Cuomo Watch: City politics as theater

Three years ago, as Andrew M. Cuomo ran for governor, ex-Gov. Eliot Spitzer gave an acerbic televised evaluation of the man who had succeeded him as state attorney general: "It's easy to be tough if the selection of one's target is driven by politics." A Cuomo spokesman then replied their different records spoke for themselves.

On Spitzer suddenly seeking to be New York City comptroller, Camp Cuomo wasn't biting. "I am just watching the theater that is going on in New York City in this political season, but I'm going to reserve comment at this time," the current governor said last week.

So there was no repeat of his "shame on us" punchline about Anthony Weiner when asked about the prospect that city voters make the ex-congressman their mayor.

-- Dan Janison