I’ve 2 extended family members who live in The City. So I watched the debate on my laptop.
It was a spirited debate with a good showing by Ms. Nixon. Some of her ideas such as universal health care are noble goals yet it is not clear where the funding would materialize from. And too bad it was mostly about NYC; I’m sure those living in places like Roscoe and Binghamton felt forgotten.
And Mr. Cuomo. Well. You’ll have to do better next time than to just blame the state’s failings on policies of Mr. Trump. It’s a pity this was the sole debate.
For New York to really live up to its national advertising and really be “open for business” it will have to give the business community more than just lip service.
2
I am voting for Nixon in this primary, not because I think she would be a good governor, but because Cuomo is a bad one. It is horrifying that in this once great state we essentially have a one- party democracy and those don’t usually turn out well do they? Cuomo will win his party’s nomination and therefore the election. Why? Political dynasty, party machine politics, bloc votes of self interest groups. It’s unfortunate because NY is dying...losing population, going bankrupt...slowly and painfully. Stop making this about Trump. It’s about NY.
7
The election of 2016 has thrown the field wide open - anyone can run for anything with no experience!
Thus I have applied to my local hospital for the position of brain surgeon.
I have applied to NASA as a rocket scientist.
I have sent an offer to Elon Musk to take the reigns of Tesla.
Just run, on whatever platform! But especially if your TV career is finished and you're just sitting around counting the money.
5
Both of them should be ashamed of themselves. Civility, folks.
1
"whether the path back to power and success must be led by seasoned political veterans or to-the-barricades outside agitators" ????
Say what? So our choices are "seasoned political veterans" or revolutionaries? The loaded words "seasoned" and "veteran" suggest the incumbent actually has something to offer. If that were always the case, we wouldn't need elections, would we?
By this logic, when Gov. My Dad Has A Famous Name You Should Know first ran for public office, he ran as a "to-the-barricades outside agitator?"
Get serious, NYT. While you're at it, which camp would you pigeon-hole Zephyr Teachout in? Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg?
How about a third category: knowledgeable US citizen who has an interest in public service.
5
GO CYNTHIA!!
She is smart, cool, warm, incorruptible, and knows what to do.
She’s got my vote and my family’s.
I’m conservative, but she is what this state needs.
A good omen for New York.
7
Cuomo is a lying conman
7
So...we have a naïve, un-tested, intelligent, progressive and an old. corrupt, wily, DINO.
Do you want the same ol', same old?
Or do you wish to try for something new.
Is corruption working for you?
Or do you dare try a different path.
G'luck NY.
13
Formally from NJ so I have an interest in NY, still read the NYT. I watched the debate. Given the circumstances, I just don't see how Nixon will win (no previous political experience). What I found disturbing about the debate is that most of it was spend on sparing and bad-mouthing. I didn't like the interrupting. The main reason though that I wouldn't vote Nixon is because of her insistence on given illegal immigrants driver licenses. It is an earned privilege to acquire a driver license, not a given for ID which is why they want the license. We have to allow for legal immigration that isn't threatening to our economy, not open-door, reward-based policy. Our resources are already not meeting the needs of citizens.
6
From the debate, Nixon seems only focused on NYC. There’s a whole state the size of some countries to govern, can’t focus on one city, that’s a North/South divide.
5
Please stop telling me how bad, dishonest, incompetent, etc. your opponent is. Instead focus on the reasons why we should elect you. How will you make things better?
4
Really, is shadowboxing how we are going to describe this from now on? Why?
Please disregard the above useless griping.
1
Did Cuomo just admit that he was lying?
5
Polly ticks will never be your salvation, boys and girls. Stand by your man, look to your own prosperity, and don't expect this joke of a government to last your whole lifetime, because it's highly likely the whole thing will be sold for a sack of beans.
1
When you don't have experience, you have to do what you can to get attention.Ms Nixon seemed prepackaged. She had "lines" and a sign that read Democrat?Socialist Wannabe... Not enough. Not enough.
5
Nixon's just going for it, because...what the heck. She has the time and money. And if she loses, she'll be fine and do another show instead. She has no burning desire to serve the people like Cuomo has been doing for decades.
Sounds kind of like the clown in the White House.
4
I fear that whoever wins the election (Cuomo or Nixon), New York will lose.
3
A debate where every question was about who should rule over City of New York- none on who should rule over The State of New York.
4
What about upstate NY? The debate sounded like they were both running for Mayor of NYC.
6
The sad fact is that neither individual is qualified to hold office.
2
Cuomo is a problem but Nixon isn’t the solution.
5
Ugh! come on Dems; raise the bar with your debates. start with the mid terms so that we actually have a clear message by 2020. Leave the insult hurling to the others.
Almost didn't read this NYT article because I assumed it was about the 'other' Nixon and Cuomo. That being said. I'm just now recalling how disappointing it was to read, shortly after Andrew Cuomo was sworn in, about all the corruption in his administration. I'm usually in favor of experience but if could chose between this Nixon and Andrew Cuomo I'd vote Nixon.
3
I took the time to watch this debate, albeit as an Oregonian, and it seemed to me that Ms Nixon mostly complained about the problems facing the state and city of New York and tried to score points by blaming said problems on Governor Cuomo. She also did not speak very well as to why she is qualified suddenly to work as governor for the state of NY. Yes she’s raised money for causes and been a policy advocate over the past 17 years, but that simply does not qualify her to lead the state of NY. Governor Cuomo to me seemed much more poised, more knowledgeable about the realities of “the art of governing” as he put it, and he addressed several issues (terrorism, climate change, executive overreach into the state’s affairs) that Ms Nixon failed to mention at all.
3
I liked some of Nixon's ideas in the same way Bernie Sanders had some progressive ideas for president. However I wish she spent more time expressing them solidly, instead of frantically criticizing the established male in the role. To me this just serves to weaken her case in the same way Elizabeth Warren's fame stems from her constant attack of those in power, without much powerful push of her own ideas.
3
We need to fight fire with fire. Cuomo has the fire. Cuomo knows how the system works and knows how to work the system. Believe it or not this is an important and essential skill set that must not be underestimated nor overlooked. DiBlasio talked the talk but never walks the walk. New Yorkers do not make the same mistake. We need a Cuomo now more than ever.
5
I do not live in NY and, admittedly, do not know all the facts, but, after watching the debate, I would feel more comfortable voting for Mr Cuomo than for Ms Nixon. It is not because of her inexperience — I think she is probably smart enough to learn what she needs to learn, and to surround herself with trustworthy, smart people — but she lost me right out of the gate with her belief that there should be an executive order to allow undocumented residents to get drivers licenses. Why do the Democrats continue to focus on immigration? Although I am liberal, and certainly don’t want to see families torn apart, I also don’t think those who are here illegally should have the same rights as legal citizens. Why focus on a hot-button issue that tarnishes the Democratic party as being “too progressive,” when we should be focusing on the issues that will help us beat the GOP?
Further, I got the sense that Ms Nixon is Manhattan-centric. NY is a lot more than just NYC, but I got the impression, right or wrong, that Ms Nixon’s knowledge of what the state needs ended at the Hudson River.
That said, I think it will be interesting if she wins. She is clearly transparent, and it will give us all a sense of what it takes to run a state, and who stands in the way or progress.
6
The last thing New York Democrats need, is to lose the Governorship because New Yorker's selected a caricature of a worse case liberal to run in the fall. Nixon is the face of all that has failed the Democrats. If she cared about New York, she would pick an issue dear to her base and form a working coalition in the support of Como.
7
If Nixon were experienced in government, even on a very local level, she might be a viable candidate. But, But, if people really believe that some, any celebrity can simply glide into office and fix serious long standing problems, they run the risk of electing another well known celebrity who is leading this country down the path to chaos and hell. Nixon is probably smart and savvy, but there is Nothing wrong with sticking with what you know.
10
The residents of New York were the losers in this debate. The fact that these 2 incompetent, ego-centric blowhards are the only choices for the Democratic ticket is demoralizing. Also, they both seemed to forget that they are running for the job of Governor of the STATE of New York, not mayor of NYC. If Cuomo discovers the vast areas north of the Bronx before November maybe Democrat would have a chance at picking up more State and Local seats.
10
No matter what happens next, having a people-oriented person like Nixon around, explaining what all of us really need, is extremely valuable! Three cheers for this woman. Her VOICE for ordinary people, for Medicare for All, for good education that everyone can afford -- is beautiful to my ears. We're a rich country, but most people can't make it now, getting poorer every day. She tells it like it is.
9
@Martha Stephens
"Medicare for All"...
Ms. Nixon is running for Governor of NY, not national office. As your governor did in Ohio, Cuomo has already expanded Medicaid here in NY and (against much criticism) has moved to make tuition at NY State colleges free.
7
That's what "they" said about Trump.
2
Not being a New Yorker, I watched this debate strictly for its political entertainment value, and I must say that I was really impressed with the two questioners, both from WCBS, I am assuming. They asked blunt, direct, germane inquiries and mostly stayed away from the political 'inside baseball' questions. They tried to get an answer from the candidates for what was asked, did their best to move the debate along, and stop anyone from rambling. I would urge any prospective political debate moderators for the upcoming general election to watch this one and learn.
6
Cuomo saying Nixon should not be S-corped considering her income and the accounting complexities of her work may show he is out of touch with small businesses. Cynthia Nixon the actor/producer/etc with high income and multiple interests and projects isn't a 'freelancer', she is actually a 'small business' which makes her a fit for "s corp" status. I would find it stranger if she wasn't incorporated and just filing taxes as an individual/sole proprietor.
8
Ms. Nixon came across as an actress playing a part. I do not believe she is quite ready for political office. She kind of came across as trump did in some of his debates. Nothing firm came out of the debate just sparring. Why have a debate when they won't debate they just snipe at each other. Just like the republican debates in 2016. Just a waste of time.
8
I am tempted to move back to my birthplace Brooklyn just to vote against Ms Nixon. I missed the full debate but in interviewsvthis morning she struck me as one with all the elitist smirks and winks of Hilary with none of the solid credentials for which i voted for Mrs Clinton.
13
Sad that debates always degenerate into this type of rhetoric. We need better moderators who control the debate and force candidates to talk about topics vs attacks.
@glenn Why tone it down at all? Sometimes how somebody says something is more revealing than what they say. Freewheeling debates demonstrate an ability (or inability) of candidates to think on their feet, as well as allowing voters to gain a better feeling to judge the sincerity of what candidates claim to stand for. Emotions reveal a lot.
And of course, sometimes demands for "civility" in political debates are just a passive-aggressive way to tell one side or the other to shut up. No thanks.
1
It was hard to watch...Nixon really annoys me, Cuomo is a pushy guy...but I'm voting for Cuomo on Sept 13 because he's been a good governor, his record of bringing relief to New Yorkers is impressive and I'm grateful.
10
Chief executive of the State of NY is not a good starting point to learn on the job. I'm sorry, why is this even considered a contest?
Democrats better take off the rose-colored glasses before we all end up with another "I have no idea what I'm doing" inexperienced dupe in a critical leadership position.
13
I yearn for the day when journalists will learn an alternative framework for framing these debates. The current one—reason versus emotion, pragmatism versus purity, experience versus passion—is not neutral but slavishly follows—and grants credentials to—what passes itself off as the “Center.”
1
Cuomo is boring. After Cuomo became governor, the New York State budget came in on time or within hours of the deadline. In 2010, the last year of Fun Albany, the budget was 125 days late! That's the New York I grew up in. Late 25 years out of 26 between 1984 and 2010 (hey, nobody's perfect).
After Sandy Hook, in 2012, Cuomo shepherded through a major gun control law. Why couldn't we have the kind of fun California or New Hampshire had, where legislatures proposed weakening gun laws, or governors vetoed gun control initiatives? All we get is a bunch of lawsuits from the NRA.
He actually convened a bunch of "experts" and "studied" fracking before banning it in New York in 2014. He actually listened to Upstate New Yorkers! Can you imagine?! As if he were governor of the whole state, not just the parts where Sex and the City characters would live or vacation.
He increased taxes on high earners in 2011, but the reporting on it was all "sophisticated compromise" and "political craftsmanship that allowed both Democrats and Republicans to declare victory." Where are the crushing defeats? Where is the catharsis? If this was a play, it would be a dud. You can ask Ms. Nixon: she's been acting since she was 12 years old. Her first feature was in 1980! What was Cuomo doing in 1980? Studying at Albany Law School? Boo-ring. In 1982 Nixon did an ABC made for TV movie AND off-broadway. All Cuomo did that year was run his dad's gubernatorial campaign. What a stick in the mud.
63
@Daniel
I agree. I'd rather have boring and effectual than exciting. After all, the media helped get us Trump. He sold papers.
2
@Daniel Makes the point. Very well done, Danile
It didn’t take much more than a snap of Cuomo’s fingers to get Indian Point shut down - specifically, $300,000 from Competitive Power Ventures (CPV) to aide Joseph Percoco, and an undisclosed amount from Ciminelli Construction.
Sure, $300,000 isn’t a drop in the bucket, to most. It is to CPV, which in coming decades will be rewarded with $billions in revenue for generating dirty electricity. But with Nixon and “RiverKeeper” spreading anti-nuclear hysteria, the end is near for New York’s largest source of carbon-free electricity - whoever prevails in November.
And the Earth gets warmer.
"That’s the art of government. I can get it done,” he said at one point. At another, he told Ms. Nixon that “you don’t snap your fingers” and simply make things happen."
It's true that there's no magical aspect to governing and progress takes time, but there's also no reason to be afraid to state one's ultimate goals. I prefer to read debate transcripts and I don't like relying on snippets in a summary article, but the quote above sort of encapsulates a big part of the left-wing divide. I guess the good news is that there is little debate about the worthiness of the progressive goals, it's just a question of how to balance pragmatism against ambition. Quite frankly though, if the goal is worthy, I think the left should just agree to move in that direction and make the debate about which step comes first.
For instance, many people point out that a lot of the progressive agenda would require the cooperation of Congress. That's not a reason to abandon the goal, so much as a sign that the next step in reaching that goal is to gain control of Congress. Some may scoff at that, but it seems to me that the right wing has done precisely that at both the state and federal levels, to devastating affect. Conservative power is out of all proportion to the number of voters they represent.
If single-payer, wage increases, transparency in government and all the rest are worthy goals, then let's get on with it. No need to be shy about it.
9
Someone that wants to engage, has a stance on issues important to her and society at large that will benefit the most, why wouldn't you give HER a chance. Is it easier to go with your career politician, give him "credit" for what he's accomplished so far, even if it isn't the shake up he is promising now? Why hasn't he made more of a change before now, oh wait but he will do better. That sounds like an abusive relationship circle.
Here's to Ms. Nixon, her vision and hopefully the ability to drive change, even if she is an actress, she's also an activist. It's okay for Trump but not okay for her? She's nothing like Trump, and has never been, it's unfair to use that against her.
5
No way is Nixon qualified for the highest office in the state, she should have started small, like running for city council. No more celebs, thanks. I was exited for Zephyr Teachout and would vote for her again, but Cuomo has my vote against Nixon.
12
I just looked up the fact that NY, unlike many other states, has no term limit for governor.
I don't like Cuomo and I'm not thrilled with Nixon.
What I would like is someone to pass a law that says there is a limit on how long a governor can serve this state.
13
They both have issues. I just think that Nixon, if elected, would soon find that she doesn't have the skills and contacts to get her vision through New York politics, which under Cuomo has been relatively progressive in the face of a lot of Republican power.
Has the partisan divisiveness here been not nearly as bad as in other places because of Cuomo's hand on the rudder? I'm not sure, but I think I'd need more substance from Nixon on just how she's going to get her agenda done before I could vote for her. Especially with no previous experience in government as a gauge by which to predict her possible success. She's not trying to be governor of Alaska, or Rhode island; New York is a school of much harder knocks. At this time, can we afford the learning curve?
14
Why even bother? She’s going to get creamed and everybody knows it. Why is she even doing this?
14
Why the headline for this isn't "Cuomo admits to lying in debate" I'll never know.
In any case, let's focus on what's important here: the writer's choice of the obscure "versant" over its far more common (and in this context, also far more apt) synonym "conversant."
According to Google's Ngram Viewer, as of 2000 "conversant" was used more than 1800 times more often than "versant"--and I suspect almost all of these results for "versant" are actually in French. I certainly couldn't find any English-language books that used it the way it's used here.
This seems like a clear case of someone dipping pointlessly into the thesaurus.
I expect a full apology from everyone at the New York Times tout de suite.
3
Andrew Cuomo's style is clearly that of a tenured political animal. Know your facts when speaking to him, and Nixon did. He knows how to skirt around the real issues but is thin-skinned when being criticized.
The debate solidified for me why Andrew Cuomo's Office sent the state troopers to my home to threaten me after writing to him about the failure of the NYS Education Dept., NYS DSS, and NYS Dept. of Labor. His state trooper told me "If you write to the governor again, we will put you in a mental institution!"
He refused to help me after making me a homeless educator. I faced high risks such as rape and death living in my car and with strangers for 3 years. ( I had been a role model educator for New York State for 14 years.) I believe that last night's baboon-like comportment was merely a tip off the iceburg. The real Andrew Cuomo is a lot more dangerous than most people realize!
7
Why am I skeptical of this story?
1
@MF
Odd. I have written to Andrew Cuomo, and to Michael Bloomberg, and to Bill Bratton, and to Marty Markowitz, as well as to other politicians not in New York State, not always complimentarily, and without repercussions.
1
And we thought the Jerry Springer Show was sordid? I couldn't bring myself to watch these 2 candidates try to out-ridiculize each other. They have moved so far to the left, Hugo Chavez, Fidel Castro and Mao would be proud.
Sure, let's abolish ICE, open up the borders, depress the wages scale with illegal labor-- and then complain that the middle class can't get a pay raise.
This is the saddest part of the entire debacle: one of these morons will end up the next governor of NY.
10
I have no doubt that Ms. Nixon and her handlers (all politicians and politicians manqué have handlers) have good intentions. But, for me, the fact that she has no leadership experience or public service experience at all makes her an inappropriate choice for Governor of one of the most dysfunctional and corrupt state governments in the country. She would drown in that cesspool. Also, this popular trend of putting amateurs in charge, under the lunatic theory that they would be new blood who can "make a change," is perfectly American and perfectly stupid.
13
Would you both stop this childish sniping? Are there no adults in the room any more.
7
The real takeaway has everything to do with the senate. Republican control has done irreparable harm to the state - along with the largest donors...ahhmmm...Bloomberg
1
Cynthia Nixon....has unfortunately a very disagreeable
personality.....
so....she is not fit to represent the people of New New York
State.
9
@Carol B. Russell
That's interesting. Cuomo is very disagreeable, a bully. And corrupt.
How does that fit in your calculation?
1
Andrew, she got you. The appropriate response was not "when you do", it was, "you are the only one lying".
8
I am glad I no longer live in NY. Ms. Nixon has no governmental or public sector experience, and is therefore unqualified. Governor Cuomo is a nasty, rude, and corrupt person. Shutting down the Moreland Commission because it was getting too close shows this. NY deserves better.
7
A pox on both of them.
Just bad theater all around. Democrats should be horrified!
4
Cuomo is an incompetent schmuck, a politician with no real beliefs other that what polls well.
3
When will it become clear to the millions of folks who recognize from looking at their boss or quite a few colleagues that "experience" is not the BEST predictor of competence!
Yes, any ONE "must have" is tricky, because if a candidate is "perfect" on some scale but flawed on a handful of others, s/he may merit being passed over.
But I nominate "integrity" for this reason [and think it's a slam-dunk who to vote for if you agree with me]:
WITHOUT IT, literally billions are wasted. Yes, Andy got the attention he seems to need as much as oxygen when he spoke of "the Buffalo billion." ... With the benefit of hindsight, we recognize that it's a real simple periscope into his $24.4 million war chest. It was pay-to-play at its Albany sleaziest, and for a high tax state, wasting a big part of $1B is just insane.
If you put Ms. Nixon's use of an S-Corp re her taxes side by side with Andy winking at the IDC which was nothing less than giving "Democratic voters" the finger, ... you see another downside to his corruption - women and minorities (most of whom STILL support him) get a little shafted.
If he had only shut down the Moreland Commission... his integrity would be tarnished ENOUGH to make him in-supportable.
But since he couldn't abrogate the entire judicial process - a Trumpian style and action to be sure - 2 of his key people were sent to prison.
That there's a pipeline from the Legislature to prison DOES reflect on his (lack of) leadership and Andy-centric priorities.
6
Lots of opinions from non-New Yorkers on here...
4
Watched this. Cuomo more competent and experience, but once again he undermines himself by being deceptive statements. Yes Andrew, NYC owns the subways, but how does that change the fact that the State MTA manages them? You are still responsible to solve the mess they're in. Cuomo is a complicated person. But his ongoing support of the IDC keeps adding to the corruption of NYS politics and perpetuates the GOP's insidious ability to protect corruption. I agree and disagree with both candidates on some policies. Andrew would have my vote after Sept 13, but Cynthia is far less devious and she's clear-eyed about our problems. On Thursday she'll deserve my vote, (but I wish she'd change that last name).
3
I missed the debate due to my train being late as it always is. I would vote for an Android over Cuomo and he's considering whether to support a fare hike or not is like fiddling while Rome burns. The MTA under Lhota and ascot should not get any fare hikes until the stop the bleeding. Deblasio & his sycophant protégé are correct in that Cuomo runs the MTA not the city.
3
Your coverage didn’t capture the drama — or teasing humor — of Cuomo’s pledge to fulfill his four years as governor if reelected. His seeming hedge about the only “caveat” was followed by a pause, long enough to elicit anticipatory grumbles of skepticism from the audience, followed by his confirmatory swear — “God strike me dead!”
As a remote and thus mostly objective observer, my opinion hasn't changed. Cuomo has let down the NYC metro area with his mishandling of the MTA, and is probably corrupt and very flawed. Nixon is a political novice with no idea what it truly takes to govern. It looks like a "hold your nose and pick one" situation to me. I have to think that an independent run by Michael Bloomberg would have an awful lot of appeal, but that is wishful thinking.
3
@Roy
Not (quite) sure that I agree with your put-down of Ms. Nixon, ... but it DOES seem to be way more than 50% of likely voters' take, too.
As you say, "Mike" has - well, not your words - "been there and done that," and probably would be as likely to move to New Hampshire as run for Gov. in NYS.
But you make an excellent point. Sadly, the only people with any kind of chance to either do it or make it work are folks with NAMES not associated with governing - but if you rule out entertainment and sports, we're probably looking at superstar businessmen or folks with some official residence other than NYS.
Too bad, the G.O.P. (and any who associate with it) wrote off this contest, because Andy has few friends that he hasn't bought and paid for. A "serious" G.O.P. candidate might have actually had a fighting chance this year - heck, who'd a thought Mass. would have a Republican Governor?!
1
Don't live in New York
but I like the 'zingers' that Nixon came up with.
' Nixon Now more than Ever ! '
“Down goes Cuomo! Down goes Cuomo!” The would-be King Andy looked small and petty on the debate stage. Given all the skeletons in his considerable closet, he tried “tit-for-tat”, and to blame everyone else for his abysmally non-Progressive record. Andy blamed everyone and everything for NYS political gridlock BUT the Russians. He probably didn’t have to memorize the lines about being the state’s best shot to “resist” Trump (This, after a Democratic administration that exploded income inequality and allowed the deterioration of public housing!). To hear Andy tell it, it wasn’t within his power to raise the quality of lives in NY (IDC) nor did he know anything about the felonious corruption of everyone else in the back room with him over the last 7 years!
This debate was a Donnybrook and Nixon did not blink or step back an inch. When Andy tried to bully her, he ended up whining and recoiling when she peppered him back. While Teachout was a wake up call; issue wise, Nixon gave him a sound whipping.
The real trick here is to see how the mainstream media will spin the idea that Progressivism is the antidote to Neoliberalism or the Right Wing. It is clear that, in an age of an awakening electorate, shoe leather trumps corporate donor cash. The template has been set by AOC, Gillum, and other rising Progressives. The debate can be characterized by Cuomo inferring that he’d stop “lying” when Nixon quit interrupting him from doing so. Let the fact checking and voting begin!
30
Expertise in managing evasions of corruption is hardly a badge of honor...I'll take the novice with honorable intentions any day of the week.
6
Yes!@Sandy Reiburn
2
"The attacks and contours of the debate echoed some of the same tensions that are gripping the Democratic Party nationally in the age of Trump: namely, whether the path back to power and success must be led by seasoned political veterans or to-the-barricades outside agitators."
Struggling to figure out where Cuomo lies along this spectrum. His most memorable actions as NY governor over the past few years have been his petty feuding with DiBlasio.
4
@Dan88
Probably gay people found his getting the State legislature to vote for a marriage equality bill pretty memorable.
1
Haven't we seen enough of the damage done by actors and celebrities in politics (Reagan, Trump). The nuances and learning curve involved in going from one industry to a completely different one is much harder than celebs apparently realize. Cuomo may not be the ideal candidate, but I predict Nixon will soon be well over her head and flailing if she gets into office. A state is not the set of a movie.
12
Ms Nixon showed what Cuomo really is like. He is not a progressive, he goes back on his word all the time and is , to use her word, disingenuous. Consider her motive to run then his, to me the choice is clear.
7
Nixon is an actress. She wants to get into politics? How about entering the field as a city council member. Jumping to the top with only ideals and no experience or knowledge...well see what that has got us into.
17
@sscma. ...well Ronald Reagan started out w/ no education in law or governing or any "real life" experience as the Gov of Calif which was then in the top 10 world economies if it was a nation...he had no real experience and he was a B list Hollywood actor...same w/ action film/bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger stepping right into the role of Gov of Calif even though he had only a high school education in Austria, no education in US history etc, again no local experience at all, both actors went right into top positions and both were considered presidential, and Regan became President of course.....both were Republicans. So women are expected to start out w/ the PTA and local community involvement but men can just step right into these positions? I would also like to point out that the acting & entertainment business is not fantasy, it is hard and demanding w/ a very powerful bottom line...your perform and deliver and if if box-office & viewership is weak that ends the production. Show business is BIG business not trivial...that shows Cuomo's lack of understanding of that important industry...wonder how the Broadway and film people feel about his trivializing of their industry. What has he actually accomplished in his career? I no longer live in my beloved NYC because I got priced out by the greedy real estate goons....I would like NY state to thrive again for every resident ..and maybe I can return home to Gotham. How has Cuomo improved life for millions of New Yorkers?
2
Reagan did irreparable harm to California and the nation. He started the path to the income inequality the country is experiencing today - in particular by destroying unions which helped close that gap after World War II. There is so much that he did st the behest of corrupt and corporate interests. The list is too long. Nixon is a bad actor as was Reagan. Hope New Yorkers see her for what she isn't.
4
@Sandra Garratt Regan could read and memorize his lines, which were supplied by a group of conservative corporation heads who were in fact the ones running the country during his tenure.
As one fellow actor said: "Ronnie never had an original thought in his head."
Full disclosure: Cuomo probably had my vote before the debate (tempting as it may be to turn down a free bong).
When Cynthia Nixon was asked what experience she had in her life that might qualify her for overseeing a $170 million yearly budget, her response was that she had been at the helm of an activist organization which had a total budget of around $800,000.
Error, does not compute.
15
@ubiqueJust want to correct your number. The budget is 170 Billion.
4
@Martin Dressel
Sometimes it’s good to be wrong.
2
They sound and act like children. Maybe NY State will grow up and elect a Republican.
10
@Ralphie -Elect a Republican for what? So he or she can cut the taxes for the wealthy and increase the taxes of NY homeowners.
12
Doubtful...@Ralphie
1
Hear hear! We all know how grown up that Republican Trump guy sounds! Not to mention articulate statesmen like Louie Gohmert, or the gone too soon Jason Spencer . . .
I was not thrilled with either of them. I kept thinking that New York has millions of citizens and this is our choice. A real lightweight, naive woman or a corrupt, arrogant man. Where are all the other Democrats in this state?
24
How is it that the choices in an election are so often all terrible?
Sad that every vote seems to be about choosing the least incompetent, the least clueless, the least corrupt, the least entitled, the least fanatic.
11
@Summer
Summer,
Truly intelligent, thinking humans do not want these jobs.
Hence we end up with second and third rate players for the most part wasting time and resources all while acting like petulant children. What a pity.
So Cuomo calls off an investigation into the NYC DA's office into why it dropped a Harvey Weinstein assault case after receiving at $25K donation from Weinstein's law firm. What an ethically challenged politician. This and his termination of the Moreland Commission's investigation into Albany corruption should tell anyone what a corrupt person Cuomo is.
20
It's like a mini-2016. A man an a woman, both deeply repugnant running for office. If I still lived and voted in NY, I'd be a no-show on primary day.
4
@DinoYou may not agree with her politics, but I don't know why you would call her repugnant. I started listening, thinking Cuomo was my clear choice. However, hearing her speak, with full knowledge of the issues, and ideas to deal with them, I will now give her a serious second look. Personally, I am tired of these political hacks, but I am also aware of her inexperience. I think her motives are genuine, as opposed to Trump, who never had a genuine thought in his life.
I need to hear more from her, but my mind is open.
2
Even if you don't like Ms Nixon, why should anyone ever be a three term governor?
6
We need another actor and celebrity, who's never had a job as most of us would define one, with no government, leadership or executive experience, to fix things. Right.
Yes, Cuomo is detestable in certain ways, has criminal cronies, gets lots of money from RE investors and Wall street, etc. Pretty much like most politicians, red or blue.
But Nixon is totally unqualified, and arrogant to believe she is qualified. She has idealistic goals, but apparently believes that's all it takes. She's just not believable, has no real world experience and seems to believe in a magic wand.
So you hold your nose and pick the one that has actual relevant experience, does some good, stands up to tump to some degree...and on balance is closest to the policies that you'd like to see a politician support -- and vote for the least bad one. Him in this case.
She might think about getting some experience first in city gov. Someday she might be viable, who knows.
Until then we need experience and an imperfect democrat that has done at least some positive things.
10
So instead of standing up to Trump, they are attacking each other in the low-class, low-intelligent style of Trump? You don't beat someone by taking on the mask of the enemy.
4
Enough television actors in government! ENOUGH!
20
The real loser in this debate is the state of New York.
10
Both are terrible candidates
3
Regardless of your feelings for Cuomo, no one can seriously entertain Nixon, right?
Reminds me of the movie” Brewster Millions” staring the late Richard Pryor
4
It's high time for a true progressive candidate in Albany. Go Cynthia!
12
"Did Ms. Nixon come across as a credible candidate for governor? Yes.
"Did Mr. Cuomo stumble irreparably? No."
Well, we certainly know whom The New York Times supports -- even in what's purported to be straight news articles.
To this viewer, Ms. Nixon came off as obtuse. After all, for most of her life -- she was, after all, a child actress -- she has ridden in taxi and limos. Not for her the inconvenience of the subway strikes she so wholeheartedly supports.
And say what -- she considers herself a small business? Really?
5
Cuomo is a bully whom we hope stays in New York (forever.)
He is more like Trump in temperament than either would like to admit.
Another rich family and another second-generation loud mouth with questionable ethics.
Who's his new Percoco?
5
Either way you’re doomed. Where’s Bloomberg?
6
'But Mr. Cuomo came determined to attack Ms. Nixon for her own finances. He hammered her for how many years of personal taxes she has released (five), and for routing her income through an S corporation, which he decried as a “loophole.” He returned to the topic over and over.'
This is a typically below-the-belt, Trumpian tactic by Cuomo that displays the character of the man in all its disingenuous dishonesty.
Cuomo, like Trump, knows enough about this area, or he should do, to know that an S-corporation is standard practise for US actors regularly making over $200,000 a year. But most low income NYT voters likely won't know this. So Cuomo is desperately trying to play the populist card to try to denigrate Nixon as a super-rich elitist who wriggles out of paying her fair share of federal income taxes.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/22/nyregion/the-actor-incorporates.html
8
Nixon came off like he was on an episode of the Real Housewives of the Gubernatorial Election. Petulant, insulting, sour, and plain unpleasant.
4
Isn't Hillary the most qualified to run for NY Governor ?
6
@SSS. Please no more mention of Hillary...the time for the Clintons is over. Time for fresh talent in tune w/ the present. Who wants Bill Clinton lurking around Albany anyway? I would prefer Michael Bloomberg by far, but please no more Clintons. Enough.
2
I would ask voters after Jesse Ventura, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Donald Trump, why would anyone think that at tv star could run a state?
7
@Joe Barnett. ...don't forget to include Ronald Reagan on that list.
7
Thanks. You beat me to it.
1
Regardless of politics, surely we can all agree that Kim Cattrall would have been the most amusing cast member of "Sex and the City" to run for Governor this year.
6
This is a sad choice between an honest neophyte who openly embraces socialism in state which cannot survive without the tax revenue emanating from a robust and healthy Wall Street and a man whose policy agenda is based on the answer to this question: what's in it for Andrew Cuomo?
5
While I am personally very liberal, I must say that people too often forget that change takes time. Governor Cuomo has changed with the times and by and large has been ahead of the times by pushing for gay marriage, family leave, strict gun laws, and helping women overcome the pay gap. These things cannot happen overnight and require the legislature to be on board. Is everything perfect? Of course not, but the point is that Governor Cuomo is working towards a better future. Candidates like Ms. Nixon can make promises but executive orders cannot solve every problem. Also, I find it incredibly infuriating that she shows up without having any experience in politics and wants to be the governor of New York. If she had worked in some smaller capacity for the city of New York or maybe in the state legislature, even for 3-4 years I could give her some credit for trying to learn. As things stand, she's completely unqualified and the only reason she's garnering this much attention is because she is famous and rich. Go and vote in the primaries; don't take Governor Cuomo's win for granted. He has worked hard for the state and will continue to move us in the right direction.
Oh- one last point, I think people need to stop focusing on Governor Cuomo running for President. I would be proud to vote for him. He has experience by serving on a national level and a state level. I think he would do a great job as President.
7
Ms. Nixon came prepared, with a handful of ill-conceived policy points, a number of which seem to cater towards a very narrow subset of New York’s total population. She was also successful at making Andrew Cuomo look completely unsympathetic at times.
Governor Cuomo probably didn’t put on as good a performance as he could have, but it wasn’t exactly unreasonable when he became visibly frustrated by the constant interruptions. The biggest question left in my mind is why there would even be a Democratic challenger to Cuomo, considering the support he has in the Party, but the answer lies in who the first politician was to endorse Ms. Nixon.
That Ms. Nixon felt compelled to constantly break from the prearranged debate format in order to goad Governor Cuomo did not serve either candidate well. Terrible optics all around.
6
As a democrat residing in the Southern Tier of New York, I am disappointed in both candidates. It's like they are running to be the governor of New York City and its immediate environs. It's no wonder that the GOP does so well in this section of the state where the state democrats ignore.
9
@HBL I live in the mid-Hudson valley and I agree that the NY north of the city was completely ignored last night. Maybe someone from upstate should run for governor.
1
Somewhere north of the Bronx, there are millions of New Yorkers still picking through the wreckage of industrial America. Who don't have spare change to spend on fixing NYC's subway problem. Who are saddled with the highest school taxes in the country. Who are watching their homes become unaffordable due to the loss of SALT deductions.
Somewhere north of the Bronx, there are millions of New Yorkers yearning for a responsive government. Didn't see much of that last night. Even the reporters seemed to think that there should be a wall at the Westchester border, and "they" should pay for it.
7
@Mike
I'm sure you've heard of people who either have moved or spend part of the year in a different part of the country say
"Living in NY STATE, the most important vote I cast" - surely, a sane person would agree that who is President matters more than who is Governor - "is pretty much a waste, because the Electoral College renders it [for decades] totally insignificant."
Living in Harrison, you SHOULD be savvy enough to know that - as with most states - the 2-step to office: a primary & a "general" - creates an equally Alice-in-Wonderland reality. The voters in NY's Democratic primary are ... among many other things ... more liberal, whiter and more "downstate" ... than the million (?) who will cast their vote for Governor in November.
Both candidates have to deal with that reality. "You" will get your turn; more importantly, in a week or 2, Andy (presumably) will go back to sticking his thumb in the eye of all us NYC folks ... and spend lots of time in Buffalo and Syracuse and Rochester and swear to them that he (still) feels their pain.
As must be clear, just as African-Americans wondered if Obama had forgotten who he was - while the alt right thought the opposite - the wisest of us in NY State can honestly differ about how state tax dollars are spent - vis a vis where they originate.
I'm sure you're right about "tough times" in Harrison if you're not rich (SALT barely affects most $100K earners, btw), but our subways make your roads look "gold paved."
2
It is fun to watch Cuomo called to account on the corruption in Albany, and his own decision to disband the Moreland Commission just as it was zeroing in on his own actions. Meanwhile, Cuomo continues to deflect by going hard left in an attempt to blunt Nixon's surging campaign. This is New York politics today; Democrats in full control and trying to outdo each other by promising more and more free stuff to everyone, paid for by taxpayers who are finally figuring out that its time to leave the state. What a disaster.
4
Yeah how dare democrats promise free stuff to poor voters! Don't they know that free stuff is meant for rich corporations and the 1%?
5
Definitely not full control. NY senate has been controlled by repubs for last 8 years. Very important
7
It ain’t “free stuff” if your priority is to pay for it. Like the army, roads, clean air and water, and postal services. If your priority is to ignore human suffering and equality, then your point is clear.
3
Seems to me that Ms. Nixon is just prop for the democratic party and Mr. Cuomo. Similar to Mr. Sanders in the 2016 cycle, providing a veneer of democracy, but just a veneer.
1
@SSS sanders was not--and still isn't-- a Democrat. He borrowed the lable for the short time it took for real Democrats to reject him.
Nixon--Yes, run for city council or state senator or something. Andrew, for better or worse, has paid his dues. He's engaged in the rough and tumble of NY State politics and come out at the end as governor. Cynthia, admittedly, a fine actress playing poets, needs to get her hands dirty.
21
Ground work has been set for GOP upset...this debate showed the many warts of the Cuomo administration and lack of experience from the Nixon ticket. Truth be told, Dems can win NY with a warm body but the establishment must be concerned.
10
Cuomo runs against Trump instead of his opponent because Cuomo has no accomplishments of his own to run on.
Here are Cuomo's accomplishments :
He's stayed unindicted while most around him are indicted or in jail. That's something.
Oh, wait, here's one where he plays a big part in causing the mortgage and housing crises of the last decade:
https://www.villagevoice.com/2008/08/05/andrew-cuomo-and-fannie-and-fred...
20
@MIKEinNYC: Wait, you forgot that he replaced the Tappan Zee bridge with a monstrosity that will will eventually cost New Yorkers billions, and then named it after his own father.
7
America, please stop thinking that celebrity and wealth = competence and intelligence. They absolutely do not.
In fact, I think Ms. Nixon proved that yesterday.
25
Really? You mean corruption and incompetence are much better?
7
One more week until Ms. Nixon can go back to Hollywood.
16
I appreciate Cynthia Nixon putting herself forward, as I want more women in public office, but she seems a bit vapid and Andrew Cuomo has much more gravitas, certainly far more experience.
16
Hofstra University: the perfect setting for a third-rate Governor, a third-rate university.
The citizenry of New York that votes for "Empty-suit Andy" is obviously suffering from both short term and long term memory loss.
9
A waste of time
While the governor is not the ideal candidate, Mrs Nixon is well behind ideas and organization for this times
He got it easy last night and for the election
11
Ms Nixon is nothing new, a vapid celebrity who thinks she knows how to socially engineer society. Haven't we had enough of that?
24
The real loser of this debate are the people of New York. When will the moderators understand that New York means more than NYC. We are taxed to death in this state and nobody was talking about the mass exodus.
25
@Mickey New York should take all the tax dollars it currently sends to DC (to be spend in Arizona, Alabama etc) and instead spend the money here. If they did that you'd be able to have no taxes and get more things done here. Let Arizona build their own roads. Why do we need to keep propping them up?
10
This NYTimes Reporter must have been in a different room.
Cynthia Nixon did not "hold her own". In fact, she failed to make a case for her candidacy altogether.
Over the past year she has emerged as a useful critic, but the notion that she could ever govern a State is laughable.
The ascendency of too many political dynasties over recent decades is repugnant, and flies int the face of the country's founding with the overthrow of monarchy. Cuomo represents this awful weed among the flowers of our Republic. Like most such scions his is a second rate intellect. But here we are.
The Democrats are our only hope, but we are lost unless they commit to a deep back bench and make way for talented people to join the club and reform it as they work their way up in successive elected office levels. A stage filled with Clinton, Pelosi, Perez, and Schumer is like a doomed lifeboat. Deservedly.
21
One man became president by sheer volume of negative comments and insults. He has no accomplishments of date, has been corrupt, thinks himself as a dictator and yet has high support amongst his party.
3
I can think of no politician who is more detestable and incompetent than Andrew Cuomo. The subways, for which he is responsible, stink, the streets are crowded with Uber-like vehicles used by people seeking viable alternatives, his Billion Dollar Buffalo initiative is an expensive bust, instead of fixing it he put up a needless new Tappan Zee Bridge so he could name it after his even more incompetent daddy, many of his aides and associates are either indicted or in jail, and look at the horrible job he did when he headed HUD where he practically, single-handedly caused the mortgage and housing crises of the last decade. How are the new casinos doing?
https://www.villagevoice.com/2008/08/05/andrew-cuomo-and-fannie-and-fred...
This whining miscreant has had the job of governor for almost 8 years. How are we better off now? The man has not ever done anything right.
I went to a Cynthia Nixon rally a couple of weeks ago just to hear what's going on. I disagreed with much of what she said but I will vote for her in the primary just to get rid of this guy.
It's as simple as ABC - Anybody But Cuomo!
16
@MIKEinNYC I do think a lot of your criticisms of Cuomo are well founded but the Tappan Zee Bridge was built with poor material because the Korean War was going on and that got all the good quality stuff, and thus the bridge was never meant to last the 61 years it did. It lasted over a decade longer than it should have, not to mention how the state ignored it for so long. It's a miracle it didn't fall apart one day. They needed a new bridge, they didn't need it to be named after his father
9
@MIKEinNYC
"It's as simple as ABC - Anybody But Cuomo!"
Change Cuomo to Clinton and you have the reason for our White House disaster, people didn't have the sense to vote for the experienced candidate over a promise-them-anything celebrity.
5
@nom de guerre
People did have the sense to not elect a candidate who would have been in the Russian's back pocket as a result of having taken about $32 million from them.
1
Cuomo - feed the base with red meat and do whatever else you want. He's the left's version of Trump. Funny how they both came out of NY.
As a lifelong Democrat I've never once voted for Cuomo and that will continue at the primaries.
8
Nixon, and other far leftists like de Blasio, when asked how they would pay for their agenda, their answer is always the same. Magic and other peoples money. I am voting for Cuomo.
7
@B Maybe if NY stopped giving money to the west and south you'd have money for your own state
2
Ms. Nixon got played by deBlasio. He cajoled her into running for an office she is completely unqualified for to be a celebrity thorn in Cuomo's side. That deBlasio actually had an interest in doing something that isn't a press conference is the most surprising part.
The last thing we need is a B-list celebrity who knows less than nothing about governing in a position of real power.
It was a disaster in Washington. It will be a disaster in Albany.
16
I have always enjoyed Cynthia Nixon in her many roles. And I believe she is a well-intentioned and highly intelligent person. Unfortunately for her though, in this time of Trump, the very idea of another celebrity running for real office is just more than I can take. I will confess to being ignorant enough up until the last election, that I thought you had to have a track record of service as a public official to run for president. You know, a proven background as a mayor or a governor or senator or something. If for no other reason to have had your training wheels as a public servant. Maybe there should be new rules established to make it so. Why should a city, a state or a country be subjected to the whims of someone who has no experience in office? I am not trying to be cute, but it is like I woke up this morning and put out a shingle saying I am a doctor and start reading Grey's anatomy.
137
@ygj
I believe Obama opened the door for Trump to walk in. Obama's experience was limited to a single term as a Senator, in which he spent the majority of the term campaigning for the presidential race.
"Hope and Change" resonated with the public in both 2008 and 2016.
4
Not to mention his experience as a state senator and constitutional professor. He was intelligent and well versed in how government operates, something Nixon is not.
4
@ygj: Everyone seems to forget that Ronald Reagan went from being a B-movie actor to governor of California. And he even got elected to the presidency. More than once, sadly.
Of course, with his stupid attacks on labor and the social safety net, and his habit of encouraging corporate welfare pigs to feed excessively at the federal government's trough, he did ruin the country and turn it into what we have now: an oligarchy run by the rich, for the rich, who are busy sucking the life out of everyone who isn't rich.
3
Once again a New York City centric debate. I'm not naive. I know thats where most of the voters are; but really? You cannot even spare a few minutes to address the problems of upstate? I have no love lost for Cuomo but at least he can find his way up I87. You do know where that road leads right Ms. Nixon?
73
@vmdicerbo
Absolutely agree. Most likely the reason the rest of the state is ignored in the reporting is because Nixon has no idea about any of its issues and I'm really not sure the NYT cares.
3
Perhaps you should read her platform: https://cynthiafornewyork.com/why-im-running/
it might stop the upstate vs downstate craziness that continues through the generations.
2
This reminds me of the early days of Bernie's presidential campaign. The anointed candidate (Cuomo) uses every tool in the chest to delegitimize his/her opponent: limited debates, with restricted TV access; locked in big-name and big labor endorsements; and a lot of carping about idealism vs reality. But when people get a chance to actually hear the candidates speak the insurgent candidate (Nixon) not only has credibility, but speaks with an urgency, a clarity and a passion that has been utterly absent from New York State politics for decades. Cuomo is a spent force. Nixon has the energy and commitment we need to root out corruption, sideline the IDC, and finally provide the small but growing band of reform Democrats in Albany with a Governor who will help them deliver the change this corrupt, pay-to-play, greasy dirty statehouse really needs.
13
Nixon came across as childish and smug with her constant interruptions, and made me seriously question whether she would be able to behave professionally and negotiate with legislators and other politicians on the other side of the fence. I don't see this behavior as confident. She also did not adequately answer the biggest objection to her candidacy: that she doesn't have the experience to govern. Activism isn't governing, and rather than acting like someone who could manage a large and complex state, her constant interruptions reinforced her stance as an activist. To a large extent, this debate served as a job interview for Nixon, and in that sense she failed. Meanwhile, Cuomo harped on petty issues that didn't even make sense, like Nixon's uses an S-Corporation and tax releases (she did release her tax returns and it is common for actors to incorporate. Comparing that to accepting donations from large corporations is just ridiculous.)
59
@Debra L. Wolf It's unfortuate women who speak truth to power are often characterized as obnoxious, complainers, rude, aggressive, chldish, emotional, or as Cuomo's flacks tweeted last night, "unhinged."
We need to normalize women going up against powerful men in these settings. Alessandra Biaggi had a great performance, as well, against Jeff Klein. I'm sure some thought she was disrespectful and whiny.
It's particularly discouraging when Democrats do this to women. It's very common in primaries to see outsider women candidates subjected to all kinds of attacks on experience, qualifications and tone.
@Debra L. Wolf "She also did not adequately answer the biggest objection to her candidacy: that she doesn't have the experience to govern. Activism isn't governing"
An "activist" lacking the experience to govern. As a reminder, this was the primary line of attack used a decade ago against another candidate for public office: Barack Obama.
I am a Nixon supporter and a city/state employee. I think she did much better during the debate than the overall Times coverage indicates.
I do wish she had come out in favor of sports gambling. If we are legalizing marijuana, which we should, why not gambling? Something a lot of people already do illegally and that would raise needed revenue if legalized. Supporting sports gambling immunizes Nixon from the old “nanny state” indictment against progressive democrats while keeping her bonafides with the left since she could argue that this is part of criminal justice reform like her plan with marijuana.
As for public employees strikes, I think the consequences for unions should be less draconian than they currently are, but the state should not encourage its employees to strike by eliminating all penalties for public unions. Giving public unions the option to strike without consequences would be a recipe for chaos. Strikes should continue to be rare, last resorts for public unions and the only way to keep things that way is to have unions that decide to strike face some type of consequence.
Having stated my two disagreements with her, I think Nixon is an intelligent, dynamic, and strong candidate. She will be a better governor than the finger in the wind hack we currently have in Albany. The Times and other outlets covering this race are setting themselves up for yet another electoral “big surprise” and “huge upset” in two weeks.
25
@C. Hiraldo "I do wish she had come out in favor of sports gambling. If we are legalizing marijuana, which we should, why not gambling?"
As most rational folks know by now, marijuana is a drug that's less harmful in every tangible way than alcohol, and can be effectively used by people with painful or debilitating physical conditions (including terminal cancer patients) as a means of relieving their suffering without resorting to opiates.
Sports gambling, on the other hand -- and this applies to all forms of gambling as well -- can readily become a compulsive habit that destroys families; disproportionately (and negatively) affects lower-income wage earners; and financially benefits only bookmakers and/or casinos. The sports games themselves may not be rigged, but the sports-gambling industry is rigged so that the "house" always wins.
I missed the debate last night because of #cuomoMTA! The 7 trains were stalled because of “switch problems” at grand central .Instead I had to listen to the guy next to me cursing the MTA employees from top to bottom, there was no debate there , everyone agreed with him.
49
@Bibylava.
The NY subway system was a dump when I was in grad school in the 1970s. Generations of governors did little or nothing to maintain it. To think that this is all on Cuomo's head is ahistorical and naive. To think that this should be a defining issue for candidates running for Governor is weird, unless one lives in NYC, where many think of the rest of the state as some sort of backwater, handy for taising tax money to fix the subway that serves the City. Billions were spent building new lines, rather than fixing the existing lines wasted away. How about going after the people who made those decisions?
Young people go to college and graduate school to learn the skills and best practices of public service. Shouldn't we be turning to them more often than we do? Simply hearing the opionions and quips of privileged people doesn't move society closer to the common good.
8
@Thomas: Agreed. We turn our backs on smart, capable people because they don't come from wealthy families or because they aren't celebrities with name recognition. And we do so to our great detriment.
2
I like that Nixon is giving him some push-back that reflects the thinking and frustrations of a lot of progressive Democrats. However, I really hope once the primary is over that she endorses him and does not divide the Democratic vote by running as a 3rd party candidate. Bowing out will strengthen Cuomo's position which will give her 4 years of promoting her agenda to him as he is now listening. If she runs against him as an independent, Molinara may take it and he will definitely not be listening to her. Democrats need a unified front come November 7th, and she can run again in 4 years, or for other offices in the meantime.
11
Some advice from Georgia? Don’t go with the tv-star candidate who has never served in office before. Why? Take a look at how it worked out with Trump. Experience matters, especially at the top.
36
The only hope is that enough sensible Democrats will will vote for Nixon in the primary and "wound" the utterly fake progressive Cuomo. She won't win the primary because the old guard Dems are afraid of Cuomo. Then we'll have a legitimate 3 way race in the general election. With a little luck, Nixon will only need 34% of the vote to win. That's the good news. The bad news is Trump clone Molinaro could also win.
11
One candidate is a real candidate. That would be Gov Cuomo. The other is acting like a candidate. Her lack of experience is clear. She has a right to seek office. The show we are watching is called People’s Choice. These times call for Real Leaders.
48
In a way, the Cuomo-Nixon debate was a classic match up between the heights of idealism, and the practical compromises politicians make on the long way down.
Why can't politicians in elected office do the 'big right things' ? We long for such candidates. So what happens to them along the road to elected office?
The fact that Gov Cuomo disbanded the Mooreland commission investigating corruption in Albany, just when it was starting to show results, tells you everything you need to know about Gov Cuomo. A democrat yes, but corruption is his friend.
Ms Nixon often held her own, but seemed light on actual plans and experience.
Maybe open up the elective process, earlier on. Maybe the use the web to promote more candidates and more ideas before we get to the narrowing bottleneck of a choice between two candidates that neither really seems to hit the mark.
I don't know. Another unsatisfying choice, in a situation that grows increasingly desperate for enlightened leadership. Maybe next time.
10
@Oh
Light on plans or details, how about clueless?
1
@Oh
A recent book titled "The Dictator's Handbook" provides an interesting theory on why corruption is endemic in politics.
To find out how it played Upstate, I called Syracuse,
"Did you watch it ?"
"No, it wasn't on TV"
"Why ?"
"We don't count, I guess. We talked about this at work"
My personal observation that it was just striking how the solution of both candidates on contentious NYC issues was "let the State pay" - which means folks in the shrinking cities of
Buffalo (1950 : 580,132 - 2016: 358,902),
Syracuse (1950 : 220,5583, 2016:143,396),
Utica (1950 :101,302 - 2016: 60,535)
caught in a spiral of decreasing population, increasing property taxes and ever increasing poverty
It never came up
28
Have you ever been to any of those cities in January? I have no idea why anyone would live in any of those cities, other than for college.
4
@Bsheresq
There are three other seasons and all (including winter) showcase the natural beauty of Upstate.
2
This is incorrect. The debate was shown on the local CBS station based in Syracuse.
"...single-payer health care...he said it should be left to the federal government)"
Trump's federal government? Controlled at all levels by Republicans and doing everything possible to preserve the current system of obscene profits for insurance companies and middlemen? OK, got it.
43
@Pat At least you would be getting something for your federal taxes.
This was old style Democrat vs. new style Democrat. I prefer the new style and where it is headed, but let's face it, even if Ms. Nixon were to win, will the other old style, establishment Democrats even cooperate or work with her, not to mention the Republicans? Let's not forget, the Democratic leadership in its infinite wisdom, invested a lot of energy to sink Bernie Sanders, and as a result, gave us Trump, so they don't always make good decisions. The real question now for NY is, who can rally to win against the GOP?
24
@Karekin bernie "I am not a Democrat! I am a socialist" sanders was only a Democrat for the short time it took for real Democrats to reject him. He is listed, as he always has been, as an Independent on congressional records.
I contribute to Democrats and would not want the DNC giving my hard-earned money to someone outside the party.
1
@Norma - But the DNC let him run as a Democrat. Why?
@JJ he changed his registration to run on the ticket and, when rejected by the voters in the primaries, quickly went back to being an independent.
The camera work resembled Hillary vs Donald (advantage Andrew).
Cynthia had the same Progressive furrowed brow that Joe Kennedy has (disconcerting).
When the “harm to children” trigger was pulled, neither candidate had a basis for explaining pot legalization to their children. Both passed. While respecting the wisdom of a politician staying within their talking points, I point out that a simple answer like: The same as food, alcohol, tobacco, street drugs, and prescription drugs would have been to the point and comprehensive enough to help people engage with the some of the value judgements involved.
Overall: the organizations prevailed. Keep in mind that the victor will inherit something from the opposing camp and confront the same issues in Albany.
3
The topics in this debate pertained primarily to the 40% of state residents living in NYC. I'd like to see another debate in a venue well north of Westchester Co. focusing on issues that impact the other 60% on the state's population and see how the Governor an Ms. Nixon perform.
26
In most scenarios, constant and/or continual interruptions is done to deflect the person's own ignorance of the material being discussed. At the very least, interrupting anyone who is speaking, regardless of the situation or the topic, is rude and disrespectful behavior.
19
Political office has always attracted idealists like Nixon, but much more often,people who are seeking a position of personal advantage for themselves and their acquaintances. Cuomo has accepted the reality that anything that gets done politically does so in an atmosphere of corruption. What makes him an "ordinary" politician is that he has never really tried to change the system. But when the leaders of both the State Democrats and Republicans are both convicted felons, it's much more understandable why legislation to clean up NYS politics has failed. Even if Nixon is an idealized "real deal" for governor she would have to cope with two political parties in the State Senate and Assembly simply loaded with corrupt individuals intent on taking advantage of the people who put them there and without any real governmental experience.
As a pragmatist, I give Cuomo the benefit of the doubt regarding who can deal with the reality of NY politics more effectively. Cuomo has been working the political cesspool of Albany for eight years and his right hand men have tried to share in the corruption, so he has experience at every level. It's not the kind of endorsement one would hope to give or receive, but the reality is that Democracy has an ugliness of its own that has been accepted by the people as our system of choice.
11
The only time in 28 years that I have not voted is the corruption ticket of Andrew Cuomo and Charles Rangel 4 years ago. Ms. Nixon is clearly not prepared to govern New York City, let alone the entire state. She has excellent ideas, but no experience. Her focus on NYC issues leads me to believe her run has been an honest effort to remind the governor what it means to be a Democrat. She has shown him, and I’m sure he will forget on November 7th, the day after I vote for this Stephanie Miner I’m suddenly hearing about. If she is serious about helping New York, she will run for City Council or State government.
I believe Governor Cuomo is experienced and able to govern, and and knows what it takes to get things done in New York State, even by snapping his fingers.
What makes it impossible for me to vote for him yet again, despite every reason enumerated here was his insistence that he can do anything, unless it relies on the “REPUBLICAN CONTROLLED STATE SENATE”. I live in West upper Manhattan. My State Senator Marsol Alcantara is a Democrat running again,likely to win. And as a member of the 6 person Democratic IDC she has, and will, vote with the Republicans so they can “control the senate.”
Why would a Democratic governor want that? Why lie about it so many times during the debate? The senate has more Democrats than Republicans. It is only controlled by the Republicans when Cuomo and his donors need it to be.
19
What I want to know is whether Nixon will support Cuomo for reelection after she (inevitably) loses the Democratic primary to him. If she will not, then she and her supporters will contribute to precisely the intraparty divisiveness that would allow the Republican party to prevail. This is the year and the time to reject this divisiveness. So, does anyone know what Nixon's position is post-primaries?
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@Elliot
I think the bigger question is does NIXON know what her position will be post-primaries?
5
@Elliot
Hey, that pre-debate handshake ... and - doubt they had one - another one post-debate or post-primary ... are way over-rated!
Particularly - because I agree with you that unity USUALLY is better than dis-unity - where it makes not an iota of difference.
We can disagree (I suspect we do) about how hard Bernie worked for Hillary, but NYS voters are pretty savvy. [Although I wonder, since the majority seem ready to overlook a pretty pathetic Cuomo 8-year record in an almost 1-party state.]
And maybe - so long as the difference between them is as stark as the difference between Dem. and Republican is in many other states - Ms. Nixon should say little more than that she finds him preferable to whomever the Republicans nominate.
We cannot paper over the differences between "democratic" Democrats and a very moneyed bunch of politicos - Andy as elevated and "entitled" as any - who run on the Dem. line and then bite the hand that feeds them.
Anybody who understands public education and/or public transportation could not possibly vote for or support Mr. Cuomo.
Think about that! This "experienced manager" is like the Captain on the Titanic. Neither, in my mind, merits the kind of "send-off" that McCain (maybe) earned.
1
While both candidates might come across as committed to the people of this state, one must consider which of the two would be strong enough to defeat the Republican opponent, Mark Molinaro. Let all the Democratic voters consider one of Molinaro's proposals: he is in favor of "limited" fracking in NYS. And, if the 10th Amendment is going to be applied more to combat actions against executive orders from the White House, consider who you would want up in Albany, a Republican or Democratic governor.
9
An example of how far we've sunk. The best our candidates and leaders can do is throw insults. We are devoid of statesmen.
22
“But the candidates disagreed on whether public workers should have the right to strike (she is in favor, he is not); single-payer health care (she is in favor, he said it should be left to the federal government)”
Hate to break it to you governor, you may have missed the news, but the Supreme Court is headed back to a court with a strong preference for the 10th Amendment. Strong governors are going to be absolutely essential as long as the court retains its current shape.
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@Jeff
Remember PATCO? Civil Servants should not have the right to strike. Strike about what? They don't pay for healthcare, their pensions are tax free.
4
You are mistaken. State employees do pay for health care, as a 38 year employee I know that.
5
Clearly, Cuomo needs to go. He is part of the political establishment that is not delivering for ordinary people. Why is Ms Nixon the only Democrat in the great state of New York who had the guts to stand up to him?
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@Lester B: De Blasio? He's not running for governor, but he certainly stands up to Cuomo. IMO, Nixon is running on De Blasio's behest, or at least at his suggestion.
3
I wish a third party could have participated in this and in future presidential debates. Third parties add so much more perspective and cause cognitive dissonance in the candidates and electorate.
Vote your candidate down ballot. If a Democrat is supported by a third party, please vote for your candidate in a third party line. It helps maintain third party ballot access which is very difficult to acquire in NY, sends message to major parties about growing third parties and non affiliated voters, and I believe it helps third parties get some funding.
Vote Down Ballot for a more effective and powerful vote!
The bipartisan Secure Elections Act was developed in the senate and suppressed by the White House reported in the Washington Post. A White House, Trump, spokesperson said, the Secure Elections Act was, "legislation with inappropriate mandates, or that moves power or funding from the states to Washington for planning and operation of elections." So Russia, if your listening, come on down! I call my representative almost daily about the inaction over election security and the treasonous implications.
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@Richard In theory that would be great. But the "third parties" that currently exist are all jokes, and care more about publicity and donations than they do about actually getting elected and implementing their agendas.
20
Cuomo came out on top in my opinion, as much as I like Nixon. She came across as a lightweight.
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@Reasonable
She was prepared, I didn't appreciate Cuomo's mansplaining and dancing around the ethics issues nor his lame excuse for changing the name of the Tappan Zee Bridge whose name incorporates both Indian and Dutch words both appropriate for this state. To me it's still the Queensboro Bridge, The Tappan Zee Bridge and the Triborough Bridge.
5
I’m a Nixon supporter, I think, but I’m NOT in favor of letting city workers strike. It’s power like that which has enabled outrageous pensions which have bankrupted numerous municipalities. Sorry.
46
But giving government employees back the right to strike is part of her platform / talking points. How can you support her? Do you want to see mass transit shut down, garbage piling up, or kids home from school. Not only would there be issues with children missing their education, working parents rely on schools to know that their kids are in a relatively safe place. I don't think NYS generally has issues with schools not having enough desks for their students, an issue brought up by Nixon as justification for allowing teachers to strike.
21
@New World: Agreed. "Union" has come to be equated with "Public Union". Public unions don't negotiate with corporate management, they influence politicians by offering their votes and funding. The politicians, in turn, pay the unions back by increasing wages, not at the expense of a corporate bottom line, but by raising taxes.
3
@Butch After just shy of 6 years as an unpaid/under appreciated high school teacher in NY, paying out of pocket for supplies for students, enduring the public employee salary freeze when NYC was on the verge of bankruptcy, I completely support the ability fo the unions to strike - if absent strikes, there is no incentive to pay public employess a living wage, then home school your children, car pool your way to work and cart your own garbage to a land fill.
6
“he categorically ruled out running for president in 2020”
Yeah, right. Like DJT, this grandstanding corrupt governor has no moral center.
37
The problem for me is Cuomo is an arrogant, corrupt politician who has crafted himself to be able to escape responsibility for the behavior of those in his inner circle. He is no different, ethically, from Trump. I find it very, very difficult to support a man I do not trust and whom, I believe, lies a great deal of the time. So, what to do. Walk away from Cuomo (I also voted Republican for the first time in my life when I tired of his father) or vote for someone who has little experience in governing even though she has ideas I favor. Doing the latter would, in all likelihood, lead to a Republican victory at a time when we need to send a very strong anti-Republican message. I may just have to hold my nose on this one. Cuomo's arrogance will most likely lead to more egregious behavior on his part, not less, if he wins. I assure you, however, if I do reluctantly vote for him for governor, I would never support Cuomo for any higher office.
39
@Walking Man By then it will be too late the damage will have already been done. Cuomo is rotten to the core and Nixon is a lightweight. Letting public sector workers strike? Seriously?
1
Even if it weren't for seeing Nixon perform so ineptly in the "debate", I would vote for Gov. Cuomo, who has served honorably, effectively, and with skill and caring, and whose likes this country needs more than ever.
45
@Gail S Yeah, like that time he ran for Governor on a serious anti-corruption platform, and then immediately dismantled his anti-corruption commission the minute they started looking into the activities of some of his friends. That's the definition of honor right there.
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@Sam Rosenberg
Honor among thieves.
@Gail S
And of course what was delightful was the Cuomo political ad right after the debate featuring Cynthia Nixon over the years -- given her different hair styles and outfits -- gushing over Mr. Cuomo.
A Governor Cynthia Nixon -- assuming upstaters might be prevailed upon to vote for her -- would not have been able to get the New York State senate to approve a bill legalizing gay marriage.
HUH? With all this talk about Watergate redux these days, when I read the headline about a debate between Cuomo and Nixon, I scratched my head and said, How can that be? Nixon's been dead for years! OOPS! Sometimes name recognition has its disadvantages. Trading barbs is a style that's been written into Cynthia Nixon's TV roles forever. So it's hardly a surprise that she uses her most familiar lines. Except when it backfires, as it did with Cuomo. What will people think? Cuomo has proven himself capable of governing. Not prefectly. Nobody is perfect because humans are inherently flawed. But he has NOT proven himself in any role in Sex and the City. What's missing from his resume? Come to think of it, that's quite a mouthful to swallow. Nor has Cynthia Nixon proven herself capable of governing. Ronnie Ray Gun was governor of California first and foremost, after having been a political activist for many years. Not that he was the best president--far from it. But his acting chops did help him out--he had the smoothest delivery. Maybe Obama comes close. But not quite, since at heart, Obama is professorial. Something Ray Gun most definitely never was. But back to the spat--you can see how urgently I feel about pursuing the topic. The takeaway to me is that government cannot be run by exchanges of Nya, Nya, Nya, I Gotcha!
6
If I had a magic wand that worked, I would take certain positions from each and put them into a new candidate for our Governor. I even think that if elected, Mr. Cuomo should include Ms Nixon in his government so that she might learn more about political office, how to get things done, root out some of the corruption she detests, and hopefully have an even better opportunity to bring Mr. Cuomo around to several of her positions. etc. I want a Democrat for governor. The thought of a Republican and potential Trump supporter in that office is truly frightening. Both candidates need to remind themselves that people who criticize us are not always our enemies. Listen carefully, reevaluate and learn.........
48
Ms. Nixon first showed her poor judgement by running for governor. How about starting with City Council?
117
@Bellagiorno She's gonna lose, but I think it's good to have her in the race; otherwise he would be completely unopposed. Even if she just moves him a half-step to the left on a few issues, that's better than no steps.
45
@Bellagiorno
I totally agree!! This first bid is for governorship instead of working her way up through the ranks of government service smacks of arrogance! It scares me that she doesn't seem to know what she doesn't know. I don't want a repeat of another entertainment person in government with out substance behind them! Pay your dues, do the work! Just because your voice is new, doesn't mean you deserve to lead! Governor? I hope not! I hope everyone comes out to vote and holds in front of them, the debacle that is the 'reality' president!
48
@BellagiornoDid The days of asking women to run for school board first are over. Experience comes in many forms, and if we only require one form of experience, we'll have an insider ruling class made up of a bunch of white guys. If you name your favorite male politicians, I'm willing to bet they didn't start on City Council, and that includes Ms. Nixon's opponent.
2
My takeaway from last night's debate for Ms. Nixon: back up your plans and platform with how you will implement them! For example, when presented with affordable housing you attacked Cuomo for his alliance with developers in terms of campaign contributions. Yet, I never heard your policy, Ms. Nixon, on how to make affordable housing prosper in New York. Strengthen the rent laws? How, Ms. Nixon? What do you propose? Gentrification is squeezing out black and brown people from their homes? How will you prevent it, Ms. Nixon? A very progressive and needed agenda statements, but no plan to accomplish it.
170
I’d rather have someone who supports here goals, even without plans or formulated policies now, than someone who doesn’t even support them. Does Cuomo? What are his plans and policies on these points?
14
@Charlie
"Back up your plans"?
"Empty-suit Andy" has plenty of plans. None of them ever come to fruition.
4
Well for someone in NJ you care deeply - and so do I :). But seriously, you’re never going to hear in-depth answers to complex issues in a debate because of the way debates are structured- basically to be boxing matches where you get your jabs in and move on. But let me see if I got you correct: you do support the premise of protecting and strengthening affordable housing, right? For if you do, then Nixon is the best candidate to rec to your NY neighbors and family.
4
Nixon performed well, was conversant on the issues and, in my opinion, has an ethical core, which Cuomo does not. Cuomo's arrogance and dismissiveness were on full display. Corruption in Albany, by itself, should disqualify him. From Howe to Percoco to Kalyeros, to the disbanding of the Moreland Commission to his support for the IDC and its alliance with the Senate Republicans to veto any meaningful ethics reform, Cuomo has helped to facilitate the culture of corruption. Cuomo got his $30 million campaign war chest not from small donors but from the real estate industry (i.e. the infamous Glenwood LLC.,) from the hedge funds, from the charter school operators (remember he called public schools a "public monopoly") and from the millionaire's who oppose the millionaire's tax, something he has opposed and rescinded early in his first administration, in spite of his statements in the debate. Until this past year, Cuomo has been anti-public worker and union from the beginning (i.e. Tier VI pension and support for charter school grifters.) Nixon may be inexperienced but I'll take inexperience over someone with no moral compass and someone who has had eight years to do for the people instead of himself.
172
@Stew Sad that this is the most upvoted comment. Cuomo has scored many progressive victories (minimum wage, gay marriage, guns, infrastructure, protecting immigrants etc.), yes sometimes he had to be pushed--guess what? That's politics. The most progressive unions in the state dropped the Working Families Party when they endorsed Nixon's celebrity/vanity candidacy. Especially with Trump as President, indulging in an emotional and pointless third party run by Nixon is dangerous.
4
Cynthia Nixon believes that she can snap her for fingers and enact a progressive agenda, whereas Cuomo has actually delivered one while not bankrupting the state. Indeed he has delivered on Free College, $16 minimum wage, Solid state healthcare. Meanwhile Nixon has never had the hard job of creating compromise and holding fighting constituencies accountable. She is not fit for the office and like other celebrities I could mention thinks that fame is a substitute for real experience.
95
Is $16 a living wage in NYC?
2
@bartleby
Well when one takes money from the MTA and puts that towards the budget things will work in your favor no?
Cuomo is a bully who has been bought and paid for by Hedge Funds, millionaires who curry favor, developers etc. And you think he works for the middle class of this state?
6
"Stop lying..." -- "...As soon as you do."
I've no horse in the race, but his admitting to lying even if in response to her, didn't help his cause... even though I'm sure that's not what he meant to say... I think what he really meant was "I know you are, but what am I..."
103
@J
Not a huge Cuomo fan and the subways are a disaster because of state mismanagement, but Cuomo wasn't lying in that exchange.
According to Wikipedia, the city does, in fact, own the subway:
"The New York City Subway is a rapid transit system owned by the City of New York..."
So he's not lying when he says the city owns the subway, but he's also not being entirely upfront, as you can see if you read the rest of the above sentence:
"... and leased to the New York City Transit Authority, a subsidiary agency of the state-run Metropolitan Transportation Authority."
That means ownership and control are two different things.
Nixon can yell and scream all she wants about the state mismanaging the subways and Cuomo can yell and scream all he wants about the city owning the subways -- and both of them can be right!
Obviously Nixon's point is the one that matters, but Cuomo isn't technically wrong.
It's a textbook political misdirection.
And if you think that complex management structure happens to be particularly favorable for a state politician looking to avoid blame, that's because it was designed that way.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_Subway
1
I really liked Mr. Cuomo's father. I wish the current bunch of Democrats had more guts like he did.
We don't need Democrats to be Republican lite. We need Democrats who will take the fight right to the heart of the problem in America today, wealth, greed and power. That fight would be against the corrupting influence of corporations and their dark money in politics today.
It is time for Democrats to return to their roots, channel their inner FDR. America needs Democrats who will stand up to the rich and powerful like FDR did. America needs a second Bill of Rights guaranteeing "economic security for every citizen" like FDR proposed.
America needs Democrats to champion bold aggressive policies to overcome the past fifty years of economic decline for the working class. And, I hope Mr. Cuomo, that one of those Democrats will be you.
90
@Ronny Good comment, with which I agree almost 100%. Except that the roots of the Democrats do not lie with FDR but with the slave-owning oligarchy of the Confederacy.
1
They probably could if there were meaningful campaign contribution limits. Real estate interests own the agenda - that includes great wealth, all Republicans and paid off Democrats. Nixon is correct that NY is a faux liberal leading state.
4
@Colenso such a tired old refrain- everyone knows that the democrats of the south jumped ship in the 60s when Kennedy backed integration and they became Republicans- the reason the Republican Party is so white today. I grew up in the South and heard from neighbors that my parents were “N_lovers “ when they found out they had voted for Kennedy.
2
For me the decision is simple: vote for the real Democrat. Mr. Cuomo is just a centrist Republican that won the Governorship on the Democratic line.
Cynthia is right. As a 22-year member of an education union, I do know Cuomo is terrible for education and for labor in general, and he was the reason why Democrats did not have control of the Senate.
154
I totally refute everything you stated
You want an inexperienced neophyte who one day woke up and decided she wanted to be governor. Not knowledge or experience or the faintest idea of what that entails
Never held any responsible office. An actress who is acting in stage. Nixon won’t fool us
The governorship isn’t sex in the city
5
Ms. Nixon held her own against the Governor. Her interruptions were annoying and childish. She did a great job defending the single payer health system. It was a lively debate and the people need more to understand all the issues.
22
I love it when politicians use the word experimented when they refer to smoking weed . Reminds me of Clinton saying he smoked it but didn’t inhale . You either smoked it or you didn’t . Why they can’t be candid on something they did years ago in college is beyond me
39
Cuomo experimented with pot Nixon is experimenting with running for office.
63
Not a fan of either candidate. I thought Ms. Nixon did better than I thought she would. Although I found her frequent speaking out of turn to be unprofessional. I wish the debate moderators would turn off the microphones of participants when it isn't their turn to speak. Can the NY times move on, and start reporting about the republican candidate now?
19
I watched the debate, first time I saw or heard Nixon. Like many on the extrema left she has good ideas but no idea how to fund them or get them passed in Albany. She did seem to think just snapping your fingers would work. Instead of answering many questions she spent her time degrading Como. I know who Como is, I wanted to know what she would do! Her answers seemed geared for NYC, she is running for Governor, not Mayor!! I like Como's congestion pricing for the MTA, no strike for city workers, stance on sports betting and pot, infrastructure work and major pushback on trump. He has my vote.
76
@Thomas Renner
"Extreme left" is Fidel Castro, of which there are no examples in American politics. Cynthia Nixon is a liberal as the word was understood before Bill Clinton.
Her kind run any number of economies in Europe.
There is extremism in American politics, but it comes from the other side, whose only equivalent abroad is the emerging proto-fascist parties, as in Hungary and Poland, new favorites of Steve Bannon.
3