Five Takeaways From The First & Only Cuomo-Nixon Debate

Governor Andrew Cuomo and challenger Cynthia Nixon sparred for an hour last night at Hofstra University on Long Island, where each candidate seemed determined to pack as much vitriol as they could into their only debate ahead of the Democratic primary on Thursday, September 13th. The acrimonious encounter featured Cuomo accusing Nixon of being a political neophyte who "lives in the world of fiction," and Nixon dismissing Cuomo as "a corrupt corporate Democrat" who stood up to Trump "about as well as he stood up to Putin.” Here's what stood out most from last night's clash (full video below):

Governor Cuomo’s presidential aspirations for 2020 are really, really, really dead. (Unless they aren’t.)

It was a question he knew was coming, and his answer was ready: No, he’s not interested in running for president in the next election. Yes, he would serve out all four years of this third term, if elected. As he started to add “one caveat,” the audience groaned, but then he finished the sentence, saying the only thing that would keep him from completing the term would be “if God strikes me dead.” Don’t expect this to fully end speculation, however, at least not until history buff Cuomo quotes William Tecumseh Sherman’s immortal refusal: "I will not accept if nominated and will not serve if elected."

Both candidates are fully in touch with their inner pushy New Yorker.

One might have thought the candidates' desire to appear gubernatorial might make Cuomo attempt to stay calm and aloof (but not condescending) and make Nixon attempt to be assertive (but not caustic). Nope. Their mutual disdain was on full display. Nixon repeatedly stepped on Cuomo’s answers, at one point leading him to say, “Can you stop interrupting me?” and her to reply, “Can you stop lying?” Cuomo somewhat dialed back his mansplaining tendencies, but they were in full force when he tried to insist that the city, not the state, is primarily responsible for the subway system and when he declared that if Nixon, like many actors, incorporated herself, by definition she is a tax-dodging corporation whose political gifts amount to “corporate donations.”

President Trump is at the heart of two very different political visions (or at least talking points).

Cynthia Nixon might well have supported single-payer health care long before Donald Trump took office. But Trump and his movement have given new urgency to an agenda she’s not afraid to call Democratic socialism. For her, that means universal healthcare, free public universities, greater spending on housing and increased control over rent guidelines. For Cuomo, combating the Trump White House means defensive warfare. Wednesday night, the Governor spoke about counter-attacking the Trump administration with lawsuits—for instance over the separation of immigrant children—rather than about initiating bold new policies.

If either Cuomo or Nixon occupies the Governor’s office next year, New Yorkers will need to make sure they keep their promises.

Both said they support the MTA maintaining current fares, rather than raise them as scheduled. Cuomo’s escape hatch is that he said he’ll only do it, if New York City kicks in half the money to cover a projected $325 million shortfall from not hiking fares. Nixon said she’d take no salary.

The third rail of 2018 New York State gubernatorial politics is Bill de Blasio.

Don’t touch him! In a debate with almost no common ground, Nixon and Cuomo both agreed that “Do you want Mayor de Blasio’s endorsement?” is not a yes-or-no question. Nixon said this election isn’t about endorsements - as if an election ever is, and as if she’s not interested in any encomiums from anyone. And Cuomo did a somewhat more elaborate tap dance: "Don’t get me wrong. I love Mayor de Blasio. I’m sure he loves me, in a strange sort of way. After 30 years, we have a dysfunctional relationship. He makes his own political decisions, not me.” Yes or No? repeated debate host Marcia Kramer. “No ‘Yes or No.’ He makes his own political decisions. I don’t tell him what to do.”

Here's the debate in full. Again, the primary is Thursday, September 13th. Here's how to find your polling place.