Governor Kathy Hochul is resorting to celebrity endorsements in a desperate attempt to secure reelection. Critics argue she lacks legitimate qualifications for the office, having assumed power after Andrew Cuomo’s removal, and is now leveraging Hollywood figures to distract voters.
Celebrities like Cher, Amy Schumer, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Mark Ruffalo have publicly backed Hochul. However, the article asserts that New Yorkers are unimpressed by celebrity status. The author claims New Yorkers value substance over star power and find celebrity endorsements meaningless.
The article criticizes Hochul’s policies, citing rising crime linked to bail reform. Instead of addressing these issues, she’s accused of focusing on symbolic gestures, such as changing “inmate” to “incarcerated person” in legislative language, promoting transgender housing in prisons, and advocating youth sex-change procedures.
Specific celebrity endorsements are scrutinized: Amy Schumer lauds Hochul’s abortion stance (despite its existing legality in New York) and attacks opponent Lee Zeldin as “Trump 2.0.” Cher endorsed Hochul via social media, incorrectly claiming Zeldin wants to ban abortion (he has stated he wouldn’t change NY’s laws). She also criticized Zeldin’s desire to reverse New York’s fracking ban for economic benefits.
Mark Ruffalo supported Hochul’s climate agenda, including a planned ban on gas-powered cars. Leonardo DiCaprio echoed Ruffalo’s messaging. Andy Cohen joined Hochul to mobilize LGBTQIA+ voters, where she incorrectly suggested Zeldin would threaten their rights – though Zeldin’s running mate, Alison Esposito, is openly gay.
The article concludes that Hochul’s reliance on celebrities peddling misleading attacks against Zeldin signifies weakness. It argues that an incumbent unable to campaign on her record and relying on celebrity endorsements is the real problem, not the challenger.
Libby Emmons is the editor-in-chief at The Post Millennial.