath him. Oh well, I should be grateful that Ted Nugent doesn't live in New York; the upstate voters would LOVE him.
8
Anybody can make speeches and call themselves a political activist. Nixon hasn't run for any office before and has zero experience in any kind of office that requires serving the people. Reminds me of DT with an apposing viewpoint and we know how DT is working out.
7
This is so silly; a naive entertainer who is taking pointers from our lefty mayor in his grudge match with an effective Democratic governor. This is really such a waste of energy and money as an inexperienced actress tries to use celebrity to cudgel a governor into adopting very left wing policies that really won't work, and reflect an overly idealistic view of how the world works a la the views of comrade de Blasio. Dumb, dumber and dumbest is all that can be said of this vain political jockeying.
10
She has a catchy last name, especially being a Democrat. Other than that .... whatever.
2
Cuomo has alienated most government workers, especially teachers, with his anti-union activity. He tried to suspend the Triborough laws. His support of charter schools, etc. He is basically a Republican in Democratic clothing. HIs constant hostility towards Di Blasio and New York City have also led to his lack of popularity. Cynthia Nixon has a real chance if she is able to clearly articulate her differences with Cuomo.
51
If nothing else, her candidacy will force Mr. Cuomo to the left. Her video is excellent!
2
The triborough laws need to go. He was 100% correct on that
She has no experience in management, organizational leadership, government, Albany. That is one major difference that is very clear.
1
It the last 10 years or so we have seen the inability of the orthodoxy of the left or right to govern. I wondered why. Maybe because orthodoxy is more concerned wth principles and being right than people. Good luck, Ms. Nixon, but don't give up your Equity card.
2
Yes to Cynthia, a brilliant, well-educated New York woman of character. This Hunter H.S. alum knows she has the judgment and class to bring positive change to Albany. Our state is a cesspool of corruption and Cynthia is a powerful force.
50
Oh, stop with this nonsense about needing experience in order to run for executive public office. By the time one works their way up to state leadership, the stench of incompetence, malfeasance, graft and corruption is indisputably putrid. If you are lucky they are simply out of touch, uninspiring or spineless.
15
Anyway, the paragon of credentials and qualifications was Hillary Clinton and enough over-represented voters (thank you, Electoral College) managed to send the current travesty to the White House. Even putting political views aside, Ms. Nixon and the current occupant of the White House are in no way comparable.
1
She is the Donald Trump of the left. God help us. She has no experience, no knowledge of how government is run. Why not run for city council, something small and local.
16
Given the low bar we’ve set for elected officials (and for ethical conduct) in New York, Nixon should be given a shot.
4
i don't want any more TV stars running the govt.
12
In the spirit of the TV show, let's have the primary debate over brunch.
6
Cuomo has the Government employee unions; In New York that equals victory. All the rest is noise.
3
NYT, Cynthia Nixon has said on multiple occasions that she does not identify as "gay" or "lesbian"-- she identifies her sexuality as fluid and has used the term "bisexual." As a paper who purportedly produces journalism that provides honest reflections of the LGBTQ community, it is irresponsible, reductionist, and quite simply incorrect to refer to a woman partnered with another woman as "gay" when they reject that terminology.
7
So she's ashamed of being gay, got it.
1
Nixon is from the Susan Sarandon branch of the Democratic Party.
No way would she get my vote.
6
Susan Sarandon is a Trump supporter.
4
What is the fascination with Chris Collins? Asking you since you're in his neckadawoods.
"Susan Sarandon is a Trump supporter."
Yes, one of those disaffected Bernie supporters who just couldn't vote for Hillary Clinton.
1
Nixon is running to the left of Cuomo? That must be a particularly harmful set of ideas. NY and its beleaguered citizenry has suffered enough.
It will be amusing, though, to listen to an actress espousing on political and economic theory.
4
Well that's it then, now I'm forced to vote for Andrew Cuomo, a governor I don't like in the least. I can't vote for Republicans, ever again, due to Trump. And also due to Trump, I'll never vote for an inexperienced celebrity. Nixon is not a crook, but she's got no governing experience whatsoever, and I'm not willing to take a chance on her good intentions and winning smile. Sorry Ms. Nixon, go back to show biz, and let qualified women get elected governor instead.
33
Why does anyone think the top level executive position of a state is an entry level position? Ms. Nixon run for a lower office, get some actual experience under your belt and then run for governor. I’d love to see a viable Democratic challenger to Cuomo. I fear someone like Nixon could just steal focus and votes from a more experienced Democrat who might actually know a thing or two about NY state government.
124
She'll definitely provide ammunition for a moderate Republican and if you (not you specifically, the general "you") don't think a moderate Republican couldn't win the governorship, think again. Rob Astorino was a generic Republican who somehow won 40% of the vote in the 2014 gubernatorial race. Patakii unseated a three-term incumbent. It's not impossible.
2
Maybe Cynthiz Nixon got the idea from Hillary Clinton and Michael Bloomberg.
2
Juliet Jeske: That's a joke, right? Right? Maybe because we have a President at the entry level.
2
As a registered Republican and a self-identified conservative (not a Trump supporter), I would be thrilled with ABC (Anyone But Cuomo). Cuomo has stated that people whose political views differ from the liberal consensus "have no place in New York." At the least, Ms. Nixon would be more likely to treat people with whom she differs with respect.
jasper
5
The one thing I have in common with Ms. Nixon is our kid's attend the same public school. So far, Ms. Nixon has yet to contribute to the Parent Association.
79
Anyone who thinks de Blasio is doing a good job does not know what a good manager is capable of. If Ms. Nixon thinks de Blasio is an effective Mayor then Ms. Nixon is clueless as to what it takes to be an efficient and successful state official.
13
DeBlasio scapegoats Cuomo and Albany for his failures. There I said it.
1
Andrew Cuomo doesn't deserve a third term. (He didn't deserve a second.)
But, were I still in New York, would I vote for an actress and political neophyte to take on the corruption in Albany? It's a choice between the frying pan and the fire.
12
We are seeing now the consequences of believing that high-level political office can be an entry-level position.
If you want to move into politics start at the local level and demonstrate that you have the skills to win an election, hold public office, and get things done.
66
I don't live in NY now, but I did a long time ago. I would advise NY residents to not vote for someone for Governor who has no prior governing experience, electoral position, or experience managing a large organization. Political novices should start lower, such as the city council or state legislature. It is too risky to elect an inexperienced person to a singular management position, such as Governor or Mayor of a large city. We are currently all paying dearly for ignoring these type of requirements; exhibit A lives in the White House.
I did really Iike Her in "Sex and the City" though.....
24
It's one thing to make the statement that the system is failing; it's another thing to actually understand how to fix them and have a real plan/strategy. I find it irresponsible for someone to use their celebrity to advance their personal agenda.
21
Love Cynthia Nixon, but governor? Does she have executive experience? Love her though!
6
Just say "NO!" to more actors, first timers, failed businessmen and religious extremists as our leaders. Time for the American voter to get a brain and do thorough research on our candidates for public office. Enough is enough with these fools.
107
Please do your "thorough research" before making an assessment or calling someone a fool when you clearly know nothing about her. Is she a celebrity? Yes, to some people. She's also been a front-line advocate for education issues. I don't think she can possibly win - my guess is that she knows that - but she can hopefully move the conversation to the progressive left. We need more than the same old, same old, with money and name recognition (Cuomo) winning the day. Keep riding the subway, Cynthia. And yes, keep your kids in public school. Such things matter.
2
Then do your research on Cynthia Nixon. She is no mere actor, but an intellectual and activist.
1
I don't think non-politicians are the issue. People bring gifts from other walks of life. Billionaires are the issue. What has Betsy DeVos done with her life?
2
As seen during the challenge from college professor Zephyr Teachout, it could be a healthy thing for Cuomo to scramble to shore up his progressive credentials.
18
No it wouldn't and he doesn't have to "shore up his progressive credentials" when he has been the most progressive NY governor ever (yeah even more than his late father.)
It would have been nice to have a legitimate challenge from the left, even if to push Cuomo to the left a bit even if he won the primary. But a celebrity? Hell no! Ms. Nixon seems to tick all the right policy boxes for me but the celebrity as leader experiment has already been done, to disastrous results.
Also, this is such a bad strategic move. She now has no possible career in NYS politics since she will almost certainly lose and she decided that she didn't want to get her hands dirty in the City Council or as a member of the State Senate or Assembly. Right for the big chair!
I will, however, listen to her pitch and I do truly hope she pushes the Centrist a bit to the left.
10
Oh STOPPPPP with the "pushing people to the left" !!!
We need a Democratic majority in all three branches of government. That means no infighting this celebrity idiot with all the time, money, and luxury from having both to be a "political activist" Nixon wants to partake in.
We need to push Republicans out of office.
Look, I haven't read any of Ms. Nixon's agenda or anything, it might be that she has very valid views, she might even turn out to be incredibly competent, but... Please, America, maybe it's time to have politicians do politicians' jobs again? Just... Pretty please?
34
NY has a right to judge their candidates for fitness in office. Her background will and should be scrutinized. However, those saying political experience is necessary should look to other states who have elected non-politicians to be first time politicians such as Rauner in IL. Sure it could be a disaster like IL but the intention is to make sure that those in office are accountable. She might not even win (never know this for a fact) but she can make AC at least recognize, he needs to do more for everyone in the state and start cleaning his own house and party.
3
Celebrity doesn’t confer competence, but it also doesn’t negate it. Ms. Nixon has genuine bona fides—she has long been an advocate for the public interest. Also, if any incumbent deserves a strong primary challenge, it’s Cuomo. The adversarial bickering between de Blasio and Cuomo hurts everyone. It’s time to hold the governor to account.
26
I like her, but governor? Can’t New Yorkers find a candidate with executive experience? It’s not enough to have good ideas, you have to be able to make the come to fruition.
42
No more celebrities in high office. We need experience. She can gain that by challenging a republican senator or congressman in NY, but to go for the top spot without any experience reeks.
38
I'm no fan of Cuomo; but, since when did being a celebrity with opinions qualify someone to hold office? ... oh, wait a minute ... been there, done that, don't want to do it again. Lets restore individuals with experience, ethics and competence to government ... please!
17
Good for her. The odds are against her but she'll bring a lot of attention to the race and that's always a good thing. Incumbents should have to work for reelection and if she has a solid platform the voters will have a real choice.
20
No they shouldn't when they're Democrats and the Republicans control everything. The "real choice" is Democrat vs. Republican.
Thanks to wannabe Bernie Cuomo will have to fight two opponents and have the second one (since he will crush Nixon) have the ammo thanks to Nixon.
2
Great news!
Zephyr Teachout has tweeted that she will be Cynthia's Campaign Treasurer.
Zephyr got 34% against Andrew in 2014, mostly from Upstate. Her participation will be invaluable.
14
No it won't because Cynthia is blatantly pro-NYC and we're in the age of Trump.
2014 might as well be 1984 with Trump.
Btw what skin does Teachout have in this game. Sour grapes?
Funny how there's a machine behind Saint Cynthia (DeBlasio now Teachout.)
Great news. Andy shut down an investigation of Albany corruption - how can a blue state with more Drs. in it than any COUNTRY outside the US have a government that rivals the Feds in terms of conflicts of interest?! (And "we win" by a landslide when it comes to members CONVICTED of felonies.)
And it gets worse. In an effort to make his strong Governor position even stronger, he's engineered a bogus 3rd party boondoggle that results in non-Democratic and non-democratic legislation year after year.
Of course, THE key man in his entourage has just been convicted of bribe-taking. I'm all for folks going into the family business ... if they have what it takes to do the job well.
Andy just has the gift of self-promotion, rather a different thing.
Mario - like a handful before and after him - made "I'm a Democrat" something to be proud of. I'm not a big fan of our Mayor - because he's just Andy on a (for now) City level - but AC is just a hack who's either honest enough or smart enough to look like a decent man ... in the Albany cesspool.
This isn't like the Donald or Oprah running or thinking about running. This is like Bobby Kennedy wading into the '68 election - somebody with vision and a chance to make our state GREAT AGAIN - only for real - where the choices were somebody terrible and somebody un-electable.
I think it's a known blemish on Mario's otherwise fine record that he used homophobia against Ed Koch. Keep your eye on Andy, because he's capable of far worse!
10
Anyone running for office, with absolutely no political experience, is both arrogant and irresponsible. Being Governor is not an entry-level position. Cynthia, please do not disrespect our state by running for Governor. I am sure you can find other ways to feed your ego.
36
Nixon has been a political activist for many years. She's also a highly acclaimed actor of stage, screen and TV. I can't assess whether she's more or less qualified to run than any other candidate, but if she really needed her ego stroked, a tough slog to the governor's office would probably not be her go-to choice.
5
A De Blassio sycophant complaining about broken subways? Oy.
6
Good for her! If our last Presidential race taught us anything, it's that anyone (and I mean ANYONE) can achieve elected office.
8
One Nixon that I will vote for. The fact that she has never run for office before is dwarfed by the corrupt, ethically challenged, phony progressive currently in Albany. The establishment, including most unions, will be against her. However, Zephyr Teachout made a good showing four years ago with little organizational support. The bullying and dismissiveness will be relentless but I’m sure she knows what she’s in for. Good Luck, Ms. Nixon!
37
The USA let the genie out of the bottle when we sat on our hands and let a buffoon from TV become the leader of the free world. No reason for a rationale woman not to have a chance. The years of spending a life in community service before moving to the top are gone.
6
A B- “celebrity” thinks she can run New York State without discernible governing experience.
Unfortunately there isn’t s simple script to memorize.
No thanks.
43
The arrogance of Cuomo is simply staggering. I hope the"second rate actress" comment that he made last week comes back to haunt him. Has this guy ever been to the theater? No way I would ever vote for him in September. If he wins the primary i'll vote for him but not on the Dem ticket.
10
Let’s not use Trumps inexperience as justification to elect other people with no experience or qualifications. I’m sure she has good intentions. But unqualified is unqualified.
15
Congratulations and good luck! If you win, it will be one less crook in NY politics, a drop in the bucket, but everything helps.
10
Ok, this is seriously ridiculous. I love her as an actress, but precisely what qualifies her to run for Governor of the State of New York? It would, perhaps, be a bit more humble to begin a career in politics more simply.
24
I would vote for Ms Nixon....Keet your chin up and go get 'em!
11
She wasn't even a good actress?
3
She's the only one ever to play two Broadway plays simultaneously, but hey what do you know?
1
I will vote for anyone who vows as their first action to change the name of the Tappan Zee Bridge back to the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Bonus points if we can get back the Triboro and the 59th St. Bridge too. Enough with the doubled up signs, doubled up announcements, and endless political egos.
9
Uh, no. New York doesn’t need another totally inexperienced celebrity running for high office. This Democrat doesn’t buy it. We don’t want another vanity candidate.
11
I'm cautious too. Things didn't go well for us with the populist GOP presidential candidate.
But I think we must unseat Cuomo, who doesn't work well with Di Blasio. Cynthia's name recognition, and being a woman, might be upset the balance in the people's favor.
4
Just what the world and NYC needs - another inexperienced politician with a specific agenda. Have we learned nothing form Trump and his clown posse? She is smart and well educated on education issues but really not my choice for Governor. Sorry!
6
It's crazy to me that people clamor for term limits to bring new blood into public offices but then discredit the occupation of those that want to challenge the incumbents. Do we want people who devote their lives to public service or do we want regular citizens to have a chance at these offices? If someone is an actor, a dentist, or a garbage man and has the most promising ideas and a path they can show to accomplish those goals (granted that remains to be seen in this specific contest), then they have my vote. Politics as usual starts in the voting booth, not with the candidates.
6
Kevin, only a very small subset of "people clamor for term limits" and only a subset of them wants someone with zero experience in government.
Just to be sure that New York supporters of Israel know, Ms. Nixon took part in the BDS boycott.
She certainly has a right to boycott arts and theater in the places of her choosing. I will boycott her candidacy.
8
The only reason Andrew Cuomo is our governor is because he rode the coattails off the celebrity of his father.
He's been a poor substitute. The subways are in shambles, property taxes are sky-high, and Cuomo's top aides have been convicted on corruption charges.
Go, Cynthia, go! Fix the subways, use your activism in education policy to restore our schools, and fight for a more equal New York.
55
But Cuomo had executive experience before he ran for governor.
4
Ms. Nixon lacks the mob connections necessary to participate in New York State government.
2
I think we've all had our fill of amateur politicians.
25
And many of us have had our full of “experienced” politicians.
1
Good luck.
Now might be a good time to take your first trip to the rest of NY State.
10
I welcome her run. To much biz as usual in NY. I say good, run from the Left.
7
"We want our government to work again, on health care, ending mass incarceration, fixing our broken subway." I don't take the subway, Ms. Nixon. I live in Rochester, NY. Ever visit?
5
Cynthia Nixon is an excellent candidate.
For those who would like to dismiss her as just another celebrity, she has been a political activist for years.
And she is by no means another Donald Trump who knows nothing about policy and doesn't care to learn about it.
Besides, Andrew Cuomo appears to be largely devoid of ethics and deserves to be exposed before he poisons the Democratic Party in 2020 with a Presidential run.
Ms. Nixon is a fine candidate.
131
I cannot in good conscience, and would not, support this farce. Being an "activist" is not a sufficient qualification for anyone to jump into the top position of any state (or the country). If she is serious about running for office, she should look at city council or a legislative role where her inexperience would do the least harm because she would be only one of many making decisions.
11
Thank goodness someone is opposing Cuomo in the gubernatorial primary. Even when Cuomo does something good, he does it only out of calculation, not conviction.
42
The more smart women in politics the better. But I guess this means never seeing her on the stage again (“Little Foxes”)
5
Unfortunate last name in the political arena but I’d vote for her.
7
I loved SATC and I get that Ms. Nixon has every right to run if she wishes. I just feel like I'm on sensory overload with one TV "star" who has abased our presidency, democracy and nation. I hope I'm wrong but I feel one TV star is enough.
Just sayin.
11
You, who live in NJ, have no say in the matter. After all, you guys elected Chris Christie. Twice.
Just sayin'
11
Yes, Cynthia Nixon REALLY DOES RIDE THE SUBWAY. (I've seen her there several times.) And, yes, Andrew Cuomo has presided over the destruction of the subway system by his MTA. Cynthia Nixon is no dilettante "celebrity." She has been a deeply committed civic activist for decades. I've seen her most on the front lines of the fight for quality public education, LGBT rights, and choice. If she wins, she will be vanquishing a governor who won't even work to get his own party in power in the State Senate--allowing rogue Democrats to caucus with the Republican minority to keep THEM in control. Cynthia Nixon is no stranger to politics and won't be owned by the special interests keep government beholden to lobbyists instead of average people. Go Cynthia!
165
So do many other actors, most not well known. I saw Martin Sheen on the subway years ago. Did he run for office as an unqualified candidate? No. Neither should Ms Nixon.
7
So keep electing professional politicians with $30 million war chests from special interest lobbyists like Cuomo has. Martin Sheen, by the way, did not just play a President on TV. He, too, has been a deeply committed civic activist like Cynthia Nixon and both have made big differences in public policy. What was Andrew Cuomo's "qualification" in politics other than working in his father's campaigns? (I concede his early housing activism--but Cynthia Nixon has had deep involvement in multiple issues that touch all of our lives.)
10
Why do you suppose this article left out all her activism (assuming you know whereof you speak; I live on the opposite coast and have not heard of her previously -- for the or for her television roles, as I don't watch TV.
3
Governor of one of the most populous states in our union should not be an entry level position- period.
200
That's right, they need to be seasoned politicians like
Sheldon Silver or Ed Mangano.
How else will things get bought out.
3
Please, being a celebrity does not qualify one to be a governor. Haven't we learned? And if she really does want to work in politics, start at the bottom.
116
I don't disagree, but let's face it - Andrew Cuomo didn't start at the bottom either. Neither did Hillary.
9
Katrina... Cynthia Nixon has been a political activist for years.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/26/style/cynthia-nixons-embrace-of-politi...
She's a very knowledgeable, compassionate and accomplished human being, unlike the proud Know-Nothing who is our Moron-In-Chief.
Celebrities come in different flavors.
65
She has been involved in New York politics for many years.
8
Let's not forget that Cuomo himself was a sort of celebrity, benefitting tremendously from his father's name and legacy. If he was Andrew Schlomo, he probably wouldn't have the job.
The most important traits for a governor are sound judgement and an experienced, dedicated staff (dedicated to state business, not the political rise of their boss). There is no reason to think Ms. Nixon will not possess both of these.
92
...also note that George W. Bush had no experience in governing at all...he was a failed businessman and became Gov of TX then 2 term president. This having govt "experience" theory is faulty....all Americans have a duty to serve and participate in our government....serve the best you can, then move on before you burn out and let another person step up and serve...that is how Democracy is supposed to work. Not by a bunch of good ole boy cheap corrupt hacks on the take from their BIG DONORS who are often not even American citizens...and oh yes, corporations are NOT people. We need to fix that insane idea and get big $ out of our elections now.
1
I was born and raised in NYC, Mario Cuomo was a much better governor than Andrew. So I don't care if he goes, also I don't live in NY anymore. But shouldn't she start out smaller? City Counsel, Mayor...why straight to Governor? TV recognition and remembering lines fed to her on a TV does not guarantee a good candidate.
50
i disagree. Mario Cuomo was a mediocre governor at best. He cuddled up to Rupert Murdoch back then. That alone speaks volumes.
4
Cynthia Nixon is not just some TV celebrity getting her lines off a promoter. She is a bona fide stage actor with some wonderful plays to her credit (Angels in America being only 1). Please do some research.
3
After the 2016 American nightmare, I'm reluctant to support an inexperienced celebrity. But Cuomo is a machine politician who often doesn't play well with others. I'm not loving the idea of seeing another term.
Actor Ronald Reagan's first elected office was as governor. It's within the realm of possibility. He ended up defining a movement that endured until finally being discarded by the alt-right two years ago. If Nixon should come within striking distance in the polls, and appears competitive against the GOP challenger, I will give the matter some consideration.
18
Yeah but Reagan headed a massive and very powerful union for years and honed his communications skills not so much through his acting but his TV pitch work. Not feeling it with Ms. Nixon.
4
(It wasn't discarded by the right[1], it was refined by it. Anyway...)
Ideally, Nixon will stick to the good things Cuomo has done, like defend gay marriage against the GOP and speak for and aid Puerto Rico when "covfefe" merely threw its people towels, while staying away from Cuomo's general corrupt stench.
Ideally-ideally, though, Teachout and Wu will run again, to defend net neutrality from the FCC's [un-Fit to Print] Pie and our general sanity from the "covfefe" GOP.
[1] Let's not call them "alt-". It's ever clearer this was the wrong wing all along, waiting with coded messages like "cutting spending" and "states' rights" for their moment to strike and show their ugly colors under the wing of a sufficiently cunning and malcompetent snake of a strongman.
3
Good luck, Ms. Nixon. A word of advice: Don’t forget about upstate.
26
Did you notice that when she mentioned childhood poverty, it was in the context of upstate?
9
She won't forget upstate. Zephyr is on board to help.
4
Good luck. It would be great to get rid of Cuomo. His Clinton style triangulation, and repeated feuding with DiBlasio is tiresome. It seems highly unlikely she will win!
3
I like her, but I dont want (any more) tv celebrities as working politicians. And I'm not convinced this just isnt all for publicity.
101
Does Cynthia Nixon really ride the subway?
5
Cynthia Nixon rode the subway more in her campaign launch video than Andrew Cuomo has in his eight years as governor. That's all I need to know, frankly.
But the answer is, yeah- she rides the subway, she sends her kid to public school, and she's spent a lot of time working on kitchen table issues. She'll be a great governor.
18
Yes she does. She also rides the busses together with her partner and kids.
9
Yes. All the time.
4