ALBANY — Both Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio called on Ted Cruz today to apologize for trying to demonize New York by questioning its “values.”
“In one 30-second soundbite, he was offensive to gays, he was offensive to women, he offended 18 million New Yorkers, one of the largest congressional delegations, by the way, in the country, and you can’t govern that way and it’s not who we are,” the governor said in a call in to NY1.
“I’m always open to give him an education on what New York values are all about, and, if he had any class, he would apologize to the people of New York.”
The mayor called an impromptu press opportunity at City Hall to denounce the Texas senator.
“On behalf of all New Yorkers, I’m disgusted at the insult that Ted Cruz threw at this city and its people,” de Blasio said.
“I find myself for once in agreement with Donald Trump — I think it was right for Donald Trump to defend New York City and to talk about the heroic actions of the people of this city after 9/11.”
Both the mayor and governor are Democrats backing Hillary Clinton, so Cruz’s comments presented them with a rare opportunity to see things the same way by questioning whether Cruz’s antipathy toward New York extended to his fundraising.
“I also find it very ironic that Ted Cruz does not hesitate to come to New York City to raise millions and millions of dollars. I find it very ironic that Ted Cruz went running to Goldman Sachs when he needed a big loan,” said the mayor.
“So he has no trouble taking money from New York City, but he’s quick to insult our people and our values. I think it’s really going to backfire on him. I think people are going to see through this as hypocrisy of the highest order.”
Cuomo saw it the same way.
“I’m sure he’s not going to accept any money from New Yorkers,” the governor said sarcastically. “I’m sure if he has, he’s going to return all those contributions. I’m sure he’s going to return all the money.”