**Scandal-Eclipsed Dinner Party: New York's Tarnished Power Brokers Gather**

In one of the most intriguing dinner parties I have ever attended, Cindy Adams, The New York Post's legendary gossip columnist, celebrated her 94th birthday at her lavish Park Avenue apartment in April. Her party echoed a motto coined by her late husband, comic Joey Adams: "If you're indicted, you're invited." The event saw a mingling of New York's elite, many of whom had faced dramatic downfalls.

The gathering was a who's who of New York power brokers, each with their own past scandals. Among the attendees were Governor Kathy Hochul and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who stood mere feet apart despite their contentious history. Cuomo, who arrived with his 93-year-old mother, Matilda, seemed to be eyeing a political comeback, perhaps even a bid for Gracie Mansion.

Mayor Eric Adams, whose tenure has been marred by controversy, was also present. This dinner reinforced his own precarious situation. Following an initial burst of promise, Adams saw his approval ratings fall and significant departures from his City Hall staff. Comparing him to the flamboyant and corrupt Jimmy Walker of the 1920s, a top Democratic political figure once prophetically detailed Adams' potential downfall.

Eric Adams' story had been one of resilience. A Brooklyn native and son of a police detective, he joined the NYPD after experiencing police brutality firsthand as a teenager. His mother worked tirelessly to support six children, and Adams often took spare clothes to school, anticipating possible eviction. These experiences shaped his ambitions in office, where he aimed to tackle corruption and advocate for justice.

However, Adams' administration has been clouded by shady associations. He appointed Philip Banks, tied to a 2014 corruption scandal, as deputy mayor of public safety. Frank Carone, with questionable business practices, was made chief of staff. When questioned about these decisions, Adams defended his choices, citing a belief in second chances.

The mayor’s troubles culminated in a shocking development last Friday when Adams was arraigned on federal charges. He is the first sitting New York mayor to face such allegations, accused of bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. The indictment alleges Adams eased regulations for Turkish officials, even pressuring the fire department to approve a high-rise with a faulty fire safety system.

Adams has pleaded not guilty, claiming to be the victim of a rigged system, even as Governor Hochul considers his removal and Cuomo remains in the political wings. The saga of Mayor Eric Adams serves as a stark reminder of the powerful yet precarious nature of New York’s political landscape.