Son of Mario

WASHINGTON whispers, as we all know, and lately it has been whispering about—Andrew Cuomo. He is, of course, son of, and also secretary of housing and urban development. HUD is not exactly a glamour spot, but Cuomo has made the most of it, politically. He is very close to Al Gore, and one whisper has it that he could become the vice president’s running mate. If not that, chief of staff, in a Gore administration. If not that, governor of New York, after the 2002 election. Smart, determined, and politically shrewd, Cuomo has as bright a future as any Democrat of his generation. That name doesn’t hurt, either. Actually, he has two names that don’t hurt, being married to a Kennedy (one of Robert’s). Democrats can be excused for salivating over this prince.

Would Gore actually name him to the ticket? Probably not. He has his strengths: He’s an “ethnic,” and Catholic. And he has eloquence, presence, a New Democratic credential or two, an attractive family (including twin daughters), and those royal names. But he has never held elective office, is barely into his forties, has a scandal-smudged past, and comes from a state that should be in the Democratic column anyway. Gore’s better bet might be another cabinet member, energy secretary Bill Richardson, who, though gas prices are up, still has a Mexican mother. Lovely, in today’s politics.

About the Author

Jay Nordlinger

Jay Nordlinger was a senior editor of National Review and a book fellow at National Review Institute.

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WASHINGTON whispers, as we all know, and lately it has been whispering about—Andrew Cuomo. He is, of course, son of, and also secretary of housing and urban development. HUD is not exactly a glamour spot, but Cuomo has made the most of it, politically. He is very close to Al Gore, and one whisper has it that he could become the vice president’s running mate. If not that, chief of staff, in a Gore administration. If not that, governor of New York, after the 2002 election. Smart, determined, and politically shrewd, Cuomo has as bright a future as any Democrat of his generation. That name doesn’t hurt, either. Actually, he has two names that don’t hurt, being married to a Kennedy (one of Robert’s). Democrats can be excused for salivating over this prince.

Would Gore actually name him to the ticket? Probably not. He has his strengths: He’s an “ethnic,” and Catholic. And he has eloquence, presence, a New Democratic credential or two, an attractive family (including twin daughters), and those royal names. But he has never held elective office, is barely into his forties, has a scandal-smudged past, and comes from a state that should be in the Democratic column anyway. Gore’s better bet might be another cabinet member, energy secretary Bill Richardson, who, though gas prices are up, still has a Mexican mother. Lovely, in today’s politics.