Mayor Bill de Blasio Knew He Had to Be the Main Event

Ester Fuchs is a professor of political science and public affairs at Columbia University.

Updated January 3, 2014, 10:35 AM

Jan. 1, 2014 was Mayor Bill de Blasio’s day. And not surprisingly, he stayed on message, focusing his inaugural speech on the income inequality agenda he articulated so effectively during the campaign. With a podium packed with political dignitaries, each with their own political trademark, de Blasio needed to remind the audience that he was the main event.

De Blasio needed to create a sense of urgency, even a crisis. His remarks were designed to show that the new mayor was strong and in charge.

De Blasio effectively dispensed with his thank yous early in the speech. The one to Mayor Michael Bloomberg was more positive than anything he had said in the campaign. De Blasio singled out environmental protection and public health as a “noble legacy,” and pledged to continue the great progress made in these “critically important areas.”

While other speakers were harsh -- and often inaccurate -- in their criticisms of Bloomberg, de Blasio’s critique of the Bloomberg legacy was consistent with his campaign rhetoric. “When I said we would take dead aim at the Tale of Two Cities, I meant it. And we will do it. I will honor the faith and trust you have placed in me,” he said.

De Blasio needed to create a sense of urgency, even a crisis. His remarks were designed to show that the new mayor was strong and in charge. By reaffirming his campaign promises, de Blasio was making sure that his supporters knew that they could trust him to govern.

The one wild card in the carefully choreographed day was Public Advocate Letitia James’ fiery, unapologetic and proudly liberal speech, which almost upstaged the mayor. And if we didn’t hear anything James said we were sure to get her message with the appearance of homeless Desani Coates, of New York Times fame, at her side during the swearing in.

Do I think Bloomberg’s feelings were hurt by de Blasio’s mild criticisms or James’ harsh attacks? No. I think he was more amused by the reporters who were suddenly worried about being fair to Michael Bloomberg -- the very same reporters who only weeks ago portrayed the “billionaire mayor” in the most unflattering way. I am sure the former mayor was thinking, “Good luck Bill! These guys are now your problem!”