A Losing Win



Electoral College 12-19-16New York State’s Electoral College convened Monday, casting its 29 votes for New York’s home state candidate Hillary Clinton.   Led by former president Bill Clinton, the electors met in the majestic state senate chamber at the Capitol for a tightly scripted session without any disruption or deviation.  Clinton’s New York victory, expected to be a  foundational bloc for her winning campaign, was instead a cruel coda to the disorienting election night experience of an anticipated presidency suddenly vanishing.  There were some smiles and applause in the senate chamber Monday, but it wasn’t a celebration.  Like a jilted groom recasting the pre-paid reception as a party, New York Democrats could cheer their own victories and predominance in their state but the overriding feeling was the last-minute loss of something so much bigger.

Electoral College 12-19-16

Former President Clinton and Governor Andrew Cuomo were the stars of the show, with Cuomo presiding as president of the convention.  They entered the senate chamber together to a standing ovation, after all of the other electors and spectators had taken their seats, later rising to cast their ballots together.  Cuomo lauded Clinton during his closing remarks, drawing a standing ovation for the former president.

Photo Gallery:

Our full photo gallery is here.