[December 13, 2025] Michael Goodwin is a columnist for the New York Post. Earlier this week, he wrote an opinion article that I could call a primer on bad leadership. He lists what makes for key elements in leadership failure. He is stunningly correct about the core elements of leadership. His target? New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
Goodwin begins by calling Gov. Hochul the worst possible names for a leader, “obedient” and “puppeteer.” Those words come from one of her former top aides. Imagine being the elected leader of one of the largest and most prominent states in America, and all you are is a follower of your advisors; a puppeteer. Goodwin calls this a chilling revelation. So do I.
The former aide is Linda Sun, who is facing federal charges in Brooklyn. What makes this worse is that Sun was allegedly working as a secret agent for Communist China. In 2021, Sun was directed by the Chinese Consulate to get Gov. Cuomo to make a Lunar New Year video. Sun said it would be easier to get Hochul to agree because “she is much more obedient than the governor.”
During this time, a number of Chinese charitable organizations were illegally interfering in New York politics. But New York took no action. Hochul knew about these violations and did nothing.
”Her [Gov. Hochul] silence fits a persistent image of her as someone who lacks firm convictions and is eager to cede decisions, large and small, to others.” – Michael Goodwin, NY Post, December 9, 2025
Goodwin is spot-on with his criticism of Gov. Hochul’s poor leadership skills.
”A pattern suggests she does not have the confidence and independent mindset crucial to effective leadership.”
To be describing one of the most powerful governors in the nation like this is absolutely devastating. “Hochul is often passive in the face of major issues.” If I were a brand new Second Lieutenant platoon leader, and I was described this way by any competent officer, my commander would relieve me of duty, and kick me out of the Army.
She is also described as a “flip-flopper.” Goodwin uses a number of examples. The point being made is that Hochul doesn’t seem to have a firm set of values, and calling her “timid” might be the right.
And then there is her deference to the New York City mayor-elect Mamdani. She caved to him on several city tax initiatives. Before he even takes office, Mamdani has reversed the governor-city relationship; telling her what he wants, and she delivers.
Gov. Hochul is a follower, not a leader. Mamdani is the locomotive, Hochul is the caboose. Here is an example:
“I have no problem with the mayor-elect using this platform to let people know the rights they have in this great country.” – Gov. Kathy Hochul referring to Mamdani’s inflammatory video showing illegal immigrants how to “stand up” to ICE
And Hochul’s failure to lead has got a number of senior Democrat Party politicians upset with her. When a 36-year-old, recently elected mayor, but not yet in power, can push around the governor of a state, then we need to take a serious look at the lack of leadership in Hochul.
Gov. Hochul is failing the state of New York. And it’s because she cannot lead.
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Please read my books:
Those m.o.r.o.n.s walk among us.
As a soon-to-retire high school teacher, I try to teach my kids the basic values of America (why, because they work). Don’t forget this article by Gen. Satterfield that summarizes the primary values of America, “A Relook at American Core Values”. https://www.theleadermaker.com/a-relook-at-american-core-values/. “I believe the top three should be; 1. Liberty and Freedom, 2. Family, and 3. Faith. “ – Brig. Gen. Doug Satterfield
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This dumb broad, just like Hillary and Kamala is actually in charge of people, yet like them all, they cannot make a decision because they have zero firm values. Their values are like paper in a tornado, flying everywhere with no anchor. The dumbing down of America started with socially promoting and giving preferences to women. They should have to compete like the rest of the men, and not given extra push up the hierarchy, because that corrupts the heirarchy. Nuff said. Read Gen. Satterfield’s books. Get them as gifts for this holiday season. MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Yeah, Cowboy Bob, well said. Yes, “nuff said.” And Merry Christmas to you and your family too.
Just gotta love DUMB…..
When it comes to Law & Order, we know where Gov. Hochul stands. And here is just one of the quotes when she fails to measure up as a leader. When you support criminals, then you are just a moron.
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“I have no problem with the mayor-elect using this platform to let people know the rights they have in this great country.” – Gov. Kathy Hochul referring to Mamdani’s inflammatory video showing illegal immigrants how to “stand up” to ICE
Gov. Kathy Hocul is a classic liberal Democrat failure. But they don’t care.
Look left, look right, look all around and what do you see? A Liberal looking for ice cream.
The New York Post opinion pages are actually pretty good. I do recommend it. And, you can get it for free off the Internet. I’d also like to addresss Jason’s comment below about Michael Baldwin. The guy is super smart and on target. You bad that many folks simply don’t bother to read his columns. Don’t miss out. Subscribe to the NY Post and you will appreicatge it. Oh, have an early Merry Christmas. And don’t say “Happy Holidays” or you are a slithering wimp.
We’ve got a winner here.
Michael Baldwin is one of the colonists in the NY Post that I read. He is smarter than – far smarter than- than the average “journalist”. I’m assuming that “journalist” is even a job anymore. Most reporters today are just Democrat Party shills. They lick the feet of governors and mayors who lavish them with inside corrupt money, and thus they do the bidding of the leftists. I know that’s hard to believe but it’s true. Dems are also anti-American because they are only interested in lining their pockets with taxpayer money, which comes from the charities and non-profits they control. Just look at the Clintons for a classic example.
Good comment, Jason. Yeah, I’ve noticed that too. But “they care for the poor and oppressed.” Yeah, right! So that’s the excuse for letting them be corrupt. 🤢
Democrats and radical Leftists (I know that’s redundant) would vote for a stalk of broccoli if it had a “D” out beside its name.