Could National Comedy Center’s Success Lead To Cuomo White House Bid?

JAMESTOWN-The National Comedy Center, which has received  financial assistance from New York State, may serve as a prominent piece of Andrew Cuomo’s 2020 presidential portfolio.

Several local political officials, including Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi, have suggested that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is eyeing a run for the White House in 2020.

“It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when,” said Teresi to WNYNewsNow during a recent announcement at City Hall.

A recent Quinnipiac University Poll poll suggests Cuomo’s approval rating has dropped at least six points this year.

“Things like revival in urban areas across the state would work to his favor,” said Jacob Neiheisel, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Buffalo.

Officials believe the National Comedy Center will draw approximately 114,000 visitors annually, support almost 200 jobs, and add more than $20 million into the local economy.

A political strategist from the University of Buffalo believes if the National Comedy Center gets off to a good start it would make a Cuomo White House even more likely.

“That would play well with the more progressive wing of the party,”said  Jacob Neiheisel, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Buffalo.

Cuomo said the NCC will place attention on well-known performers by providing comedy and entertainment.

“The National Comedy Center is quickly becoming a world-renowned cultural institution, while putting a spotlight on some of today’s greatest performers – and with this week’s Lucille Ball Festival, we welcome thousands of visitors to Jamestown to experience the fun and laughter that’s in store,” said Cuomo during a recent visit to Jamestown.

“By investing in comedy and the arts, New York has shown the nation that Jamestown is the place to visit with family and friends.”

If Jamestown’s economy is kick-started by the Comedy Center, Cuomo’s camp may have two massive economic successes to boast of – the other being the Buffalo Billion which infused $1 billion into the Buffalo area economy spurring thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in new investment.

“The Buffalo Billion is really credited with revitalizing downtown and other areas that have seen some hard times in recent years,” Neiheisel said. “He could walk away from this looking like a well-positioned candidate.”

Of the 43 presidents to date, 17 had experience as a governor before becoming President. The first was Thomas Jefferson and the most recent was George W. Bush. In 2012, the Republican field included one sitting governor —Rick Perry (TX)—and former governors Jon Huntsman (UT) and the Party’s eventual nominee Mitt Romney (MA).

On Sunday evening, a poll from NBC News and the Wall Street Journal indicated that Trump’s approval rating had hit a new low, sinking to 38 percent.

1 Comment

  1. Spending taxpayers money on some pie-in-the-sky wet dream isn’t the sign of a qualified candidate. As I’ve said before, if Jamestown is a comedy Mecca I’m sure the private sector would have invested. Wasn’t this project delayed because of running out of tax money?

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