Bill Maher Questions Cuomo’s NYC Mayor Odds Over Scandal

Bill Maher, host of HBO’s “Real Time,” has openly doubted former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s ability to secure the New York City mayoral seat, citing the lingering fallout from his administration’s handling of nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic as a major hurdle. During a recent episode of his “Club Random” podcast with Chris Cuomo, the ex-governor’s brother, Maher argued that voters may not forgive what he called a fatal misstep, despite Cuomo’s current lead in Democratic primary polls.

Maher pointed to a 2020 directive under Cuomo forcing nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients. This policy, later reversed, was blamed for thousands of elderly deaths across the state.

A 2022 state comptroller report found Cuomo’s Health Department underreported nursing home deaths by up to 50%. The cover-up, Maher suggested, could overshadow any campaign promises Cuomo makes.

Chris Cuomo countered that his brother’s polling strength shows voters might move past the scandal. He argued Democrats face a choice between winning power or punishing past mistakes.

Current NYC Mayor Eric Adams, now running as an independent, has demanded Cuomo address the nursing home issue directly. Adams, mired in his own legal troubles, trails far behind in recent surveys.

Cuomo resigned as governor in August 2021 amid unrelated sexual harassment allegations, which he denies. His mayoral bid, launched in March, seeks to reclaim his political legacy.

Maher warned that politics is unforgiving, calling it a “highwire act” where one error can sink a candidate. He questioned whether New Yorkers trust Cuomo’s judgment after such a controversy.

The former governor’s campaign insists his actions aligned with federal guidance at the time. They accuse rivals of exploiting a tragedy for electoral gain.

Nine mayoral candidates united in March to condemn Cuomo’s pandemic record at a memorial event. This rare bipartisan attack underscores the issue’s lasting political weight.

Polls show Cuomo leading with 38% in the Democratic primary, far ahead of rivals like Zohran Mamdani at 10%. Yet Maher believes the nursing home deaths remain a vulnerability opponents will target.

Families of nursing home victims continue to demand accountability, fueling public anger. Their voices could sway undecided voters as the June primary nears.

With Adams weakened and the field crowded, Cuomo’s experience gives him an edge, but Maher’s doubts echo broader concerns. The race’s outcome may hinge on whether New Yorkers see redemption or a repeat of past failures.