I like Gov. David Paterson.

I know that he is wildly unpopular, but I feel that much of his criticism stems from situations that are far beyond his control.

The economy tanked. Not Paterson’s fault. But when he suggested cuts to balance the crappy budget, which he subsequently inherited, no one was willing to cut anything. Meanwhile, while the Senate relentlessly argued and negotiated to save pet projects from the chopping block, Paterson took a 10-percent pay cut. That’s pretty commendable. No, it doesn’t heal the fiscal crisis, but it is a step in the right direction.

Yes, Paterson has suggested some pretty unusual taxes, as Gov. Eliot Spitzer before him. But if the Senate isn’t willing to trim spending, then we need to do something to pay off $55 billion in state debt. Personally, I think his proposal for an “obesity tax” was overreaching. But money doesn’t grow on trees.

And speaking of overreaching — a lot of people have been very critical of President Obama’s decision to meddle in state politics. But I suppose with a state Senate coup attempt and ongoing budget problems, the president’s involvement in the gubernatorial election really shouldn’t come as a shock. After all, Paterson’s unpopularity jeopardizes Democratic control over the state Legislature. And if I were the president and I heard a rumor that Rudy Giuliani was going to run for governor of New York, I’d be nervous, too.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who the Dems run in the 2010 gubernatorial election. If Paterson is ousted, state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo certainly can’t beat Giuliani. Cuomo can’t match Giuliani’s celebrity.

If anything, I feel Paterson has a slightly better chance. The “Saturday Night Live” impersonations, though unfavorable, have at least put Paterson in a league of names. Cuomo is a nobody to people who don’t closely follow state politics. And politically ignorant people will always vote for their party or the name they know.

And although many people still remember former Gov. Mario Cuomo’s keynote speech at the 1984 Democratic National Convention, I really don’t think Mario Cuomo has enough star power to pass along to his son. So why not let Paterson give it a go?

Bottom line: I believe the times make the man. And we are living in pretty lousy times. Paterson isn’t perfect, but he is trying. And after the horrible way he has been treated this year by the state Senate, I think he is owed his party’s support.

Estabrook’s column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com