The major media institutions in this City have already anointed Michael Bloomberg the winner of this upcoming election. The coverage of Mayor Mike is most often positive, while little criticism is heard. He is portrayed as “unbeatable”, too powerful and without substantive opposition.

This seems to run counter to a NY1 Poll which showed the Mayor beating Congressman Anthony Weiner by seven points and City Controller William Thompson by 13 points. This does not appear to be an overwhelming lead especially when you consider the 155 million plus he has spent in the last 2 campaigns, his eight years of “sweetheart” coverage from most of the media, his charitable contributions (which are used to enhance his political power) and the city contracts he awards.

The polls indicated that 64% of New Yorkers still viewed Bloomberg positively but he only received close to 50% when opposed by Weiner or Thompson.

Note; This poll took place before Bloomberg announced his “disaster” budget that includes higher taxes, additional increases in tuition for CUNY, serious cutbacks in education, health and child welfare. This budget will result in more unfavorable criticism of the Mayor.

To beat Bloomberg it will take a candidate who is ready to work from the bottom up (community organizing) and willing to present a progressive alternative vision to deal with the New York fiscal crisis. This candidate should spend less time seeking support from powerful economic groups in the City, while focusing on community groups and activists. To beat Bloomberg will take block-by-block, neighborhood-by-neighborhood and community-by-community organizing. To create such enthusiasm a progressive alternative vision must be presented.

WILL SUCH CANDIDATE APPEAR?

Vito MarcAntonio – Harold Washington

WHERE ARE YOU?