The FBI Investigating Governor Cuomo Over Nursing Home Deaths

Episode Summary

Main Topics

This episode extensively discusses Governor Andrew Cuomo's alleged criminal misconduct, specifically focusing on the reported cover-up of COVID-19 nursing home deaths in New York. The conversation delves into the staggering discrepancy in reported fatalities, indicating that the true numbers were significantly higher due to his administration's policies. Beyond the deaths, the discussion highlights Cuomo's reported use of intimidation tactics against journalists and politicians, drawing comparisons to mafia-like behavior. The hosts also scrutinize the shifting media perception of Cuomo, from a celebrated pandemic leader to a figure facing intense scrutiny and an FBI investigation, alongside broader critiques of New York's pandemic response and leadership's perceived absurdity.

Key Discussion Points

• Cuomo's Nursing Home Death Cover-up and FBI Probe: The central focus revolves around Governor Cuomo's administration allegedly falsifying COVID-19 death statistics in nursing homes, reportedly underreporting them by 50%. This resulted in thousands of unacknowledged deaths directly attributed to his policies, prompting a criminal investigation by the U.S. Attorney and the FBI. An aide reportedly leaked concerns that these true numbers would aid the Trump administration, highlighting the political motivations behind the alleged cover-up.
• Abusive Behavior and Threats from Governor Cuomo: The episode details specific accusations of Governor Cuomo calling and threatening journalists and politicians, warning he would "destroy" them if they spoke out. This behavior, covered by Crystal and Saagar on The Hill's "Rising," was described as "cartoonish" and reminiscent of mafia tactics. The hosts suggest this pattern of intimidation has likely been a long-standing practice for Cuomo, now increasingly exposed in the modern media landscape.
• Shifting Media Narrative Around Cuomo: Initially, Governor Cuomo was lauded as a "star" and a calm leader during the early stages of the pandemic, even leading to celebrity endorsements like Chelsea Handler's public admiration. However, the conversation highlights a dramatic shift, noting that "even NBC" — typically supportive of Democrats — is now covering the FBI investigation, effectively "throwing him under the bus." Furthermore, CNN barred his brother, Chris Cuomo, from interviewing him, and Jake Tapper, a credible journalist, was reportedly denied an interview opportunity.
• Critique of Cuomo's Pandemic Response Philosophy: The episode critiques Cuomo's approach to pandemic lockdowns and public messaging, citing his controversial "if you didn't want to gain weight, you shouldn't hate the cheesecake" analogy regarding adherence to restrictions. The hosts suggest that enforcing strict lockdowns, contrary to Cuomo's stance, could have forced people into closer indoor proximity, potentially increasing viral transmission, particularly if the virus originated from a lab, a theory mentioned as believed by "smart people" known to the host.
• Absurdity of New York's Political Leadership and "Open Culture": Beyond Cuomo, the discussion touches on the perceived disconnect and absurdity of New York City's leadership, particularly Mayor Bill de Blasio. Amidst rising crime, including incidents of people being beaten with metal bats, de Blasio was criticized for promoting an "Open Culture" initiative featuring a bizarre dance routine to "bring back the arts." Rogan played a clip of this event, mocking it as a "Coen Brothers sketch" and "absurdist beyond belief" given the city's severe issues.

Notable Moments

• Interesting Story/Anecdote: The podcast details Governor Cuomo's specific threats to those who challenged him, including an anecdote where he allegedly told journalists and politicians, "I will destroy you." This was highlighted by Crystal and Saagar from The Hill, illustrating what they called "cartoonish" and "mafia-like" intimidation tactics that were once hidden but are now being exposed.
• Surprising Fact/Revelation: A significant revelation discussed was the alleged 50% underreporting of COVID-19 deaths in New York nursing homes, which translates to "thousands of people" whose deaths were falsely attributed. This massive discrepancy was reportedly leaked by one of Cuomo's aides, who feared the true numbers would politically benefit the Trump administration.
• Memorable Exchange: A particularly memorable segment involved Joe Rogan playing a clip of Mayor Bill de Blasio promoting an "Open Culture" initiative with a bizarre public dance performance in New York City. Rogan vehemently criticized this spectacle as absurd and tone-deaf, describing it as "a Coen Brothers sketch" or a scene from "The Big Lebowski" in light of severe crime and economic struggles in the city.

Key Takeaways

Listeners would learn about the grave allegations against Governor Andrew Cuomo, specifically the extensive cover-up of thousands of COVID-19 nursing home deaths, which is now the subject of an FBI investigation. The episode highlights the stark contrast between Cuomo's initial public image as a competent leader and his later exposure for alleged abusive behavior and intimidation tactics. It offers a critical perspective on political accountability and how media narratives can drastically shift when misconduct comes to light. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the severe human cost of political decisions and the perceived absurdity of some leadership responses during a major crisis.