Gloves Come Off in First Mayoral Debate

New York, NY —

Last night Mayor Bloomberg and his Democratic rival City Comptroller Bill Thompson squared off for their first broadcast debate at El Museo del Barrio. Early on, it was WNYC's Brian Leher's question on Mayor Bloomberg's push to extend term limits, that produced the most direct exchanges of the night, with Comptroller Thompson pulling no punches, and Mayor Bloomberg offering no apologies.

THOMPSON: The people of New York had spoken and to do it so cynically by waiting until the last minute when the referendum could not go on the ballot really is the height of hypocrisy. It is wrong. Mike Bloomberg lied to the people of New York City.

LEHRER: Just to follow up very briefly Mr. mayor you know there are people who think you are doing a very good job in office but who are very offended by this and think it is a breach of democracy. Are you at all embarrassed by it?

BLOOMBERG: No I understand their thoughts. I understand their views but in the end the choices that face them are vote for my opponent or vote for me.

REPORTER: With us to discuss the debate is WNYC's Bob Hennelly.