Many New Yorkers who voted for Barack Obama in the last presidential election undoubtedly have a different opinion of him after his visit to the Albany area this week.
That presidential snub of Gov. David Paterson was a rude and unwarranted intrusion into the 2010 race for governor.
It was obvious from the time Obama stepped off Air Force One at the airport that Paterson had fallen out of favor with the White House. It had been reported earlier that a top-level aide to Obama had suggested to Paterson that he step aside in 2010.
A New York Post headline captured the atmosphere of the airport arrival: “Obama Embraces Governor and All That’s Missing Is the Knife in His Hand.”
A photo caption on that awkward exchange cautioned, “Watch Your Back, Dave.”
As he started his speech at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, N.Y., the president appeared to patronize Paterson as “ a wonderful man,” without any reference to his job.
In the same breath, the president heaped praise on state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, widely considered the front runner to succeed Paterson. On Wednesday, the latest poll showed Paterson’s approval rating around 20 percent, hardly the credentials for any politician on the campaign trail, especially an incumbent.
Voters shouldn’t be surprised, of course, that Obama would think it important to get involved in this race. After all, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, a high-profile and popular Republican, would probably defeat Paterson and even make it more difficult for Democrats in the Empire State to win congressional seats.
So a fair question surfaces from this stunning putdown. Will the White House try to smooth things over by offering Paterson a cushy job?
That could be a formidable, if not impossible task.
In a way, the governor is caught in a web from which he can’t escape.
If he were named to a post that required U.S. Senate confirmation, he might encounter even more embarrassment about his admitted transgressions in his marriage and his use of drugs many years ago. Some of those self-righteous senators who sit on the confirmation committee would no doubt seize the chance to expound on their virtues and high ethical standards.
It’s also inconceivable the Obama administration would consider Paterson for any ambassadorship.
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Many fans who watched the Fox Sports coverage of the Buffalo Bills’ 33-20 win over Tampa Bay on Monday night thoroughly enjoyed the telecast because of the excellent commentary by Daryl Johnston.
Johnston, who starred at Lewiston-Porter and Syracuse University before playing with the Dallas Cowboys — three times with the Super Bowl champions — now handles the color alongside Kenny Albert.
In the past few years, Johnston has gained solid respect as one of the best broadcasters covering the NFL. He has that skill for making the game more meaningful for even the average fan.
As the action wrapped up Monday night, the broadcast crew told the audience how much they appreciated the kindness that the Johnston family — Daryl’s parents live in Youngstown — had extended during the visit to the Buffalo area.
On Friday night, the TV crew dined at the Water Street Landing in Lewiston.
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A SPECIAL SALUTE: Albert J. Chille, executive director of the Niagara SPCA, will retire Oct. 2, ending his 28-year career with the not-for-profit organization.
In “Wee Paws,” the agency newsletter, Chille asks for people to continue their generous support for the nearly 8,000 animals that are given food, shelter and a second chance every year.
Chille says he has been weighing another job offer but he may opt for a volunteer role in the community.
He was dedicated to operating an important facility. As always, there were critics focusing on the negative side. Chille hopes that the recent “adverse publicity” won’t deter people from their steady support for the animals.
Columns
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