President Obama shakes hands with Gov. David Paterson after arriving at Albany airport

President Obama shook hands Monday with Gov. Paterson - two days after he cut the governor off at the knees.

But the grim look on Paterson's face during the President's brief upstate visit spoke volumes - and Obama seemed much friendlier toward the governor's would-be rival, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.

A scheduled to students at a college in Troy thrust the two men together for the first time since Obama sent word he wants Paterson to abandon his bid to run for governor in 2010.

The White House fears former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a possible Republican candidate for governor, would thrash Paterson - and believes Cuomo could beat Giuliani.

The meeting also came a day after Paterson, whose poll numbers have tanked since he took office in March 2008, pushed back against the White House and insisted, "I've said time and time again I am going to run for governor next year."

Waiting for the President's plane to land at Albany International Airport, Paterson looked nervous as he stood with the Albany mayor and two local congressman.

When Obama emerged from the jet at 11 a.m., Paterson was the first official to greet the President, who bounded down the stairs with a big smile on his face.

Obama's smile faded as he shook hands with an equally grim Paterson - and the President whispered something in the governor's ear.

The President appeared to perk up as he exchanged pleasantries with the rest of his reception committee.

When Obama got into his SUV for the drive to the Hudson Valley Community College in upstate Troy, Paterson didn't ride with him. He was relegated to the ninth SUV in the convoy of vehicles.

Cuomo was all smiles when he arrived on the campus for Obama's economy speech while Paterson looked glum.

Cuomo gave Paterson a quick embrace, with the governor seeming to lean away.

Upon entering the room minutes later, Obama walked along the line of state and local dignitaries, quickly shook Paterson's hand and put a hand on his shoulder.

During the introductions, he described the governor as a "wonderful man," but was more playful when it came to Cuomo, referring to him as "your shy and retiring attorney general."

He also added that Cuomo is doing "great work enforcing the laws that need to be enforced."

Paterson simply waved when he was introduced while Cuomo jumped up, smiled, and waved.

The embattled governor spent the half hour speech sitting back stone-faced, clapping on cue, and frequently fidgeting with his face.

Cuomo, on the other hand, applauded enthusiastically, was leaning forward while rocking and frequently nodding his head.

Two people sat between Paterson and Cuomo.

When talking about the federal stimulus package during his speech, Obama said "I think the governor will testify" how its helped state budgets.

Paterson simply raised his arm, but did not smile.

After the speech, as Obama quickly shook hands with the crowd, Paterson retired backstage with the rest of the dignitaries rather than work the room.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs did not dispute reports they have asked Paterson to drop his campaign.

"I think everybody understands the tough job that every elected official has right now in addressing many of the problems that we have," Gibbs said.

"I think people are aware of the tough situation that the governor of New York is in. I wouldn't add a lot to what you've read except this is a decision that he's going to make."

Gibbs also dismissed a suggestion that Obama risked blowback by meddling in local New York politics, saying other presidents had done the same and backlash was simply one of the "hazards of the job."

The Daily News reported Sunday that White House political director Patrick Gaspard lowered the boom on Paterson, telling him the Obama administration fears he can't win next year and worry that Albany will flip back to Republican control.

That message was also relayed to Paterson by his longtime pal, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Queens), who told the governor that Obama's chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, does not view his candidacy as "tenable."