It’s weird watching CNN’s Chris Cuomo interview his brother, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, almost every single night, but it’s even weirder that the national media are treating the governor like a hero. He has done nothing remarkable in managing his state’s response to the coronavirus.
New York has been the hardest-hit state, and it houses America’s largest city, so it naturally lends itself to receiving more attention than other places. But Cuomo has taken no action that differentiates New York from any other city or state coping with the same problem.
But can this guy host a soothing press conference, or what?
That’s apparently the one thing earning him such devotion from liberal journalists. The New York Times last week said Cuomo’s televised briefing performances are “articulate, consistent and often tinged with empathy.” They are, the paper said, “must-see television.” The Times also likened the briefings to a “tender embrace.” U.S. News and World Report was equally impressed with Cuomo’s “take-charge attitude” at the briefings, describing him as “a comforting leader” who has become “America’s governor.”
USA Today reporter Jon Campbell said Cuomo’s briefings are “getting rave reviews.” (But from whom?)
Cuomo has done nothing outside of what everyone knew was necessary to limit the spread of the virus and boost medical resources for treatment of the infected. He ordered people to stay indoors and away from others (“social distancing”), closed schools and all businesses other than those deemed “essential,” and he requested additional help from the federal government.
All of that was recommended by the Trump administration. So, what, exactly, are we supposed to be impressed by?
Cuomo is overrated. But he has a decent voice, so that’s something.
