Cuomo

To the Editors of The Crimson

Noam Cohen's September 29 criticism of Mario Cuomo as a "paper tiger" is a misguided conclusion based on two flimsy assertions superficially examined in eight paragraphs.

Cohen's foremost argument centers around Cuomo's involvement in the New York races for lieutenant governor and the U.S. Senate. Cohen's distaste for the candidates' "dull" and "boring" nature and lack of "discernible oratorical flair" seems ridiculous in a discussion which otherwise exhorts substance over "flash" as does Cohen's odd, death-wish request that Cuomo support for candidates which are a "threat to him" and "challenge his hold on the bully pulpit."

Next we turn to Cohen's assertion that Cuomo is "really the product of a packaging campaign--largely devoid of a political ideology." Admittedly, Cuomo is packaged as much as any national political candidate. However, unlike other candidates, Cuomo's media attention comes largely from the strong, confrontational stands he has been taking on issues in his speeches and in his writings. Cuomo is a man with national focus not because a blueprint designed by a small group of political operatives, but because he is a dynamic, thoughtful individual. Cohen is simply wrong--Cuomo does have a strong political ideology which he has articulated over and over again. As for taking strong, unpopular stands, Cuomo's views on the death penalty and abortion are among the most courageous and heartfelt in the country's leadership. If Cohen cannot identify Cuomo's ideology, that's his problem, not the country's and not Cuomo's.

Mario Cumo is, indeed, one of "the saviors of American liberalism." He is an exciting leader, with strong beliefs, courage and conviction and has infused new excitement into an old political faith. Cohen sounds like a writer trying to say something unusual for the sake of being different; in making the attempt, he belies an ignorance of New York politics and Mario Cuomo. Marc A. Bodnick '90