Obama Endorses De Blasio In NYC Mayoral Race

[ProSense]

Obama Endorses De Blasio In NYC Mayoral Race

Now that the Democratic primary fight is over, President Barack Obama is taking sides in the New York City mayor's race and backing Public Advocate Bill de Blasio.

“Progressive change is the centerpiece of Bill de Blasio's vision for New York City, and it's why he will be a great mayor of America's largest city," Obama said in a statement released Monday morning by the de Blasio campaign. "Whether it’s ensuring pre-kindergarten is available for every four-year old, expanding after-school programs for every middle school student who wants and needs them, making affordable housing available for more New York families and preserving community hospitals, Bill's agenda for New York is marked by bold, courageous ideas that address the great challenges of our time."

President Obama also endorsed the Democratic candidate in New York's 2009 mayoral election, albeit through spokesman Robert Gibbs.

De Blasio, who is currently enjoying a wide lead over Republican Joe Lhota in the polls, said he was honored to receive Obama's endorsement ahead of the general election Nov. 5.

"I am deeply honored by President Obama’s endorsement," said de Blasio in a statement. "If I am fortunate to earn the trust of the people of New York on November 5th, I will work every day to advance our shared value of making sure everyone has a fair shot. 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."

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/obama-endorses-de-blasio-in-nyc-mayoral-race

[rug]

1. That was easy.

[DevonRex]

3. So this wouldn't count in your 21% approval of Obama, right?

Because it was easy.

[rug]

7. How many points should he get for a no-brainer?

And I am flattered that you are so attentive to my poll votes.

[DevonRex]

9. A person who does the right thing all the time would get a 0% approval from you.

[rug]

10. And one who doesn't gets 100% from you.

[DevonRex]

11. No, I give the person who DOES the right thing approval points.

You don't because it's a "no brainer." Or is it just President Obama that you use that method for?

[rug]

12. No, I don't. It would have been more meaningful had he endorsed before the primary.

He would have as easily endorsed Liu had he won the primary.

[DevonRex]

13. But why would he butt in at that level? NY Democrats

aren't novices. They're involved and well educated on the issues. NYC has a very vocal and active primary season, with debates and all sorts of events where the candidates get their voices heard and their messages out. It's even national news.

The primary was decided on the issues. Now, for the General, President Obama has thrown the weight of his endorsement behind the Democratic candidate. His endorsement can help him win over the Republican. That is where the endorsement is needed.

NOT in the primaries. NYC picked the candidate they wanted, not Barack Obama. You don't like Barack Obama. I would have thought you'd be happy he didn't stick his nose in the primary and influence who was chosen. If he had, you'd be complaining. I guarantee it.

[rug]

14. Hence, he simply endorsed whoever won. Easy peasy.

There is no great political move here.

[DevonRex]

15. And he helps him defeat the Republican. And NYC Dems chose their own candidate.

Without undue influence from the WH. WTF do you NOT understand about that is the way it's SUPPOSED TO WORK???

[adirondacker]

16. Not always...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/bill-clinton-endorses-joe_b_25706.html

[DevonRex]

17. Bill wasn't President then. Plus, he fucked it up for all of us.

Lieberman was a snake and Bill knew it. Sure enough, Lieberman switched parties and got in despite the Democrats choosing Ned Lamont. If it weren't for Bill, Ned Lamont would be in there for his second term. I like Chris Murphy, the guy who's got the office now but we had to endure 6 years of Lieberman to get to him. And it just wasn't right what happened to Ned.

[rug]

18. When DiBlasio wins it will have litte to do with the POTUS.

Get his kudos elsewhere.

[DevonRex]

19. Excuse #1,000,000 not to give President Obama a nod for one goddamned thing.

And don't pretend otherwise. You butted in with snark in this thread for no other reason than to be a downer. You know it. I know it. Anybody w/a brain knows it. I didn't mind wasting a few minutes getting down to brass tacks. Yeah, he won't get jack shit from you. Ever. We ALL know that. Next time just post dot dot dot. We'll know it is a negative comment. No need to worry your head thinking one up.

[rug]

20. Sorry to rain on your parade but that was no more than a pro forma statement.

Feel free to puff it up though.

[DevonRex]

2. He endorsed him for NYC Public Advocate in 2009, too.

He's just the kind of community organizer President Obama respects.

[sheshe2]

4. Best line...

I stand eager to work with him on an urban agenda that grows prosperity for all."

Kick!

[Jefferson23]

5. I hope this guy wins. n/t

[William769]

6. Kick & recommended.

[Scurrilous]

8. K & R

[Number23]

21. Yeah! Everything I've heard about de Blasio has been great.

And de Blasio's response to the President was gracious and well informed.