(Thumbnail Image: New York Daily News)
New York Governor David Paterson’s announcement that he will not run for governor in 2010 is provoking many to question whether Paterson is fit to finish the rest of his term.
We’re looking at perspectives from Fox 23 News WXXA-TV, CNN, Fox News, the Gotham Gazette and NBC.
Paterson faces strict deadlines on getting a new state budget, even as he remains under intense scrutiny. New York Assembly Member tells Albany's Fox affiliate he will struggle to govern.
“Politics may be simpler now that the governor is not running, but governing is just as difficult as ever.”
But some on Fox News are calling for his resignation saying that Paterson is another name on a long list of the Democratic Party’s troubled members.
SCHEINKOPF: “The Democrats look weak, they look out of control. David Paterson, well, he’s just another string of national Democratic incumbents who would have been in deep trouble anyway.”
BENNETT: “They really do seem to be running for the hills, don’t they? They’re stepping down, they’re resigning, they’re not running. And this is a discouraged and demoralized bunch, and maybe with good reason.”
In an interview with the Gotham Gazette, a New York Assembly member says that unless Paterson is proved to have abused his power, his abilities shouldn’t be questioned.
“The calls for his resignation at this point are premature, and I would urge everyone to cease and desist. The governor, like every other individual, is entitled to a presumption of innocence and should not be hounded out of office unless a comprehensive investigation establishes clear evidence of wrongdoing.”
On CNN, The Nation's Katrina Vanden Heuvel focuses on the role the media played in Paterson's withdrawal from the gubernatorial race.
“I think what the New York Times did was strong, legitimate reporting that we need more of and I think it was more damning than the sex scandal that so much of the media frenzy prior to the New York Times reporting thought it would be, because it was about the abuse of public power, state power. This is under investigation. I think the New York Post has had it out for David Paterson for a long time. Who knows where the leaks were."
Whether Paterson resigns, most agree his administration has at least lost some credibility. But leaving you on a lighter note, we bring you a skit from Saturday Night Live.
“Now governor, do you have any comment about The New York Times exposé of your alleged unethical activity?”
“Yeah, congratulations New York Times! You snared the elusive David Paterson. Finding something wrong with my administration is like finding a needle in a needle store. You found out I was a bad governor. Who tipped you off? Everyone?”
Writer: Victoria Uwumarogie
Producer: Newsy Staff
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