Cuomo’s Painful Press Conference

There were times during New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s press conference on Wednesday when you had to wonder whether he was trying to get himself held liable for sexual harassment.

His carefully crafted reputation for being a peerless communicator notwithstanding, Cuomo is prone to error, and worse, in these settings. That is what happens to even smart people who grow accustomed to fawning media coverage. Without the wariness that comes from being challenged and badgered, things that aren’t true trip easily off their tongues, sometime because they’re lying, and other times because they don’t prepare well enough before taking questions. Cuomo is smooth enough that what he says usually sounds plausible in the moment, even if, upon reflection, it’s absurd. He figures, though, that there is no “upon reflection.” Top Democrats come to assume the press is there to clean up their messes, not subject their commentary to journalistic skepticism and follow-up investigation. When you get used to not being called on the nonsense you spout, you spout more nonsense.

About the Author

Andrew C. McCarthy

Andrew C. McCarthy is a senior fellow at National Review Institute, an NR contributing editor, and author of Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency.

Featured Tags

There were times during New York governor Andrew Cuomo’s press conference on Wednesday when you had to wonder whether he was trying to get himself held liable for sexual harassment.

His carefully crafted reputation for being a peerless communicator notwithstanding, Cuomo is prone to error, and worse, in these settings. That is what happens to even smart people who grow accustomed to fawning media coverage. Without the wariness that comes from being challenged and badgered, things that aren’t true trip easily off their tongues, sometime because they’re lying, and other times because they don’t prepare well enough before taking questions. Cuomo is smooth enough that what he says usually sounds plausible in the moment, even if, upon reflection, it’s absurd. He figures, though, that there is no “upon reflection.” Top Democrats come to assume the press is there to clean up their messes, not subject their commentary to journalistic skepticism and follow-up investigation. When you get used to not being called on the nonsense you spout, you spout more nonsense.

About the Author

Andrew C. McCarthy

Andrew C. McCarthy is a senior fellow at National Review Institute, an NR contributing editor, and author of Ball of Collusion: The Plot to Rig an Election and Destroy a Presidency.