In a candid statement, Republican New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu expressed his harsh opinions on California Governor Gavin Newsom and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Sununu claimed that Newsom is disliked by other state leaders calling him a “prick” and stating that even Democratic governors can’t stand him behind closed doors. He also referred to Cuomo as a “complete jacka–” and stated that no one liked him during his time in office. This honest assessment of their characters is a rarity in the political world, especially coming from a fellow governor.
Sununu explained that while almost all governors typically get along, there have been only a few exceptions. He highlighted Newsom and Cuomo as two governors who were widely disliked by their peers. Despite the negative opinions of these two politicians, Sununu did mention positive relationships he has cultivated with governors from the other side of the aisle. This includes praising Democratic Oregon Governor Tina Kotek as a “wonderful person” and showing appreciation for his good rapport with Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy despite political disagreements.
The public airing of grievances by Sununu regarding Newsom and Cuomo sheds light on the often contentious relationships among governors behind closed doors. Sununu’s candid comments reveal a side of politics that is rarely seen by the public, where personal opinions and personalities can play a significant role in shaping inter-gubernatorial relationships. While Sununu’s remarks may be seen as controversial, they provide insight into the complexities of political dynamics and perceptions among leaders in different states.
It is evident from Sununu’s remarks that personal relationships and likability play a significant role in the interactions among governors. His criticisms of Newsom and Cuomo suggest a lack of rapport and respect for these two prominent Democratic governors. However, his positive comments on other Democratic governors like Kotek and Murphy show that political affiliations do not always determine the quality of relationships between leaders. Sununu’s ability to build positive relationships with governors across the aisle highlights the importance of personal connections and mutual respect in the world of politics.
The reciprocal dislike between Newsom and Cuomo, as indicated by Sununu’s comments, reflects the complex nature of political relationships and the impact of personal reputation on inter-gubernatorial dynamics. While some governors may be widely disliked by their peers, others like Sununu have managed to foster positive relationships despite political differences. Sununu’s willingness to speak openly about his opinions on his fellow governors provides a glimpse into the inner workings of state leadership and the myriad factors that influence the interactions between state leaders.
Overall, Sununu’s candid remarks on Newsom and Cuomo, as well as his positive relationships with other governors across the aisle, offer valuable insights into the nuanced world of state leadership. The dynamics of personal relationships, political affiliations, and likability all play a role in shaping the interactions among governors. Sununu’s willingness to speak openly about his opinions highlights the complexity of inter-gubernatorial relationships and the importance of personal dynamics in the realm of state politics.
