Staff Reports
A recent rhetorical skirmish between former President Donald Trump and New York Governor Kathy Hochul has put their contrasting political styles on full display, reminding everyone just how deeply divided they truly are. While both are products of New York, their paths could not be more different. Hochul’s recent address at the Democratic National Convention provided fodder for Trump, who quickly made his feelings clear on social media, giving another glimpse into the tumultuous relationship shared between the two high-profile politicians.
Hochul, already facing an approval rating that could generously be described as dismal, took aim at Trump during her speech, labeling him a “fraud, a philanderer, and a felon” and suggesting that his New York credentials no longer hold any weight. Rarely is the phrase “kicking someone when they’re down” more applicable than here, as Hochul’s comments reflect her desperation to shift attention away from her own politically perilous circumstances. With a steady stream of criticism from constituents regarding her congestion pricing plan that she recently scuttled, Hochul’s criticisms appear to be an attempt to deflect from her own failings.
On the heels of the Governor’s scathing speech, Trump unleashed a humorous barrage from his Truth Social account, reminding everyone of his accomplishments in New York. From generating thousands of jobs to paying billions in taxes, the former president didn’t shy away from highlighting his legacy in the Empire State. While Hochul might think she’s scoring points with rhetoric, she may want to remember that past achievements have a loud presence, especially when they come from someone with a Trump Tower-sized footprint in New York City.
Hochul’s backhanded comments didn’t stop there, as she sarcastically suggested that Americans should talk to New Yorkers if they are tired of Trump. It appears that Hochul is not fully aware of how tone-deaf that statement is, given that many New Yorkers have plenty of grievances regarding her administration. The irony is palpable; while Hochul wrapped herself in the mantle of “truth,” her staggering unpopularity suggests that New Yorkers are currently experiencing buyer’s remorse, and it’s not about Trump.
The feud heated up further as Trump fired back, casting blame at Hochul for the corruption and bias present in the New York judicial system. He pointed out that her vitriolic rhetoric only serves to confirm the hostility of the courts he’s faced, framing it as part of a larger, rigged system. His allies echo this sentiment, suggesting that the legal challenges he’s up against are politically motivated actions by a Democratic regime wanting to squeeze him out of the spotlight.
.@realDonaldTrump swipes at @GovKathyHochul as ‘nastiest speaker’ to appear at DNC in New York feud https://t.co/a9H2fTTvJt
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 22, 2024
As Hochul tries to raise her profile by launching cheap shots at Trump, she might want to refocus her energy on governance. For a politician so engulfed in criticism of her predecessor, her own track record leaves much to be desired, and it looks to many like she’s merely playing a game of distraction. In the world of political pettiness, Hochul and Trump have taken center stage—though one has quite a bit more to show for their time in the spotlight.
