Podcast Summary: The Majority Report with Sam Seder – Episode 2451: Cuomo’s Disgrace & Senate Dems' Moment of Truth with Lindsey Boylan

Release Date: March 11, 2025
Host: Sam Seder
Guest: Lindsey Boylan, Former New York State Government Official

Introduction

In Episode 2451 of The Majority Report with Sam Seder, host Sam Seder delves deep into the ongoing scandal surrounding former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the broader implications for Democratic leaders in the Senate. Joined by Lindsey Boylan, a former New York State government official who worked closely with Cuomo, the episode offers an unflinching examination of Cuomo's misconduct and its potential impact on his bid for New York City mayor. Additionally, the discussion touches upon critical legislative battles threatening a government shutdown and the broader political maneuvering at play.

Cuomo’s Misconduct and Attempted Political Comeback

Lindsey Boylan provides a harrowing account of her experiences working under Cuomo, detailing his pervasive sexual harassment and abuse of power. She recounts, "[Cuomo] was sexually harassing me throughout the entire time. This man is completely lacking principles" (32:15), highlighting the systemic nature of his misconduct across different levels of his administration.

Key Points:

• Employment History: Boylan outlines her tenure with Cuomo, starting around the 2016 election and culminating in her role as Secretary for Economic Development and Housing (31:09). Her rising responsibilities brought her into closer proximity with Cuomo, exposing her to his abusive behavior.

• Pattern of Harassment: Over a dozen women have come forward with allegations against Cuomo, supported by reports from the Attorney General and various state assemblies. These reports corroborate claims of sexual harassment and create a comprehensive picture of Cuomo's inappropriate conduct.

• Legal Repercussions: Cuomo's efforts to discredit his accusers have been extensive, involving taxpayer-funded legal battles aiming to intimidate and smudge the reputations of those who dared to speak out against him. Boylan emphasizes, "He has used every abuse of power possible to kill us, basically to destroy us" (38:25).

• Impact on Political Ambitions: Despite his resignation amidst scandal, Cuomo is attempting a political resurgence by entering the New York City mayoral race. Boylan warns of the dangerous implications of allowing someone with such a record to hold significant public office again.

Notable Quote:

“The public officers law... is set in place to protect abusers and corrupt politicians from accountability.” – Lindsey Boylan (37:12)

Senate Democrats and the Imminent Government Shutdown

The episode shifts focus to the precarious state of the federal budget, with Republicans pushing for a continuing resolution that risks precipitating a government shutdown. Sam Seder articulates the gravity of the situation:

"This is the last couple of feet before it hits the cliff and goes over." (53:17)

Key Points:

• Continuing Resolution Details: Republicans aim to pass a bill extending the previous year's budget for six months, during which they plan to introduce a reconciliation package targeting significant cuts to Medicaid and SNAP (47:14).

• Defense Spending vs. Domestic Cuts: The proposed bill not only increases defense spending but also slashes funding for various domestic programs. This juxtaposition raises concerns about prioritizing military expenditure over essential social services.

• Elon Musk’s Role: The episode highlights Elon Musk's influence, suggesting that his control over parts of the government could exacerbate the situation if the continuing resolution passes. Seder references legal constraints like the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to argue against unilateral spending freezes.

• Call to Action: Seder urges listeners to contact their senators immediately to oppose the continuing resolution, emphasizing the constitutional duty of Congress to control federal spending.

Notable Quote:

"If they do not stop this continuing resolution, they should just leave." – Sam Seder (60:14)

Lindsey Boylan’s Extended Critique of Cuomo and Democratic Leaders

Continuing the conversation, Boylan offers a scathing critique of Cuomo’s ongoing legal maneuvers designed to silence and discredit his accusers. She details the misuse of taxpayer funds to finance private defense attorneys, which effectively prolongs legal battles and burdens victims with undue financial strain.

Key Points:

• Financial Exploitation: Cuomo has orchestrated legal defenses costing upwards of $60 million, leveraging private attorneys to wage "lawfare" against his accusers (38:25).

• Impact on Victims: Many of Cuomo’s victims, including Boylan herself, face immense personal and financial challenges due to prolonged legal disputes. This strategy not only deters other potential accusers from coming forward but also perpetuates a cycle of abuse and repression.

• Critique of Democratic Leadership: Boylan expresses disappointment in prominent Democrats, such as Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, for their silence and lack of support in addressing Cuomo's misconduct. She calls out the Democratic establishment for failing to hold Cuomo accountable, thereby undermining the very principles they advocate.

Notable Quote:

"This man's path to victory is to destroy the very women he harmed." – Lindsey Boylan (46:52)

Legislative Battles and the Role of Senate Democrats

The podcast delves into the strategic legislative maneuvers surrounding the potential government shutdown. Seder criticizes Senate Democrats for their perceived inaction and complacency, which he argues undermines their responsibility to prevent fiscal irresponsibility.

Key Points:

• Cloture Votes and Filibusters: Seder emphasizes the importance of Senate Democrats withholding their votes on cloture to enable filibusters that could block the passing of the continuing resolution. This tactic is portrayed as essential to maintaining congressional authority over federal spending.

• Public Engagement: The hosts encourage listeners to actively engage with their senators by calling and expressing opposition to the continuing resolution, citing its unconstitutional overreach and potential for significant governmental paralysis.

• Political Accountability: There's a strong call for accountability among Democratic leaders, urging constituents to challenge representatives like Chuck Schumer for not adequately opposing measures that threaten the functionality of government services.

Notable Quote:

"The only good thing about this moment in time is it does give a lot of us the chance to say, hell no. This is monstrous." – Lindsey Boylan (44:27)

Listener Engagement and Actionable Steps

Throughout the episode, Sam Seder and Emma Vigeland emphasize the urgency of listener participation in political processes. They provide specific instructions on how to contact senators and articulate the critical nature of the current legislative standoff.

Key Points:

• Contact Information: Listeners are provided with the Capitol switchboard number (202-224-3121) to reach their senators and are encouraged to voice their opposition to the continuing resolution (52:24).

• Voter Guidance: Boylan advises New York City residents to refrain from ranking Andrew Cuomo in the upcoming primary, stressing that removing him from consideration is essential to prevent a controversial and corrupt figure from attaining significant public office (47:41).

Notable Quote:

"Do not rank Andrew Cuomo in that five rank opportunity that you have in the primary." – Lindsey Boylan (47:56)

Conclusion

Episode 2451 of The Majority Report serves as a critical exposé on the enduring fallout from Andrew Cuomo’s tenure as Governor of New York, highlighting the systemic issues of abuse and corruption that enabled his rise and attempted political comeback. Lindsey Boylan's testimony underscores the personal and institutional battles faced by those who stand against powerful figures wielding abuse of power. Simultaneously, the episode sheds light on the imminent threat of a government shutdown, emphasizing the pivotal role of Senate Democrats in upholding constitutional responsibilities. The dual focus on Cuomo’s personal misconduct and broader governmental crises paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges facing Democratic leadership and the urgent need for public engagement to safeguard democratic institutions.

Notable Quotes:

• “He has used every abuse of power possible to kill us, basically to destroy us.” – Lindsey Boylan (37:12)
• “This man's path to victory is to destroy the very women he harmed.” – Lindsey Boylan (44:27)
• “Do not rank Andrew Cuomo in that five rank opportunity that you have in the primary.” – Lindsey Boylan (47:56)
• “If they do not stop this continuing resolution, they should just leave.” – Sam Seder (60:14)

Key Takeaways

• Accountability for Abusers: The episode underscores the importance of holding powerful individuals like Andrew Cuomo accountable for their misconduct to prevent their re-entry into significant political roles.

• Legislative Vigilance: Democratic leaders must exercise their constitutional duties diligently, especially in contexts where budgetary decisions can have profound implications for government functionality.

• Public Participation: Active listener involvement, through direct communication with elected officials, is crucial in shaping legislative outcomes and reinforcing democratic balances of power.

This summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Episode 2451, capturing the essence of the discussions and the critical viewpoints presented by Lindsey Boylan alongside Sam Seder and Emma Vigeland.