Kummer claims to be able to save New York again, Adams has a different view

Former governor Andrew Cuomo announced his candidacy for mayor of New York City last weekend, claiming to be able to rescue the city once again. However, current mayor Eric Adams jokingly responded at a press conference on Monday (March 3), saying, “Yes, I also think we need to be rescued— but from his (Cuomo’s) hands.”

This is the first public response from Adams since Cuomo announced his candidacy on March 1. In a video, Cuomo fiercely criticized the current leadership in New York City, describing it as a place overrun by crime and threats, stating that he will “save our city.”

When asked about Cuomo’s sexual harassment allegations and whether the issues, such as Cuomo’s underestimation of nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, should disqualify him from running, Adams stated that unless someone has done something “truly despicable,” he does not believe anyone should be disqualified. He mentioned meeting with families of nursing home residents and expressed belief in the women who have accused Cuomo, but he believes these issues should be explained by Cuomo himself during the election process.

In response to this, Cuomo’s spokesperson Rich Azzopardi stated, “We will let the voters decide.”

However, Adams himself faces legal challenges. Last year, he was indicted in a bribery case, with federal prosecutors accusing him of accepting lavish travel perks and illegal campaign donations. Adams has pleaded not guilty to these charges. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Justice decided to dismiss the case so that Adams could assist the federal government with immigration policy, but this also means that the case could be reopened in the future.

Cuomo’s main image in this election is an experienced moderate leader, believing he has the political experience to solve key issues in New York City. However, he also carries a lot of political “baggage”. In 2021, a report from the New York State Attorney General’s office stated that Cuomo had sexually harassed at least 11 women, ultimately leading to his resignation. Additionally, his policy in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic to prohibit nursing homes from refusing readmission of COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals has been widely criticized for contributing to the spread of the virus.

Currently, Cuomo and Adams are among several candidates participating in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor. Due to the political nature of the mayoral election in New York City, this primary is considered the most decisive part of the election. Other candidates include City Comptroller Brad Lander, State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos, State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, and former City Comptroller Scott Stringer.