Democrats and Republicans alike offered praise for not only the political talents of the late New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, but also for his strengths as a "compassionate leader" and for his "soaring intellect."
“From the hard streets of Queens, Mario Cuomo rose to the very pinnacle of political power in New York because he believed in his bones in the greatness of this state, the greatness of America and the unique potential of every individual," U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said in a statement released Thursday evening as word of Cuomo's death at 82 spread.
"From soaring oratory that stirred the very soul to painstaking coalition-building to advance policies and accomplishments, he was a colossal political mind and represented the very best of public service," Schumer said.
Cuomo, a liberal icon and three-time New York governor, died on New Year's Day. He was 82.
U.S. Rep. Peter King honored Cuomo's innate affection for his home state and its colorful people. Mario Cuomo was a "giant of New York government and politics," King said in a statement. "As much as anyone he understood and appreciated the mosaic that was New York. All who knew Mario Cuomo were better for it."
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg noted Cuomo's deep moral compass and said his skill aligned with historic giants who have led the state.
"Mario Cuomo inspired millions of people around the country with his vision for a more compassionate and just society, and during difficult times for our city and state, he brought principled and ethical leadership to Albany. He never swayed with the political winds —whether on the death penalty or any other issue — and he earned a spot alongside Theodore Roosevelt, Charles Evans Hughes, Al Smith, and Franklin Roosevelt in the pantheon of New York's great progressive governors."
Other politicos took to social media to honor the charismatic leader's contributions to government, NBC New York noted.
"I was lucky enough to be in the hall in '84 to hear Mario Cuomo — a brilliant, passionate, gutsy leader, who knew why he was in public life," former Obama adviser David Axelrod wrote on Twitter, which exploded with reaction and eloquent admiration for Cuomo's leadership and life.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, via Twitter, praised Cuomo for his devotion to his state's people. "Our country and our region lost a giant today with the passing of Governor Mario Cuomo. He was a strong, eloquent leader who loved New York and it's people.
As an Italian-American, he was also a role model for future generations that anything was possible through hard work and education."
U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel of New York called Cuomo a "a great America patriot," while the Rev. Al Sharpton described him as "a true statesman/politician."
"We debated and agreed. He always was able to see the big picture," Sharpton tweeted.
Sharpton added in a statement: "He was the last liberal giant of New York politics … We debated often but he never would reduce our disagreements to petty personal grudges. He was a philosopher at heart that always saw the bigger picture. Even when we would engage in debate I felt he was playing chess while I was playing checkers."
Former New York Gov. George Pataki sent his
deepest condolences to the Cuomo family, WABC's Channel 7 said.
"Gov. Cuomo was a proud son of immigrants and a compassionate leader who possessed a soaring intellect," Pataki said. "He was a great New Yorker who will be missed."
Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy also heaped praise on the longtime leader, WABC reported.
"Today, America lost a man who inspired so many with extraordinary vision, soaring oratory, and an unwavering commitment to democratic values," Malloy said. "Gov. Mario Cuomo's words inspired public officials and community leaders across the nation that we can and must do better — for everyone.
"He leaves a legacy of government that does not turn its back on those who are struggling. Mario Cuomo indeed defined what it means to be a Democrat."
Embattled Mayor Bill de Blasio, who called for flags throughout New York City to fly at half-staff for 30 days, also praised Cuomo's contributions.
"Tonight, New York has lost a giant," De Blasio said on Twitter. "Mario Cuomo was a man of unwavering principle who possessed a compassion for humankind without equal."
Hip-hop impresario and entrepreneur Russell Simmons lauded Cuomo, calling him "one of the greatest progressives this country has ever known."
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