Bloomberg's Blunder and Ferrer's Racial Politics

Thursday night was the first scheduled mayoral debate, taking place at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. While there were a few little fireworks during the debate, the most striking image of the debate was the unoccupied podium in the middle of the stage. That podium belonged to Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R), who chose not to attend this debate. Thus, the debate took place only between Fernando Ferrer (D) and Tom Ognibene (R, Con). (Ognibene did not get on the ballots for a Republican primary and is running as the Conservative Party nominee.)


Bloomberg was absent from the debate at the Apollo. Photo by Robert Mecea.

There were many reasons given by Bloomberg and his allies to explain why Bloomberg did not attend the debate. These included reasons such as that two debates was more than enough and that everyone will be paying attention to the Yankees and the playoffs. Never mind that the Yankees didn't have a game on Thursday. Because of this announcement and the reasons given came well before the debate, the talk leading up to and surrounding the debate was on Bloomberg.

It is disappointing that Bloomberg did not attend the debate at the Apollo. This was probably a calculated move. The debate over the debate centered on Bloomberg. Furthermore, it can be seen that Bloomberg doesn't think it is even worth debating on an even forum with Ferrer and Ognibene, though Ognibene has little to no support for his candidacy. Also, Bloomberg has been able to flood the airwaves and mailboxes thanks to his limitless, self-financed campaign.


Mayor Bloomberg (R) missed an opportunity.

However, Bloomberg also ceded the field at the Apollo to his opponents by not showing up. He opened himself up to criticism, as both Ferrer and Ognibene took shots at Bloomberg as the moderator raised questions about his absence. (Quote of the moment goes to Ognibene when asking Ferrer "What kind of arrogance does it take to not bother showing up?") Although Bloomberg is outspending Ferrer in the campaign, spending approximately $46.6 million to Ferrer's nearly $6.6 million (including primary spending) thus far, Ferrer was given at least a little free publicity by using the absence to attack Bloomberg and bring negative attention to the mayor.

Additionally, Bloomberg has campaigned as an independent candidate, not under the money and sway of political contributors and lobbyists. To underline that, Bloomberg could have participated in the debate and further show that to the voters while making points against Ferrer.

Finally, though Bloomberg enjoys a large lead over Ferrer in the polls, the debate could have been a chance to increase that lead. Ferrer did not shine in the primary debates and he did not impress even against an empty podium and a candidate with little support this past Thursday. Bloomberg could have gained a huge victory if he clearly defeated Ferrer. It would be a risk, since he could have lost big with a defeat. However, it would be an opportunity to convince more voters to vote for him and not simply gaining votes due to a lackluster opponent.

Further Reading:
New York Times
New York Times New York Opinion
Power Plays (Village Voice)
The Politicker (New York Observer)

Aside from Bloomberg's disappointing display (or lack thereof), Ferrer's campaign has been questioning aloud whether the mayor cares about black voters after it was announced that the mayor would not attend the debate at the Apollo. As the Times article stated:

"Yet for other observers of New York politics, Mr. Ferrer is injecting a racially divisive element into the election that many voters - and ostensibly both campaigns - say they do not want to see. For five days, Mr. Ferrer and his allies have accused the mayor of disrespecting Harlem, and the campaign has run a radio ad with Al Sharpton saying Mr. Ferrer would "never turn his back" on blacks and faulting the mayor for not coming to 'our neighborhood.'"


Fernando Ferrer (D) is dividing this city.

So we need to have a racial battle for this election? This city is supposed to be past that. The reason why there is still some racial tension in the city is because of people like Ferrer using it to attack their opponents. If there is a debate on the issues, such as why unemployment among minorities is very high in this city, rather than saying "he doesn't care about black people," we would have a more open and informative campaign.

Because of trash like this, I hope Ferrer loses in a landslide this November. Any respect I had for him is gone and I hope people in this city feel the same way.