On Sunday, Cynthia Nixon attended a candidates' forum on Manhattan's Upper West Side that did not appear on her public schedule.

But it was this comment, picked up by someone in the audience on their phone and obtained by NY1, that raised some eyebrows among supporters of Nixon's opponent, Gov. Andrew Cuomo:

"I've been involved in a lot of strategic sessions behind closed doors with legislators, using a carrot and a stick to make sure that legislation got passed," Nixon said in the forum.

In a statement, the Nixon campaign said she has been advocating for almost two decades on issues like education funding, LGBT equality, women's rights, and marriage equality.

Critics claim Nixon was trying to pass herself off as someone with executive experience, something she does not necessarily have.

"No, not really, but look, we were talking about this earlier today — being a good actor is probably a really good proxy for being a good political candidate," consultant Bradley Tusk said. "Having a lot of acting experience is maybe helpful as governor in one aspect of your job. Does it help you sit down and negotiate the budget with the assembly and the senate? No."

In a separate development, the Nixon campaign sent out a provocative video in which she challenges Cuomo to a debate. Both candidates were invited by Channel 7, but so far only Nixon has accepted. NY1 is also seeking to host a debate with both candidates.

"So, what's it going to be, Andrew? Just you and me on a stage. No huge multi-candidate free-for-all like you always insist on. One-on-one. No distractions. Nowhere to hide. Your move," she said in the video.

In a statement, Lis Smith, a spokesperson for the Cuomo campaign said, "We look forward to a robust debate. We are currently receiving invitations and reviewing the various opportunities."

Nixon was also criticized by African-American leaders for remarks she made over the weekend regarding marijuana legalization. Nixon said if it were legalized, people of color should get the first opportunities to hold licenses for sale of the drug as a form of "reparations." Those comments were slammed as "ignorant and offensive."