(TJV NEWS) HBO host and comedian Bill Maher expressed skepticism about former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s chances of becoming New York City’s next mayor, citing the long shadow cast by his handling of the COVID-19 crisis.

Bill Maher says Andrew Cuomo’s NYC mayoral bid will flop because of the nursing home scandal.pic.twitter.com/FZEJsrlo9s

— Thomas Sowell Quotes (@ThomasSowell) April 7, 2025

In a recent conversation with Chris Cuomo — Andrew’s brother and a former CNN anchor — Maher said the elder Cuomo faces significant challenges in earning back public trust. “I don’t think he’s going to get past the nursing home thing,” Maher said, referencing the widely criticized decision to require nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients early in the pandemic. “Politics is a highwire act. One bad decision can make people say, ‘I just don’t trust that guy’s judgment anymore.’”

During the pandemic, Andrew Cuomo’s administration was accused of downplaying the number of deaths in nursing homes, with a state report later revealing that the death toll was undercounted by nearly 50 percent. Over 15,000 COVID-related deaths occurred in long-term care facilities, in part due to a controversial mandate forcing those facilities to accept patients who had tested positive, as reported by Breitbart News. Cuomo’s top aide, Melissa DeRosa, admitted to withholding the full data out of fear of political backlash.

Bill Maher tells Chris Cuomo that he thinks Trump is one of the most effective politicians right now.

That dinner sure changed Bill’s mind, lolpic.twitter.com/A7y5OW6VHT

— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) April 7, 2025

Additional investigations have alleged Cuomo tried to improperly sway an adviser who provided testimony during a congressional probe into the state’s pandemic policies.

Despite these hurdles, Chris Cuomo defended his brother’s political relevance, arguing that Andrew could help Democrats redefine their party’s identity. “He can help figure out what Democrats stand for,” he said.

Maher also used the opportunity to reflect on broader political dynamics, including former President Donald Trump’s enduring appeal. Following a visit to the White House last month, Maher described Trump as “one of the most gifted politicians in years,” despite being a frequent critic of the former president. He credited Trump’s authenticity — or at least the perception of it — as a major factor in his political effectiveness.

“The public doesn’t follow issues closely, but they can spot a phony,” Maher said. “And Trump never pretends to be anything he’s not — people respond to that.”

Maher added that Democrats continue to struggle to find a candidate with a comparable impact. “They’ve been searching for years for someone who can match Trump’s presence,” he said. “And they’re still coming up empty.”