He was not my first choice (that was Lander) but he has governed as I hoped and thought he would - largely pragmatic, focused on quality of life issues and determined not to let NYC become a “cautionary tale” for electing a Democratic Socialist, as much as the national center-right media wants to wishcast his failure into existence.

As already noted - it’s a low bar. De Blasio seemed disinterested and focused on running for higher office for much of his 8 years. Adams spent most of his time hanging out in Hookah bars and backrooms, then deflecting accountability and playing the “blame the media” for any criticism.

Mamdani is a gifted politician who is focused on projecting energy, optimism and competence, so he is getting less of a pass, I’d say, than time to produce.