The Gist Tusk Talk: Why Cuomo Leads and the Subways Smell Like Sh*t
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May 28, 2025 Political strategist and author Bradley Tusk joins to dissect the 2025 New York City mayoral race, uncovering why voters overlook Andrew Cuomo's past scandals. He highlights the disconnect between the political elite and the everyday NYC resident, with only 3% feeling represented. Tusk also examines the intersection of comedy and mental health through the lens of 'The Rehearsal,' revealing its poignant commentary amid humor. He critiques the challenges candidates face when promising free services, questioning the feasibility of progressive policies in the current political landscape.
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NYC Crime Stats vs Experience
- Crime stats improve but quality of life issues dominate public perception in NYC.
- Visible problems like public defecation on subways shape how safe people feel more than homicide rates.
Context Enables Cuomo's Comeback
- Context can override typical political expectations, allowing flawed figures to lead.
- Cuomo's Trumpian image helps him resonate amid NYC's current challenges and political climate.
Nursing Home Scandal Nuance
- Cuomo's nursing home policy decision was pragmatic during a crisis but the cover-up created the real scandal.
- Transparency matters more than the difficult choices made during emergencies.
