The walls close in around Andrew Cuomo: Goodwin

During his three terms in Albany, Gov. Cuomo has been an extreme micromanager who surrounded himself with a small band of aides, most a generation younger than he is. They are essentially on call 24/7, and are involved in all aspects of his job, from running the executive branch to dealing with legislators and the media.

It is an understatement to describe the top ones as fiercely loyal. Cuomo demands total fealty and their approach to the world was once described by Steven Cohen, a longtime Cuomo aide and friend, as simple: “We operate at two speeds here: Get along and kill.” Those loyalties are now facing a crucial test. Growing out of the two major investigations into Cuomo’s conduct, dozens of people in the executive office, including the inner circle, recently received subpoenas.