Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) team member, Steve Cohen, recommended dumping opposition research to discredit former lead investigative attorney Joon Kim, who was investigating Cuomo for allegations of sexual misconduct.
The idea seems to have been abandoned after Joshua Vlasto, a communications consultant at Kivvit and former Chief of Staff to Cuomo, reportedly said in an email to a “former consultant,” “Don’t think we want to be getting down with that crowd.”
“That crowd” may refer to Steve Cohen, a former assistant U.S. attorney in Manhattan, former Counselor and Chief of Staff to Cuomo, whose alleged LinkedIn profile suggests he “has brought a strategic approach to managing and solving complex issues, and an ability to achieve results by coordinating legal skills with a deep understanding of media, government, and politics. ”
While Cuomo’s defense playbook may not have included spreading opposition research, it did include fighting the release of the investigative report Tuesday by publishing photos of Cuomo hugging politicians and other politicians hugging people.
The photos were published in an 85-page written response to the investigative report, sporting former President Obama hugging failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
Another photo shows Cuomo and President Joe Biden holding each other, while looking into each others eyes, smiling, without masks.
Position Statement of Governor Cuomo
Other photos in the report reveal Cuomo kissing Al Gore, daughter Michaela Kennedy-Cuomo, Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren, his father, and former Governor Chris Christie.
Governor Cuomo rejected on Tuesday the findings of the independent investigative report by New York Attorney General Letitia James due to “the facts” being “much different than what has been portrayed.”
“I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances,” he stated. “That is just not who I am or who I have ever been.”
James announced Tuesday the investigation “revealed conduct that corrodes the very fabric and character of our state government and shines light on injustice that can be present at the highest level of government.”
So far, the entire Democrat delegation from New York State has called on Cuomo to resign.
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