Good Morning America on Thursday scored the exclusive scoop of the first interview with New York Mayor Bill de Blasio (and his wife) as he became the 23rd Democrat to run for president in 2020. However, former Democratic operative turned host George Stephanopoulos avoided any mention of de Blasio’s hard-left stances on abortion, gun control or his total embrace of the Green New Deal. This as even the Mayor himself referenced his very liberal opinions.
Instead, Stephanopoulos focused mostly on process, beginning with this: “With a [Democratic presidential] field that big, you know the most important question for any candidate is what sets you apart? What do you bring to the race that no one else can?”
Sticking with process questions, Stephanopoulos noted, “[A] Quinnipiac poll showed 76 percent of New York voters, 73 percent of New York Democrats say you shouldn't run. So what should the rest of the country think when so many of your fellow New Yorker saying don’t run?”
Not mentioned by Stephanopoulos? De Blasio supports New York’s radical abortion law that removed all restrictions. In January, he said, “I support this act. It's crucial that we protect a woman's right to choose, particularly at this moment in history, when women's rights are under attack.”
Not mentioned by Stephanopoulos? In September of 2017, a USA Today op-ed referred to de Blasio as America’s “Marxist mayor.” The Democrat is quoted in the op-ed as saying, “If I had my druthers, the city government would determine every single plot of land, how development would proceed.”
Not mentioned by Stephanopoulos? The Mayor’s plan to ban steel and glass skyscrapers. Even when de Blasio would say controversial things, the GMA host didn’t offer a question. At one point during the interview, the Democrat explained, “I believe in the Green New Deal and we are making it happen right here in New York City.”
Stephanopoulos could have pointed out that the Green New Deal is estimated to cost $93 trillion. Of course, he didn’t mention it. The host did find time to close by cheering the Democrat on: “You're heading to Iowa and South Carolina. Good luck on the trail.”
A transcript of the questions from the segment can be found below. Click “expand” to read more.
Good Morning America
5/16/19
8:12 AM ET
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: I'm down here with the mayor of New York, bill de Blasio and the city's First Lady Chirlane McCray to launch his run or maybe I should I say their run. Welcome to you both. 23 candidate, Democratic candidate. And with a field that big you know the most important question for any candidate is what sets you apart? What do you bring to the race that no one else can?
BILL DE BLASIO: George, working Americans deserve better and I know we can do it because I've done it here in the largest, toughest city in this country. We're putting money back in the hands of working people and I say it very bluntly. There's plenty of money in this world and there is plenty of money in this country. It’s just in the wrong hands.
…
STEPHANOPOULOS: You say it's a tough city. We're hearing it outside. Some protesters came.
DE BLASIO: A little serenade, George. A little serenade.
STEPHANOPOULOS: It's not only that. There's a poll about a month ago, Quinnipiac poll showed 76 percent of New York voters, 73 percent of New York Democrats say you shouldn't run. So what should the rest of the country think when so many of your fellow New Yorker saying don’t run?
…
STEPHANOPOULOS: The mayor calls you his top adviser. What role would you expect to play in the campaign, and if you get there, the White House?
CHIRLANE MCCRAY: Well, George, you know I’m his top adviser. But I’m not his only adviser.
…
STEPHANOPOULOS: You mentioned Donald Trump, the famous resident of New York City. He hasn't given you a nickname as far as I can tell. But his son Don Jr has a tweet welcoming you into the race. He says, “Rather than do a PR stunt ‘run’ for President. We all know it’s going nowhere,” he says. “Maybe he should clean up his back yard first. What a clown show.” Your response?
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DE BLASIO: I believe in the Green New Deal and we are making it happen right here in New York City.
…
STEPHANOPOULOS: You're heading to Iowa and South Carolina. Good luck on the trail. Thanks for coming in this morning.
