Great. I will use that word several times during this commentary - during this tribute. But indeed, we lost a great man on New Year's Day. Mario Cuomo was truly a great man. A giant of a man. An eloquent man. A charismatic man. An inspirational man. And I am saddened by his passing.I had the special and glorious pleasure of meeting this former three-term Governor of the State of New York and to spending several hours with him, prior to the gubernatorial election of 1994. As we all know, Governor Cuomo was defeated for a fourth term by George Pataki. Mr. Cuomo was charming, funny, distinguished, impressive, respectful, humble and brilliant when we talked more than two decades ago while I managed a radio station in Rockland County.
Mario Cuomo's death came on Thursday, January 1st, 2015, just hours after his eldest son, Governor Andrew Cuomo, delivered his inaugural address, as he was sworn in for his second term as chief executive of "The Empire State." Mario Cuomo's funeral is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, January 6th. He reportedly died of "natural causes due to heart failure" and my thoughts and prayers go out to Governor Cuomo's wife of 60 years - Matilda, his sons - Governor Andrew Cuomo and CNN Anchor, Chris Cuomo, his three daughters - Maria, Margaret and Madeline, and his 14 grandchildren. Mario Cuomo was 82.
During our conversation more than 20 years ago, while Governor Cuomo sat at my office desk and we posed for photographs, I asked him why he hadn't sought the Democratic nomination for President in 1988 and 1992. He openly stated that "In 1988, it wasn't my time to do so. And in 1992, like 1988, I owed it to the people of New York to continue my work as Governor." Of course in 1992, Bill Clinton was elected to be our 42nd President and was re-elected for a second term in 1996. And when Mr. Clinton wanted Mr. Cuomo to take a seat on the United States Supreme Court in 1993, Governor Cuomo became the first man in history to turn down such a position. President Clinton is quoted as recalling, "It's because he was dedicated to New York."
I echo the sentiments of President Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton that Mario Cuomo was "both a sterling orator and a passionate public servant. His life was a blessing." I will add that Americans were blessed to have Mario Cuomo with us for as long as we did.
Mario Cuomo is to be applauded for his philanthropic endeavors. He was a champion for children and the poor; and his efforts to better the lives of children with healthcare and education will forever be part of his shining legacy, which his family - and others who affectionately adored him - will always be proud.
Governor Cuomo loved New York State...and he loved America. I admired Mario Cuomo and I was fortunate to meet him. I treasure our time together and cherish the photographs of that day.
As Governor Cuomo was walking out of my radio station, as we had already exchanged our goodbyes, I remember calling back to him. "Governor Cuomo." He turned around with his security team. "After President Clinton finishes what I think will be 8 years in The White House, I surely hope that you will once again consider running for President in 2000. I know you'd be a great President. Really great." Governor Cuomo smiled, walked the 10 or 12 steps back to me, warmly shook my hand again, and graciously expressed with obvious heartfelt sincerity, "Thank you, Gary. I'll keep that in mind." I'm sorry that he didn't.
And that's The Controversy for today.
I'm Gary B. Duglin.
"We'll talk again."
The Controversy is a publication of GBD Productions. Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Controversy is Gary B. Duglin.
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