One particular gathering I attended has left everlasting impressions, owing its uncanny hints of social anthropology. Celebrated gossip columnist for The New York Post, Cindy Adams, hosted her 94th birthday in her ornate Park Avenue residence back in April. A casual jest was her party theme – ‘Should you be accused, you’re most welcome.’ The quirk came from her comedian late husband, Joey Adams – originally intended for Roy Cohn’s scandalous disco-times gatherings. I was utterly engrossed by the intricate network of New York’s tactical power players that surrounded me.
Inside the luxurious penthouse was a bevy of noted personalities, each with stories of desperate falls from grace. Creating an uneasy and unpredictable atmosphere, formidable tabloid figures scurried around one another. All against the backdrop of Adams’ vibrant red, Ming dynasty-inspired dwelling, with animal crackers and ice cream adding a whimsical touch to the soirée.
Kathy Hochul found herself standing mere steps apart from the man she succeeded, a man she had publicly denounced following allegations of sexual misconduct – Andrew Cuomo. Yet, he seemed to maintain an upbeat demeanor, charmingly accompanied by the nonagenarian Matilda, his mother, on his arm. Despite being jobless, the rumor mill within the New York politico-media circles hinted that Cuomo was contemplating a run for the mayor’s office.
Mayor Eric Adams was a notable attendee at the gathering, ironically defying Cindy’s party tagline; he was welcomed, and subsequently embroiled in legal troubles. Despite launching his mayoral stint with great energy and confidence, by the time our paths crossed, his public approval had taken a hit. Pervasive discomfort was brewing amongst his City Hall aides due to his progressively opaque inner workings.
Penetratingly, one key Democratic strategist equated the prevailing situation to the dramatic return of ‘Beau James’, or Jimmy Walker. Adams exhibited an effortless buoyancy during our discourse, declaring himself a ‘lion’, destined to preside over the ‘jungle’, all in a jovial tone.
Adams’ backstory had gripping elements: Born and raised in Brooklyn, he joined the police force following an encounter with police brutality during his adolescence. His mother juggled multiple cleaning jobs to sustain her family of six children; occasionally Adams had to carry a bag teeming with clothing to school, just in case eviction by day’s end was imminent.
However, portents continued to surface. Adams picked Philip Banks for the Deputy Mayor of Public Safety post, notwithstanding some bothersome questions about his background. He also appointed Frank Carone as chief of staff, ignoring the dubious cloud surrounding Carone’s former business transactions.
Adams maintained a seemingly optimistic outlook, proclaiming that ‘one’s worst day shouldn’t dictate one’s life’. Nevertheless, law enforcement authorities suggest that there might be more troubles on the horizon for him. In a breakthrough moment, he became the first New York mayor in office to face federal criminal charges – a reflection of his reckless disregard for protocol.
The current predicament leaves Governor Hochul with the difficult decision – whether or not to dismiss him. The charges against Mayor Adams are serious and many, ranging from bribery and fraud to soliciting unlawful overseas campaign contributions.
Arguably, the most distressing accusation alleges that he exerted pressure on the fire department to sanction a new Turkish diplomat’s high-rise building. This was despite outsized concerns about the building’s deficient fire safety mechanisms.
Upon examining Adams’ past, the most significant controversy noted was his assertion to be a vegan while continuing to consume fish. Yet, it’s clear that his story is layered, with far ‘fishier’ concerns hiding beneath.