Hannity offers to help Cuomo in coronavirus response with radio, television shows

Conservative talk show host Sean Hannity offered to use his radio and television shows to help New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) with his state’s response to the coronavirus during a rare interview on Friday. 

“Normally we’d be arguing about taxes and fracking,” Hannity told Cuomo at the beginning of his radio program, adding that it’s about “saving American lives” now. 

“Nothing else matters,” Cuomo agreed.

The interview between Hannity, a staunch supporter of President Trump, and Cuomo, a major figure in the Democratic Party, lasted nearly half an hour, and focused solely on the U.S. response to the virus. There were 15,000 confirmed cases of the virus in the U.S. and 7,500 cases in New York as of Friday. 

“If there is anything I can do for you in New York, with my TV or radio show, you have it. It’s at your disposal,” Hannity said later in the interview. 

The interview followed Cuomo’s announcement on Friday that 100 percent of nonessential workers in the state must stay home as New York becomes one of the virus’s newest hotspots. 

Cuomo’s move followed California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) mandate for the entire state of California, nearly 40 million people, to shelter in place. 

“I thought this was the bold move on your part,” Hannity said. “I think it’s the right move. I will give Gavin Newsom credit. I’m not a big fan of his politically, but I think he’s done a good job.”

Cuomo has emerged as one of the national faces in the response to the coronavirus, giving televised briefings, which are carried by the cable news networks, on a daily basis. 

He has received widespread praise for a number of figures who would normally be political critics, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) and Trump. 

The president said he applauded Cuomo’s mandate to have all nonessential workers stay home. 

“We’re working very closely together,” Trump said.