A pair of state-employed writers began researching, outlining and drafting a book about Governor Andrew Cuomo’s pandemic response in late March 2020, weeks before New York’s harrowing first wave had passed, according to newly disclosed email records.

The two speechwriters – Jamie Malanowski and Tom Topousis – traded drafts of a “preface” on March 30, brainstormed about chapter headings on March 31, requested updated research from the governor’s office in April, and interviewed the health commissioner in early May, the emails show.

On April 21, they began requesting interviews with high-ranking officials for a “narrative” or “history” of a pandemic response that was not yet over. They promised to keep the interviews short in recognition that the officials were still “extraordinarily busy” dealing with COVID.

[They began writing book for Cuomo before the lockdowns? I’m not sure this has any legal impact, but it should ensure that Cuomo’s political career stays dead. What a narcissist. — Ed]