Gov. Hochul calls Kamala Harris ‘first president’ at DNC – During the opening night of the Democratic National Convention, New York Governor Kathy Hochul made a significant gaffe in her speech, mistakenly referring to Vice President Kamala Harris as the “first president of the United States.” This verbal slip occurred as Hochul was addressing delegates, creating a moment of awkwardness amid her impassioned critique of former President Donald Trump.

Hochul’s speech aimed to emphasize the contrasts between the Democratic candidates and the Republican former president. She enthusiastically promoted Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, as embodying the core values of New Yorkers. Hochul described these values as “grit,” “determination,” and “compassion,” which she claimed were absent in Trump’s persona and governance.

In her critique of Trump, Hochul was blunt. “Donald Trump was born a New Yorker but ended up a fraud, a philanderer, and a felon,” she asserted. Her remarks were aimed at painting Trump as detached from the authentic New York experience, suggesting that he was not in touch with the everyday struggles of its residents. She charged that Trump had never had to face challenges like childcare costs, groceries, or rent, implying that his life of privilege had insulated him from real issues faced by ordinary people.

Hochul then turned to a broader critique of Trump’s tenure and character. “Trust me, America, if you think you’re tired of Donald Trump … talk to a New Yorker,” she urged, underscoring that New Yorkers had dealt with Trump for many years and were deeply frustrated. Her comment that “we’ve dealt with him for 78 long years” was meant to underscore the long-standing impact of Trump’s presence and influence on New York.

Adding a humorous touch, Hochul made a joke about Trump’s move to Florida after leaving the White House. She remarked, “So it’s no wonder he had to flee to Mar-a-Lago … Sorry about that, Florida,” though the humor landed with muted applause and laughter. Hochul’s attempt to lighten the mood with this quip was overshadowed by the seriousness of her critique of Trump’s recent legal troubles.

Hochul highlighted Trump’s legal issues, referencing his conviction on 34 felony charges in the Manhattan hush money trial. “Trump hasn’t spent much time in New York lately, except to be convicted of 34 felonies,” she said. This remark was designed to reinforce the idea that Trump’s recent legal problems had further alienated him from his home state and its values.

In concluding her speech, Hochul invoked New York’s motto, “Excelsior: Ever upward,” to contrast with Trump’s perceived negative impact. “Trump takes us ever downward,” she declared, framing the choice in the upcoming election as a pivotal moment for New Yorkers and the nation.

The speech, however, did not go unnoticed by critics. New York GOP Chair Ed Cox issued a statement ahead of Hochul’s DNC appearance, criticizing her leadership and the state of New York under her governance. Cox accused Hochul of mismanaging the state, claiming it had become the “highest taxed, least business-friendly state in the nation” under her administration. He also highlighted issues like rising crime rates, problems with the migrant crisis, and what he described as radical policies by district attorneys. His statement pointed to an outflow of residents from New York as evidence of Hochul’s failed governance.

Cox’s critique positioned Hochul’s New York as a cautionary tale for what could happen under continued Democratic leadership, contrasting sharply with the portrayal of a state struggling with multiple issues.

In summary, Hochul’s speech at the Democratic National Convention aimed to spotlight the differences between Democratic values and Trump’s record but was marred by a notable slip and contentious political commentary. The event set the stage for a broader discussion of governance and political priorities in the lead-up to the next election.