New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday that he was “inartful” when he said earlier in the week that America “was never that great,” a comment that was widely condemned and mocked by critics on the right and left.
“I want to be very clear: Of course America is great and of course America has always been great,” Cuomo, a Democrat, told reporters on a conference call. “My family is evidence of American greatness.”
Cuomo’s appraisal of the nation was somewhat different Wednesday when, speaking at a Manhattan bill signing, he critiqued Republican President Donald Trump and his slogan, “Make America Great Again.”
“We’re not going to make America great again – it was never that great,” Cuomo told the audience, which reacted with gasps and laughter. “We have not reached greatness. We will reach greatness when every American is fully engaged.”
How does a politician, Cuomo, known for pushing people and businesses out of his state, not to mention having the highest taxes in the U.S., survive making the statement, WE’RE NOT GOING TO MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, IT WAS NEVER THAT GREAT? Which section of the sentence is worse?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2018
Wow! Big pushback on Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York for his really dumb statement about America’s lack of greatness. I have already MADE America Great Again, just look at the markets, jobs, military- setting records, and we will do even better. Andrew “choked” badly, mistake!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2018
When a politician admits that “We’re not going to make America great again,” there doesn’t seem to be much reason to ever vote for him. This could be a career threatening statement by Andrew Cuomo, with many wanting him to resign-he will get higher ratings than his brother Chris!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2018
…I say Andrew’s was a bigger and more incompetent blunder. He should easily win his race against a Super Liberal Actress, but his political career is over!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2018
The comment set off a wave of criticism of Cuomo, who is seeking a third term this fall and is considered a possible White House contender in 2020.
New York Republicans demanded an apology and purchased Cuomo a one-way bus ticket to Montreal. Trump tweeted that Cuomo was having a “total meltdown.” Cuomo primary challenger Cynthia Nixon accused Cuomo of trying to sound like a liberal and failing. CBS late night host Stephen Colbert said the comment was “the dumbest thing you could say as a politician.”
After clarifying his thoughts to reporters, Cuomo said he has no plans to run for president but will continue his criticism of Trump, who is scheduled to attend a Long Island fundraiser Friday. Calling the president “vindictive, petty and small,” Cuomo said “Make America Great Again” reflects Trump’s desire to return America to a time of greater intolerance and inequality.
“Everything he does is repugnant to our values,” he said.
New York Gov. Cuomo: America “Was Never That Great”
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) August 15, 2018
“WE’RE NOT GOING TO MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, IT WAS NEVER THAT GREAT.” Can you believe this is the Governor of the Highest Taxed State in the U.S., Andrew Cuomo, having a total meltdown!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 16, 2018
(AP)
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5 Responses
To periphrases John Kerry: America was never great before it was great.
‘Of Course America Is Great’
Of course he’s an imbecile
He just spoke the truth. America was never as great as trump tells us. He said that we can become greater than before. CUOMO ROCKS!
Holala, i may recommend for you greater place than America that you may consider moving to: Venezuela. And take all your Democrat buddies with you.
Holala 🤡