sign in sign up
<<
Home , Cuomo family, Dean Skelos, Mario Cuomo

Former State Governor passed away on , 2015.

On the day of his passing, his son, current Governor was sworn into office for his second term (Cuomo, Andrew). Governor Andrew Cuomo gave a heartfelt and politically driven eulogy for his father that discussed both his personal and political life. The funeral for former Governor Cuomo was on January 6th, 2015 at the Church of

St. Ignatius Loyola in Manhattan (Barron). The eulogy that Governor Andrew Cuomo gave for his father was an emotional tribute from an admiring son and a positive message of reinforcing the shared values the father and son considered important for both New

York City and New York State. Governor Andrew Cuomo’s eulogy referenced his father’s frustrations with the current state of the city and addressed how New Yorkers need to work together to surmount the city’s pressing issues.

Andrew Cuomo is the 56th governor of the State of New York. Taking office in

2010, he had previously vacated the position of New York Attorney General (Cuomo

Website). Andrew Cuomo grew up in the political realm due, in part, to his fathers’ participation in Democratic politics. Andrew Cuomo is one of five children of Mario

Cuomo and grew up in the borough of , New York (Zengerle). His unique family and political history validates Andrew Cuomo’s credibility when discussing pressing and consistant issues that plague and State. Andrew Cuomo recounts the close bond he shared with his father throughout life. Andrew Cuomo is a life-long New Yorker and even became roommates with his father while attending law school in Albany while his father was working as the Lieutenant Governor (Cuomo, Andrew). Andrew Cuomo represented his father as his campaign manager during his run for Lieutenant Governor

(Cuomo, Andrew). The unique situation of giving a eulogy for his father, friend, and Plavnicky2 political mentor, as well as the current head of New York State honoring a former predecessor offers rare insight into the Cuomos' special relationship. In delivering his father's eulogy, Andrew Cuomo was saddled with the difficult task of being forced to balance the personal representations of a son with the political perspective of a high- ranking government official. Governor Cuomo’s eulogy for this father marks an important time in the state of New York. Not only is the eulogy from a political New

York dynasty but it also emphasizes New York City's current issues. The ability to have the current discuss issues that the former governor of New York had during his administration demonstrates the repeating patterns of political history, which is a crucial issue of executive leaders striving to change their communities.

This paper will analyze this particular address including the use of place, rhetoric, shared text, and political ideology. It will also discuss the use of juxtaposition in the delivery of a eulogy from a child as well as an incumbent’s perspective. The ability of

Andrew Cuomo to balance giving a eulogy on behalf of his beloved father while simultaneously offering respect and admiration for a former Governor reflects a unique dichotomy. Additionally this paper will address the circumstances that allowed Governor

Andrew Cuomo to set a political agenda in his father’s honor. The similarities, not only in title and family history, but the unique circumstances of similar political issues repeating 30 years later offers insight into the need for progress and real change for the

State of New York. Governor Andrew Cuomo shares the story of Mario Cuomo, as father as well as political heavyweight.

In the months leading up to Mario Cuomo’s death, the United States entered into a new era of racial tensions. These tensions continue to remain high among sections of Plavnicky3 black, white, and minority communities. The untimely death of unarmed black individuals and the subsequent shooting of two New York City Police Department

(NYPD) officers heighted tensions around the United States, and re-started the conversation about how to address racial tensions in a modern world.

In the midst of the racial tensions, Eric Garner, an unarmed black man, was killed during a patrol stop by NYPD Officers (Baker). This event sparked controversy around

New York City about how the different races were treated, and more specifically how they are treated differently. Several months later, in December of 2014, two NYPD

Officers, Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, were murdered in their patrol car while on duty. Governor Cuomo was able to weave these recent events into the core of the eulogy he had delivered for his father. During his father’s tenure as the 52nd Governor of New

York during the late 1980s and early 1990s, he too had to address the difficulties with cultural and racial tensions within New York City (Cuomo, Andrew). While a eulogy is typically meant to honor the life and legacy of the deceased individual, Governor Cuomo used his platform as son and Governor to address these issues, demonstrate the correlation to past issues throughout New York City’s history, and to dedicate a promise to his father and the State of New York that he would do his best to work with his fellow citizens to rectify these issues.

Another important aspect evidencing the timely nature of this address was that the former governor passed away on the day of his son’s second inauguration. Not only did the former governor pass away moments after his son was sworn into office for a second term, but the State Legislature allowed the governor to postpone his State of the State address in honor of the fallen public servant (Cuomo, Andrew). This act of courtesy and Plavnicky4 respect for the fallen public servant demonstrates the great respect the people and bureaucratic system in New York had for Mario Cuomo. It also demonstrates the political power held by the Democratic chief executive in a legislature, which holds a republican majority by only one seat.

Mario Cuomo’s eulogy was performed in the traditional setting, his funeral service. The eulogy was delivered in front of a large crowd at St. Ignatius Loyola Church on a cold, snowy day in New York. The location of Mario Cuomo’s eulogy was symbolic in that the former governor had a strong connection to his faith and God. According to

Andrew Cuomo’s eulogy, his father believed, “…Jesus’ teachings could be reduced to one world. And that word is love. And love means acceptance, compassion and support to help people. To do good. And that’s what he wanted government to be” (Cuomo,

Andrew). The use of biblical text emphasizes Mario Cuomo’s connection to God and his ability to translate that passion and connect to his political duties.

The former governor’s service was attended by many current and former political figures including other prominent members of the Democratic Party. The list includes: former U.S. President and former New York Senator and Secretary of State

Hillary Clinton, New York City Mayor, (Cuomo, Andrew). Many members of the state legislature were also in attendance. Andrew Cuomo stressed his father’s dissatisfactions with the bureaucratic system as well as the distain he had for political corruption and the disgrace it brought to the rest of the government. During the eulogy,

Governor Cuomo paid a special thanks to former State Senate Majority Leader, Dean

Skelos and members of the State Assembly including former Speaker for their work and tremendous admiration for his father’s message. The timing of this service Plavnicky5 is important to note, as both and Sheldon Silver were later indicted on corruption charges. Such a message leads one to wonder what Mario Cuomo would have to say about that if he were still alive, as well as what role Andrew Cuomo played in the leaders' indictment as of the date of that address.

At the beginning of Governor Cuomo’s address, he references his father’s distaste for extemporaneous delivery. Due in part to his great admiration for Winston Churchill’s speaking ability, Mario Cuomo thought it important to remain true to a speaker’s message and not be influenced or persuaded by outside forces. Governor Cuomo reflected upon his father’s message that written speech is better prepared and more favorably received then impromptu delivery. Quoting his father, “who cares about what the audience wants to hear. It’s not about what they want to hear, it’s about what you need to say”. As

Governor Cuomo ended his eulogy he reflected upon that message, speaking directly to his father’s spirit and said that he read his eulogy word for word since this address was about what he wanted to say and not about what the audience wanted to hear. Evoking his father’s preferences for public speaking, specifically for his eulogy shows the great respect these members of the had for one another.

Since it might be considered distasteful to tarnish a eulogy that a son gives for his father, press coverage of the address was understandably positive and respectful. News coverage focused primarily on the mass fan-fare surrounding the funeral, the major political names that attended the services, and the thousands of New Yorkers that came to pay their respects for the former public official. As reported by the Times Union newspaper, members of the had some negative remarks regarding

Governor Cuomo’s eulogy for his father. Asserting that, “…eulogies at Catholic funerals Plavnicky6 are discouraged and are supplanted by a priest’s brief homily focused on the Mass readings” (Grondahl). Accordingly, some parishioners thought the nearly 40 minute eulogy was extravagant and disrespectful to Catholic traditions. The dissatisfactions with the lack of a traditional Catholic mass offer a unique dichotomy as Andrew Cuomo emphasized his father’s love, respect, and passion to his faith and the Catholic Church.

Despite the negative remarks on the length and untraditional nature of the eulogy, the majority of press coverage was positive and even praised the Governor on his heartfelt and passionate address.

Andrew Cuomo’s eulogy for his father follows the traditional guidelines for a eulogy. The entire speech told the story of Mario Cuomo as a husband, father, friend, and public servant. The vast majority of the eulogy offers praise to former Governor Cuomo’s legacy while providing tribute to his accomplishments as a husband, father, friend, and community advocate. Additionally, the address reflects upon the lamentation of losing his father and a historical member of New York State’s . Andrew Cuomo constantly refers to his father as his best friend and mentor and retells stories of their adventures in Albany and their love of family, politics, and basketball. Andrew Cuomo consoles members of his family by reiterating the great love and passion Mario had for his family and friends. The discussion of love was reflected through storytelling and humorous recounts of the former Governor's personal and professional life. Andrew

Cuomo references his siblings, children, and in-laws, and what they each meant to his father. The reminiscent tone offers condolences to the rest of his family and reiterates the importance of continuing Mario’s legacy of being true to yourself and fighting for Plavnicky7 heartfelt beliefs. Finally, Andrew Cuomo exhorts his father’s legacy by encouraging people to be the change they wish to see in the world.

The repeated issues facing New York City can be transformed by members of the public reaching out and taking an active role in their local communities, just as Mario

Cuomo had done decades earlier. Governor Cuomo closes his eulogy by making a promise to his deceased father. “We know what we have to do and we will do it. We will make this state a better state and we will do it together. On that, you have my word, as your son.” (Cuomo). The Governor re-emphasizes his dedication to his father’s legacy and offers his promise to work with his fellow New Yorkers to create a better state.

Andrew Cuomo utilizes shared text referring to the audience as “we” to further send the message of unification. Celebrating the shared values of creating a better New York can help unite communities and create a deeper bond between the outsiders and disenfranchised groups.

Mario Cuomo was adamant about his distrust for traditional politicians. As the son of immigrants, he had a community-centered focus and sought to improve the lives of everyone, especially outsiders (Cuomo, Andrew). During Governor Cuomo’s address, he discussed his father’s connection to New York City and the outer boroughs. Making the connection to his non-traditional political methods he emphasized that his father, “… had a natural connection with the outsider looking in, the person fighting for inclusion, the underdog, the minority, the disenfranchised, the poor. He was always the son of an immigrant. He was always an outsider and that was his edge.” This connection to the underdog and outsiders demonstrates civil religion as Americans are used to the term

“underdog” insinuating someone not likely to win or succeed. Civil religion refers to a Plavnicky8 body of shared values that average people will know and understand (Hoffman). The connection to the wider audience allows the eulogizer to better connect the deceased with the general public on shared values. Mario Cuomo was working to break those stereotypes and level the playing field for all people. Mario Cuomo’s deep love for his outer borough roots provides a further connection to the millions of New Yorkers living through difficult situations and fighting for a better life, just as he had done decades earlier.

According to institutionalized theories on eulogy addresses, addresses given for political leaders or activists should refrain from leaving too much of a political message

(Hoffman). However, in this particular instance of a current political dynasty, and current governor to governor address a political centered focused remained inevitable. The tasteful nature of Andrew Cuomo’s emphasis to continue his father’s legacy and to continue the fight for social justice and equality remains pivotal to the integrity of this particular eulogy. As a beloved political leader, Mario Cuomo’s unique take on politics provided the public with fresh sense of political action. Being that Mario Cuomo, according to his eulogy, had no political background prior to his early runs for New York

City Mayor and New York State Governor, he had a community-centered focus on how to correct injustices. His unique background created a bond with a public sick of

"traditional" politicians.

Andrew Cuomo’s eulogy for his father was touching and incredibility moving.

Being in the unique position to deliver the eulogy as the son of a former governor while also acting as a governor himself showcased Governor Cuomo’s ability to connect his two worlds. Governor Cuomo remained composed and even toned throughout the entirety Plavnicky9 of the 40-minute address. The rare occasions where Andrew, not the governor, would get choked up were touching and embodied the inevitability of a son losing his father.

Despite being Governor of the State of New York, Andrew Cuomo allowed his true emotions to show to express his deep grief and gratitude for his deceased father and friend. Even though Governor Cuomo remained composed throughout the address, he provided a sometimes-humorous delivery to reflect the lighthearted relationship he had with his father. The appropriately natured jokes allowed the audience to sympathize and laugh with the governor who was going through a tremendously difficult time in his life.

Andrew Cuomo’s constant humorous jabs at his siblings echoes the important relationship between siblings. Whether Andrew Cuomo was making fun of his younger brother for naming the only grandson, Mario, stating, “…because some people would do anything to earn the praise of their father” (Cuomo). Or his reference to Mario Cuomo as

“dad” and “pop”, it creates a sense of normalcy and allows the audience to form a greater connection with the eulogize, and reminds the listener that the speaker is grappling with the death of a family member.

Traditionally, eulogies are not meant to act as means for setting political agendas

(Hoffman). However, due to the particular situation of the Cuomo family, both Mario and

Andrew having held the position of Governor of New York State, it provided Andrew

Cuomo with the ability to reiterate the important messages his father believed in and how

Mario Cuomo’s former ideas remained relevant in modern times. Due to the timing of the speech, racial tensions were an important and ever growing issue for New York. Andrew

Cuomo referenced his father’s struggles with the same issues 30 years earlier regarding tensions between Benson Hurts and Howard Beach in the 1980s (Cuomo, Andrew). Plavnicky10

However, for individuals not familiar with this particular situation, the suspected tension between these two neighborhoods requires further elaboration in order to fully comprehend the magnitude of this historical issue. With regards to the context in which the governor was speaking, a spectator could assume that the Benson Hurts and Howard

Beach issue had to do with racial tensions and neighborhood disputes. The discussion of the Benson Hurts/Howard Beach disputes offers a historical insight to the current racial issues that continues to plague our city. The crisis in Queens in the 1980s was the result of youths from different ethnic backgrounds fighting over territory. As a result, a young black man was beaten to death in a racially motivated attack (Roberts). This attack resulted in a large backlash from the community and protest ensued. The events following the death of the young black man are not unlike the “I can’t breathe” protests that recently took place in New York. This use of political ideology connects Mario

Cuomo’s stance on social issues as well as the need for community members to get involved and work together, as one, toward the end of changing our city for the better.

Governor Cuomo did not reference his father’s struggles with historical injustices and inequality to reflect his former successes but rather to highlight the repeated issues the city continues to face. The governor discussed the important message his father cherished regarding the need to unify our divided city. That in order to get to the point of unification, citizens, governing bodies, and local community groups need to work together in order to fight bigotry. This message of unification was spread throughout the speech, Mario Cuomo’s 1984 speech “”, as well as part of the closing remarks by the current governor. In Mario Cuomo’s 1984 speech at the

Democratic National Convention (DNC), “A Tale of Two Cities”, he addressed the many Plavnicky11 inequalities in America and that the Democratic Party needed to lead the way to unification. That in order for the rest of the country to unite, the government had to unite as well (Cuomo, Mario). While Mario Cuomo’s DNC speech and eulogy are vastly different in genre, the concepts of unification through political rhetoric are similar. The timing, location, and event are different, however the message of unification remains the same.

In addition to addressing racial tensions, the governor also discusses the need to reduce government inefficiencies and to reduce bureaucratic waste. The governor reminisced about his father’s success with reducing top tax cuts and reducing the size of the state government workforce. The symbolic nature of this message suggests that the current Governor Cuomo and other elected officials need to use Mario Cuomo’s past experiences to guide them in future cost-saving measures. The era may be different but the problems in government remain. The previous success story offers validation and encouragement that the same actions can and should be taken now to help the entire state of New York.

Governor Cuomo’s eulogy for his father is an important example of political rhetoric as it reflects upon the life of a unique and powerful deceased individual, shares that individual's message with a wider audience, and encourages the audience to work together to create change and honor to memory of the former governor. The 82 year long story of Mario Cuomo reflects the determination of an “underdog” in a community full of outsiders. Whether that underdog was fighting local groups, running the State of New

York, or working hard to ensure his family was well taken care of is the essence of the

Mario Cuomo story. However, Mario Cuomo’s story has not ended; it will live on in the Plavnicky12 community groups working to end racial and social injustices. The strong connection to the community through the use of shared text, biblical and political rhetoric reflects

Mario Cuomo’s spirit in unifying the masses. Andrew Cuomo provides a more personal connection to a powerful political entity by sharing his father’s story, not just the political powerhouse portrayed by the media.

Plavnicky13

Works Cited

Baker, Al J., & David Goodman. “Beyond the Chokehold: The Path to Eric Garner’s Death”. . June 13, 2015. Web. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/14/nyregion/eric-garner-police-chokehold-staten- island.html

Barron, James. “At Funeral for Mario Cuomo, Praise for a Leader’s Role as a Humanist”. The New York Times. January 6, 2015. Web. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/07/nyregion/mario-cuomo-funeral.html?_r=0

“Before becoming Governor”. Official New York State Governor Website. Web Accessed August 7, 2015. https://www.governor.ny.gov/about

Cuomo, Andrew. “transcript: Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Eulogy for His Father Mario Cuomo”. Wall Street Journal Website. January 6, 2015. Web. http://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2015/01/06/transcript-gov-andrew-cuomos-eulogy-for- his-father-mario-cuomo/

Cuomo, Mario Mathew. 1984 Democratic National Convention Keynote Address. American Rhetoric Website. July 16, 1984. Web.

Grondahl, Paul. “Cuomo’s eulogy for father broke liturgical rules”. Times Union Website. January 25, 2015. Web. http://www.timesunion.com/tuplus-local/article/Cuomo-s- eulogy-for-father-broke-liturgical-rules-6039645.php

Hoffman, David. Lecture Notes. Summer Session 2015. Web.

Robert, Sam. “A Racial Attack That, Years Later, Is Still Being Felt”. The New York Times. December 18, 2011. Web. http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/a-racial- attack-that-years-later-is-still-being-felt/

Zengerle, Jason. “The Contender,’ a Biography of Andrew Cuomo”. The New York Times. March 31, 2015. Web. < http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/a-racial- attack-that-years-later-is-still-being-felt/>