(CNN) It's a difficult moment for America. We are in the grips of the coronavirus pandemic, which is sickening thousands and killing hundreds -- all while growing its reach exponentially lately. "Social distancing" and "shelter in place" have become familiar terms. The economy continues to free fall. And everywhere there is anxiety, fear and doubt.

Which brings me to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo -- and, specifically, to something he said in his daily press briefing on the coronavirus Tuesday morning. Cuomo spent most of his opening remarks in the presser outlining the grim reality of the situation in New York, which has rapidly become the epicenter of the outbreak in America: the rapid increase in cases, concerns about a ventilator shortage, and frustrations with the federal government response.

And then, before taking questions, Cuomo ended with this hugely important riff on why we still need to believe that this all will get better. I am excerpting a big chunk -- shoutout to Alli Gordon for transcribing it! -- because it's very much worth reading the whole thing:

"And we're going to get through it because we are New York, and because we've dealt with a lot of things, and because we are smart. You have to be smart to make it in New York. And we are resourceful, and we are showing how resourceful we are. And because we are united, and when you are united, there is nothing you can't do. And because we are New York tough. We are tough. You have to be tough. This place makes you tough. But it makes you tough in a good way. We're going to make it because I love New York, and I love New York because New York loves you.

"New York loves all of you. Black and white and brown and Asian and short and tall and gay and straight. New York loves everyone. That's why I love New York. It always has, it always will. And at the end of the day, my friends, even if it is a long day, and this is a long day, love wins. Always. And it will win again through this virus. Thank you."

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