New York, US:
Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher has officially endorsed former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, using his HBO platform to both defend Cuomo’s record and sharply criticize New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. The endorsement, which quickly went viral, took a stunning turn when Maher referenced the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, linking it to what he described as Mamdani’s “reckless rhetoric and moral inconsistency” on issues of extremist violence.
Cuomo’s Comeback and Maher’s Praise
Andrew Cuomo, who has slowly been rebuilding his public image after resigning from office in 2021, appears to be making strides toward a political comeback. Maher praised Cuomo for his leadership during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, calling him “tough, pragmatic, and one of the few Democrats who knows how to fight Republicans without losing his spine.”
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Maher’s endorsement carried more than mere political implications. It tapped into the growing debate within the Democratic Party over the future direction of its leadership—whether it should lean toward progressive activism or return to centrist pragmatism. Cuomo, in Maher’s words, represented the latter.
“Say what you will about Andrew Cuomo,” Maher told his audience, “but he governed. He didn’t just tweet slogans or chase social media applause. He made hard calls—sometimes unpopular—but that’s what real leadership looks like.”
Maher’s Harsh Words for Mamdani
The episode took a controversial turn when Maher blasted Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a prominent progressive lawmaker from Queens known for his advocacy on housing rights, Palestine solidarity, and criticism of Western foreign policy. Maher accused Mamdani of “moral hypocrisy” and “revisionist politics,” saying that his tone on global terrorism had become dangerously complacent.
As Maher recalled the 1993 World Trade Center bombing—an early jihadist attack on American soil that killed six people and injured over a thousand—he argued that Mamdani and other “hard-left progressives” were forgetting the lessons of such tragedies.
“We lost innocent New Yorkers that day,” Maher said. “And now we’ve got lawmakers who act like that kind of extremism is someone else’s problem—or worse, that calling it out is Islamophobia. That’s not progressivism. That’s denial.”
Tensions Rise in the Democratic Ranks
The exchange has heightened tensions within the New York Democratic Party, which has long been divided between reformist progressives and establishment moderates. Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has not responded directly to Maher’s remarks but has in the past criticized Cuomo’s administration for “systemic corruption and negligence.”
Supporters of Mamdani argue that Maher’s comments were an attempt to discredit anti-establishment voices by invoking past traumas. “Bill Maher is weaponizing history to defend a disgraced politician,” one grassroots organizer in Queens remarked. “Andrew Cuomo abandoned working-class New Yorkers long before he resigned. Mamdani’s fighting for them today.”
Cuomo’s Quiet Reemergence
Cuomo, who has kept a relatively low profile since stepping down amid sexual harassment allegations, has been quietly testing the waters for a political return. Over the summer, he launched public speaking engagements, hosted policy roundtables, and reactivated his campaign network.
While Maher’s endorsement does not guarantee political success, it marks one of the most visible celebrity-backed defenses of Cuomo since his resignation. Strategists suggest Maher’s support could attract moderate Democrats and independents frustrated with the city’s leftward drift.
Political analyst Rebecca Harrington noted, “Maher’s comments highlight a broader frustration in Democratic circles. Many moderates feel their party’s messaging has become detached from real-world governance. Cuomo’s experience still appeals to voters who want competence over ideology.”
Backlash and Public Reaction
Reaction online has been fierce. Maher trended on social media within hours, with divided reactions reflecting the party’s fault lines. Progressive users accused him of Islamophobia for linking Mamdani to terrorism discussions, while others applauded his defense of “common-sense liberalism.”
Several comedians and public figures defended Maher, saying he was exercising his trademark bluntness. “Bill Maher says what many people think but are afraid to,” remarked radio host Joe Pagliarulo on air. “He’s tired of moral gymnastics from politicians who excuse extremism under the guise of empathy.”
Cuomo’s camp has not formally acknowledged the endorsement, though insiders indicated that Maher’s support was “appreciated and timely.” Mamdani’s office, on the other hand, declined comment but hinted that he would address the remarks publicly in his next community forum.
Echoes of Old Battles
Maher’s invocation of the 1993 bombing struck a deep cultural chord, particularly in New York. The attack, carried out by Islamic extremists, was one of the earliest warnings of global terrorism reaching American shores. By framing Mamdani’s positions against this backdrop, Maher reignited a decades-old debate about how the US—and New York Democrats in particular—respond to extremism without vilifying marginalized communities.
Political historian Dr. Jordan Feinberg noted, “Maher’s reference was not accidental. He’s drawing a line between memory and modern politics, arguing that progressives risk repeating the mistakes of complacency. Whether one agrees or not, he’s forcing a necessary conversation.”
What Comes Next for Cuomo and Maher
For Cuomo, the endorsement could serve as both a political and symbolic lifeline, tying his comeback narrative to a call for strong, centrist leadership. For Maher, the moment reinforces his brand as a contrarian liberal who frequently sparred with progressive orthodoxy.
As New York’s Democratic establishment prepares for 2026 statewide contests, Maher’s remarks may reverberate far beyond his late-night stage. Cuomo’s calculated silence and Mamdani’s expected response could shape the next chapter of the state’s political divide—one between the party’s pragmatic old guard and its rising leftist insurgency.
FAQ
Q: Why did Bill Maher bring up the 1993 World Trade Center bombing?
He referenced it to underscore his criticism of what he sees as progressive complacency toward extremism, using it as a historical reminder of the dangers of ideological denial.
Q: Has Andrew Cuomo responded to Maher’s endorsement?
Not officially. However, individuals close to Cuomo’s circle have suggested that the former governor “welcomes honest dialogue about leadership and accountability.”
Q: What did Zohran Mamdani do to prompt Maher’s criticism?
Maher took issue with Mamdani’s statements regarding US foreign policy and global conflicts, arguing that they reflect a tolerance toward extremist narratives.
Q: Does this signal a Cuomo political comeback?
It might. Cuomo has been subtly rebuilding his public profile, and Maher’s endorsement adds visibility and legitimacy to those efforts.
Q: How has the Democratic Party reacted?
Reactions remain split—moderates see Maher as defending rational governance, while progressives accuse him of fearmongering and misrepresenting Mamdani’s stance.
