It would be a mistake to classify Bloomberg's November 4 mayoral reelection win as anything but a defeat for the working people of New York City. At the same time, however, there is no reason to despair; on the contrary the election results represent a basis for optimism moving forward.

First, to dispense with the obvious: Although the billionaire representative of Wall Street, big developers and the Republican Party won, New York City elected John Liu comptroller, marking the first time in this city's more than 400 year history any Asian American has held citywide office. Further, a grand people's coalition formed around Liu: his campaign was composed essentially of the city's entire labor movement; the African American, Latino and Asian communities; women; youth; the LGBT community and a large percentage of white liberals.

President Obama, at last night's correspondents dinner, provides the quote of the day:

"In the next hundred days, I will meet the leader who rules over millions with an iron fist, who rules the airwaves and uses his power to crush all who challenge his authority at the ballot box. Good to see you, Mayor Bloomberg."

LINKS:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/09/obama.correspondents.dinner/#cnnSTCVideo

http://www.nypost.com/seven/05102009/news/columnists/dropout_rumors_roil_bill_168540.htm

Faddish Web 2.0-oriented consultants often advise their clients to be ubiquitous on the Internet (I know I have).  So it's not surprising that in the last ten days I (and I assume thousands of other New Yorkers) received email invitations from Bill Thompson to be his friend/join his network on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and, today, Digg.

I'm finding myself on edge waiting for the Comptroller's Twitter feed.