Gov. Andrew Cuomo tossed Bernie Sanders under the bus Tuesday, saying it would be “very hard” for the Vermont senator to become president because Americans are leery of electing a socialist.
“Let’s not be so New York and so coastal right? I think it’s very hard to get elected president as a socialist in this country. . . when you look at the states that we have to win,” Cuomo said on WAMC radio.
“We’re New York. We understand socialists. We’re diverse and we’re accepting and frankly we’re more resilient and frankly we get less threatened.
“It’s a much harder road to run as a socialist and I think it is essential that we win. If we have another four years of Donald Trump that is the worst-case scenario. Avoid the worst-case scenario. Nominate the best candidate.”
Sanders proudly identifies as a Democratic socialist and is leading the early polls in the crowded Democratic race.
As he has for months, Cuomo talked up former Vice President Joe Biden as the Democrat with the strongest chance of beating President Trump.
“I believe Joe Biden does run, I hope he runs. I believe the goal is beating Donald Trump. People should not take that for granted. Don’t get arrogant,” Cuomo said.
“I think Joe Biden is the best candidate to beat Donald Trump. I don’t think Bernie Sanders is the best candidate to beat Donald Trump.”
While questioning Sanders’ electability, Cuomo said he would back the Vermont senator should he win the nomination.
New York backers of Sanders quickly denounced Cuomo for questioning their candidate’s chances in the general election.
“The only Democrat who is unelectable is Gov. Cuomo. I guess Gov. Cuomo is opposed to socialist policies such as Social Security, Medicare, the Post Office and the Veterans’ Administration,” said George Albro, downstate co-chair of the NY Progressive Action Network, which has endorsed Sanders.
Cuomo was once chummy with Sanders.
When Cuomo announced his new Excelsior Scholarship tuition relief plan, he invited Sanders to join him since he had proposed a free tuition program at public colleges in the 2016 campaign.