Andrew Cuomo bashes Biden, Democrats for not standing by him during sexual harassment scandal: 'Traumatizing'

In a remarkably candid new interview, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D., said it was "traumatizing" and "heartbreaking" to see friends like President Biden and other top Democrats not stand by him when a wave of sexual harassment allegations derailed his career last year.

Asked by New York Post columnist Cindy Adams what friends were with him last year as his governorship collapsed over the misconduct accusations, he replied, "Nobody." What followed was a series of name-dropping of prominent Democrats who he felt wounded by, likening himself to a "piece of meat," as well as making a hint at another run for office.

"It was tough. Traumatizing. Biden, a friend 20 years, not knowing details, immediately said about me, ‘He’s got to go.’ Biden had troubles years before and I stood by him," Cuomo said. "Gave him the benefit of the doubt. It was heartbreaking to see him trash me without reading one page, making one phone call."

He also blasted Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and former President Obama, as well as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N. Y., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.

"I know [Pelosi] 30 years," he said. "Her daughter worked for me. Obama? He’s been tough. When troubles come you like to think you’re different. You’re not. Enemies and haters accumulate. Schumer, Gillibrand, pals working in the state, friends I respected, fell like dominos. Lose your power and heartless politicians read the tea leaves. You’re dead. Over. Pols grab another piece of meat. The phrase ‘political friends’ is an oxymoron."

Biden and Pelosi were among the leading Democrats who said Cuomo should resign last year as the allegations mounted.

Cuomo, the son of former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, D., said he saw his father's own "vulnerabilities" exposed during his political career. His own crisis swept up his brother, former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, who was fired from the network last year in part over his extensive involvement in the governor's political defense.

Infamous for his abrasive personality, Cuomo made no apologies.

"OK, I’m not warm and fuzzy. What politician is? Maybe my duality started when my father was no longer governor. I saw him hurt. His vulnerabilities exposed. They broke his heart. The press next crucified me, his campaign manager kid. So I learned then not to expose a weakness or show your inner self," he said.... (Read more)

Latest News