Gov. Cuomo’s hands may have been all over the Moreland Commission, but when it comes to debating his rivals he says it’s not his decision.
“My campaign,” he says, “will be talking to my rivals’ campaigns and they’ll figure it out, I’m sure.”
Those anxious to debate him include not only GOP nominee Rob Astorino, but also Cuomo’s opponent in the Democratic primary, Zephyr Teachout. It looks as though the governor wants to run out the clock.
The Democratic primary is a week from this coming Tuesday, so if the governor is ever going to acknowledge his opponent (other than trying to knock her off the ballot), it has to happen in the next few days.
And the governor has yet to accept Astorino’s public call for a series of debates.
Now, no incumbent — especially one as far ahead in the polls as Cuomo — wants a debate that gives his opponents publicity. But it’s one of the things candidates owe the voters.
And it speaks volumes about Andrew Cuomo, who’s normally so combative yet now seems determined to avoid pointed questions and rely on canned commercials and managed public appearances.
There are many big issues at stake in this election, from the state economy to corruption in Albany. Pity that a governor so far out front in the polls seems to lack confidence in his ability to defend his record in a forum he doesn’t control.