Even with the corruption clouds that hover above him, the dismal ballot numbers and the dwindling marketing campaign {dollars}, Mayor Adams, who’s waging an uphill battle for re-election, might nonetheless stroll away a winner.
The important thing phrase there may be “walk away.”
In keeping with experiences, Adams, the charismatic mayor of the nation’s largest metropolis is contemplating doing simply that, strolling away from the place he spent his entire life attempting to realize.
“Serving New Yorkers as their mayor is the only job I’ve ever wanted. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made lowering crime, improving schools, building housing, and cutting costs for working families — and I remain the best person to lead this city forward,” Adams mentioned in a press release.
“While I will always listen if called to serve our country, no formal offers have been made. I am still running for reelection, and my full focus is on the safety and quality of life of every New Yorker.”
The “serve our country” line was a reference to rumors that President Trump may supply Adams a job in his administration to get him out of the mayor’s race and clear the sector for a single candidate to problem the Democratic entrance runner, Zohran Mamdani in November’s common election.
The job Trump is reportedly dangling in entrance of Adams? Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
And, should you don’t assume Adams and the Center East oil producing nation are a match made in political heaven, think about the choice.
Ambassador to Federal Jail.
This time a yr in the past, Adams was going through conspiracy, bribery and wire fraud costs after turning into the primary sitting mayor to grow to be a felony defendant.
That was earlier than Trump’s Justice Division swooped in 5 months in the past and formally dropped the fees.
Mayor Eric Adams arrives for his arraignment outdoors Manhattan Federal Courtroom Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Manhattan, New York. (Barry Williams for New York Day by day Information)
Trump seems to be leaping in once more, providing the mayor an alternative choice within the face of Adams’ lagging impartial marketing campaign.
However Trump, as all the time, little doubt has an ulterior motive. He doesn’t like Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, so he’s attempting to place former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who can be working as an impartial, as Mamdani’s solely opponent.
The lesser of two evils.
He needs Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa out, too.
“I don’t think you can win unless you have one on one,” Trump instructed reporters earlier than a White Home dinner final week.
He additionally harassed his opposition to Mamdani
“I’d prefer not to have a communist mayor of New York City,” Trump mentioned in a dig at Mamdani. “And, you know, that’s what he is based on his policy. If you look at his statements in the past.”
All three of Mamdani’s challengers, together with Adams, insisted that they have been staying within the race, although Adams, who shares a constituency with Cuomo — in a few of his feedback — seems to be softening. On the identical time, he known as a last-minute press convention at Gracie Mansion Friday and declared he was staying in and the one candidate who might beat Mamdani.
Cuomo, in the meantime, posted an image on social media of a breakfast assembly he had with the Rev. Al Sharpton, who has but to make an endorsement.
Zohran Mamdani, left, and Andrew Cuomo. (Barry Williams / New York Day by day Information)
If Adams is contemplating buying and selling New York Metropolis for Saudi Arabia, nobody ought to blame him for making that call.
That’s to not say that Adams ought to bow out. But when he did, he ought to really feel no disgrace about it.
Adams, towards all odds, bought to be mayor of New York Metropolis. And, though he’s having hassle shaking the scandals, there have been accomplishments alongside the way in which for which he must be proud.
In contrast to Cuomo, who resigned as governor in shame amid COVID nursing house and sexual harassment scandals he denies, Adams has the chance to complete his time period together with his head held excessive.
Adams, who likes to match himself to New York Metropolis’s first Black mayor, David Dinkins, has one other alternative.
After retiring from the NYPD as a captain, Adams appeared on the poll in campaigns for state Senate, Brooklyn Borough President and mayor.
He can retire undefeated.
Even Dinkins couldn’t say that.
