In a stunning about-face, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has relaunched his faltering political career by parroting the anti-billionaire rhetoric of his socialist rival, Zohran Mamdani � a move critics say reeks of desperation and political reinvention.

In an interview with New York Magazine, Cuomo openly echoed Mamdani�s populist messaging, declaring: �Which, yeah, I�m anti-billionaire. They have too much money. Make them give it back, especially when we�re having an affordability crisis.�

The remark � a jarring reversal from Cuomo�s years of shielding the wealthy from tax hikes � triggered immediate damage control from longtime spokesman Rich Azzopardi. �That�s a silly manipulation of the Governor�s words,� Azzopardi insisted, claiming Cuomo was merely mimicking Mamdani�s appeal. But even New York Magazine reporter David Freedlander doubled down, tweeting: �Andrew Cuomo is back, and makes his pitch for Mamdani voters.�

Cuomo�s newfound populism contrasts sharply with his record. As governor, he railed against taxing millionaires, warned it would drive the wealthy from New York, and obstructed then-Mayor Bill de Blasio�s effort to fund universal pre-K through higher taxes. During the pandemic, Cuomo infamously pleaded with rich New Yorkers to stay � not pay more.

Now, having suffered a humiliating primary defeat to Mamdani in June, Cuomo is scrambling for relevance. His pivot toward progressive talking points � including on housing and transit � is seen by insiders as a calculated, if clumsy, rebranding effort as he fights to remain on the ballot for November�s general election.

�The problem isn�t Cuomo�s platform � it�s Cuomo,� said Democratic strategist Chris Sosa. �He�s viewed as a manipulative bully and a disgraced former governor trying on a new mask. Voters aren�t fooled.�

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)