Well, the fact is that Cuomo had a depth of intellect that did make him a true elite--  a man worthy of being a leader.  A politician cannot outright admit that he or she is an elite of course, but it is a matter of fact that some people have the gifts-- and have put in the work-- to become true leaders, and most people do not and have not.

That you call Cuomo's philosophy "paternalism" instead of "leadership" is something that I chalk up to your political biases.  I believe I've heard more than a few Republicans brag about how they don't pay undue attention to the polls or focus groups.  Are they too being paternalistic when they believe that leadership involves something more than merely reflecting public opinion?

I'd refer you back to Caplan's Myth of the Rational Voter... The truth is that true elites-- intelligent, educated, knowledgeable, experienced people--  would tend to make better policy decisions than a vote of the general public.  A true leader who acknowledges this fact is simply not engaging in false modesty.