With Clintons in His Corner, de Blasio Bolsters Ties to His Party’s ‘Gold Standard’
At an inauguration infused with populist talk about racial tensions, social inequities and the Dickensian conditions of New York City’s poorest residents, Mayor Bill de Blasio had the support of the centrist standard bearers of the Democratic Party: former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Mr. de Blasio spoke of being “honored” to work in the Clinton administration as a regional director of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and “inspired” to serve as the campaign manager when Mrs. Clinton ran for the Senate in 2000.
When Mr. de Blasio asked Mr. Clinton to swear him in as the city’s 109th mayor, it was a nod to the pragmatic approach of the former president. And in turn, the Clintons’ prominent presence brought the former first couple a progressive sheen as the Democratic Party shifts to the left, and Mrs. Clinton contemplates another run for president in 2016.
Throughout his campaign and at his inauguration, Mr. de Blasio did not sound like a Clinton Democrat, but as his political star rose, he consistently reinforced his connection to the Clintons.
Harold M. Ickes, who was a deputy chief of staff in the Clinton White House, advised Mr. de Blasio on his campaign and served on his transition team. Mr. de Blasio posted a photograph from 2000 on Twitter of his family with Mrs. Clinton and a plumper Mr. Clinton.
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http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/02/nyregion/with-clintons-in-his-corner-de-blasio-bolsters-ties-to-his-partys-gold-standard.html?_r=0
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