BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - As twelve years in office comes to an end for Governor Andrew Cuomo Monday, political analysts are already speculating on his legacy and what, if anything, is next for him.
A year ago, Cuomo was looking forward to his Emmy award for Covid briefings and had announced his book deal. He was holding regular briefings and there were whispers of a presidential run.
"He looked like he had a bright future," said strategist and WBEN contributor Carl Calabrese. "It all came crashing down. It's an amazing story and will take some time to put it into perspective."
Cuomo held two media briefings this past weekend on tropical storm Henri.
"He doesn't want to let go," said Calabrese, who picked up on something else from the briefings. "The Lieutenant Governor was not by his side. I thought that was bizarre and classless. He talks about a smooth transition and had a chance to show that he was working on it. You would think he would have his Lt. Governor, who is about to take the reigns of leadership, right next to him."
On the flip side, Calabrese said it helps Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul. "She can claim that she was not, and is not, part of the governor's inner circle. This says a lot about his personality that he didn't invite her, and it helps Hochul answer questions about what she knew, and when she knew it."
When it comes to Cuomo's legacy, ABC political analyst Steve Roberts put it this way. "People in Washington throw this around all the time. What's the first line in your obituary?" he asked. "For Governor Cuomo, it will be his resignation. It won't be his twelve years in office. It will be Governor Cuomo, who resigned under pressure from a sexual harassment scandal. The nature of his leaving is indelible," he said.
Calabrese and Roberts both weighed-in on whether Cuomo will surface again.
"I don't see him running for public office again, his time is done," said Roberts. "I don't know what he does next, but he's not running for office."
Calabrese says "never say never in politics." He does not foresee a career in elected politics for Andrew Cuomo. "But I could see him playing a role in Democrat-party politics. He has a lot of money that he can use to donate to candidates and causes.
There may be another career path for Cuomo. Calabrese thinks it's only a matter of time before he lands a position as a television commentator and analyst. "Maybe he'll join his brother and it will be Cuomo and Cuomo on CNN," quipped Roberts.
