Just when you think that MSNBC is finally getting tough on Democrats like Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) for rampant crime, Stephanie Ruhle ends her interview with New York’s governor with a softball for the ages.
Crime has become a top issue — if not the number one concern — in the Empire State gubernatorial race because simply put, New York City is going to hell in a hand-basket. As covered Friday, lawlessness in all areas except murder has skyrocketed in the Big Apple.
Hochul, for her part, has gone from downplaying the issue, to calling Republicans like GOP gubernatorial candidates “master manipulators” of data, to now saying that she takes it seriously. Ruhle, host of the TV show “11th hour,” asked her about it Friday night.
“Well, what New Yorkers care about is their health, their safety, their wellbeing,” Ruhle told Hochul after the governor tried saying voters should care about Zeldin’s ties to former President Donald J. Trump. “Crime is clearly the reason this race has gotten so much tighter. Lee Zeldin has made it clear. He would address crime by making bail adjustments and … getting rid of Manhattan [District Attorney] Alvin Bragg. You do not want to do those things. What three things would you do, would you commit to, to address public safety?”
Hochul obfuscated and claimed that she has always cared about crime, that she is is focusing on getting guns off the streets, is working to put cameras on subways, and keep mentally insane people off of public transportation.
The answer wasn’t cutting it for the host.
“Okay, I’m gonna interrupt you then,” Ruhle rebutted. “Here’s the problem. We don’t feel safe. You might be working closely with Mayor Adams, you may have spent a whole lot of money, but I walk into my pharmacy, and everything is on lockdown because of shoplifters. I’m not going in the subway. People don’t feel safe in this town. So you may have done these things, but right now, we’re not feeling good. We’re worried we could be San Francisco.”
Hochul assured Ruhle that the city would never be San Francisco.
Why? Well, because murder rates are down for one, she claimed. And she just passed a new law requiring that certain businesses put serial numbers on catalytic converters so that those car components can be traced in case a vehicle is stolen and the converter is sold for thousands of dollars to a chop shop. In turn, the chop shop guys have to keep records of catalytic converters.
Per the governor’s website, those serial numbers will only be applied to future used and new cars — not those currently on the street. Hochul’s website says “new motor vehicle dealers and other qualified dealers will be required to stock catalytic converter etching kits to put a unique serial number on the components so that they can be tracked back if they are stolen.”
So it is not entirely certain how that addresses the issue for current vehicle owners.
Hochul also claimed that the crimes were occurring nationwide.
“So, I’m not sure how firing one district attorney in one borough in New York is going to deal with the crime issue across the state, across the nation,” she said.
Bragg, whom she is referring to, is supported by billionaire George Soros and pushes soft-on-crime policies. Hochul should read the New York Post to clarify how removing Bragg would help address the problem. On Saturday, the Post reported that “[s]ince taking office in January, [Bragg] has overseen a 30.5% surge in major crimes in Manhattan compared to the same time in 2021, NYPD data through Oct. 30 show. Citywide, the spike is at 29.6%.”
In other words, his jurisdiction is outpacing the rest of the city. If she doesn’t understand why voters would be concerned with Bragg, it’s no wonder why she’s in a dead heat with Zeldin.
Ruhle, to her credit, pressed Hochul on why nationwide stats would matter to a New Yorker. However, she ended the interview with a softball.
“Do you think that you face, whether it’s conscious or unconscious, sexism by voters?” Ruhle asked. “Especially as it relates to crime and public safety? New Yorkers who are used to these alpha-male, macho men governors or political leaders here? And you are not from New York City.”
“You are a petite, capable woman from upstate,” she added. “Do you think we give you enough credit?”
Hochul’s answer was predictably self-congratulatory and out of touch. The entire segment can be seen here:
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
