Democratic presidential candidate New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, right, talks with Greene County small family farmers, Friday, May 17, 2019, in Churdan, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
May 17, 2019 - 2:15 PM
NEW YORK - With friends like these, Mayor Bill de Blasio doesn't need enemies.
New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed exasperation on the "Pod Save America" podcast late Thursday over her fellow Democrat's decision to run for president.
She told the audience that New Yorkers "need a mayor who is going to be on the job 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
"Has the crisis in affordable housing been addressed? No. Has income inequality been addressed? Equal pay for equal work?" she asked, with the crowd responding "No!" after each question.
"So what is the legacy? What are you running on?" she asked.
Yes, de Blasio can run for president, she said, "but the question is why? Por qué? What's up?"
Then she smiled and added, "But he's a friend," before slumping in her chair in mock exhaustion.
James was a de Blasio ally when they served together on the New York City Council.
De Blasio's 2020 presidential campaign didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
The mayor was asked Friday on his weekly appearance on WNYC radio whether his absence from New York on the presidential campaign trail would hurt the city.
"I'm absolutely convinced that my administration and I can continue to serve this city very, very effectively," he said. "I am confident that I am going to be able to get the job done wherever I am."
De Blasio was campaigning in Iowa on Friday and was scheduled to be in South Carolina on Saturday.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019