De Blasio Says Buh-Bye To New York City

NEW YORK CITY — Bill de Blasio looked back on two terms as mayor of New York City and celebrated a job he felt was very well done, barring some challenges.

"Ultimately what matters is, have you reached people in a way that makes their life better and eases their burden?" De Blasio said. "I do believe in my heart we've done that over these last eight years."

One challenge he was unable to surmount was tardiness, as de Blasio arrived at the last briefing about 40 minutes late.

De Blasio touted successes that he said improved New Yorkers' lives, such as universal Pre-K, and his administration's focus on working people over the city's elite.

The mayor returned to old language when asked about his views on the recent coronavirus surge and what impact the pandemic had on the city.

De Blasio went on thank New Yorkers for their hard work fighting the pandemic.

"I have come to love you even more," de Blasio said to New Yorkers. "What you've shown the world is the very best of us."

The mayor received congratulations from press members who asked the mayor to look back on his tenure, reflect on challenges and successes, then demanded to know if he would run for governor.

"The time to speak about the future is up ahead a little bit in the future," de Blasio replied.

The mayor fielded an off-beat question from the New York Post, whose reporter demanded to know if he'd enjoy some cannabis upon leaving office.

"I'm not into it," de Blasio said. "Not interested in the least."

Not interested in de Blasio's press conference were protesters outside, who carried signs that read, "buh-bye."

But, as another reporter pointed out, de Blasio was not the first to say "buh-bye" having outlasted his notorious foe, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, by several months.

When asked if he felt vindicated, de Blasio smiled and stared at the table before he said, "Oh Dave, you're devilish!"

De Blasio had kinder words for Mayor-elect Eric Adams to whom he proffered some advice.

"I think part of loving this city is loving all the communities in it," de Blasio said. "What never changed was the respect and friendship I found throughout the city."