The Independent Student Newspaper of St. John's University

The Torch

The Independent Student Newspaper of St. John's University

The Torch

The Independent Student Newspaper of St. John's University

The Torch

Paladino uses personal politics

As the calendar gets closer to Nov. 2, the race for the next New York governor gets a little messier as the weeks go on.

Republican candidate Carl Paladino has thrown much of the mud this past week when he first accused opponent Andrew Cuomo of having an affair while married to Kerry Kennedy, daughter of late NY Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Cuomo and his campaign have asserted that the republican’s statements are absolutely false.

The claims came after it was revealed Paladino had extramarital relations 10 years ago, resulting in a love child.

Julie Bastos, a senior marketing major, called Paladino’s finger pointing inconsistent with his platform calling for a reform to the typical politician. The New Jersey native who admitted she does not vote scolded the Tea Party candidate.

“It makes me not want to vote or even care about politics,” Bastos said. She said that politicians all act the same regardless of the side and that “you kind of give up hope that nothing is going to happen or change soon.”

During a press conference on Sept. 29, Paladino was confronted on how true his accusations against Cuomo were. Veteran political writer from the New York Post, Fred Dicker, stood and challenged Paladino’s comments.

When Dicker asked Paladino if he had proof, the governor hopeful lashed back at Dicker. He asserted that Dicker had sent post reporters to his illegitimate daughter’s home. The angered Paladino yelled “I’ll take you out,” should Dicker investigate anymore into Paladino’s private life.

The comment was soon broadcasted by nearly all major news outlets, including the reporter’s own newspaper. Paladino openly charged Dicker before the two were separated by campaign manager Michael Caputo.

Caputo soon began to exchange words with Dicker as well, going as far as to curse at him in front of a room full of journalists.  

Sophomore Noshee Mahmood felt that Paladino’s sudden attack on Dicker reflected poorly on his ability to lead.

“If he’s going out to campaign and talking to families and children, what image does that give?” Mahmood questioned. “If he can’t handle his marriage or a simple question, how will he be able to handle an entire state?”

Mahmood, who plans to vote for Cuomo, feels that all that the candidate has to do now is step back and let the race take place.

Junior Chuch Anakwenze agreed when he said “Two wrongs don’t make a right… It’s not going to elevate his stand in the race.”

Some students do not feel that anything regarding either candidate’s personal life should even be a factor.

Malcolm James, a sophomore who says he might vote, feels that a candidate should campaign on their platform and concentrate on their merit.

“I think they should stick to the politics,” James said, “not make it personal.”

A recent poll released by Siena College released on Oct. 5 shows Cuomo leading Paladino by a ratio of 3:1. In New York City alone, the Cuomo is ahead 71-17%. With election day less than a month away, voters in the poll found Paladino to be a “loose cannon” and have lost confidence in the republican.

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