This morning, in his first public remarks since ending his campaign for governor last week, Governor David Paterson said a combination of budget forces had created “a situation when a day of reckoning would eventually come, and that day of reckoning is here.”
That’s certainly true–given the state’s enormous budget deficit–and, of course, there’s another reckoning involving that investigation by the attorney general.
But former City Councilman Ken Fisher, who moderated the discussion (along with Observer editor Kyle Pope), said Mr. Paterson–despite his troubles–could force his own reckoning soon.
“If he is perceived as being able to survive the next couple weeks, then he becomes a force to be reckoned with,” Mr. Fisher told me after the event.
“He’s here this morning to try and reclaim the moral authority of the office and speak about the tough issues facing New York, at a time when most people came here this morning because they wanted to witness what they thought was a car wreck,” he said.
And Mr. Fisher seemed to think it was off to a smooth start. “The fact that he was substantive and he wasn’t fidgeting or fussing at all was part of a deliberate effort on his part and on the part of his staff to remind people there’s bigger things than David Paterson’s political future at stake.”
> For more coverage of Governor Paterson’s remarks, see:
‘Day of Reckoning Is Here’
Paterson Not Sure Why People Are Talking About Him Resigning
Paterson: Furloughs Not Off the Table
Race Is Not a Factor
Paterson on State Police Chief Corbitt: No Comment
‘Sometimes That Tension Is Good’
