Andrew Cuomo’s Campaign Song Selection: A Lighthearted Family Debate
As the race for mayor approaches, Andrew Cuomo is exploring the right themes to resonate with voters this November. Recently, he shared a charming moment with his daughter, Mariah, as they debated which song could serve as an anthem for his campaign.
On August 24, Cuomo, 67, posted a fun Instagram video where the father-daughter duo discussed New York-themed songs. He humorously noted, “Choosing a campaign song isn’t easy. And my daughter Mariah and I don’t always see eye to eye. Thankfully, democracy is about compromise.”
Mariah, 30, led the conversation by suggesting Alicia Keys’ iconic “Empire State of Mind.” She confidently declared, “You can’t go wrong” with this Grammy-winning hit, co-written with Jay-Z. However, Cuomo wasn’t entirely convinced, expressing that too many people had already used that track.
Next, Mariah proposed a classic New York anthem: Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind.” Cuomo immediately responded, “End of conversation,” indicating their shared love for the tune. Mariah reminisced about their connection to Joel, mentioning that he performed the song they danced to at her wedding. “He is the man,” Cuomo highlighted, praising Joel, a Bronx native who grew up on Long Island and enjoyed a legendary 10-year residency at Madison Square Garden that recently concluded.
While both agreed on the charm of “New York State of Mind,” Mariah raised the question of whether the song matched the energy and excitement needed for their campaign. “Maybe we should think about another option,” she suggested, hinting at the need for something fresh.
Cuomo, maintaining a friendly demeanor, responded, “I’m open, flexible.” However, when Mariah mentioned a potential choice from pop star Taylor Swift, specifically her song “Welcome to New York,” Cuomo chuckled and playfully replied, “Very nice. But I’m not that open. Back to Billy Joel.”
This back-and-forth illustrates not only their playful family dynamic but also highlights a reminder of the cultural ties many New Yorkers have to their music, especially when it resonates with their lives and aspirations.
As Cuomo gears up for his campaign, it’s moments like these that emphasize the importance of connecting with voters on a personal level. Music serves as a universal language, often tapping into shared experiences within communities.
The choice of a campaign song is more than just about rhythm; it’s about crafting a narrative that speaks to citizens’ values and life in New York. Whether the song ultimately chosen is a familiar classic or something new, it will reflect the spirit of a city known for its resilience and vibrancy.
As the campaign unfolds, voters can look forward to more than just policies and debates. They’ll witness a family trying to connect deeply with the past, present, and future of New York. Andrew Cuomo’s lighthearted song selection saga is a reminder that politics can also be about enjoying the journey, bonding with family, and fostering a sense of community, all while striving for leadership that reflects the essence of New York.
With November around the corner, the deliberations over campaign anthems may appear trivial at first glance, but they signify deeper connections and the ongoing quest to resonate with a diverse electorate. As Cuomo and his daughter navigate the world of music to encapsulate their campaign, they’re also underscoring the idea that every decision counts in the pursuit of leadership and representation for all New Yorkers.
