Former NY Governor Andrew Cuomo is officially out. Gov. Kathy Hochul is now the new governor of the State of New York.
Politics
The resignation from former NY Governor Cuomo became official at midnight on Tuesday morning. At 12:01 am, Gov. Hochul was officially sworn in as the first female governor in New York history.
During his last day on the job, the former NY governor gave a tearful, but defiant final address to the residents of New York State.
“Let me say now that when government politicizes allegations and the headlines condemn without facts, you undermine the justice system and that doesn’t serve women and it doesn’t serve men or society,” Cuomo said. “I understand that there are moments of intense political pressure and media frenzy that cause a rush to judgment, but that is not right. It’s not fair or sustainable. Facts still matter.”
Cuomo defiantly reiterated that he never sexually harassed or touched anyone inappropriately.
“A firecracker can start a stampede, but at one point everyone looks around and says, ‘Why are we running?'” The truth is ultimately always revealed,” Cuomo said. “The attorney general’s report was designed to be a political firecracker on an explosive topic and it worked. There was a political and media stampede but the truth will (come) out in time. Of that I am confident.
“Now there are moments in life that test our character, that asks us are we the person we believe we are or are we the person we try to be at our best. You know me, I am a fighter and my instinct is to fight this because it is unfair and unjust in my mind,” Cuomo continued.
“But you also know that I love New York and I serve you. That is the oath that I took. And in this moment, I believe the right thing is that my service comes first. Prolonging this situation could only cause governmental paralysis and that is just not an option for you and not an option for the state, especially now,” he added.
Fighting back tears, Cuomo concluded: “I worked my hardest, I gave it my all, and I tried my best to deliver for you. And that is God’s honest truth.”
According to an aide, the former NY governor “has no interest in running for office again.”
New York’s new chief, Gov. Kathy Hochul, who began her political career on a town council in Western New York before briefly serving in Congress and as lieutenant governor for the past 7 years, was ecstatic to begin her new role.
“I’m excited about this,” Gov. Hochul said. “I’m excited about this opportunity. I’m very prepared for this.”
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Cuomo has a way of talking that makes everything seem real honest. You can see it in his speech. But good luck to him wherever he goes.