Paladino Manager Predicts “Broadway” Debate

Michael Caputo, the campaign manager for New York gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino, predicted that Monday evening's seven-way debate could be like a "Broadway show," while he reiterated his personal responsibility for the Republican candidate's antigay remarks.

Speaking with reporters before the debate at Hofstra University on Long Island, Caputo predicted that it would unfold "artfully."

"I think it will be very interesting," he said. "I think it could be a Broadway show if they have the right director."

Asked afterward to name a specific show, Caputo said, "I'd like to say Cats, but I haven't seen any costumes."

Starting at 7 p.m., the first televised debate in the gubernatorial race will feature the loose-lipped Paladino, popular Democratic nominee and state attorney general Andrew Cuomo, and five other parties' candidates, including former madam Kristin Davis, who is running on a platform to legalize same-sex marriage, marijuana, and prostitution.

The debate also presents the first meeting of the candidates since Paladino made his homophobic remarks that children should not be "brainwashed" into thinking that homosexuality is an "equally valid or successful option."

In his conversation with reporters, Caputo acknowledged responsibility for the remarks, which have been followed by a New York Times poll showing Cuomo with a 59% to 24% lead over Paladino.

"I feel completely responsible for that; at the same time, I don't believe the numbers in that poll," he said, noting the undersampling of Republicans as one reason he believes the poll is "fatally flawed."

Caputo blamed the media for picking apart Paladino while giving a pass to his main rival in order to preserve access because of the perceived "inevitability, the metaphysical certitude of Andrew Cuomo's governorship."