Is CNN this cozy only with Democrats? New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo was on Tuesday's New Day with his brother Chris, the show's co-host, for a playful interview. The network failed to identify the governor as a Democrat.
Co-host Kate Bolduan hailed Gov. Cuomo's "Sexiest Fiftysomething" award by People magazine and the Cuomos enjoyed some light-hearted banter including this line, "New York is a sexy state." [Video below the break. Audio here.]
Below is a transcript of the segment, which aired on New Day on November 26 at 8:52 a.m. EST:
KATE BOLDUAN: Does fit equal sexy?
CHRIS CUOMO: No, not necessarily.
BOLDUAN: Hmm. Why does Kate wonder this?
TIM FERRISS: He couldn't admit it, because he would be saying "I am sexy."
BOLDUAN: Why does Kate wonder this? Because we're going to take a little bit of a different turn, a little journey into maybe a family dynamic. Thanksgiving table in the Cuomo house might be a little tense this year because a Cuomo is on the -- bring it in, Bruce – a Cuomo is in the People's "Sexiest Man Alive" list.
CUOMO: Yes, I am Adam Levine.
BOLDUAN: This is Chris. However, it may not be our beloved Chris Cuomo. It might be another Cuomo who might just be joining us on the phone.
PEREIRA: Oh no.
BOLDUAN: Governor, are you there?
Gov. ANDREW CUOMO (D-N.Y.) (via telephone): Yes, I am.
C. CUOMO: Yes, he is.
A. CUOMO: And it's my pleasure to be with you.
C. CUOMO: I bet it is.
PEREIRA: Oh, my goodness!
BOLDUAN: So, Governor -- why, oh, why, Governor, are you on the list and your poor, younger brother is not?
A. CUOMO: Well, I think it's obvious, frankly. Any observer of the situation, I think, would come to the same conclusion. But I do feel – I feel bad that Chris isn't on the list.
PEREIRA: Do you?
A. CUOMO: I do have good news, though. He almost made the list. And if there was a runner-up list, he would have been on that list.
PEREIRA: Response Chris.
BOLDUAN: Yes, that deserves a pound.
C. CUOMO: Listen, shut up. I'm glad you have nothing better to do than to call me about this. I think there's an asterisk on your picture there.
BOLDUAN: We are in so much trouble.
C. CUOMO: I'm hoping you're enjoying this. What is this now?
A. CUOMO: Yes, actually, I am. I am enjoying this on behalf of the state of New York.
C. CUOMO: Are you really? Maybe it's really being gifted to the state of New York as just a sexy place in general and you have, you know, this honor of being the face of New York for now because to look at that face –
PEREIRA: Governor Cuomo, I can't get over the fact that you guys sound alike. I feel like I have two Cuomos in my –
C. CUOMO: His voice is higher than mine, which is apparently very sexy. High politician's whine –
(Crosstalk)
A. CUOMO: Well, whatever it is, it is obviously sexy. And, yes, I will say it's on behalf of the state of New York and I am – New York is a sexy state.
PEREIRA: It is a sexy state.
A. CUOMO: Yes, it is. And I'm the governor of New York and I think that's why I was afforded the honor, but some people weren't.
BOLDUAN: Some. I hear the air quotes, Governor. "Some" people were not afforded the honor.
C. CUOMO: I feel his -- I hear his head swelling up the inside of whatever vehicle he's in right now.
A. CUOMO: No, but I do want to say, look, Chris has -- God gives everyone certain talents. Chris has some great talents. He's a good listener, he's very good at badminton, Christopher also. So he does have talent all his own.
PEREIRA: You're very talented.
C. CUOMO: Can you believe this?
BOLDUAN: We love you for other reasons, not because you're sexy.
C. CUOMO: Yeah, this is great. Try to contain your enthusiasm.
BOLDUAN: I'm sorry. It's a just a little bit of fun before Thanksgiving. Governor, thank you for playing along.
PEREIRA: Your next job might have to be to learn how to be therapist at the family table at Thanksgiving.
C. CUOMO: Congratulations.
A. CUOMO: You guys have a very nice Thanksgiving.
C. CUOMO: You, too. We can't hear you anymore -- must have lost the connection.
BOLDUAN: Lovely to meet you too, Governor.
C. CUOMO: We lost you. I hope you're well. Lower my taxes.
BOLDUAN: Don't raise mine. Thank you, Governor. See you soon.
PEREIRA: Awkward family moment on "New Day".
BOLDUAN: Sorry. Had to be done.
C. CUOMO: Yeah, that's great.
PEREIRA: You know, we both have a lot of sisters. They could get on the phone.
FERRISS: I'll call them.
C. CUOMO: I know. There's absolutely no chance that this ever comes back to haunt either of you.
BOLDUAN: Never.
C. CUOMO: We both know it's not my way. I will rise above it.
BOLDUAN: No. Revenge is not in his name.
