Cuomo watch: Familiar lines draw attention

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo stirred 2016 campaign buzz last week addressing a policy conference in Manhattan co-sponsored by the state Democratic committee -- although his remarks were essentially a variation of previous speeches.

"The Democrat is arguing that government as a vehicle for the collective can make a difference, and that we should try to do that," in contrast with Republicans, he said.

In May, he told an audience: "The difference between us, as progressives, and the conservatives, is that we believe that government can work and that we can . . . make this place a better place for all of us." Last October he said on Long Island, "Their argument is, 'Government doesn't work, so don't even bother trying, because we can't do it' . . . Well, I'm under the mindset we can."

-- Yancey Roy