Bill Maher doubted that former New York governor Andrew Cuomo could overcome nursing home handling during the coronavirus pandemic when he discussed his mayor's aspirations.
The “real-time” host spoke to former CNN host Chris Cuomo, Cuomo's brother, about the former governor's bid for the New York City mayor on Sunday's “Club Random” podcast. Cuomo has led a poll against other Democratic candidates and current New York mayor Eric Adams, who ran the party as independence, but Maher suggested that his past Covid-19 orders could come back to plague him.
“I don't think he's going to pass the nursing home,” Maher said before suggesting that Cuomo had to own the matter.
Bill Maher commented on the possibility that former Gov. Andrew Cuomo could become the next mayor of New York City on his “Club Random” podcast. (Noam Galai/Getty Images | Al Drago/Getty Images)
He says, “Politics is a high-wire act. One bouncing decision can force people to chase, saying, “Sorry, I can't trust that man's judgment.” Or they don't know what will happen. ”
Chris Cuomo is tackling an ongoing “irritating” lawsuit against CNN over rare comments
In contrast, Chris Cuomo said he believes the scandal will be subject to pressure from Democrats rather than race decisions.
“I think he has a lot of pressure on him within that party,” Chris Cuomo said. “And they'll have to decide whether they want to take power or police their beliefs within their party. That is what they have to decide. What are they about as a party?”
Andrew Cuomo fired over a controversial order issued in March 2020, refusing to refuse to accept patients who were initially tested positive for Covid-19. The directive was intended to free beds in case the hospital was overwhelmed, but was later rescinded amid speculation that it accelerated outbreaks and deaths among the state's most vulnerable population.
Cuomo began bidding for the mayor of New York City in March. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
A report released by the New York State Secretary in March 2022 later found that Cuomo's Health Department was “not transparent in reporting Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes,” putting the number of deaths in nursing homes at 50% at some point during the pandemic.
Cuomo eventually resigned in August 2021 following allegations of sexual harassment.
For more information about media and culture, click here
In response to Cuomo's mayoral bid, Adams told reporters that the former governor should “answer” about his role in the death of a nursing home.
It has been found that Cuomo's administration compensated for nursing home deaths in 2020. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
“I met with some of the nursing home families and supporters. There are a few things we want to do with them, but he has to answer those questions on the trail,” Adams replied. “Should it be an automatic disqualification? No, I think it needs to be answered on the trail. I think exactly what happened. And I think some of those families are looking forward to it.”
Click here to get the Fox News app
In a comment to Fox News Digital, Cuomo's campaign accused his original order of matching federal leadership and accusing him of playing a “political game” on the issue.
“More than a million Americans have died as a result of the community pandemic, and our hearts have passed away for the families of all those who have lost loved ones, but unfortunately, as confirmed by DOJ IG, that pain has been politicized purely for election purposes over the years. Maga and Fringe DSA Mayoral candidates have,” the statement read.
Greg Norman of Fox News contributed to this report.
