Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently resigned from his office amid allegations of sexual misconduct. The resignation comes at a time when the new Delta variant is making headlines and COVID-19 mandates in New York are covering new ground. The challenges facing the city of New York might be new, but the allegations – and the long-standing culture of abuse – are not.
Cuomo’s resignation comes just a few weeks after Bill Cosby was released from prison on a technicality. Cosby, along with producer Harvey Weinstein, was one of the first cases that put a spotlight on men in power and the #MeToo movement that also resulted in a conviction. Now, years later, the precedent still stands. If you are a powerful person and you choose to engage in inappropriate behavior, you need to face the consequences.
Cuomo’s fall from grace is a sign of the times. It shows the world that no beloved actor, producer or governor of New York can get away with these types of actions. In that regard, it is a very positive sign. It also shows an ugly truth. The underbelly of being a Democrat in a very progressive city like New York: sometimes things slip through the cracks.
The behavior displayed towards women by Cuomo is stark when contrasted with the rhetoric of his fellow New York Democrats. This also seems to be an issue with Republicans as Matt Gaetz, a congressman from Florida is also under investigation for his behavior towards women. Although it may appear like a betrayal of progressive values, it is indicative of the on-going fight going on in the New York government. Maybe those values were never wholly supported in the first place.
In the recent mayoral primary in New York, Eric Adams beat out his other Democrat opponents to become the nominee. Adams ran a campaign focused on beating out what some call “woke Democrats” but Adams referred to them as “idealistic,” further polarizing the discussion between what is progressive and what is not. What Adams may refer to as “Idealistic” is what has won so many battles for human rights around this country. 60 years ago, marriage equality, trans rights and equal pay for women would be considered “idealistic” but, as a nation, we are on our way to making those into realities.
Adams’ win, along with Cuomo’s allegations are signs that New York is divided between its Democrats. The city that shines like a beacon for equality has people at the top who, through their actions, undermine the progress that has been made. New York is an important battleground for Progressivism but just how committed officials are to that fight seems dubious at best. One thing remains for certain: Cuomo’s resignation and Adam’s nomination will impact the discussion on politics, progressivism and #MeToo for the city of New York.
The incoming governor, Kathy Hochul, has addressed the mess she inherited in a video, stating that it “begins with a dramatic change in culture, accountability and no tolerance for individuals who cross the line,” Only time can tell if she will step up and make the change that needs to happen.
