Posted on 09/06/2002 7:14:36 AM PDT by Tumbleweed_Connection
When Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Cuomo pulled out of the race this week, it seemed like deja-vu all over again for the listeners of legendary New York radio talker Bob Grant.
Grant is widely credited with playing the key role in the 1994 defeat of Andrew's father, former New York Governor Mario Cuomo, after criticizing Mario's imperious ways for years in terms that included references to "Il Supremo" and "the Sfacheem."
This time around, Andrew fared no better with Grant, who had been a longtime backer of Andrew's Democratic primary opponent, Carl McCall.
The WOR host, who happens also to be of Italian-American extraction, made no secret of his disdain for Cuomo Jr., and even took to commenting on-air about his resemblance to "a mob chieftain."
The characterization apparently resonated, not only with Grant's wide audience, but with the New York State electorate at large, who, according to political experts, rejected young Cuomo because he seemed too arrogant and heavy-handed.
When the Cuomo scion first entered the race he was the odds-on favorite to take the nomination. But by the time the image of "Il Supremo, Jr." took hold, polls showed Andrew was 22 points down.
Grant reminded his audience Thursday that ethnic characterizations never seemed to bother the Cuomos before.
Addressing Mario in absentia, Grant said, "When the authentic tape of that conversation between Clinton and Gennifer Flowers was made public and Bill Clinton agreed with her that there was something 'mafioso'-sounding about you, Mario - how come you didn't really show your ethnic pride (back then)? How come you didn't show your anger?"
Annnnnd ... he is!
(did my best to spell it phoenitically .. but Bob Grant fans will get it)
Get off my phone!!!!
"Get off my phone, you fake phoney fraud!"
They have given the Clinton's (for whom there is not a mean enough description in the English language) a permanent power base. This is a stain that all New Yorkers must forever bear. Even New York Freepers should wear sackcloth and ashes.
Since he switched radio stations, he's mellowed and has permitted the more scholarly part of his persona to shine through.
Don't blame Bob for the HRC's success in NY. He DESPISES both Bill and Hill, but his influence is limited in the liberal stronghold that is NYC.
On the bright side, "Son of Sfachemm" is out, much to Bob's delight.
Now Bob can focus all of his attention on Torricelli, whom he also DESPISES!!
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