In 1988 and 1992, the expected Democratic frontrunner was Mario Cuomo - the popular, highly charismatic Governor of New York. He was notable for breaking new ground for Italian-Americans in public life, his unabashed liberalism, and his magnificent oratory. Even President Reagan once quipped that Cuomo, not him, was really "the great communicator." However, in both years Cuomo declined to run citing bizarre reasons: the first time because of his "bad back," the second time because it was supposedly more important to deal with New York's budget deficits. Most people tend to dismiss these explanations as excuses, believing that there were deeper reasons for Cuomo's decision to sacrifice the presidency. But even so Cuomo's true motives are hard to pinpoint. So why really did Cuomo never run?