“MAKE no mistake,” said Bill de Blasio, New York’s new mayor-elect; “the people of this city have chosen a progressive path.” Mr de Blasio thrashed his Republican opponent, Joe Lhota, in the election on November 5th. The lopsided result—73% to 24%—was a rejection of Mr Lhota, a capable administrator (he used to run New York state’s public transport) but not much of a crowd-pleaser. It was also a sign that New Yorkers want something completely different from the sober, data-driven leadership of Michael Bloomberg. They may get it.The affable Mr de Blasio persuaded voters that he will be mayor for “the 99%”. His critics fear that he will be the mayor for Occupy Wall Street. He will be the first Democrat in City Hall in two decades, which seems odd when one remembers that Democrats outnumber Republicans six to one in New York. (Mr Bloomberg is a Republican-turned-independent.)
Mr de Blasio exudes empathy for those who struggle to pay the rent…