Obama is lending NYC Mayor candidate his playbook to win — including his endorsement, his staff, and his rhetoric.
Obama recently and heartily endorsed Mr. de Blasio, which comes a couple of weeks after his win in the Democrat primary against 8 other candidates.
De Blasio’s campaign released a statement noting Obama’s endorsement; Obama remarked, “Progressive change is the centerpiece of Bill de Blasio’s vision for New York City”, which would make him a “great mayor”. De Blasio spoke to this effect, describing how “On health care, tax fairness or the economy, the president is no stranger to addressing big problems with big ideas and big solutions. I will emulate the example he has set, and if elected I stand eager to work with him on an urban agenda that grows prosperity for all.”bb
According to the NYT, Obama is lending not only his name, but also his powerhouse consultants. “Several veterans of Mr. Obama’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns are now senior campaign advisers to Mr. de Blasio, including Mr. de Blasio’s campaign manager, Bill Hyers, and John Del Cecato, who has been most responsible for his commercials”. This will be a difficult obstacle for Joe Lhota to overcome along with the Obama endorsement — especially in light of the fact that Bloomberg, a marginal Republican and mayor for the past 12 years — as refused to endorse anyone in the race.
Most notably, De Blasio is using language that echos much of the phrases preferred by President Obama. De Blasio describes himself as ““a consistent progressive with a very strong activist worldview and someone who wants to make substantial change in this city.”. (sounds a lot like community organizer, eh?).
He has also spoken of his plans regarding “fighting inequality and economic injustice.” Sounds very much like “pay their fair share” policies.
So if New Yorkers want NYC to be a microcosm of our current government style and economy, De Blasio is their candidate. He is very open about modeling himself after Obama.