He should keep his sorry self in NYC and do the job my taxes pay him to do. At least do it for his one term as a pitiful example of a mayor...
2
Progressives are a problem for the country.Diblasio is a problem for new York. He will recreate the bad old days when democrats controlled it.
2
how we went from decent subways to now constant break downs, over packed subways - and a FARE INCREASE - this must be how our Glorious globetrotting mayor treats the "poor" he so cleverly fooled everyone into voting - only a moron can't see he is bucking for prez - maybe 2016 but definitely 2020 - he know Hillary can't win - sorry it had to be said
1
Politically I think of myself of being to the left of Bernie Sanders but the comments regarding Mayor De Blassio leave me breathless. I believe in entitlements, I believe in the wealthiest nation on Earth everyone should be entitled to basic healthcare, I believe everyone should be entitled to a quality education, and I believe everyone should be entitled to proper nutrition and security of person. I did not believe that conservatives took entitlement many steps further.
I do not believe that because you believe you are middle class you are entitled to live in one of the most expensive cities in the world despite not having the economic resources to compete against all those who have the economic resources to live there or are willing to make the personal sacrifices nesessary in order to live there. What a strange logic is employed by self professed conservatives. Instead of employing an illogical philosophy it seems simply saying I want what I want, philosophy be damned. Simply saying I am for sale to the highest bidder would solve the problem of an inherent illogical philosophy. Conservatism simply another way of saying "for sale, make me an offer."
I do not believe that because you believe you are middle class you are entitled to live in one of the most expensive cities in the world despite not having the economic resources to compete against all those who have the economic resources to live there or are willing to make the personal sacrifices nesessary in order to live there. What a strange logic is employed by self professed conservatives. Instead of employing an illogical philosophy it seems simply saying I want what I want, philosophy be damned. Simply saying I am for sale to the highest bidder would solve the problem of an inherent illogical philosophy. Conservatism simply another way of saying "for sale, make me an offer."
1
Mayor de Blasio may be on the right path on economic policy, although it would be nice to see some specifics as opposed to broad progressive rhetoric. However, his social policy has veered off into pandering to religious groups, including okaying a dangerous circumcision procedure that has led to infant deaths. The American Left should continue to stand for a very strong wall between Church and State, and if de Blasio wants to be the standard bearer he should revisit these types of policies. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/19/nyregion/mayor-de-blasio-emerges-as-an...
1
To all of my fellow NYers who are unhappy with the deBlasio Admin, did you vote? The Republican Joe Lhota was boring but I voted for him because deBlasio never mentioned the middle class and his only interest was in helping the poor. You will once again have the opportunity to vote for or against th Mayor so, please remember what you posted her and go out and vote.
4
Exactly; the only reason he's in office is the apathy of the residents of NYC. Hopefully the are learning their lesson.
4
Well you voted, and I voted (also for Mr. Lhota despite my being a lifelong registered Democrat). That makes two of us. And oddly, everyone else I know who voted in that election volunteered that they also voted for him. I guess our little cohort was just that. Little.
I agree with you that Mr. Lhota wasn't a charismatic candidate, but he most certainly would have been a better mayor because rather than charisma, I want competency from my mayor (Mike Bloomberg being a good example). We can only hope that in two years a contender steps forward to make sure that Mr. de Blasio is a one-term wonder. Then he can go visit Iowa and Nebraska all he wants, this time on someone else's payroll.
I agree with you that Mr. Lhota wasn't a charismatic candidate, but he most certainly would have been a better mayor because rather than charisma, I want competency from my mayor (Mike Bloomberg being a good example). We can only hope that in two years a contender steps forward to make sure that Mr. de Blasio is a one-term wonder. Then he can go visit Iowa and Nebraska all he wants, this time on someone else's payroll.
4
Unfortunately today the democrats are not like the Kennedy democrats as they are going so left just as the Republicans are going so right. Mayor de Blasio has lost control of NYC and he should do the job there that he was elected to do and mind his own business. There are plenty of problems in NYC that need immediate attention.
2
he is hijacking the presidential campaign in his hopeful bid to become a future candidate. shouldn't the mayor be in NYC to deal with issues in NYC? isn't that his job?
4
I remember shortly after he started in his present office, Mr. de Blasio had a behind-closed doors meeting with Jewish American leaders where he expressed unequivocal support for Israel and the view that the leader of NYC had, as part of his/her job description, the need to defend Israel. If he means that, then he is going to have big problems with many other people on the left and anyone else who has liberal values who is also concerned about being morally consistent in the application of those values. Indeed, this particular problem is likely to become much more of a dividing line as time goes on and the Israeli mistreatment of the Palestinians becomes worse and worse and harder and harder to ignore or bury, even in the US.
Cerebral? Bill de Blasio? He is more intellectually lazy, then cerebral. As Bill Daley points out, de Blasio hasn't progressed past the notion that things aren't fair. I don't think its fair that he lives in a tax payer provided home, while collecting rent on his own.
4
Mr. Misstep isn't going to win his next election. One term and goodbye.
4
Mayor de Blasio is blinded by his light - the shining light of his ambition. Given that he has not really accomplished anything of note in NYC other than serve as a heavy bag for Pat Lynch. Seeing that uber wealthy continue to distort the city economy and housing in ways he hasn't begun to address. Considering that he's less charismatic and media friendly than John Lindsay - his closest Mayoral comparison at this point. It is difficult to see his current tangent coming off as more than an irritant.
3
I hope he says in Iowa. De Blasio is not doing anything for the middle class in New York (unless you happen to belong to a public union). The city is increasingly becoming a place only for the very rich who can afford multi-million dollar apartments, the subsidized poor who live in public housing, and the elderly who live in most of the rent regulated apartments. If you are a middle, or upper middle class family, there's no place for you...better off moving to New Jersey.
6
Perhaps all of these liberals should get in the race and put their time and reputation where their mouth is. It is easy to be an ankle biter from the left and screw up the election. Everyone of them a hero in their own mind.
1
I live in Los Angeles, but travel to NYC many times during the year with high school students. My take is that this Mayor will go down in New York history as one of the most ineffectual Mayors of New York City. He should be more concerned about New York's middle class and the very poor who really need more assistance and attention than he is providing. Words are cheap, but positive action is difficult. For a first term mayor he should stay at home and take care of his city and people.
6
Well I can tell you that free pre-K has helped MANY middle class families in New York. That's a start.
You are right - but he doesn't really know how. His most prominent job was as public advocate. His career is cheerleading - not actually getting anything done.
3
DeBlasio is a blowhard who needs to focus on New York city and remember that America is not Russia or Red China. We are a democracy and a capitalist nation. Endless government regulations which stifle capitalism are a proven failure. That's why Cuba under Castro and the U.S.S.R. under Kruschev failed.
6
Everything de Blasio said in Iowa, and in the other quotes in this article, bears repeating. Like many, I'm sick of the way the MSM and the two parties limit the political conversation to a few convenient talking points. Elizabeth Warren is right when she says that Social Security should be expanded, not curtailed; most Americans of both parties agree with her, and the economic facts support her assertion that it would be good for the economy. When de Blasio speaks true to power in the Midwest, he's acting on behalf of every New Yorker. Keep at it.
3
Mr. de Blasio would do well to focus on building his reputation for getting things done. So far, his track record of real accomplishment is not ready for prime time. Maybe he should stay home and show what he can achieve as the leader of America's best known and most challenging city.
6
Does every single politician now use their paid positions to lobby for the next rung on the career ladder? It seems like every governor and senator starts running for president the moment they are sworn in. Every congressman starts chasing the next available senate seat. This does not serve the voters at all. Please just stay home and do your jobs! If you do them well for at least the term for which you were hired, people will notice and they will tell you to aim higher. Until then, focus on the task at hand.
I too wish to understand who funds these de Blasio trips. I know NYC taxpayers at least have to fund all his security travel expenses on these political junkets. With Bloomberg we at least knew he was paying his own bills.
I too wish to understand who funds these de Blasio trips. I know NYC taxpayers at least have to fund all his security travel expenses on these political junkets. With Bloomberg we at least knew he was paying his own bills.
12
John Morgan, a prominent Florida lawyer and longtime Clinton campaign fund-raiser, called Mr. de Blasio’s broadside “a B-team move in a prime-time venue.”
John Morgan is a millionaire. His law firm is the most prominent personal injury outfit in the city. What else do you need to know???
John Morgan is a millionaire. His law firm is the most prominent personal injury outfit in the city. What else do you need to know???
Deblasio should concentrate on the 3rd delay of the Staten Island ferris wheel, by the corrupt and largest donor to Cuomo. Ya think that would be more of a priority than going to California.
Promises promises of a ferris wheel, developer sits on REBNY board - and delays and more delays. NYCEDC president jumping ship. hmmmmm - where is the priorities.
Promises promises of a ferris wheel, developer sits on REBNY board - and delays and more delays. NYCEDC president jumping ship. hmmmmm - where is the priorities.
What is most telling is that most of the critisism of his liberal positions is coming from members of the Democratic party.
We liberals find the Dems more galling than the GOP, because the GOP is simply being the GOP, and the Dems are supossed to be trying to protect our privacy, opposing Gitmo and excessive drone usage, keeping us from entering wars such Iraq, opposing the Patriot Act etc. Instead the Dems are seeking the political middle and trying to show voters just how "strong" they are. Now they choose to attack a progressive Liberal.
We libs need to hold our support from any Dem who decides that it is best to run as a Republican-light. the GOP is so far to the right that simply being to the left of the GOP still leaves the Dems in a middle to right position.
Go Mayor Bill......if voices such as yours and that of Liz Warren start to rise and be heard, what used to be the Democratic party may return.
We liberals find the Dems more galling than the GOP, because the GOP is simply being the GOP, and the Dems are supossed to be trying to protect our privacy, opposing Gitmo and excessive drone usage, keeping us from entering wars such Iraq, opposing the Patriot Act etc. Instead the Dems are seeking the political middle and trying to show voters just how "strong" they are. Now they choose to attack a progressive Liberal.
We libs need to hold our support from any Dem who decides that it is best to run as a Republican-light. the GOP is so far to the right that simply being to the left of the GOP still leaves the Dems in a middle to right position.
Go Mayor Bill......if voices such as yours and that of Liz Warren start to rise and be heard, what used to be the Democratic party may return.
2
I live in NYC. What is the Mayor doing in Iowa? He's great with visions, but not so great with the nuts and bolts. So far he has been forgetting about the separation of church and state by endorsing some prayer in NYC schools as well as favoring the idea that religious groups can meet on the weekend in public schools. He has done nothing to help the middle class housing where I live-never showed up at a rally for Stuyvesant town-the largest middle class development in the country. Every time Governor Cuomo opposes his ideas for limiting charter schools and other issues, he rolls right over. Never mind your ambitions. Come back and help the New Yorkers who elected you. You have kicked Hillary Clinton in the teeth-the woman who helped get your career started. You should be ashamed of your grandstanding.
11
I am 100% behind Hillary and think the primary should be uncontested. However, I am also for anyone who furthers the "progressive agenda."
Mayor de Blasio would have been more effective if he had endorsed Hillary immediately, then stated the details of the "progreessive agenda" he hoped she would endorse. I think it is wonderful that he traveling the nation telling the American People the truth and spelling out the desperately needed progressive reforms Americans will soon DEMAND.
Mr. Daly is 100% wrong when he says the "progressive agenda" is "amorphous," The Republican Party only represents the wealthiest Americans. Their dream is to have Americans barely survive and work till they die to benefit a tiny few, Progressives want to increase taxes on the wealthy to expand Social Security and make it infinitely financially stable. They want to use these increased taxes to make sure EVERYONE who is academically qualified gets a college education, has watchdog agencies to make sure they don't get cheated by their bank or mortgage company, has guaranteed excellent healthcare, and enjoys a repaired and enhanced infrastructure that is the envy of the world.
All of these wonderful things are achievable if we level the playing field by increasing taxes on the wealthy, while still respecting the ideals of reward for merit and private property. America is beginning to wake up, and this is the message they want to hear.
Mayor de Blasio would have been more effective if he had endorsed Hillary immediately, then stated the details of the "progreessive agenda" he hoped she would endorse. I think it is wonderful that he traveling the nation telling the American People the truth and spelling out the desperately needed progressive reforms Americans will soon DEMAND.
Mr. Daly is 100% wrong when he says the "progressive agenda" is "amorphous," The Republican Party only represents the wealthiest Americans. Their dream is to have Americans barely survive and work till they die to benefit a tiny few, Progressives want to increase taxes on the wealthy to expand Social Security and make it infinitely financially stable. They want to use these increased taxes to make sure EVERYONE who is academically qualified gets a college education, has watchdog agencies to make sure they don't get cheated by their bank or mortgage company, has guaranteed excellent healthcare, and enjoys a repaired and enhanced infrastructure that is the envy of the world.
All of these wonderful things are achievable if we level the playing field by increasing taxes on the wealthy, while still respecting the ideals of reward for merit and private property. America is beginning to wake up, and this is the message they want to hear.
1
Philip--
Yep, the GOP does actually represent the interests of only a few. I have always felt that most people vote either for or against the Dems. What the GOP does has very little bearing on their voting.
Yep, the GOP does actually represent the interests of only a few. I have always felt that most people vote either for or against the Dems. What the GOP does has very little bearing on their voting.
A Freshman Mayor seeking a national agenda. How about fixing the potholes, having the streets cleaned, repairing our failing infrastructure, etc. NY'ers need a full time mayor, not a dilatant.
5
Why have an imitation when Bernie Sanders is the real thing?
1
If Mr. de Blasio really wanted to push Hillary Clinton to the left, he should announce his candidacy for president. If governors and U.S. senators can say they can still do their day jobs while running for president and presidents have the time to run for re-election, how come a mayor can't do the same? Candidates tend to pay attention when they realize someone may be drawing voters away from them.
Mrs. Clinton has yet to give us any idea of how she will change the income inequality the country faces beyond a bunch of platitudes so that she doesn't upset her wealthy backers. I know, she's on a listening tour, but if anyone in public life doesn't know by now the problems the average American faces, he or she never will.
Mrs. Clinton has yet to give us any idea of how she will change the income inequality the country faces beyond a bunch of platitudes so that she doesn't upset her wealthy backers. I know, she's on a listening tour, but if anyone in public life doesn't know by now the problems the average American faces, he or she never will.
1
If de Blasio wants to be the Ronald McDonald of the national left, that's fine with me - he's well on his way - so long as he tends to the problems here in New York first and foremost. Of course, he's a buffoon and likely now on the Clinton hit list....
2
Our problems in NY are HUGE. This man has been contacted by many of us over and over, Before he was Mayor, and he turns a deaf ear to his constituents in NYC. We have told him of the Serious Problems of the ELECTED Judiciary in Manhattan Supreme Court (and related NYC Courts) where there are No Cameras, No Audio, No Video, No Court Reporters…run by elected judges, running unopposed, who decide important cases on whims ($), as opposed to a Rule of Law. There is No Judicial Accountability and no accountability of corrupt lawyers, no oversight in the most important pillar of a democratic society - who upholds the laws in the Courts of Justice. What's de Blasio on the stump about? Corruption in NY is at an all time high and our elected officials too busy to stop it. Why is that? Oh. He's not home.
I did not think Bill de Blasio could move any more to the left. I guess I was mistaken.
4
What used to be the center is now the left.
In this country? No sir, hardly. If Democrats want to win, winning is at the center and that's as far left as most of the nation ever goes. Oh and I am left of center but if what you want is to lose, go to your left. If you want to win, and in politics it's a one for one game, no playoffs, you play at center court.
More importantly, who is paying for this boondoggle? The people of New York did not hire this de Blasio person to travel to Iowa. We hired him to manage our city. Is he taking these as vacation days? Sick days? Can the city council dock his pay for the days he missed work? Who authorized this employee to travel?
Why does this de Blasio person think anyone in Iowa cares what he has to say? He has no message for rural voters. The little tricks he used to get elected in New York won't work in Iowa. He can't vilify the 1% in Des Moines. He can't call for more taxes on the wealthy in Davenport. He can't call for the rich to pay for free day care for the residents of Cedar Falls.
I certainly hope he kept Mr. Bloomberg countdown-to-the-end-of-the-term clock.
Why does this de Blasio person think anyone in Iowa cares what he has to say? He has no message for rural voters. The little tricks he used to get elected in New York won't work in Iowa. He can't vilify the 1% in Des Moines. He can't call for more taxes on the wealthy in Davenport. He can't call for the rich to pay for free day care for the residents of Cedar Falls.
I certainly hope he kept Mr. Bloomberg countdown-to-the-end-of-the-term clock.
Yeah because families in Iowa don't need free day care.
1
Zejee you are right. The people in Iowa don't want to make other people pay for their day care.
Dear Mr. DeBlasio
Thank you for your interest in the position of "National Progressive Leader."
Although your credentials are impressive, we have chosen to go in a different direction, and the position has already been filled.
We wish you much success in all your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
The American Left
Thank you for your interest in the position of "National Progressive Leader."
Although your credentials are impressive, we have chosen to go in a different direction, and the position has already been filled.
We wish you much success in all your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
The American Left
1
Astounding the veil of progressiveness, and how easy he acquired it, despite all facts, policies and actual actions.
But one example, he has yet to stop the $150 million in Bloomberg era proposed subsidies by he and Cuomo to FreshDirect.
But one example, he has yet to stop the $150 million in Bloomberg era proposed subsidies by he and Cuomo to FreshDirect.
His refusal to endorse Hillary is a saving grace.
2
It is amazing how many of the negative comments here are all critical that De Blasio has to manage NYC before talking elsewhere. Revealingly, most of these comments are from people outside of NY. Are they snowbirds living in warm climes for the winter? How would they then know what kind of job the Mayor did cleaning up the massive snow falls?
It would be nice to see comments directed at what the Mayor had to say about policy but alas, the article itself doesn't really get into the nitty gritty of what was said. Just another "hot flash" faux news article that deals with surface appearances.
It would be nice to see comments directed at what the Mayor had to say about policy but alas, the article itself doesn't really get into the nitty gritty of what was said. Just another "hot flash" faux news article that deals with surface appearances.
3
The last thing that DC Centrist DLC democrats want is a progressive insurgency that will force them to behave like Democrats. They love to hobnob with the plutocrats and they love all the money that flows their way. As such, what do we expect them to say about DeBlasio...or Warren...or Sanders? None of them will, in the opinion of the DLC, ever have the credibility to lead an insurgency.....while the insurgency is happening under their noses.
3
Hopefully he won't come back.
5
So let me get this straight - DeBlasio has had so much success running our city he feels qualified to export his most excellent brand of leadership nationwide?
Are you kidding?
Are you kidding?
7
This is nothing but a show. It serves the interest of Clinton as much as de Blasio. He gets to increase his visibility and when he endorses Clinton as he will it gives her the aura of being able to appeal to Progressive Democrats too.
If Hillary Clinton had any concerns that de Blasio withholding his endorsement was damaging here she could demand he endorse right now and he would at once. This is just one more part of the political manipulation show. Take it seriously at your own risk.
If Hillary Clinton had any concerns that de Blasio withholding his endorsement was damaging here she could demand he endorse right now and he would at once. This is just one more part of the political manipulation show. Take it seriously at your own risk.
1
Like most New Yorkers we have daily jobs that require us to work at the job we were hired to do . If de Blasio wants to start his presidential run when he should be down at City Hall running our great city then let him give up his Mayoral position. He will never receive my vote "if" he runs again.
5
Mayor de Blasio will do more arm to the cause of the left than good. He's a failed leader who can't manage to show up on time. I wasn't a fan of Mayor Bloomberg and his capitalist, more more more is better policies. But he led, he stuck to his goals and did what he said he would against a fierce opposition. Mayor de Blasio hasn't accomplished anything. As for quality of life, the subways are filled with panhandlers, and homeless people. The stench and the danger is palpable. His adoring working class are the people who have to live through this. Perhaps his only concern is for poor, unemployed minorities with criminal records. That really gets his attention. Their rights are paramount, but a guy who works his whole life, never gets into trouble, struggles to stay afloat. He's the enemy. It's the same old story with the far left. They love crime. They love criminals. They never have to live with it, you do.
8
Yeah what to do with all those poor people! Hide them! Hide them! Hide them!
Maybe his goals of Progressive Leader are the thoughts of a lingering dream - he's chronically late and probably still in la-la land. He certainly hasn't shown any ability to lead as Mayor, only to continue his advocacy role in a bigger capacity.
He has no fiscal restraint, he's exacerbated problems with the police and inflamed racial tensions, shown cronyism and is influenced by money in a big way (who wanted the Central Park horses to be banned but some of his campaign contributors). His Vision is Zero and he's already a joke to much of the city, who, by the way, did not vote for him (he was elected by a record low turnout). And he's readily broken promises - like keeping LI College Hospital open.
This Emperor has no clothes, except in his dreams.
He has no fiscal restraint, he's exacerbated problems with the police and inflamed racial tensions, shown cronyism and is influenced by money in a big way (who wanted the Central Park horses to be banned but some of his campaign contributors). His Vision is Zero and he's already a joke to much of the city, who, by the way, did not vote for him (he was elected by a record low turnout). And he's readily broken promises - like keeping LI College Hospital open.
This Emperor has no clothes, except in his dreams.
6
Trashing an entire neighborhood as a political stunt. So populist.
2
Focus on NYC, Mr.Mayor. Put your progressive ideas to work heref first!
1
Things Bill de Blasio knows that you may not:
The very rich pay much lower tax rates overall than average workers do. Yes. True fact. (1) Half or more of their income comes from capital gains and qualified dividends, taxed at lower rates than income from work. (2) They are exempt from social security taxes except for their first $118,500, an amount some have earned by the afternoon of January 1; the rest of their year is free. (3) Their wealth increases most through asset appreciation which isn't treated as income at all in the tax code. (4) They can defer even the lower capital gains tax indefinitely by doing so-called "like-kind exchanges." (5) Their inherited property escapes capital gains taxes because of the basis step-up on the testator's death; far from being double-taxed, inherited wealth is often never taxed even once.
People don't get this. They think I'm making it up. (I'm not.) Very rich people just giggle to themselves and go shopping for third homes in London.
The very rich pay much lower tax rates overall than average workers do. Yes. True fact. (1) Half or more of their income comes from capital gains and qualified dividends, taxed at lower rates than income from work. (2) They are exempt from social security taxes except for their first $118,500, an amount some have earned by the afternoon of January 1; the rest of their year is free. (3) Their wealth increases most through asset appreciation which isn't treated as income at all in the tax code. (4) They can defer even the lower capital gains tax indefinitely by doing so-called "like-kind exchanges." (5) Their inherited property escapes capital gains taxes because of the basis step-up on the testator's death; far from being double-taxed, inherited wealth is often never taxed even once.
People don't get this. They think I'm making it up. (I'm not.) Very rich people just giggle to themselves and go shopping for third homes in London.
7
Income subject to Social Security taxes is capped because there is a maximum benefit level. I and most would gladly contribute for income above $118,500 if the benefit at retirement increased. As for inheritance taxes, there are many who feel that they should not be imposed at all; the testator already paid taxes on these assets; why would the beneficiary pay again???
1
Gas - yeah I am nowhere near rich - but I see ZERO reason people should have to pay tax on an inheritance. That is not about "paying a fair share"... Whoever amassed the wealth already paid - charging the inheritors is almost like extortion.
Anyone who thinks Mayor DeBlasio is a progressive liberal has really drunk the kool aid. He is most assuredly NOT! He is pro developer; pro billionaire and pro secret meetings that exclude the public. His zoning proposals are one example the developers were clued in long ago but the public have yet to see the actual legislative language he will use to implement his proossals. Hey, who do they think they are tax payers?
The savior of the left is a media hype to which he is happy to accede to in order to enjoy some national profile. Isn't being mayor of NYC enogh for him. The City has big problems but he's off to the MidWest. Is he also planning to run For President. After all he has been mayor almost 2 years? A man needs goals and NYC is such a small town, such a back water.
The Mayor should come home. By the way who paid to him to travel to the Midwest and how much of his staff travel with him?
The savior of the left is a media hype to which he is happy to accede to in order to enjoy some national profile. Isn't being mayor of NYC enogh for him. The City has big problems but he's off to the MidWest. Is he also planning to run For President. After all he has been mayor almost 2 years? A man needs goals and NYC is such a small town, such a back water.
The Mayor should come home. By the way who paid to him to travel to the Midwest and how much of his staff travel with him?
3
Someone has to talk about these things in an era when a centrist hawk like HRC is seen as "inevitable." I am thankful for Mayor De Blasio, Sen. Sanders, Sen. Warren, Dennis Kucinich and others who keep the vision of social democracy alive. What we need is for these leaders to prove the model by winning victories and creating positive change in the cities and states where they lead. Talk is not enough, but I'm glad he is out there spreading the message.
4
Seems like the biggest objection from Clinton supporters is that the support for her is not unanimous. To object to the mayor's hesitation seems to me responses from people too ready for a coronation.
I think it is too early to support Secretary Clinton, and not sure whether I will be able to. Between the Clinton's domestic policy, which despite the tech bubble failed to stop firms from leaving the US, and Hilary Clinton's unimaginable willingness to challenge the Bush call to war, I think many of us should still be listening to what she stands for while searching out other candidates.
I think it is too early to support Secretary Clinton, and not sure whether I will be able to. Between the Clinton's domestic policy, which despite the tech bubble failed to stop firms from leaving the US, and Hilary Clinton's unimaginable willingness to challenge the Bush call to war, I think many of us should still be listening to what she stands for while searching out other candidates.
6
Bill de Blasio should clarify his tax goals for the rich. Is it the 50% top rate of the Reagon years, the 70% top rate of the Carter years, or the 91% top rate of the Kennedy years. Perhaps its the 94%top rate FDR had for a while. He should also clarify if he wants to do away with the beginning rate of 10% and go back to 20%. Young liberals should really look at where the tax code has been in the past. There are politicians out there who would like to return to those days and I suspect Bill de Blasio is one of them.
3
What's important is the rate people actually pay. Many wealthy people pay nothing.
3
New York City already taxes the rich more than other municipalities or the Feds or New York State. They pay over 80% of our city taxes. That is why Mr. Bloomberg was glad that more were moving in.
Without them, social services and city services like trash collections would collapse, as would welfare payments.
Oh no, that's right, the middle class would get socked even more than we are.
Without them, social services and city services like trash collections would collapse, as would welfare payments.
Oh no, that's right, the middle class would get socked even more than we are.
3
Whatever it is, the left will never agree it's enough and that the idle rich are paying "their fair share." Check out McGovern's tax proposals when he ran in 1972. The sad fact is that the left screaming for tax increases in the name of "fairness" is always good politics, and it's as empty and fruitless a policy in execution and reality as the right screaming for constant tax cuts.
1
Mayor de Blasio needs to first prove himself here in New York City, then he can go forward with national politics. There's much to be done and his riding off to the midwest isn't solving these problems. Come home Mayor and get to work.
5
Does anyone care who this ineffective public servant endorses? Seems loyalty isn't in his vocabulary. Yes. Yes. We know. Universal PreK, everyone should drive slowly, carriage horses should be liberated. Beside arriving late for every appointment what is it that you do? What a huge disappointment you are Mr. de Blasio.
5
I'm impressed and gratified that someone is finally making some noise about this. There's way too much concern these days about protocol; who has the resume, who has the stature, blah blah blah. The actual question is who has the guts? It appears DeBlasio does and I'm all for it. The man's the Mayor of the biggest city in America, one of the cultural and financial capitals of the world. Democrats are running scared; I love Obama but by the definitions of the recent past he's more center-left than liberal. He's a great President, and he's having a great final run -- but it's time someone stood up and said the Tea Party lunatics have an anti-human rights agenda, and that it's time the 1% got a long overdue lesson in ethics and basic human decency. If you're rich don't ask us to cry for you because you're not richer, and because we expect you to pay progressive taxes. You can afford it! If DeBlasio has the time and energy -- and courage -- to knock some sense back into the Democrats I say he should go for it, and go hard. By liberalizing the Democrat platform he'll be helping New York City hugely -- and isn't that his job? Go Bill! Tell it!
10
Go de Blasio! How desperately the Democratic party needs a push to the left and a demand for substance! You are not the only democrat waiting to hear real substance and proof of not being in the pocket of either the Wall Street machine or the Israeli lobby machine or any who do not care about income equality-- from HRC or ANY candidate who wants my vote.
10
You get one choice in Nov. 2016. Mrs. Clinton or one of them. You don't vote for her, you are a far greater loser than she. But then you are in Paris, where a fractious left is paving the way for a fascist party to take power. I don't want a fascist part running this country and as that is what has become of the Republican Party or a good deal of it, I say fie on you and all those on the left who don't understand what you risk with your arrogance.
De-Blah-Sio kind of sums it up.
He's yet to prove he's even qualified to run NYC, let alone aspire to bigger things. Just another grandstanding politician seeking a personal agenda.
He's yet to prove he's even qualified to run NYC, let alone aspire to bigger things. Just another grandstanding politician seeking a personal agenda.
7
"First, however, the cerebral Mr. de Blasio will have to overcome a less lofty problem: basic name recognition."
Nope. The lofty problem he will have to overcome is first proving that any of his policies actually work. Don't get me wrong: I supported and voted for Mr. DeBlasio, and I think he will prove to be a good, perhaps great mayor. But he has not yet even proven himself in NYC, where he governs. So it is more than just a bit premature for him to think that he can lead some kind of progressive "insurgency" on a national level.
Mr. DeBlasio: forget the Midwest for now, get back here, continue your work here, and IF some or many of your progressive policies actually "take root" - and perhaps even flourish - in NYC, THEN you can claim a mantle and run with it. Until then, you will only damage your credibility.
Nope. The lofty problem he will have to overcome is first proving that any of his policies actually work. Don't get me wrong: I supported and voted for Mr. DeBlasio, and I think he will prove to be a good, perhaps great mayor. But he has not yet even proven himself in NYC, where he governs. So it is more than just a bit premature for him to think that he can lead some kind of progressive "insurgency" on a national level.
Mr. DeBlasio: forget the Midwest for now, get back here, continue your work here, and IF some or many of your progressive policies actually "take root" - and perhaps even flourish - in NYC, THEN you can claim a mantle and run with it. Until then, you will only damage your credibility.
5
Anything to stop the Hillary bandwagon.
2
The Mayor wants to teach America how to mistreat a police force, make a city dangerous again, and pander to every ethnic group with vague notions of equality...this is the pattern of abuse in all Democratic controlled cities. Behold: Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, etc. And each has high crime, high taxes, and burdensome debt, and that common urban problem, hopelessness.
8
Wow. Really makes me miss Bloomberg. We New Yorkers got a rare treat with him -- a leader who wasn't a politician. He had no national party to pander to, no special lobbies to sweet talk, no not-so-secret not-so-subtle aspirations to higher office to nurse. Like or dislike his ideas (even to this fan, some of them bordered on kooky, especially toward the end), he was an ideas guy who worked to implement data-driven, meaningful change, and the city had 100% of his attention and preternaturally disciplined work ethic. (I'd say 'corporate' but that's a dirty word...).
De Blasio's election was a protest vote, and he is product of circumstance, not substance. Deep down he knows that he doesn't have the smarts, the messaging, or the grassroots appeal to be the next Obama or some sort of progressive kingmaker -- that's why he's really trying to get his money's worth for himself and his family out of this sweet gig. There is no reason for a mayor of New York to be in Iowa, California, Italy, London, or really anywhere except here running the city. Then again, democracy loves to give the electorate what they pay for -- hope everyone enjoys footing this bill, and that at least a few learn a lesson.
De Blasio's election was a protest vote, and he is product of circumstance, not substance. Deep down he knows that he doesn't have the smarts, the messaging, or the grassroots appeal to be the next Obama or some sort of progressive kingmaker -- that's why he's really trying to get his money's worth for himself and his family out of this sweet gig. There is no reason for a mayor of New York to be in Iowa, California, Italy, London, or really anywhere except here running the city. Then again, democracy loves to give the electorate what they pay for -- hope everyone enjoys footing this bill, and that at least a few learn a lesson.
8
de Blasio? Seriously? This just shows how weak the Democratic bench is. After Hillary (more last generation leadership than this generation) who is there? Who are the Dem governors that are ready to take the national stage? The Senators? Anybody? Maybe de Blasio is the best they have.
8
DeBlasio's core problem is that he's too quick to label anything that doesn't involve poor people as elitist and therefore not worthy of his support. A true progressive would have embraced education reform, better engaged the business and real estate communities, involved the arts communities, the gay community.
10
Seriously? The "real estate community"! A community was meant to refer to a neighborhood of diverse people who were connected to each other in real ways. It also referred to people who needed to advocate for their needs by association. Real estate is the opposite of community -- they want people to leave their homes and neighborhoods to get a percentage on the revolving door. There is a long line of "professionals" with their hands out to take a piece of each of these transactions; they ruin community.
3
Mayor DeBlasio has embraced the real estate community, alright, alright, alright. In fact I think it is a full bloom romance. The Mayor is fixing to give them some big gifts in his new zoning proposals. They'll get tax breaks and TDRs (the right to build in the air) the right to shadow Central Park into oblivion and to get the taxpayers to help pay the tab. I think the real estate community loves them some DeBlasio, alright!
1
Any way the nation can get Bill de Blasio and we can lose him in NYC asap?
3
I suppose we'll find out soon enough why Sanders, Warren and now DeBlasio are crisscrossing the country -- probably doing the heavy lifting for Hillary is my guess. But rather than just saying taxes should be raised on the rich, how about naming a few specific proposals -- like the Oregon congressman's financial transaction tax on high frequency trading that could rake in enough dough to keep Social Security and Medicare solvent for well into the future. And how about raising the income limit to withhold Social Security taxes above $100-plusK to perhaps $500K. And strongly opposing giving the president fast track authority for the Trans Pacific Partnership.
5
I think the mayor should stay at home and mind his own business. Maybe he should give Al Sharpton a call and they could march hand and hand and start a race riot. Mayor, you are already populer with the people. I know nothing about you but I saw you getting headlines from being with Al. Hey, why dont you pay his back taxes for him. Mayor please stay at home. Bill, Democrat.
7
New York City considers itself the center of the Universe, and Its Mayors seem to view themselves chosen, thereby, to be great national leaders. Alas, that view has not been shared by the rest of country in a long time. I love New York and hope he gets a grip and rolls up his sleeves and goes to work on NY problems.
6
Deblasio is riding on the successes of mayor Bloomberg and has no tangible achievement of his own. He has surrounded himself with mediocre people with no or very little experience in managing large organizations and who often resort to ideology for decisions. He should concentrate on not damaging this city any further before the next administration arrives.
12
From the story and President Obama's former chief of staff:
" 'The mayor “wants to be a big shot,' said William M. Daley, President Obama’s former chief of staff. If Mr. de Blasio wants a national profile, Mr. Daley said, he should 'lay out specifics for urban America that are doable, not just, ‘We want the wealthy to be taxed more so we can spend their money somehow.’”
This in a nutshell shows that there is really very little difference between what the Republican or Democrat response is to raising taxes and it also gives us some insight into why Obama ran on taxing over $250,000 and bargained all the way up to $450,000. I bet William Daley has a vested interest in keeping taxes on the rich as low as he possibily can.
I am glad there are still some politicians like Mayor de Blasio, Senator Bernie Sanders and Sentor Elizabeth Warren. We need more of them and fewer like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, who talk a good game until they are elected and then either do nothing or the opposite of what they said during the campaign.
" 'The mayor “wants to be a big shot,' said William M. Daley, President Obama’s former chief of staff. If Mr. de Blasio wants a national profile, Mr. Daley said, he should 'lay out specifics for urban America that are doable, not just, ‘We want the wealthy to be taxed more so we can spend their money somehow.’”
This in a nutshell shows that there is really very little difference between what the Republican or Democrat response is to raising taxes and it also gives us some insight into why Obama ran on taxing over $250,000 and bargained all the way up to $450,000. I bet William Daley has a vested interest in keeping taxes on the rich as low as he possibily can.
I am glad there are still some politicians like Mayor de Blasio, Senator Bernie Sanders and Sentor Elizabeth Warren. We need more of them and fewer like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, who talk a good game until they are elected and then either do nothing or the opposite of what they said during the campaign.
5
DoNOT put DeBlasio in the same list with two great people like Bernie Samders and Elizabeth Warren. He doesn't deserve to be there.
Oh, great. Another New York City Mayor intent on telling middle America that their Constitutional Rights within a Democratic Republic are less valuable than left wing dogma that has led to impoverished, and blood-soaked, failed states from Russia to Cuba. Sweden? Give me a break. Without the capitalist might that has produced the greatest guarantor of freedom in World history, The US Military, Sweden, and all the left leaning democracies of Western Europe would be vassal states of either Nazi Germany, or the Soviet Union.
And, based on the wibble-wobbling current foreign policy of the US, they might still wind up vassal states of Iran, or Saudi Arabia.
Come home, Your Honor, here where, unlike Midwesterners who are mostly in the dark about your peacemaking efforts among the rich and powerful back home, we appreciate a pragmatic deal maker who helps keep the wheels of commerce turning.
After all, without sprinkling around some of his many millions, Moneybags Bloomberg would have been as unknown as you apparently are out there in the hinterland.
And, based on the wibble-wobbling current foreign policy of the US, they might still wind up vassal states of Iran, or Saudi Arabia.
Come home, Your Honor, here where, unlike Midwesterners who are mostly in the dark about your peacemaking efforts among the rich and powerful back home, we appreciate a pragmatic deal maker who helps keep the wheels of commerce turning.
After all, without sprinkling around some of his many millions, Moneybags Bloomberg would have been as unknown as you apparently are out there in the hinterland.
3
I am not a liberal, nor do I play one on TeeVee (joke alert).
Someone, however, needs to speak up for the liberal point of view. Someone needs to stop being afraid to propose real, concrete solutions to the problems facing our country. Might as well be da mayor.
Liberals, it seems to me, have grown frightened by their own shadows. Could it be that some of the millions of attacks by the right have hit home and made them reluctant to step out and say what they stand for, if they stand for anything?
Tax fairness: Not "soaking the rich", but insisting that the wealthy return to society some of the bounty that our entire nation makes but, because of advantages, laws, legal assistance and pure eagerness to get rich, the wealthy reap more than others.
Fair wages, higher pay: Why should millions of Americans work in virtual slavery, working as many hours as they can get just to pay bills so they can continue working more? I know a woman who works at a local convenience store who often works 90 hours a week just to get by.
Educational opportunity: everyone who qualifies in America should have a pathway to pay for college without taking on a lifetime of debt. Something needs to change.
Racial justice: police across America need to be stopped from using blacks and minorities for target practice. Tasers, an easy way to "safe" violence against citizens, should be banned.
Wake up. Speak up. Insist. Don't stop. The far right should not own America nor our national debates.
Someone, however, needs to speak up for the liberal point of view. Someone needs to stop being afraid to propose real, concrete solutions to the problems facing our country. Might as well be da mayor.
Liberals, it seems to me, have grown frightened by their own shadows. Could it be that some of the millions of attacks by the right have hit home and made them reluctant to step out and say what they stand for, if they stand for anything?
Tax fairness: Not "soaking the rich", but insisting that the wealthy return to society some of the bounty that our entire nation makes but, because of advantages, laws, legal assistance and pure eagerness to get rich, the wealthy reap more than others.
Fair wages, higher pay: Why should millions of Americans work in virtual slavery, working as many hours as they can get just to pay bills so they can continue working more? I know a woman who works at a local convenience store who often works 90 hours a week just to get by.
Educational opportunity: everyone who qualifies in America should have a pathway to pay for college without taking on a lifetime of debt. Something needs to change.
Racial justice: police across America need to be stopped from using blacks and minorities for target practice. Tasers, an easy way to "safe" violence against citizens, should be banned.
Wake up. Speak up. Insist. Don't stop. The far right should not own America nor our national debates.
6
The mayor needs to do his job before he tries to carve a niche in national politics. He stands idly by when a boy is killed on the UWS by a cabbie who failed to yield and was fined $500.
Let's hope de Blasio isn't confusing Vision Zero with Zero Vision.
Let's hope de Blasio isn't confusing Vision Zero with Zero Vision.
7
Shouldn't he have something to show for himself in NYC before he trots off and doesn't a bunch of grandstanding? I feel like Bloomberg just hit the ground running with such great vision and we haven't had anything approaching that from de Blasio.
21
I thought the caricature of the republicans used to be that they had a coronation for the grizzled vet that was next in line for president. It seems like the democrats have now taken that mantle with the supposed coronation of Hillary.
What's De Blasio's faux pas: not treating the democratic primary process as the old caricature of the republican primary process?
As a centrist, I wish we could have a third party candidate that did not have to say stupid stuff to curry favor with the brazen partisans on the left or right before pivoting to the center for the general election. A lot of people say they want honest government but the process encourages candidates to make promises to special interest groups (e.g., unions on the left and big business on the right).
What's De Blasio's faux pas: not treating the democratic primary process as the old caricature of the republican primary process?
As a centrist, I wish we could have a third party candidate that did not have to say stupid stuff to curry favor with the brazen partisans on the left or right before pivoting to the center for the general election. A lot of people say they want honest government but the process encourages candidates to make promises to special interest groups (e.g., unions on the left and big business on the right).
8
Before he tries to push a national agenda he should serve out at least one term as mayor of NYC - By doing this he should, hopefully, have a body of accomplishments which can be used to make a national case, and he would be able to demonstrate that he became mayor because of his policies and not because of the flukes of a campaign that revolved around his son's haircut
7
This goes to show how few today are willing to say what they really think, in politics, so afraid of losing the next election.
So he's brave, but a novice.
His being included underscores how afraid of Wall St most politicians are of aligning with Warren or progressives on anything.
So he's brave, but a novice.
His being included underscores how afraid of Wall St most politicians are of aligning with Warren or progressives on anything.
4
His debacle with the NYPD was largely self-inflicted and damaging for NYC. Consequently, I'm a liberal who is so far unimpressed.
7
If new york so far is any indication I'm not sure I would be a supporter. granted he has more time to deliver.
3
De Blasio has yet to prove he is more substance than style. Between all the appearances on Letterman and Daily Show and the trips to all those places filled with people who do not actually pay his salary, you have to wonder how he manages to find the time to do any actual work (and being at Al Sharpton's beck and call doesn't count as work).
He has neither the wealth nor the gravitas that enabled Bloomberg to push for change on the national and even international scale, so he should stop trying to emulate him.
He has neither the wealth nor the gravitas that enabled Bloomberg to push for change on the national and even international scale, so he should stop trying to emulate him.
15
Bill has no grasp of reality. His plan to tax the rich to fund universal pre-K dangerously depended on only a few hundred taxpayers (in a city of 10s of millions), Cuomo jumped in and lent some sanity. If it wasn't for Cuomo, universal pre-K in NYC would just be talked about. GOP is worried about one side of the bell curve (the rich) and De Blasio is preoccupied by the other side (the poor). We in the middle class, who pay high rates of taxes, don't qualify for many tax credits and get squeezed by the cost of higher education need someone sane. Bill ran against Lhota (who?) and won. What is Bill's vision for a middle class family of four? There are more of us than there are 1%ers or people on food stamps.
13
This is good to see, as the Federal political system seems to be coming up really short for folks in the country's major cities and urban areas these days. After seeing the NJ Governor dance around in the owners box at a Dallas football game this winter and then in the past days propose to rid the country of its social security system, it seems we are so much in need of someone with intelligence, experience and stature to say the things the Mayor is saying.
The mayors and other leaders of urban areas should get together, gain more exposure and leverage whatever political strength they have. After all, urban areas are woefully underrepresented in the electoral college, in the Senate (where only 10 senate seats represent the 50 million people who live in the top 5 urban areas), and in our Gerrymandered-to-the-extreme House of Representatives, where 7 of 20 committee chairs are from Texas. Urban areas in Red States are also being constrained from having a larger degree of control over quality of life issues, as we witnessed in Arkansas (where, in February this year, leading up to its religious protection bill, the State passed a law prohibiting any of its localities from enlarging the category of persons eligible for civil rights protections within their local areas).
The mayors and other leaders of urban areas should get together, gain more exposure and leverage whatever political strength they have. After all, urban areas are woefully underrepresented in the electoral college, in the Senate (where only 10 senate seats represent the 50 million people who live in the top 5 urban areas), and in our Gerrymandered-to-the-extreme House of Representatives, where 7 of 20 committee chairs are from Texas. Urban areas in Red States are also being constrained from having a larger degree of control over quality of life issues, as we witnessed in Arkansas (where, in February this year, leading up to its religious protection bill, the State passed a law prohibiting any of its localities from enlarging the category of persons eligible for civil rights protections within their local areas).
4
If Mr. de Blasio is really concerned about establishing a progressive political force in this country, he should not just think about domestic policies but also concentrate on foreign and military policy. For some progressives, such as me, foreign and military policy is much more important than domestic policy. Indeed, it is the incredibly stupid and criminal mistakes of the US over the last fifty years in the area of foreign policy and military engagements which makes me so down on the US at the present.
In this area there can be no more important advice than for Mr. de Blasio to not follow the typical course of politicians in the US of being "stooges" for the belligerent state of Israel. This may be a hard task for a New York City mayor, but it is absolutely essential if he is going to truly work for what is good for the world and for America. As a progressive I am absolutely fed up with the manner in which politicians from both parties pander to Israel to the detriment of America and the world.
The fact that he has not endorsed Hillary is a good sign. She has aptly demonstrated over the time in which she was in office what a war monger she is. If Hillary becomes president, it will be like America has elected a reincarnated Margaret Thatcher to be president.
It would be lovely to see a woman as president of the US, but the US should not elect any unqualified woman who comes along just to say we have a woman president.
In this area there can be no more important advice than for Mr. de Blasio to not follow the typical course of politicians in the US of being "stooges" for the belligerent state of Israel. This may be a hard task for a New York City mayor, but it is absolutely essential if he is going to truly work for what is good for the world and for America. As a progressive I am absolutely fed up with the manner in which politicians from both parties pander to Israel to the detriment of America and the world.
The fact that he has not endorsed Hillary is a good sign. She has aptly demonstrated over the time in which she was in office what a war monger she is. If Hillary becomes president, it will be like America has elected a reincarnated Margaret Thatcher to be president.
It would be lovely to see a woman as president of the US, but the US should not elect any unqualified woman who comes along just to say we have a woman president.
2
So our pushover of a mayor thinks he can lead a national leftward movement?
This is the same mayor who, after angering the NYPD for daring to suggest that maybe cops should be held accountable for misconduct, is now so cowed by the police department that he essentially asks "how high" every time they say "jump."
This is the same mayor who, after going on and on about the need for affordable housing in the city, has pretty much given up on anything but lip service, and has let real estate interests run roughshod over the city.
Or the same mayor whose solution to the worsening competence of the MTA (not to mention its crumbling infrastructure) is to start a campaign telling people to "call their congressman"?
If "the left" is taking this ineffectual weakling as its leader, "the left" isn't going to be taken very seriously in this next election cycle.
This is the same mayor who, after angering the NYPD for daring to suggest that maybe cops should be held accountable for misconduct, is now so cowed by the police department that he essentially asks "how high" every time they say "jump."
This is the same mayor who, after going on and on about the need for affordable housing in the city, has pretty much given up on anything but lip service, and has let real estate interests run roughshod over the city.
Or the same mayor whose solution to the worsening competence of the MTA (not to mention its crumbling infrastructure) is to start a campaign telling people to "call their congressman"?
If "the left" is taking this ineffectual weakling as its leader, "the left" isn't going to be taken very seriously in this next election cycle.
4
Thank you mayor. We need more public figures speaking out for progressive views. Right now the so called "centrists" have been pulled to the right since so many conservative politicans get the attention of the media. With the exception of Senator Sanders and Senator Warren, we see and hear little from the left. The republicans, if they get their way, want to make the Presidental race about foreign policy since they have nothing to offer on income inequality other than endorsing it. The more attention that can be gotten for progressive ideas the better.
4
I'm from Iowa unlike most of the commenters. Mrs. Clinton comes across as the heir apparent to the throne. Mr. Deblasio has no concept of life in the heartland and, believe me, no one cares what he thinks. Unions and activists are a small part of the electorate here. Apparently Hillary and company are unaware of this basic fact.
18
While visiting my rural, declining-population childhood hometown in southeast Kansas, I walked into the local grocery store (yes, it's one of the few independent local small chains left that still stocks Independent Grocers' Association inventory--the town is too insignificant for a neighborhood Wal-Mart grocery store like the neighbor to the north) and saw a 20 some year old man with a ball cap on that said "I ain't no liberal". Since I grew up and moved away, the sewing factory, the National Guard Armory, all car and farm implement dealerships, another grocery store, both the drive-in movie theater and the downtown movie theater, hardware store, clothing and jewelry stores, the local MD this year, and the local attorney--they all no longer exist. How is that anti-union, pro-capitalist, conservative mindset working out for the majority of the American electorate?
Well, if he is going to be the leader of any insurgency he is going to have to start getting up much earlier in the morning.
15
I support the mayors ideas, but as we enter this discussion let's first dispense with the the nonsense that the Dem's represent "the left" and the GOP the right.
Both national parties are ideologically twiddly dum and twiddly dee. They are ideologically cut from the same cloth, but do reflect differences in the strategies of the ruling elites. Ever since the New Deal the Dems have advocated modest support for the working class in order to preserve and reform capitalis. The GOP has since the late 19th century been the party of big business. Today that means big capital, banks, finance industry and the multi-nationals. For them workers are mere tools to be used and discarded for new ones when necessary.
So Mayor de Blasio is a liberal, not a leftist by any stretch. But ideas of increasing minimum wages, increasing affordable housing and criminal justice reform are all common sense proposals that are vital to working people in this city.
It's too soon to tell whether he has the political skill to actually implement this agenda. New York may be a Democratic state, but it is home to much of big finance capital. All of de Blasio's proposals cost money and while everyone applauds New York City for being a more livable place these days, it's barely livable for the half the population that earns below the median wage.
Both national parties are ideologically twiddly dum and twiddly dee. They are ideologically cut from the same cloth, but do reflect differences in the strategies of the ruling elites. Ever since the New Deal the Dems have advocated modest support for the working class in order to preserve and reform capitalis. The GOP has since the late 19th century been the party of big business. Today that means big capital, banks, finance industry and the multi-nationals. For them workers are mere tools to be used and discarded for new ones when necessary.
So Mayor de Blasio is a liberal, not a leftist by any stretch. But ideas of increasing minimum wages, increasing affordable housing and criminal justice reform are all common sense proposals that are vital to working people in this city.
It's too soon to tell whether he has the political skill to actually implement this agenda. New York may be a Democratic state, but it is home to much of big finance capital. All of de Blasio's proposals cost money and while everyone applauds New York City for being a more livable place these days, it's barely livable for the half the population that earns below the median wage.
21
Mr mayor, You are not as bad as I thought you would be but that doesn't mean that you are great. Only 24% of eligible voters voted when you ran. The Clintons helped you greatly in your career but you didn't endorse Hillary. If you really want what's best for NY and HC is President will she remember your lack of loyalty? When you talk about income inequality you are talking about helping the poor. As s middle class NYer I don't feel that you represent me Please remember that the next election the middle class will wake up and you may end up being a one term mayor.
8
Peggysmom,
What I find remarkable is that you begrudge the Mayor and the city for being too successful. I am am wondering why all the complaints about high taxes when there is no shortage of people who would love to move to New York to partake of what one of the great cities of the world has to offer. There is no shortage of first world accommodation a train ride away. New York is expensive and its taxes are high because it offers the amenities of a great cosmopolitan center. What you call the middle class are going to be the first to leave because they have the option of going elsewhere. Nobody wants your poor and what remains of affordable comfortable housing must accommodate the service personnel that keep the city functional. Police, fire and maintenance people must find a place in the city, it will be more expensive than elsewhere so taxes will be higher because they will need higher salaries. Success is far more expensive than failure and that explains the flight of so many Northern jobs to right to work states and low wage economies. I understand your pain, I also love New York but I couldn't work there. No one said life was fair.
Toronto and Vancouver are Canada's cities of choice and for many of our citizens who consider themselves middle-class they are unaffordable that is why we have bedroom communities that we call suburbs.
I live in a village because city amenities are no longer accessible to my wife and I and suburbs just not a first option.
What I find remarkable is that you begrudge the Mayor and the city for being too successful. I am am wondering why all the complaints about high taxes when there is no shortage of people who would love to move to New York to partake of what one of the great cities of the world has to offer. There is no shortage of first world accommodation a train ride away. New York is expensive and its taxes are high because it offers the amenities of a great cosmopolitan center. What you call the middle class are going to be the first to leave because they have the option of going elsewhere. Nobody wants your poor and what remains of affordable comfortable housing must accommodate the service personnel that keep the city functional. Police, fire and maintenance people must find a place in the city, it will be more expensive than elsewhere so taxes will be higher because they will need higher salaries. Success is far more expensive than failure and that explains the flight of so many Northern jobs to right to work states and low wage economies. I understand your pain, I also love New York but I couldn't work there. No one said life was fair.
Toronto and Vancouver are Canada's cities of choice and for many of our citizens who consider themselves middle-class they are unaffordable that is why we have bedroom communities that we call suburbs.
I live in a village because city amenities are no longer accessible to my wife and I and suburbs just not a first option.
De Blasio needs to accomplish at home as mayor before trying to move beyond. O way that's right our political leaders only need to talk a good game, achievement not necessary.
7
SOMEBODY has to point out that Hillary Clinton, like Bill, represents Wall Street, not the American people, is way to the right of most Democrats (and not only Democrats) in this country, is a hawk on foreign policy, is enmeshed in a foundation that appears to be awash in questionable money from overseas, and is, well, generally shifty.
2
That is a great point that all the pundits seem to be missing or ignoring.
1
You fight the fights you want to fight after you win the White House because if you fight them before that, you lose. What do you lose in 2016? The presidency and all of us on the left side of the equation, all of us, need to understand that.
You are going to get once choice in November 2016: Hilary Clinton or one of them and one of them is unthinkable. So de Blasio and everyone else better start being grownups right now because otherwise they will cause the election of the Republican candidate.
You are going to get once choice in November 2016: Hilary Clinton or one of them and one of them is unthinkable. So de Blasio and everyone else better start being grownups right now because otherwise they will cause the election of the Republican candidate.
1
I don't particularly like the terms left and right. I think Mayor DeBlasio is simply trying to lead the US into the future. I think Iowa and Nebraska is a good place to start as New York City has and always will boldly and successfully embrace the future.
15
It is causing the people who pay the highest taxes in the zcountry too much to successfully embrace the future.
I feel sorry for poor Peggy whose mother never taught her enough is a feast. Taxes are what you pay for a city that works and must support a country that doesn't. Toronto drives Canada's economic engine and is deemed unaffordable by many of its residents. I hate to sound Darwinian but New York is evolving and your inability to pay New York's taxes might mean you will have to move elsewhere. There are more than enough people looking to move into New York City who understand the taxes are one of the reasons they want to move there.
Maybe the taxes in NYC are so high because the city can't afford people like yourself living there. Form after all does follow function. I know my wife and I cannot even consider living in New York because we cannot afford the rent, the food nor the taxes but it is a wonderful place to visit.
Maybe the taxes in NYC are so high because the city can't afford people like yourself living there. Form after all does follow function. I know my wife and I cannot even consider living in New York because we cannot afford the rent, the food nor the taxes but it is a wonderful place to visit.
1
He is mayor of New York and he should stay there and fix their problems.
de Blasio could have gone the way of his father into the center of power which is the national security state, but he took a progressive path which led him to support Nicaragua and social democracy. I think he is our most admirable young political figure and I wish him success.
1
Perhaps the mayor does not fully understand the perceptions many of us in the hinterland have of New York City's government. That topic brings to mind a municipal income tax; the far higher that average salaries of its educators and the lower-than-average results of many of its students; and the level of integrity, good manners, and geniality for which your City Council is so justly famed. Perhaps this task might be better accomplished by using the case of The West Wing in a national media campaign.
1
Your father's generation gave us our public estate. Your generation has given us a welfare state - "uber alles".
Bill, you have little in common with this middle class American.
Bill, you have little in common with this middle class American.
6
This man has been a huge failure. He has accomplished nothing for the citizens of NYC.
10
[[Already, the mayor’s effort is drawing scrutiny. His refusal this week to endorse the presidential candidacy of Hillary Rodham Clinton, his former boss, prompted criticism from more centrist Democrats, who questioned whether the mayor had earned the credibility to drive an insurgency within his party.]]
Who are these "centrist Democrats" and what are their plans to lead? When can we expect any results?
Who are these "centrist Democrats" and what are their plans to lead? When can we expect any results?
2
I don't care for Mr. de Blasio's politics, but I'll give him a piece of advice going in: stay away from Dan Malloy, he's toxic. CT's economy is frequently mentioned as one of the worst in the country; that this is the case AFTER Malloy pushed through the very kind of tax hikes the Mayor is championing is not going to help de Blasio to make his case.
3
Know who else is dominating the political discourse, and has for as long as this grandmother can remember? Men. Hillary isn't perfect, but women have tired of waiting our turn and hearing that others would be only too happy to vote for a woman, but only when the "right" one comes along. In the meantime, there is no shortage of men with the "right" qualities, it seems. If not now, when?
6
When there is a woman who is not a liar and and not a panderer.
2
gender does not make a politician 'right'. Margaret Thatcher, for example., or Sarah Palin. Hillary is a Wall St Puppet, and so was/is Bill.
1
Because men speak with one voice, right, grandma? In an article about Bill de Blasio and progressive politics, it's really important to raise a feminist plaint. Not.
2
I greatly admire what he's doing at home and around the country. He's been in office a short while but has already brought forth a workable housing plan that Bloomberg would have had nothing to do with ("let the market decide!") And he advocates vocally for principles that others in the party are too timid to defend. He's Elizabeth Warren, but without the offputting vitriol.
I'd like him as president, in whichever cycle he chooses to run.
I'd like him as president, in whichever cycle he chooses to run.
3
Puhleeze! The man is OWNED by the REBNY! His "affordable housing" ideas are for the benefit of Big RE, the poor will benefit very little and the middle class are being ground deeper into the dirt.
1
MORE of the (inaccurate) labeling of anything progressive as "left"? How/why did this Republican 'talking point' become gospel in the news?
Is articulating the idea that “the rich and powerful are dominating the political discourse"--an idea that polls show a majority of those in the nation now believe--is seen as "moving left," they the nation is so far "right" wing that we should all be both disgusted and fearful of our future.
Is articulating the idea that “the rich and powerful are dominating the political discourse"--an idea that polls show a majority of those in the nation now believe--is seen as "moving left," they the nation is so far "right" wing that we should all be both disgusted and fearful of our future.
12
Mr. deB... should focus on getting to appointments on time and the needs of New Yorkers, and stop being a naïve Jerk thinking he's ready for Prime Time on the National Stage.
Earn your stripes Mr. Mayor.
Earn your stripes Mr. Mayor.
21
What in the world does punctuality have to do with effective governing? Policies and persuasion are what matter; the rest is tabloid fodder.
6
Really, c? It reflects on leadership, example setting and carrying about others, having the professionalism and basic courtesy to respect others and show up on time, especially for someone who has no shortage of aides and schedulers. It's more than mere tabloid fodder.
3
I don't think a politician has to have a complete program at the ready when he calls for higher taxes on the rich. I presume a power guy like William Daley is very rich and *may* have a personal interest in keeping rates low.
7
Wow, with all the vitriol in these comments you would think de Blasio sold out the city to cent capitalists and bankers! Oh wait... the previous mayor already did that.
8
C.The Realist is 100% correct. You don't live in NYC, he is terrible.
1
I recently saw a photograph of deBlasio wearing a jacket with NYPD insignia. After the uproar over police killings, I thought perhaps the Mayor of the people would have sided with the people in their calls for reform. Not only was wearing that jacket insensitive to the people, but he failed to address the out-of-control gun slinging NYPD.
Just this week, the City Council put forth a budget to hire 1,000 more cops. What's up with that? We all know there are already too many cops in NYC.
I can't take de Blasio seriously as a liberal. I lean liberal and believe in Freedom. de Blasio believes in his prison city overseen by cops everywhere shaking down everyone for any reason. That's not liberal.
Isn't it amazing how people act when a camera is on them?
Just this week, the City Council put forth a budget to hire 1,000 more cops. What's up with that? We all know there are already too many cops in NYC.
I can't take de Blasio seriously as a liberal. I lean liberal and believe in Freedom. de Blasio believes in his prison city overseen by cops everywhere shaking down everyone for any reason. That's not liberal.
Isn't it amazing how people act when a camera is on them?
2
DeBlasio, "telling the audience that “the rich and powerful are dominating the political discourse, which means they rig the game in their favor.”
Is that a reference to the presumptive 1%-er par excellence nominee, Hillary, she of the private jet set and $300K short talks? Got to love the "it's okay if our side does it, pay no attention" hypocrisy.
Is that a reference to the presumptive 1%-er par excellence nominee, Hillary, she of the private jet set and $300K short talks? Got to love the "it's okay if our side does it, pay no attention" hypocrisy.
6
Did you read the article? DeB isn't supporting Hillary.
deBlasio is doing nothing but trying to set himself up for a cabinet position because he knows he won't get reelected in 2017.
7
Ain't that the truth. Shamefully, only 26% of eligible New Yorker voters cast a vote in the election that DeBlasio won....the turnout was appalling - one can only hope that more voters will get to the polls after see the messes DeBlasio has made...
Well I'm grateful that someone is finally championing the left since there seems to be a dearth of leaders in the Democratic party with a backbone. And as far as all this yapping about class warfare? Class warfare in this country is nothing new so why not call it what it is instead of denying that it exists? Of course it exists.
11
The only class warfare I know of comes from the left, which wants to give people something for nothing and help those people avoid responsibility for their actions or inactions.
7
Ed, those are the exact sentiments of the very rich and their enablers. And speaking of 'those people' avoiding responsibility, exactly how many people in Banking, in government, or in mortgage lending have been held personally accountable for lining their own pockets and fleecing their customers while deliberately and casually wrecking the U.S. economy, consequently causing massive unemployment and financial panic from which most average Americans will never recover? I guarantee you that 'those people' don't come anywhere close to comprising the "47%" or anything in between.
Over time, de Blasio's liberal agenda will meet the same fate as the Tea Party's hard right, conservative agenda. Neither will be accepted because an overwhelming majority of Americans are "Middle of the Road," some center left and others center right. The pundits and news media pander and profile the vocal right wing and liberal left politicians since it sells newspapers and ads. But we just saw the very liberal Chicago Mayoral candidate, "Chuy," go down in defeat, and Ted Cruz on the far right will likely fail also. The discourse, rhetoric and debates will be interesting, but what our country, states, and cities need are leaders like Bloomberg who care about their constituency, want to make conditions better for all people, and don't take their daily temperature as measured by recent polls.
8
I would say the Tea Party, bless their little convoluted and disfigured brains, has done a pretty good job of moving the right wing dominant party in the Congress more further right than I ever thought possible. One can dismiss them as lunatics -- and I would agree with that -- but they are lunatics which are having a dramatic effect.
2
He is a one term Mayor...after over a year delivering nothing of substance.
11
“He’s a blank slate,” Mr. Link added, “which gives him the opportunity to fill that in.”
It will be interesting if people in Iowa and other mid-west stops will listen to a life long politician try to have them to support others...
Perhaps it this trip will do the country good to get a taste of a the empty cup of tea...
It will be interesting if people in Iowa and other mid-west stops will listen to a life long politician try to have them to support others...
Perhaps it this trip will do the country good to get a taste of a the empty cup of tea...
1
His Honor is being very shrewd. Others are giving away their endorsements
without a quid pro quo. DeBlasio correctly asks what is in it for NYC if he
endorses Clinton?
Should Elizabeth Warren or another liberal seek the Democratic nomination,
DeBlasio has positioned himself as "Kingmaker" by being the one to evaluate
their plans, and Clinton's, to achieve his announced objectives.
Rey Olsen
without a quid pro quo. DeBlasio correctly asks what is in it for NYC if he
endorses Clinton?
Should Elizabeth Warren or another liberal seek the Democratic nomination,
DeBlasio has positioned himself as "Kingmaker" by being the one to evaluate
their plans, and Clinton's, to achieve his announced objectives.
Rey Olsen
4
Mayor DeBlasio; meet Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey. Hopefully you are smarter than he is, and you will learn that absence does not make the heart grow fonder.
As he has traipsed across the USA in the ridiculous hope of being president, his popularity at home has plummeted. Christie is on his second term. Mr. Mayor, you have not completed your second year.
Stay in NYC. Plenty to do here. Show up on time and treat the people with respect, or you will surely join the ranks of NYC Mayors with grandiose national ambitions who never made it on to and over The GW bridge, even on a day without Christie manufactured gridlock.
As he has traipsed across the USA in the ridiculous hope of being president, his popularity at home has plummeted. Christie is on his second term. Mr. Mayor, you have not completed your second year.
Stay in NYC. Plenty to do here. Show up on time and treat the people with respect, or you will surely join the ranks of NYC Mayors with grandiose national ambitions who never made it on to and over The GW bridge, even on a day without Christie manufactured gridlock.
9
I can't think of a person better suited to change the political zeitgeist of the nation than the liberal Democrat mayor of New York.
5
We need politicians who try to "lead to the left" about as much as we need politicians who try to lead to the right -- not at all.
What we need are people who can bring a fractured mess of a country back to the middle, and they're not interested because both the far left and far right tear them to shreds during the process.
The USA -- it was great while it lasted.
What we need are people who can bring a fractured mess of a country back to the middle, and they're not interested because both the far left and far right tear them to shreds during the process.
The USA -- it was great while it lasted.
6
Senator Corker of Tennessee is one of the very few US mayors who made it into national politics.
2
Why doesn't Bill de Blasio officially announce he's running for President and get it over with already?
1
He hasn't even done squat in NYC and he's going national? One just has to go to my gym in Park Slope where he goes to workout and see what's going on: nobody acknowledges the guy.
9
If I were Hillary Clinton, I would be happy with de Blasio's response. Saying that she is a highly qualified candidate, but that he wants to hear her voice her platform before making an endorsement, is more respectful and helpful than just giving an empty endorsement by default.
7
Due to sadly low voter turnout, de Blasio was elected with only a 17% mandate. Now in City Hall for less than 2 years, he seems more interested in his national agenda than doing his day job. Since de Blasio took office my neighborhood has become less safe, much dirtier, with a rise in homeless on our streets. The subways are slow and choked with crowds, buses never arrive, our water bills are spiking, small businesses are being ousted by rising rents, and our schools are crowded and lousy. Is this what progressive governance delivers?
The Mayor should lead by results and maybe then anyone running for national office will pay attention. In the meantime, we'd like him to come back to NYC, show up on time, and do the job he was elected to do instead of preaching the theoretical to audiences who aren't paying his salary.
The Mayor should lead by results and maybe then anyone running for national office will pay attention. In the meantime, we'd like him to come back to NYC, show up on time, and do the job he was elected to do instead of preaching the theoretical to audiences who aren't paying his salary.
15
Yes - this is what " progressive governance " delivers. San Francisco is filthy, filled with homeless, public transit is a joke and the roads are full of potholes.... thanks to a bunch of " progressive " pols just like de Blasio.
3
Way to go Mayor!! We need a leader. And for the record, it's too early to endorse a presidential candidate---that's not right to the party or anyone else who wants to run. It's not about the candidate, it's about the party at this stage.
4
Carl McCall said it best, "Bill deBlasio, a real profile in courage!" I'm sure the rest of the country will just LOVE DeBlasio, the Working Famiky Party and Bertha Lewis!
It's interesting that Mr. DeBlasio says he is waiting to see Mrs. Clinton's vision before bestowing his imprimatur. He was her senate campaign manager, for crying out loud. So, if he doesn't know what she is about, after all that, I doubt he ever will. I suspect he ought to speak his mind now, because in three years no one is going to be much interested in his opinion. Maybe sooner.
7
His stint with Hillary did not end well. There may be some bitterness at play.
3
I'm not sure deBlasio is the one to lead the left--but if he lights a fire under the tails of the Democrats and spurs competition to fight rightwing extremism, he will have done the nation a huge service.
6
It would be nice if he spent more time doing the job that he has.
11
As a Democrat who will probably end up grudgingly voting for Hillary in the general election, the expectation that everyone will uncritically fall over themselves to endorse her immediately is a genuinely breathtaking view into the arrogance (and creepy anti-democratic nature) of her camp.
Anyway, I don't agree with a lot of DeBlasio's policies but it would be good for the country to have an actual left-of-center voice out there.
Anyway, I don't agree with a lot of DeBlasio's policies but it would be good for the country to have an actual left-of-center voice out there.
23
The country will not elect a self-proclaimed left-of-center candidate. If we've learned anything, it's to know what the candidate is about and what he will do, not what he says he will do. My slogan for 2016 is "Hillary. Get over it."
"The rich and powerful are dominating the political discourse, which means they rig the game in their favor.” That's news! Even if de Blasio does not have all that political capital, it is not bad nor awkward to state the ancient truth. Nice to hear him mention old Franklin Delano Roosevelt basic message. That's not simply the Left, that's America's best!
1
you mean like Bernie Sanders?
3
DeBlasio and the Democratic left wing is the greatest gift the Republicans could have wished for in recent memory. What made Bill Clinton so great is that he knew that you cannot deliver a social agenda without focusing on jobs, economic growth and a balanced budget. On what planet does DeBlasio think he can fix the ills of society with a weak economy and a $15 trillion debt. Oh right, the magic bullet - just tax the rich and go after the greedy corporations. Never mind silly economic principles like "profit" that usually factors into hiring decisions... If Hillary is wise, she should take political advise from her husband, not DeBlasio. If not, or if someone like Warren spoils the next primary, I have to say (with a heavy heart) that I could vote for a Republican President for the first time in my life.
14
What social agenda was that exactly that Bill delivered on? Slashing welfare? Putting huge swaths of the black community in prison? Giving up on universal healthcare after 12 months?
Clinton was a Reagan Republican with a donkey logo. His so-called "focus on jobs" consisted of managing to sit there while the internet boom created jobs all across the world. His only personal contribution to low unemployment was incarcerating such a huge portion of the poor that the denominator went down.
Clinton was a Reagan Republican with a donkey logo. His so-called "focus on jobs" consisted of managing to sit there while the internet boom created jobs all across the world. His only personal contribution to low unemployment was incarcerating such a huge portion of the poor that the denominator went down.
1
Upon what evidence are you basing this opinion that profitability has any relationship with job creation? History has shown that the two have a dubious connection, and in fact the most successful corporations will lay off thousands without a second thought.
1
A former Demcrat, born in Group-Think, Massachusetts - I voted for a Republican during the last two elections and it felt WONDERFUL......methinks the Democrat Party has seen better days; it lacks fresh ideas, energy and vision....JFK of the "ask-not-what-your-country-do-for-you-but-what- you-can-do-for-your-country" would be stunned and saddened to lay witness to the current Democrat cries of identity politics, political correctness, anti-free market policies and class warfare. Be brave - jump and vote with conviction for REAL CHANGE.
3
This is exactly what this country needs now and Hillary is not going to deliver by herself. The Democratic party has just totally sold out and trying to make Hillary inevitable, so much for a having a real choice of political direction!
1
De Blasio has done a lot of selfish, disingenuous acts, but his withholding endorsing Hillary is too much even for him. He is more like Chris Christie every day--a power-greedy egomaniac.
6
Why in the world are you and others demanding that he endorse Hillary Clinton? She needs to earn her votes from "we the people", not insist that political leaders all over the country crown her! Does your vote for President depend on which other politicians sign their names to her petition? If so, then that is a real shame for democracy.
1
NYC mayors always seem to crave the national stage.
2
After 12 years of Bloomberg appearing to be the quality manager as he presented himself, Mayor De Blasio is exposing the hidden scars that was left to him to uncover: Riker's scandal, no contracts for all city workers since 2009, real estate development with little or no checks. Emperor Bloomberg had no clothes!
5
His affordable housing plan is filled with potholes. One, the income levels are still too high. Two, they provide more opportunities for rich developers to build claustrophobic towers to their egos. deBlasio is arrogant. I believe he is a one term mayor.
Hillary may not be the greatest politician, but she is a work horse. She hunkers down, she learns, and she does what needs to be done. His non endorsement is the best thing that happened to her
Hillary may not be the greatest politician, but she is a work horse. She hunkers down, she learns, and she does what needs to be done. His non endorsement is the best thing that happened to her
6
Go for it Mr. de Blasio. Go for it. I'm with you 100%!
5
I do believe we have a winner in the stealth spoiler candidate derby to derail Hillary Clinton's last chance at the Democratic Presidential nomintion. It is--drumroll please--New York City's Mayor Bill de Blasio. For starters, de Blasio flatly refused to endorse Hillary Clinton after she made her big announcement. Now he's touring the Midwest at the same time Hillary Clinton is making her first campaign stops in Iowa. Coincidence? No way. Bill de Blasio sees the handwriting on the wall--he knows he's probably going to be a one-term mayor for all sorts of reasons ranging from the fact that he's constantly late to almost every mayorial event to his highly publicized tug of war with the NYPD. Clearly the honeymoon has soured between Mayor de Blasio and New York City. So why not consider switching addresses from Gracie Mansion to the White House?? Could de Blasio's message of income inequality resonate with voters outside New York City the way Obama's promise of 'hope and change' catapulted an unknown junior Senator from Illinois into the Oval Office?? Is history going to repeat itself as Hillary Clinton sees her last chance to clinch the Democratic Presidential nomination slip away to another relatively unknown political neophyte?
2
Unless Americans with or without Mr. di Blasio significantly reform campaign finance rules and dismantle or at least drastically change the lobby system we will be stuck with this broken democracy of ours. An extra tax on the rich here, a rise in the minimum wage there will be just another version of the status quo.
5
This political peacock has accomplished nothing in New York City - nothing at all.
10
Well, Barack Obama didn't accomplish anything in the Senate either but that didn't stop him from yanking the rug out from under Hillary Clinton and winning the presidential election against John McCain in 2008.
The mayor needs to pay more attention to the working, tax-paying, law-abiding middle classes that make this city run. For example, there are still city employees working without contracts after five years, a time when housing costs etc. have risen uncomfortably high. Why not put some effort in settling these contracts fairly?
I'm not sure what a move to the left means, but he has treated poorly the people who make this city work.
I'm not sure what a move to the left means, but he has treated poorly the people who make this city work.
5
God/Buddha/Allah/Gandalf save NYC if de Blasio visits the West Coast and decides San Francisco is a shining example to be followed!
New Yorkers--and the rest of the country perhaps if de Blasio's master plan pans out--need to consider if they think things such as a Sheriff who is a domestic violence offender, city-enforced bans on Happy Meals and bottled water, municipal taxes on shopping bags and sodas, official surveillance to compel composting and recycling, a self-inflicted housing shortage, and rampant homelessness are what they want. And these things are just the tip of the iceberg following more than a decade of progressive governance of SF.
Ironically, what San Francisco truly needs at this point is a visit from Mayor Bloomberg, not Mayor de Blasio.
New Yorkers--and the rest of the country perhaps if de Blasio's master plan pans out--need to consider if they think things such as a Sheriff who is a domestic violence offender, city-enforced bans on Happy Meals and bottled water, municipal taxes on shopping bags and sodas, official surveillance to compel composting and recycling, a self-inflicted housing shortage, and rampant homelessness are what they want. And these things are just the tip of the iceberg following more than a decade of progressive governance of SF.
Ironically, what San Francisco truly needs at this point is a visit from Mayor Bloomberg, not Mayor de Blasio.
10
Hey Bill, you might want to focus on home before working on your national profile. You've been quite the clunker so far; a clear one-term mayor. Or perhaps you realize that and are already exploring your exit strategy?
3
Bill de Blasio is picking up where Howard Dean left off: representing the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party: Hooray!
6
I am for anyone who stands up and reminds this nation what progressive/liberal politics are and how they can benefit us all.
Recent history has given us a case of political amnesia. As a result, we liberals have placed Bill Clinton on a pedestal. In large part, that's because he's such a remarkable communicator. We likewise placed Barack Obama on a pedestal, but soon realized that he does not have the fight in him to take it to the monied interests. The result has been that 1970s Republicans and modern day Democrats have come to be indistinguishable from one another (except that 1970s Republicans were slightly less conservative than modern day Democrats).
And so it is high-time that liberal Democrats -- those who understand the power of the middle class, of the raising of all boats, of fair pay for hard work, of the sacrifice by the wealthiest for the the betterment of the nation and their fellow citizens, and of the fact that the wealthy are only wealthy because of the labor of others -- begin speaking up and pushing forward.
America was not advanced because a few men were smarter, wiser or more blessed than the rest. It advanced because we -- the US in the United States -- worked for our own betterment and that of the nation as a whole. That is the mark of liberalism. And it's time people like de Blasio teach those too young and remind those who have been sucked into the right wing lie what true fairness is, what true Patriotism is. Good for him!
Recent history has given us a case of political amnesia. As a result, we liberals have placed Bill Clinton on a pedestal. In large part, that's because he's such a remarkable communicator. We likewise placed Barack Obama on a pedestal, but soon realized that he does not have the fight in him to take it to the monied interests. The result has been that 1970s Republicans and modern day Democrats have come to be indistinguishable from one another (except that 1970s Republicans were slightly less conservative than modern day Democrats).
And so it is high-time that liberal Democrats -- those who understand the power of the middle class, of the raising of all boats, of fair pay for hard work, of the sacrifice by the wealthiest for the the betterment of the nation and their fellow citizens, and of the fact that the wealthy are only wealthy because of the labor of others -- begin speaking up and pushing forward.
America was not advanced because a few men were smarter, wiser or more blessed than the rest. It advanced because we -- the US in the United States -- worked for our own betterment and that of the nation as a whole. That is the mark of liberalism. And it's time people like de Blasio teach those too young and remind those who have been sucked into the right wing lie what true fairness is, what true Patriotism is. Good for him!
8
Yes, because it is such hard work taking the handouts provided by the wealth redistribution schemes like affordable housing and welfare that de Blasio seems so enamored with. American advanced because people were motivated to do better for themselves, not some vague notion of community.
1
Geez, we all have to climb on board the Scooby bus. I salute the Mayor for his vision. If the Right is going to polarize this nation, then let the games begin. We need an equally strong Left. If the Right is going to destroy the Middle, then let us amass the antithesis that speaks for the rest of the people.
To the quote:
"The mayor “wants to be a big shot,” said William M. Daley, President Obama’s former chief of staff. If Mr. de Blasio wants a national profile, Mr. Daley said, he should “lay out specifics for urban America that are doable, not just, ‘We want the wealthy to be taxed more so we can spend their money somehow."
I say to Daley that increasing taxes on the rich *is* specific. But yes, there is more.
The Right Wing has had its day. George W Bush was the Right Wing Christian MBA and you Republicans gave the Sunni and Shia $700 billion to patch up the failures of the Iraq war, and no Republican presidential primary candidate will address that. We're all paying for that failure.
So if the Mayor is going to that heartland, from which people are evacuating to the coasts, then maybe he'll do some good. Hilllary is as good as in, but to her camp I say that the Democratic Party is composed of voters far more intelligent than those on the Right. Don't push us around the way the Right did with its marketing of Sarah Palin. It won't work.
Yes, Hillay Clinton is far more qualified to be president than any Republican presidential hopeful, saving Lindsey Graham.
To the quote:
"The mayor “wants to be a big shot,” said William M. Daley, President Obama’s former chief of staff. If Mr. de Blasio wants a national profile, Mr. Daley said, he should “lay out specifics for urban America that are doable, not just, ‘We want the wealthy to be taxed more so we can spend their money somehow."
I say to Daley that increasing taxes on the rich *is* specific. But yes, there is more.
The Right Wing has had its day. George W Bush was the Right Wing Christian MBA and you Republicans gave the Sunni and Shia $700 billion to patch up the failures of the Iraq war, and no Republican presidential primary candidate will address that. We're all paying for that failure.
So if the Mayor is going to that heartland, from which people are evacuating to the coasts, then maybe he'll do some good. Hilllary is as good as in, but to her camp I say that the Democratic Party is composed of voters far more intelligent than those on the Right. Don't push us around the way the Right did with its marketing of Sarah Palin. It won't work.
Yes, Hillay Clinton is far more qualified to be president than any Republican presidential hopeful, saving Lindsey Graham.
4
Daley should just shut or put up! Talk is cheap and we need some real change now.
1
"The Right Wing has had its day...."
When de Blasio starts talking about Model Cities, well you'll learn.
"the failures of the Iraq war, and no Republican presidential primary candidate will address that. We're all paying for that failure. "
What failures? Obama said he ended the war in Iraq and left it with a stable government.
When de Blasio starts talking about Model Cities, well you'll learn.
"the failures of the Iraq war, and no Republican presidential primary candidate will address that. We're all paying for that failure. "
What failures? Obama said he ended the war in Iraq and left it with a stable government.
No, Bush claimed he would nstall a,stable Iraq government. Republicans were depending on Obama to clean up their mess. He fixed their economic debacle, but fixing the neocon destabilization of the Middle East is something else. I voted for Obama in 2008. One reason is that you gave us Palin.
But I actually thought, that Afghanistan, Iraq and the economy are such a mess, let the Republicans fix their mess. The thing is that voters felt that they wanted a change. Today the Dow is nearly triple what is was, so it's a big improvement. As for the Middle Easr, maybe you'll get Jeb Bush in there and we can resume that war.
Rubio wants to have a war with Cuba. God knows what the others would do.
But I actually thought, that Afghanistan, Iraq and the economy are such a mess, let the Republicans fix their mess. The thing is that voters felt that they wanted a change. Today the Dow is nearly triple what is was, so it's a big improvement. As for the Middle Easr, maybe you'll get Jeb Bush in there and we can resume that war.
Rubio wants to have a war with Cuba. God knows what the others would do.
1
A wonderful mayor, so why not present ideas in other cities than New York?
1
Gee I don't know, how would you take it if the mayor of Des Moines came to NYC and started politicking?
2
I hope he does become "the standard-bearer of the left". He can then lead it back into its deserved obscurity in this country, hopefully forever.
The leaden rhetoric of the left and its carking negativism we hoped had vanished along with socialism around the world. But those whose hatred of their own society is inversely proportional to the health of their bank accounts will be with us forever, alas. Just as long as their political goals remain thwarted.
The leaden rhetoric of the left and its carking negativism we hoped had vanished along with socialism around the world. But those whose hatred of their own society is inversely proportional to the health of their bank accounts will be with us forever, alas. Just as long as their political goals remain thwarted.
46
It is hard to know which is more dismaying here, the incoherent nature of Longue Carabine's original comment, or that 10 people so far have found it worthy of a recommendation.
1
Bill de Blasio deserves credit for many of his initiatives including pre-kindergarten classes and cleaning up Rikers Island. But leading the nation leftward from within the sclerotic confines of the Democratic Party is a quixotic quest indeed. He needs to make better use of his energy.
Progressive voices are unlikely to have any impact within a Democratic party that has been fully bought and paid for these many years now. Is there a difference between Democrats and Republicans? Sure, although it is more a matter of aesthetics than of any great practical significance. Facing environmental collapse built on irreversibly widening disparities in wealth and power, merely holding the line will not suffice.
Far better would be for de Blasio, and other leftists to concentrate on building a genuine leftist movement outside the Democratic Party utilizing boycotts, protests, demonstrations, teach-ins and whatever new tactics we can devise.
Progressive voices are unlikely to have any impact within a Democratic party that has been fully bought and paid for these many years now. Is there a difference between Democrats and Republicans? Sure, although it is more a matter of aesthetics than of any great practical significance. Facing environmental collapse built on irreversibly widening disparities in wealth and power, merely holding the line will not suffice.
Far better would be for de Blasio, and other leftists to concentrate on building a genuine leftist movement outside the Democratic Party utilizing boycotts, protests, demonstrations, teach-ins and whatever new tactics we can devise.
3
"...the cerebral Mr. de Blasio"! He and the head of the NYC Counsel the other progressive are only looking to make NYC into a Cuba. While I not a fan of Bloomberg he was a very good manager. DeBlasio is a total failure. He doesn't support the middle class. No plan to lure or create jobs, good jobs, middle class jobs in the city. Raising the hourly pay rate for someone who flips hamburgers isn't a middle class occupation. And will never be one. He can't get at the wealth of the rich but is giving more to social programs for the poor and that leaves the middle class to pay for his re-distribution of the wealth. Businesses are leaving, property taxes, water rates, mass transit fees are all going up. But we have a municipal ID program so illegals have some semi-legitimate form of identification, why? So they can eventually vote in local elections it seems. We have a new taxpayer funded bail program so if the judge orders bail and you the alleged criminal can't afford it the taxpayer will give you the money. Why bother with bail? If it isn't your money why come back to court? I guess the taxpayer is out the cash! Yes, Mr. Mayor go to Iowa or where ever else you intend to go but please stay there the middle class in NYC can't survive your full term in office.
And I don't believe for one minute that any sane Democrat would want to hear from you or your socialist ideas.
And I don't believe for one minute that any sane Democrat would want to hear from you or your socialist ideas.
36
De Blasio is as self-aggrandizing as Rudy is.
14
I have been hoping for a long time for a more left leaning Democratic party, but I certainly don't think I would want Bill de Blasio as its leader. He seems to have plenty of trouble in NY City and doesn't need to be going out to reform the entire nation. He needs experience and humility.
After not endorsing Hillary Clinton, to whom he owes a great debt, Mr. de Blasio sounds like an ungrateful twerp.
After not endorsing Hillary Clinton, to whom he owes a great debt, Mr. de Blasio sounds like an ungrateful twerp.
12
A national move to the political left would be the best news since the invention of the wheel. Republicans, however, with unlimited money have enormous power to influence voters to vote against their self-interests. Housing, medical care, and education all of high quality and readily available... A shrinking income gap.
25
With Hillary publicly planning to raise the astronomical and record setting sum of $2.5 BILLION for her quest for power, let's drop this worn out and one-sided canard about "unlimited money" of the Repiblicans. Both sides are awash in money, despite the often hypocritical carping about Citizens United.
1
"Republicans, however, with unlimited money have enormous power to influence voters to vote against their self-interests."
Reports are that Hillary Clinton is planning on spending $2.5 billion on the 2016 campaign, more than Obama and Romney combined in 2012. And you say Republicans have unlimited money? I think all national politicians have unlimited money. Of course many would label Ms. Clinton a centrist, but I am pointing this out because you said Republicans have infinite money.
Oh by the way I am not interested in a national move to the left. I see that as un-American.
Reports are that Hillary Clinton is planning on spending $2.5 billion on the 2016 campaign, more than Obama and Romney combined in 2012. And you say Republicans have unlimited money? I think all national politicians have unlimited money. Of course many would label Ms. Clinton a centrist, but I am pointing this out because you said Republicans have infinite money.
Oh by the way I am not interested in a national move to the left. I see that as un-American.
Please stop with the condescending "voting against their self interest" meme. We are not wayward children that need the guiding hand of the Luminaries of the Left to make our way through life. The US is a center-right country, largely because most of us would rather let those who earn money keep it instead of funding wealth redistribution programs. This goes for programs that we would benefit from too, largely because we don't want a handout. This doesn't mean some level of welfare/social programs shouldn't exist; just that they should exist with a purpose beyond balancing a vague notion of "inequality".
1
de Blasio? If he wants to help the country, then shut down the rent-seeking business in NYC. Half of the US's rent seeking businesses are in NYC.
4
This is actually the last thing we need. Instead of trying to sway the people to the left, why not elect a leader that represents the centrists. We really don't need polarizing politicians especially at the national level, nor do we need a leftist Tea Party that will harm the Democratic party. The best thing de Blasio and all other politicians on the far left and right can do is remove themselves from the political scene, this way the government might actually get something done.
21
US centrists are people who don't know what to think about public policy.
Does he not get it? Raising the taxes on the "rich"? By the Obama administration's standards HE is rich. Good luck paying for those colleges your son is looking at...
30
See, it's because we in New York City have no outstanding problems in need of solutions, that permits Mayor de Blasio to head out to the wide open spaces, and tackle national issues.
The Hubris is overwhelming.
The Hubris is overwhelming.
52
As a progressive, I wish more progressives--from the White House to City Hall, and in any other place where power is exercised--understood that a prerequisite for transformative change is good old unsexy administrative excellence. The test isn't winning an argument in a Brooklyn salon or on a debate stage; it's the real change you create in the lives of constituents who probably wouldn't engage in those conversations.
It's far too soon to know whether or not Mayor de Blasio meets that standard. The optics aren't good--he needs to fix his punctuality problem--but the substance is in his housing plan, his welfare reform plan, how well pre-K serves participating children and their families. The success or failure of those policy choices ultimately will determine whether or not he merits the role in the national conversation he so clearly craves.
It's far too soon to know whether or not Mayor de Blasio meets that standard. The optics aren't good--he needs to fix his punctuality problem--but the substance is in his housing plan, his welfare reform plan, how well pre-K serves participating children and their families. The success or failure of those policy choices ultimately will determine whether or not he merits the role in the national conversation he so clearly craves.
23
It is so much easier to claim that government is inherently incompetent, and just deliver that.
1
He will never fix his punctuality problem.
He doesn't see it as a problem that needs fixing.
He doesn't see it as a problem that needs fixing.
1
Get off the puncuality issue. It's a non-issue. Why don't you try being in several places in this sprawling city in one day and see how it goes for you. This Mayor is pointed in the right direction in pushing for a progressive agenda. Quality of life issues in this city will always be a priority, but a mayor can do only so much. Ultimately it comes down to personal responsibility and consideration for our fellow citizens.
1
Before Mr. de Blasio can change the world, he has first to be master of his own domain. Waking up on time would be a good start. Punctuality may be vastly overrated, but it is amazing how the unwashed masses hate to be kept waiting.
53
Here here Mr. Mayor, at least someone is going to make Mrs. Clinton pay for the Throne.
11
De Blasio is more than a blank slate in Iowa; he is essentially a blank slate here as well. Without a basic governing stratagem, his lofty ideals, which really hark back to the 1950's or so, make him appear listless and lethargic. He comes across as a weak leader, as a bureaucrat, and dull as a thinker. He appears to be taking his cue from others in his administration, and always seems to be two steps behind them all.
I never thought I'd hear myself say this- but I miss the managerial pragmatism of Bloomberg (at least his first two terms).
I never thought I'd hear myself say this- but I miss the managerial pragmatism of Bloomberg (at least his first two terms).
16
Good God, could you imagine if the whole country became NYC or other some of the other extremely expensive liberal cities like Boston? where the vast vast majority of the city's residents live in tenant housing getting crumbs from the Democratic Party while real estate values and costs of everything soar into the stratosphere. Why is it that every liberal city is on the brink of pension insolvency through years of underfunding and "wink-wink" negotations?
Where would the rest of us middle class people who are married with kids and work in the private sector for a living go?
Thank God this country has options for all kinds of lifestyles. Please do not turn all of America into NYC. It would be a tremendous loss for all of us.
Where would the rest of us middle class people who are married with kids and work in the private sector for a living go?
Thank God this country has options for all kinds of lifestyles. Please do not turn all of America into NYC. It would be a tremendous loss for all of us.
17
That's the irony I see with leftist Democrats. They talk about "income inequality" and so on but the actual impacts of their policies in the real world prop up the "1%".
4
New York is where the most ambitious young Americans want to live.
"Thank God this country has options for all kinds of lifestyles. Please do not turn all of America into NYC."
Sorry to say liberals can offer you New York City or Detroit. If things are too expensive in NYC one can move to Detroit. Housing prices are much lower and the public schools are, well, out of this world.
Sorry to say liberals can offer you New York City or Detroit. If things are too expensive in NYC one can move to Detroit. Housing prices are much lower and the public schools are, well, out of this world.
2
I'm surprised that neither the author nor commenters have taken note of de Blasio's substantial accomplishments as Mayor in just over a year. He has rolled out an enormous, if not yet truly universal pre-K program, decriminalized possession of marijuana (now just a ticket and fine), ended Stop-and-Frisk ( a shameful, unconstitutional and racist policy), and negotiated a contract with NYC teachers (something Bloomberg was unable to accomplish during his three terms). It seems to me a great progressive record so far. I can't think of a better spokesperson for a national leftward movement.
15
Other than Pre-K he did none of those things. Marijuana was always a summons, unless burning in public view, still is. Stop and Frisk was already on the decline, Bloomberg negotiated with teachers in his first term.
Very progressive and very good unless you live here and work for a living, and cannot escape. He stinks as a mayor for the entire city. He seems to not realize where his tax base is and manages to offend them in every single thing he does. Regardless of what anyone can say about Bloomberg and we all can say bad things about him, he was a great manager and knew money and did do wonderful things for NYC. Bill just has no skills, either politically to get money behind him to support the city or personality-wise to get people who are not getting freebies behind him. Only ones I know who think he is great are being excused for their criminal behavior or getting monetary subsidies. NYC is in a dark place for the next 5 yrs. I sincerely hope Nebraska and Iowa have more since than the dummies who elected him here
1
I know little about de Blasio, essentially just what I read in the Times. Whether he is a man of genuine substance with the political skills and awareness necessary to succeed in Washington is something I have no opinion on. However, we should remember that at this point in 1991 , essentially nobody outside of Arkansas had ever heard of Bill Clinton.
An outsider with charisma, an aura of credibility, and the appearance of humility combined with a self-confident grand vision can come out of "nowhere" quickly to capture much of the electorate. At this point, few Americans without direct skin in the game as pundit, pol, or lobbyist are paying attention to the race except as an entertainment curiosity.
An outsider with charisma, an aura of credibility, and the appearance of humility combined with a self-confident grand vision can come out of "nowhere" quickly to capture much of the electorate. At this point, few Americans without direct skin in the game as pundit, pol, or lobbyist are paying attention to the race except as an entertainment curiosity.
6
Bill Clinton was no leftist.
We don't need leftists and we don't need rightists. We need centrists. Sure, one will lean to the right of center, or the left; so be it; but "standard-bearers of the Left", may they forever lead their minions offstage.
We don't need leftists and we don't need rightists. We need centrists. Sure, one will lean to the right of center, or the left; so be it; but "standard-bearers of the Left", may they forever lead their minions offstage.
Yes, I'd love to have deBlasio preach progressivism.
In fact, he can start with the uber-Orthodox of New York and wise them up as to the difference between a democracy and a theocracy.
Why head for Nebraska when the need is right at home?
In fact, he can start with the uber-Orthodox of New York and wise them up as to the difference between a democracy and a theocracy.
Why head for Nebraska when the need is right at home?
5
There isn't a politician in America who doesn't pay undue respect to religion and all the preposterous cliaims to know what God thinks.
1
There will be no such conversation with the ultra-Orthodox, just as there will never be a come-to-Jesus conversation with Christian theocrats by anyone in the GOP.
They need their (regular and reliable) votes.
They need their (regular and reliable) votes.
To think a guy who was elected, in part, because he supported banning all horse carriages in Central Park (special interest money) is going to lead a populist movement is laughable. He had not really accomplished anything concrete except for liberal posturing and highlighting the fact that he is married to a black woman. He will be lucky to win a second term!
14
Finally some good news for Republicans running for President.
10
Although Mr. De Blasio inherited a well-run metropolis, he has a lot of work to do here in New York City. He can't coast forever.
He needs to figure out how to keep guns off the streets, for one thing. We're awash in them. If he doesn't like stop and frisk, then he needs to do something else. In Flatbush, we've had more armed robberies of people and of businesses in the last year than in the last several years combined.
Fast cars blasting their radios race past my window at all hours, and even now as I write. Sometimes these people are merely inconsiderate, sometimes they're drug dealers advertising their wares. I've seen plenty of deals made on the street, and so have my neighbors.
And de Blasio's hoping for a turn to the left? I don't even know what that means. If it means what I see on my block, then even this liberal has had more than enough.
As for his wait-and-see attitude towards Mrs. Clinton -- well gosh, he does think he's something now.
He needs to figure out how to keep guns off the streets, for one thing. We're awash in them. If he doesn't like stop and frisk, then he needs to do something else. In Flatbush, we've had more armed robberies of people and of businesses in the last year than in the last several years combined.
Fast cars blasting their radios race past my window at all hours, and even now as I write. Sometimes these people are merely inconsiderate, sometimes they're drug dealers advertising their wares. I've seen plenty of deals made on the street, and so have my neighbors.
And de Blasio's hoping for a turn to the left? I don't even know what that means. If it means what I see on my block, then even this liberal has had more than enough.
As for his wait-and-see attitude towards Mrs. Clinton -- well gosh, he does think he's something now.
86
Exactly, how dare he think for himself?
1
Ah, but that's the thing. What kind of thinking is Mr. de Blasio doing, really?
Mr. de Blasio worked for Mrs. Clinton, Mrs. Clinton helped him get elected, and now he claims that he doesn't know her positions on issues.
Obviously, he's thinking hard. About himself.
Mr. de Blasio worked for Mrs. Clinton, Mrs. Clinton helped him get elected, and now he claims that he doesn't know her positions on issues.
Obviously, he's thinking hard. About himself.
This is a man who wants to build 10,000 units of affordable housing over a rail platform in Sunnyside. Where does the money come from?. And the residents will need to use the #7 train, where the riders are already packed in like sardines at rush hour.
Sorry, but anyone who makes such a ridiculous proposal is not qualified to lead any movement.
Sorry, but anyone who makes such a ridiculous proposal is not qualified to lead any movement.
23
Mr deBlazio can barely manage his own city in his short time as mayor. Mr Bloomberg had great vision for the city and is thought of as a brilliant city planner in London, the world's other great city where he resides. After Mr de Blazio's the gift of raises to city union workers to get elected, he hasn't done anything but breed the contempt of the NYC police force. He ain't no leader for sure.
11
If there is a God, Bill will take up the mantle of Progressive standard bearer and spend the next eighteen months on the hustings in support of that agenda.
New York will no doubt be better off without him, and the rest of the country will have the opportunity to make Washington a one party town.
Go, Bill, go. Please.
New York will no doubt be better off without him, and the rest of the country will have the opportunity to make Washington a one party town.
Go, Bill, go. Please.
10
OMG. A 'national shift to the left'?
At least he's honest about his intentions as a socialist, a naive idealist and as a sanctimonious finger-wagger. Along with Elizabeth Warren, he has at least the honesty to signal to the world what a foolish demagogue he truly is.
De Blasio and others like him will lose millions of votes for Democrats in the elections of 2016. He will make clear where the Democrat Party is going. Thank goodness he and your other fine liberal/progressive candidates will fail in the end.
And so will the Democrat Party.
At least he's honest about his intentions as a socialist, a naive idealist and as a sanctimonious finger-wagger. Along with Elizabeth Warren, he has at least the honesty to signal to the world what a foolish demagogue he truly is.
De Blasio and others like him will lose millions of votes for Democrats in the elections of 2016. He will make clear where the Democrat Party is going. Thank goodness he and your other fine liberal/progressive candidates will fail in the end.
And so will the Democrat Party.
12
Has anyone told him that his day job is to take care of New York? I, for one, am happy to think of him as a "one term wonder". He seems to be much more interested in cultivating a nation-wide profile than actually making NYC a safe and comfortable place to live. Good riddance.
15
"He seems to be much more interested in cultivating a nation-wide profile than actually making NYC a safe and comfortable place to live. Good riddance."
You're absolutely right. De Blasio is the Chris Christie of New York City: a self-promoter with national aspirations.
You're absolutely right. De Blasio is the Chris Christie of New York City: a self-promoter with national aspirations.
1
If they had elected Christine Quinn like they should have, she'd have been solving NY problems, not looking to lead some national movement. And I don't think movements help. I want problems solved, not ideologies turned into crusades. That's why conservatism is such a failure. It's more concerned with own ism than doing what needs to be done.
7
If you want to be the head of a progressive movement, don't get photographed with a grinning Rob Speyer. The mayor can't get a stick of affordable housing built in his own city and he expects people to follow his agenda? Crime rising, Rikers Island a mess. Get serious and grow up!!
4
I guess you can't oppose the inevitable. The gall of Mayor de Blasio.
7
If DeBlasio wants to earn his progressive cred, he should be staying in New York every single day until he is sure beyond a shadow of a doubt that inmates at Riker's are being treated properly.
5
Good luck, Mr. de Blasio. As you travel around America, you'll find that the only dullards who still want more government are Liberals in big cities. The rest of us out here in the real world, have had quite enough. How quickly Liberals have forgotten their total repudiation last November. No matter how bad it gets for them, the message will always be lost. They'll continue to believe voters rejected them because they their policies weren't Liberal ENOUGH. Go figure.
28
The era with the greatest prosperity for the majority of the people in our great country was from the end of WWII to 1980, when government served the popular interest, rather than the interests of a few wealthy people like it does today.
With a strong government and popular support, we could have:
1. National health care (so that our employment isn't tied to our health care, and also to allow business to be more competitive without having to worry about the health care of its workers).
2. Universal fiber internet access (like we once had universal dial tone, thanks to government regulation).
3. An infrastructure that serves the average citizen (high speed public transportation.
4. 1/2 the military spending of today (our military spending is one of the causes of our deficit)
5. Nationwide solar power (decrease our dependence on oil, improve our atmosphere)
6. Publicly funded elections.
7. 30 days a year of paid time off for workers.
To name just a few improvements.
With a strong government and popular support, we could have:
1. National health care (so that our employment isn't tied to our health care, and also to allow business to be more competitive without having to worry about the health care of its workers).
2. Universal fiber internet access (like we once had universal dial tone, thanks to government regulation).
3. An infrastructure that serves the average citizen (high speed public transportation.
4. 1/2 the military spending of today (our military spending is one of the causes of our deficit)
5. Nationwide solar power (decrease our dependence on oil, improve our atmosphere)
6. Publicly funded elections.
7. 30 days a year of paid time off for workers.
To name just a few improvements.
5
@JS...we now spend more on Welfare than national defense We can all disagree on the appropriate amount of defense spending--but spending 17% of our budget on welfare programs is evidence of how badly Liberalism has hurt this country.
3
That's a picture you paint through rose colored glasses. The fact is much of the prosperity post-WW2 came about because the USA was the only industrial nation that was not bombed to ashes. With no global competition, no wonder US industry was so dominant and everyone had jobs. Well that's changed, with Japan offering serious competition by the 1970s, and its never going back to that we certainly hope. But more to the point the US boomed during the 1980s. I lived through these periods so saying things were so great in the 1970s when inflation was 14% and interest rates were 18%, compared to the 1980s when 25 million jobs were created, taxes were lowered, inflation was brought under control and national pride was much higher, is absurd. Your list of proposals ranges to those with some merit to ridiculous. I don't want a national dial tone for my interenet access - it works already without government regulation. If we cut military spending by half when Russia is on the move, China is on the rise, Iran is going nuclear and ISIS is creating a caliphate, that would be tantamount to suicide. National solar power is not practical and large scale solar kills many birds.
Stay at home and fix New York first before offering your opinion on how to solve the nation's problems. With skyrocketing property taxes, a failure of a pensions system (no income in the last ten years), underfunded initiatives, cozy deals with real estate developers, and court systems that keep people in jail for four years before a trial -- Bill has plenty to fix at home. He has made many convenient deals (421a support while saddling middle-income taxpayers with the real estate taxes for billionaires -- so he can say he is providing affordable housing) while saying -- tax the rich. We need proof that he can solve problems before offering advice.
32
This mayor can barely remove snow from the streets and it has taken him a year to build a bus stop, Hillary Clinton would be wise to distance herself from him.
51
He must be joking. He's barely able to run the city, and not even doing so well on advancing his progressive agenda here. He's already had his leg's cut out from under him by Cuomo on Charter schools and raising taxes to pay for pre-K. No one is looking to DiBlasio for policy guidance outside of NYC. And hardly any one here. He'd better focus on the here and now before its too late.
As for endorsing Hillary, he's not getting good advice. He made a mistake by not endorsing her. Probably because of this silly notion that he's a progressive leader. She doesn't really need his endorsement anyway (remember, no one cares about him outside NYC, and barely half the people here). But no one wants to be asked to the dance only because no one better came along. Even if he endorses later, win or lose, the slight will not be forgotten. They will still be influential in NY even if she loses. There will be another mayoral election before DiBlasio has a chance at any national aspirations. Do you think he will get Clinton's endorsement now? So which is more important, DiBlasio's endorsement of Hillary for President or Clinton's endorsement of DiBlasio for Mayor? At this point, he'd better endorse someone else and then pray that his candidate wins. On his way to national progressive leader, he may have just crossed the Hudson and burnt his bridge behind him.
As for endorsing Hillary, he's not getting good advice. He made a mistake by not endorsing her. Probably because of this silly notion that he's a progressive leader. She doesn't really need his endorsement anyway (remember, no one cares about him outside NYC, and barely half the people here). But no one wants to be asked to the dance only because no one better came along. Even if he endorses later, win or lose, the slight will not be forgotten. They will still be influential in NY even if she loses. There will be another mayoral election before DiBlasio has a chance at any national aspirations. Do you think he will get Clinton's endorsement now? So which is more important, DiBlasio's endorsement of Hillary for President or Clinton's endorsement of DiBlasio for Mayor? At this point, he'd better endorse someone else and then pray that his candidate wins. On his way to national progressive leader, he may have just crossed the Hudson and burnt his bridge behind him.
20
Why should he endorse her simply because "others" have? If she jumped off a bridge would he also have to do that? Your argument that he will be punished later in his career by Hillary for not endorsing her immediately, not getting in line with the other toadies, is a perfect example of why we have the candidates and government that we do.
What is wrong with waiting until one hears the candidate put forth their agendas, plans and programs before endorsing them? I only wish there were more candidates to compare before anyone endorses anyone. The mayor is not being political; he is being thoughtful.
What is wrong with waiting until one hears the candidate put forth their agendas, plans and programs before endorsing them? I only wish there were more candidates to compare before anyone endorses anyone. The mayor is not being political; he is being thoughtful.
3
I love the mayor's broad philosophy of ethnic and racial inclusiveness. Who could not? But one has to look back on Bloomberg's record of creative reform, non-partisan appointments, and incremental managerial improvements in the way the city is run, and ask hard questions about what de Blasio is all about. To me, he is leaping into Gary Hart waters without a paddle.
61
I don't care what any New York City lefty has to say, whether that be a mayor or a failed Secretary of State. He should concentrate on running his own city and leave us alone.
33
Before he tackles this worthy challenge, he needs to get the 6 train to run on time; stop with the delays already.
9
The subway is the responsibility of the governor.
2
Didn't realize the state agency that runs the subways fell under the mayor's jurisdiction
4
Perhaps he could get the 6 train to run on time if he was in charge of the MTA. Governor Cuomo is the one in charge. Remember him, the man who shut down the trains before a snowstorm this last winter, and gave DeBlasio 10 minutes notice. You have complaints about the MTA, you should talk to Cuomo.
4
Didn't DeBlasio support candidates in Upstate New York and they all lost? Is he more interested in brandishing himsel rather than helping the Democrats win in 2016? I may also be a liberal New Yorker, but I don't think that we're the most effective people to lecture those outside of our city.
10
I think the Mayor has performed a public service to the nation in not immediately endorsing Senator Clinton. What I heard so far from her camp is that she is on a listening tour and therefore has yet to actually come out with any specifics about just what ideas she has to actually improve the lives of those citizens who do not enjoy the quality of life she and her family now enjoy. If she was Elizabeth Warren I would feel a lot more comfortable in a quick endorsement as she tells us in no uncertain terms exactly what she would do if she were to win the Presidency. Hilary, not so much.
While I totally endorse the democratic side of almost any argument these weak democrats that have allowed way too many issues to be watered down and allowed policies to be put into place that have only further eroded the middle class are really just DINOs, (Democrat in name only- think Max Baucus).
I think the Mayor is setting a good example that others should pay attention to. Let's wait until she at least gives us a vision!
While I totally endorse the democratic side of almost any argument these weak democrats that have allowed way too many issues to be watered down and allowed policies to be put into place that have only further eroded the middle class are really just DINOs, (Democrat in name only- think Max Baucus).
I think the Mayor is setting a good example that others should pay attention to. Let's wait until she at least gives us a vision!
50
Mayor de Blasio is a giant failure who has not moved NYC forward. Please stay in NYC.
40
Don't worry...I'm sure he's not interested in going to Arizona.
1
We don't want him here in NYC. Can he at least retire in AZ?
1
Coronations are not democratic.
I find it a bit perplexing, to be nice, that the 2 minute video Ms. Clinton posted led up to her saying, "I'm hitting the road to earn your vote, and I hope you'll join me on this journey." Did the Democratic talking heads even listen to what she said? Apparently, Mayor de Blasio did. He's ready to listen. He's not ready to anoint. We don't do that in America.
The progressive movement is well underway. Consider us the true silent moral majority. And I'm proud that my mayor gets it, even if the Democratic party establishment doesn't.
That being said, I loved Hillary's announcement video. I still can't get over the diversity everywhere in her 2 minute video - like no other.
Nice, Ms. Clinton. Nice. I'm ready to listen too.
I find it a bit perplexing, to be nice, that the 2 minute video Ms. Clinton posted led up to her saying, "I'm hitting the road to earn your vote, and I hope you'll join me on this journey." Did the Democratic talking heads even listen to what she said? Apparently, Mayor de Blasio did. He's ready to listen. He's not ready to anoint. We don't do that in America.
The progressive movement is well underway. Consider us the true silent moral majority. And I'm proud that my mayor gets it, even if the Democratic party establishment doesn't.
That being said, I loved Hillary's announcement video. I still can't get over the diversity everywhere in her 2 minute video - like no other.
Nice, Ms. Clinton. Nice. I'm ready to listen too.
17
"The progressive movement is well underway. Consider us the true silent moral majority. "
You're a dreamer. Silent majority? No way. Now the majority are certainly not tea party right wingers, but the progressive movement, like the tea party, represents a minority viewpoint representing maybe 10-20% of the population. Sure, some progressive ideas get traction. But that doesn't mean the rest of us want your entire agenda or "movement".
You're a dreamer. Silent majority? No way. Now the majority are certainly not tea party right wingers, but the progressive movement, like the tea party, represents a minority viewpoint representing maybe 10-20% of the population. Sure, some progressive ideas get traction. But that doesn't mean the rest of us want your entire agenda or "movement".
2
Nice to hear the "American Left" called out at all! The American left needs to become clearer and more radical in itself; It needs to help America (and the world) redefine new systems of economy, energy and governance as we move into uncharted territory in relationship to climate change. We need leaders who offer vision from an interdependent relationship with the natural world. If it needs a "standard-bearer" (in addition to effective voices and collaboratives), de Blasio could perhaps become a worthy one. But everyone currently operating in the political sector still has a long way to go to acknowledge the profound challenges we face, and to begin to turn the ship appropriately.
15
From the article: "“He’s a blank slate,” Mr. [Jeff] Link added, “which gives him the opportunity to fill that in.”
Apparently, Mr. Link doesn't read much New York City area political news. Mr. de Blasio is hardly a blank slate. Unfortunately, for the progressive movement, he is one of the most incompetent politicians attempting to make a national-level name for himself. His arrogant populist idealism continues to blindly propel him into political battles he is not remotely capable of winning, such as those with his own governor, Andrew Cuomo, who regularly dismisses Mr. de Blasio's efforts, which seems not to faze Mr. de Blasio in the least.
Mr. de Blasio's aides and consultants should school him in Politics 101, which says you build your coalitions before going into battle, not afterwards, and you let politicians with more clout than you have know ahead of time what your plans are as a courtesy to them, and so you can attempt to work with them first.
Mayor de Blasio is on-record saying that Hillary Clinton could be the progressive standard bearer for the Democratic party. He said this long before she declared her candidacy. Now he is opposing her run. Political maneuvering doesn't get more bullheadedly stupid than this. If you compare her level of political organization, money, and influence to that of Mr. de Blasio's, wisdom says he needs to work with her, not come out against her. He once DID work for Ms. Clinton during her 2008 campaign. This man is clueless.
26
Mr. Little: You make some fine points regarding political strategy. However, you have obviously not seen or read De Blasio's actual comments regarding Hillary's run for President. He is not "opposing" her run. Far from it. He merely said he is withholding a proper endorsement until he sees the specifics of her platform. Seems reasonable enough not to rubber-stamp a candidacy before a platform is defined, as would a typically old-school crony. Also, we have yet to see who will run against her. Perhaps he's hoping for a better choice.
I identify as left-wing/progressive and so, I guess, am supposed to be excited.
But Di Blasio's national progressive program, at least as described here by the Times (and sometimes I suspect the Times, like most news outlets, turns gossip into news stories) strikes me as naive. He still needs to prove to New Yorkers that he can run New York City, rather than stretching his wings and spreading empty rhetoric nationwide. He should hunker down and work on creating equality HERE first, and then he will have something to brag about to the rest of the country. He needs to EARN the right to lead a national movement.
I have a lot of problems with Hillary, but one thing that always has and continues to impress me is that, despite her fame, she hunkered down and served well as a Senator from New York and then learned the job of Secretary of State and poured herself into it. She has paid her dues to get to the position she is in right now. Mayor Di Blasio should do the same, or else he could risk looking like an arrogant male.
Mayor Di Blasio, be wise, be humble, prove yourself here at home first.
But Di Blasio's national progressive program, at least as described here by the Times (and sometimes I suspect the Times, like most news outlets, turns gossip into news stories) strikes me as naive. He still needs to prove to New Yorkers that he can run New York City, rather than stretching his wings and spreading empty rhetoric nationwide. He should hunker down and work on creating equality HERE first, and then he will have something to brag about to the rest of the country. He needs to EARN the right to lead a national movement.
I have a lot of problems with Hillary, but one thing that always has and continues to impress me is that, despite her fame, she hunkered down and served well as a Senator from New York and then learned the job of Secretary of State and poured herself into it. She has paid her dues to get to the position she is in right now. Mayor Di Blasio should do the same, or else he could risk looking like an arrogant male.
Mayor Di Blasio, be wise, be humble, prove yourself here at home first.
54
Hillary is a crook, a liar, a cheat, and a doormat. She not only accomplished nothing whatsoever as Senator and Secretary of State - only served to "keep the bench warm". She has no experience and no qualifications.
Hillary got fired from the Watergate Investigation team.
I do wish, though, that it would be great if Hilliary could teach all of us how to make $100,000 trading cattle futures, a complicated, tricky subject that she knew nothing about, without getting arrested. Try answering that one alone.
Hillary got fired from the Watergate Investigation team.
I do wish, though, that it would be great if Hilliary could teach all of us how to make $100,000 trading cattle futures, a complicated, tricky subject that she knew nothing about, without getting arrested. Try answering that one alone.
4
Suzanne, Aside from being Bill Clinton's wife, what precisely did she accomplish as First Lady (with her responsibility to deliver a national health insurance plan), and as Senator and Secretary of State. Having held positions due to whom she married is not the same as accomplishments.
3
"despite her fame, she hunkered down and served well as a Senator from New York and then learned the job of Secretary of State and poured herself into it. She has paid her dues to get to the position she is in right now."
Oh boy I bet that was tough, "despite her fame" having to take a carpet bagger position in the Senate. Paid her dues? How? I give her credit for being secretary state, but Condi Rice was secretary of state. Not sure that does much for me.
Oh boy I bet that was tough, "despite her fame" having to take a carpet bagger position in the Senate. Paid her dues? How? I give her credit for being secretary state, but Condi Rice was secretary of state. Not sure that does much for me.
4
To lead a move to the left in...Nebraska? Rather unlikely. And Iowa too? Isn't Iowa where presidential hopefuls show up right about now? Looks like a stealth 'how does it feel' trip to gauge opportunity for something larger than Mayor of New York.
8
Since it doesn't get reported in this paper, I'll answer your question. Yes, this is where presidential hopefuls show up. In fact in the past couple weeks we have hosted several republicans and Martin O'Malley and Jim Webb from the Democrats. Webb is awesome.
6
Pretty brave of de Blasio to venture out of the bubble and that far into flyover land. For a Yankee whose view of the US is probably much like the proverbial New Yorker cover it should be a fascinating experience for him. Probably somewhere between going to a foreign country and going to another planet. Because, of course, de Blasio lives on a different planet than many.
13
Neither of them have made a school better, fought for a higher wages or said no to a corporation's selfish ambitions. All black pots and kettles. We're looking further left.
3
Go Mayor de Blasio! Let him speak and be heard. What are the critics afraid of? We badly need more political free speech, more speakers, more ideas, and a much broader spectrum of options. This is so refreshing!
69
As someone who lives in Northern California, a progressive bastion if there ever was one, I sense that there is a fair amount of fatigue with the Democrats. People are quite concerned about traditional progressive issues like inequality and the environment, but increasingly disillusioned that Democrats are anything but crony capitalists and builders of creaky bureaucracies.
The progressive agenda needs a reboot for sure. Not sure De Blasio is the guy.
The progressive agenda needs a reboot for sure. Not sure De Blasio is the guy.
111
Um, no. The "environment" polls dead last in every poll about what issues voters care about.
7
Define progressive. What is progress? Is the society of the USA progressing and if so relative to what and when, how and in what manifestation?
I believe there is no such reality as progress or progressive. Charting the human endeavor and enterprise since the advent of sedentary agriculture ~12,000 to ~10,000 years before present the history of h. sapien is a slow closing arc of increasing population, increasing wastage of the biogeosphere, and a gaining decrease in our collective ability to acknowledge and act upon the future in plain sight.
I believe there is no such reality as progress or progressive. Charting the human endeavor and enterprise since the advent of sedentary agriculture ~12,000 to ~10,000 years before present the history of h. sapien is a slow closing arc of increasing population, increasing wastage of the biogeosphere, and a gaining decrease in our collective ability to acknowledge and act upon the future in plain sight.
4
Northern Californians, and Democrats across the nation, should be shy about proclaiming liberal bona fides when we keep electing representatives who ignore or even abet unconstitutional government surveillance, civil asset forfeitures, police corruption and violence, and cronyism. To paraphrase John Prine, "That Democrat bumper sticker won't get you into heaven any more."
Progressivism for the flyover folks, a police state for the rich back home. In New York, Mayor de Blasio folded in the face of a police mutiny over his anti-police brutality stance.
6
"First, however, the cerebral Mr. de Blasio will have to overcome a less lofty problem..." Like proving he's competent. He's got a big job. Let's see him actually do it.
It's a shame liberals aren't more interested in bottom line measurable results. They seem to always get swept away by their own ideas.
It's a shame liberals aren't more interested in bottom line measurable results. They seem to always get swept away by their own ideas.
26
Right ... to look for people who are interested in measurable results, rather than being swept away by their own ideas, we should look to the Republicans?
2
Since his early days in Brooklyn local school politics, "Wilhelm" de Blasio has been a camera hog and an empty suit. Not quite my ideal as the progressive's choice.
66
You have it wrong. He was born Warren Wilhelm. Somewhere along the line he realized that the name Bill de Blasio was a lot cooler than Warren Wilhelm.
1
Yo Billy de B you were elected to be Mayor of New York City not to engage in a self aggrandizing leadership of some sort of national cause, we could care less -do the job the taxpayers of this city are paying you to do.
74
Tell that to the likes of Cuomo and Christie...
2
'First, however, the cerebral Mr. de Blasio will have to overcome a less lofty problem..." How about one like running NYC correctly.
48
Cerebral? Man, you have a low bar.
10
It's bad enough that de Blasio is in NYC, but please stay there! We're not a nation built on socialism nor do the rest of us in flyover country want to be.
30
How many "socialists" take campaign contributions from big business, are friendly with real estate moguls and bankers, and don't say a word against the sainted American "free enterprise" system? Only in America is someone a few degrees to the left of a center-right politician like Hillary Clinton deemed a revolutionary or a hippie.
It might help if folks learned the meaning of the word, and who the real freeloaders are in this country, before throwing around "socialist" like a deadly insult.
It might help if folks learned the meaning of the word, and who the real freeloaders are in this country, before throwing around "socialist" like a deadly insult.
17
Mayor de Blasio should focus on the problems in NYC. The voters deserve that much.
126
It's a good thing that someone is not endorsing Mrs. Clinton. She needs to earn a nomination for the presidency of the United States not receive it as a right. I will vote for the person the Democrats nominate - I don't want any more Republicans in office - but a bit of internal populist opposition is a good thing.
99
Also good if he is one of those who push her to the left.
3
Who is paying for these trips? I hope it's not the NYC taxpayers.
66
Obama, Clinton, RINOS, and the rest of their Liberal ilk have been addressing income inequality for years.
Illegals are welcomed into the country by the DC Crowd, thereby increasing competition for scarce jobs which results in downward pressure on wages.
See? It is manifestly obvious: Income Inequality is being addressed. Liberals, in particular, are encouraging the conditions that enable it to grow!