TV host Bill Maher cast doubt on former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s political comeback, saying Cuomo’s record during the COVID-19 crisis—specifically the nursing home deaths—remains a major liability in his run for New York City mayor.
In a conversation with Cuomo’s brother, Chris Cuomo, Maher stated flatly, “I don’t think he’s going to get past the nursing home thing.” Maher argued that in politics, “one boner decision” can permanently damage public trust.
Cuomo’s directive in March 2020 forced nursing homes to accept patients who had tested positive for COVID-19. More than 15,000 deaths occurred in New York nursing homes and similar facilities following that mandate. A state report revealed the Cuomo administration underreported these deaths by nearly 50%. Cuomo’s top aide, Melissa DeRosa, admitted that the numbers were withheld to avoid scrutiny from federal investigators.
Additional investigations alleged that Cuomo tried to interfere with testimonies during congressional inquiries into the policy. Critics have long pointed to the directive as one of the most reckless decisions during the pandemic, especially given the vulnerability of elderly residents.
Despite these concerns, Cuomo is positioning himself for a political resurgence. He is currently leading Democratic challengers and even polling ahead of incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who recently declared an independent bid for re-election.
Chris Cuomo insisted his brother could help redefine the Democratic Party’s direction. However, Bill Maher noted that Democrats are still struggling to find a figure who can connect with voters as effectively as former President Donald Trump.
Maher, once a vocal Trump critic, recently described the former president as “one of the most effective politicians,” crediting Trump’s authenticity and ability to tap into voter instincts. Maher added that while Democrats search for their version of Trump, they’re still “coming up empty.”
Cuomo’s team maintains the original directive followed federal guidance, but public trust may prove harder to recover than political ground.
