Bill Thompson won the debate. Behind in the polls, fundraising and name recognition, he clearly had the most to lose. If viewers meeting Thompson for the first time tonight watched a train wreck, he'd be finished. It looked like that was possible during the opening remarks, but he didn't stumble after that. Thompson won...by not losing.

Mayor Bloomberg and Comptroller Thompson squared off in the first mayoral debate of 2009. Who won? What questions did you want asked? Did the candidates address the issues you wanted? Send your thoughts using the link above.

Under Bloomberg, test scores suddenly jump up in election years, including this one.

Under Thompson, the School Leadership Teams were installed in schools by state law. Under
Bloomberg, former State Commissioner Mills had to explain to the DOE they were not following
SLT law correctly.

Bloomberg said in his radio show that we can't have "too much democracy." Public school parents are waiting for restoration of the democracy in public education that we had before Bloomberg's version of mayoral control!

Susan

Mayor Bloomberg won.

How can you say that Mayor Bloomberg is unaware of the middle class - is everyone forgetting that he came from the middle class - he is a self made man - his wealth has been earned and he now see fits to be give a lot of it away.

He has spent a lot of money on his campaign - but it is his money not mine - and is everyone forgetting that the money he spends is going back into the economy. Spending his money leaves him free from any obligations to any particular group or organization.

Marlene
Astoria, Queens

I think Bill Thompson won this! He put the Mayor in his place. Everything Bill Thompson said about the Mayor was all right and he got him to not say a word.

Thank you,
Arnest

Just wondering why the debate was televised so early. I would love to have seen it to cheer the mayor on!

Also surprised to hear that not much was discussed in terms of affordable housings for middle income New Yorkers.

Bridget
Manhattan

I think someone needs to create a more clear picture of what Bloomberg has done to our schools. He has lowered expectations, and has evaluated schools using a system that is totally inappropriate for education. There is no money in the schools. We are facing class sizes with approximately 35 students, and we are using books from at least 10 years ago. Students are not held accountable for their actions, but rather teachers and administrators are. Assessment is clearly the main way of how we live day to day in the classroom. There is very little learning going on due to this heavy emphasis on data and formal use of assessments. The educational system is run like a business, clearly the way of not going about working in the field of education. Thanks bloomberg!

Anonymous

MY NAME IS GEORGE ; BLOOMBERG IS THE WINNER

Bill Thompson won. The mayor distorts the data. Violence is huge in the schools there is tremendous gang presence which he never lets the public in on. He puts pressure on principals not to enter data in reports to keep the numbers low on incident reports. The UFT did not endorse any one yet, they are waiting for their new contract. If he gives them a raise they will endorse him. Did you ever notice people with pensions at stake never talk or write books. The DOE is totally corrupt because of the Mayor.He never lets his people talk to the press he owns everyone.

from moriah/greenwich village

reverend billy, a real candidate with real vision was not even included in the debate, we introduced Thompson to a lot of people tonight, why let the EARLY often inaccurate polls DETERMINE how many choice/ voices we get to hear ?

thanks for time
christopher

Bill Thompson won the Debate!

Mable from South Midwood in Brooklyn

Bloomberg is BIG FAT Liar! The only reason why the data shows that schools are improving is grades are been changed and the assessments given to our kids are at least 2 grade levels below. Violence in schools are worst then ever! Principals are mandated not to report all incidents since it will bring the schools grade down! Principals tell their teachers to figure out "how the majority of their student will be promoted" Bill lost! He needs to be more aggressive and listen to the people in particular TEACHERS!

Candice

[Who won?] Certainly not New Yorkers. Both chipped away at each other, made the other seem a bit shabby. Thompson says whom he wants to vote for him, but not why. Bloomberg hasn't established why he now deserves our votes after having bypassed them in the past.

A Voter

Bloomberg's record on development speaks for itself- just look at the 40 storey trump tower in soho. He has too much control of the media and gives to charities to buy votes.

Stas

The only reason that graduation rates APPEAR to be going up under Bloomberg is that high school teachers are being pressured to pass kids along as they reach the upper grades. Students are being given credits for virtually nothing under an idea of Bloomberg's Panel for Educational Policy called "Credit Recovery". They frequently don't even have to submit written work to get a whole semester's credit for a course they would otherwise fail. While Mr. Bloomberg is holding little kids back in the early grades, he's virtually pushing high school seniors out the door with a diploma so he can show "improved" graduation rates. People should talk to teachers. Most will be happy to tell what's really going on.

Ellen
Washington Heights

People only see and hear what they want to see and hear. Bloomberg people think Bloomberg won even though he clearly didn't. And Thompson people think Thompson won. After the debate all but one panelist saw that Thompson one. The only one that didn't was a woman that wrote a book about Bloomberg. My motto??? If he can't get the job done in 8 years...do you really think he can keep all those broken promises in the next 4? DUH!

Norm
Upper East side

Notice the Mayor's facial expressions getting tighter and tighter as the debate progressed, as if he was dragged kicking and screaming into this exercise, wasting his precious time. Fundamentally the problem I see is that Bloomberg wants time to run out so Thompson doesn't have enough time to catch up. And Thompson had nothing to lose by hanging it all out there. With so little time left it will be hard for Thompson to persuade enough people to vote for him to make a huge difference. But I think Thompson supporters are more passionate about their candidate while Bloomberg supporters are with him out of obligation and duty. That dynamic difference will speak volumes at the ballot box

Isabella from Flushing

First Bloomberg needs to turn over the key to the city. He needs to start directing his foundation and raise money for the city. ask him to be a volunteer for the city donate some money donate the 2 mil. he is using for the campaign to gain back office no change has occurred he should just accept his term limits. Bill did an excellent job its just he was focusing to much on trying to make Bloomberg the bad guy. Bill seemed quite nervous and hesitant with words. His body language proves what he was feeling tonight.

young flashy

I think Thompson did a great job, but he should have reminded voters of the huge development projects (for the rich) that Bloomberg advocated in pushing for the West Side Stadium and Congested Pricing. Thompson must keep stressing how Bloomberg's projects and policies make Bloomberg the water boy for the wealthy.

Susan

PS: Why no females on the question panel? NY1 sexism at work?????

I didn't watch the debate but at least when I went to school in the 90's school results weren't fudged like PS 190 was this year.

Carina
Queens

Bill Thompson clearly won this debate. Mayor Bloomberg lied to the people of the City concerning Term Limits. He's also lowered the passing grade from 65 to 45 in the schools. Since the Mayor feels he's the only one who can solve our problems, why didn't see it coming since he was at the helm. The Mayor should've had a laundry list of accomplishments after being office for 8 yrs.

Heyward

Bloomberg won - clearly more articulate about relevant issues without using attacks on his opponent as basis for his platform. In addition Bloomberg is the 7th most generous philanthropist in the USA today - if that does not say something about a man I do not know what does.

Christine

Bloomberg reminded me of George Bush 1, debating Clinton, he sat there staring off in the distance and then checking his watch, bloomberg did not want to be there.

Ken
Queens village

I think Thompson did a much better job than expected. He was confidant...The only thing he should of done was to let people know he can win this race and make sure they come out and vote.

Glenn
Rockaway Beach

I thought Bill Thomson did a great job and won the debate...he was on the offensive but I think that was necessary given all the negative attacks coming from the Bloomberg... I agree that comparing bloomberg's leadership in regard to education with Thomson's is like comparing apples to oranges since each of them worked under completely different systems and had different roles -

David
Lower East Side

Hi John

The only thing I can say is that when Mayor Mike is speaking on his own he doesn't look so good.

John, Marisa and Katira in Astoria

Dear John,

Headline: Mayor Bloomberg endorses Rudy Giuliani for Governor. Wow.

Bill Thompson won the debate, hands down.

Sincerely,

Jocelyn
Brooklyn Heights

Bloomberg did poorly since some of his responses were obviously dishonest. He denied he bought the Republican and Independence Party lines and stated his supporters and endorsers were unaware of his contributions to their organizations. Thompson should have mention that homelessness was high before the recession and how Bloomberg charged them to live in shelters and bought them one way tickets out of the city. Thomspon should have mention the overcrowding in schools and hospitals and firehouses closings. Thompson did better but he missed some opportunities to knock out Bloomberg.

Kind regards,
Roxanne
Morris Park, Bronx

Mr. Thompson attacked and pontificated without offering any innovative ideas. Thompson serves up the usual divisive class warfare that won't help us get out of the recession.

Victor C.
Upper West Side

Bloomberg appeared more in control, Thompson looked and sounded angry (dangerous)

Clark

Thompson had a good debate but in the end it will probably be to little to late. Thompson needed to get his name out their so New Yorker would know who he is by now.

Plus his Campaign Slogan should have been 8 years is enough. that bothered the Mayor. 8 years is more then enough. When are people who make any where from $ 30000 to $100000 going to understand that a Billion air does not care about you? A Billion air interest are not your interest.

Joe
Bayside

Just politics, but no solutions to our issues and concern for all boro of NYC. Thompson was so negative that it was just another day in politics. I am so sick and tired of his debate of term limits, like if that was the only thing he is using to lie to the poor who are easy target, he even got his team to show up at the debate to them downgrade the mayor when the Mayor came out on stage. He should be ashamed of himself for using the poor people to climb to the top. This has been a big issue and problem in our city of NY. The poor is target for political games and when the poor people help them to get into office, they are easily forgotten. Wake up my people it's time to empower yourself and not let these political people use us. Put the right man for the job and that is the Mayor Bloomberg. I am a democrat and I strongly believe that the Mayor needs another term to continue doing the work he needs to do, to better our city. Enough of the crap of politics and lets get to the real issues that concern all NYer's.

Rev Hernandez

Howard Wolfson must have been watching a different debate than the rest of us. The Mayor looked petty, annoyed, and frustrated while Thompson showed that he could be Mayor, that he is NOT out of touch with what bothers NYers, and he made a very good point that the Mayor does play politics by shifting on term limits (yes the Mayor LIED) and switching parties multiple times over the last 8 years.

Robert
Staten Island, NY

Thompson showed himself as a tenacious contender for the rights of the people while king bloomberg again nonchalantly tossed aside the public's cares and worries, and again ducked the term limits question, which as big of an issue it is, is not the only strike against bloomberg. I would have liked to see more about his lack of leadership in the fire department, mass overdevelopment, lack of foresight in regards to the economic crisis and mta issues. You heard a Titanic reference, which i thought was fitting seeing as how last week's scoppeta announcement shows how bloombergs lackeys are deserting a sinking ship.

Luke
Grant City, Staten Island

I WOULD HOPE FOR CLARIFICATION ON THE MATH SCORES, PASS / FAIL. 44% BEING THE NEW PASS GRADE. I WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE IGNORING OF PUBLIC REFERENDUMS AND THE TRUE MEANING OF SUCH. WHO IS INVESTIGATING THE SLUSH FUND INCIDENT AND WHY IS IT ON THE BACK BURNER? FINALLY, IS IT OK, OR IS IT A CONFLICT OF INTEREST FOR A SITTING MAYOR TO DO BUSINESS WITH HIS OWN BUSINESS NETWORK? DO THE DECISIONS THE MAYOR MAKE IMPACT HIS OWN POCKETS IN A POSITIVE WAY? I HOPE THESE TALKING POINTS ARE ADDRESSED TONIGHT.

JOE, BAY TERRACE

Hi John,

I won't watch because I can't stand listening to this mayor and his arrogance. He mentioned yesterday at the parade that this is not going to be a debate, so what is it then.

maxxiee
mp

Why should the middle class pay for the rich is that why youre a republican to hizzoner.

John
Kissena Park

This debate is very important for Thompson, it is his opportunity to call out Mayor Bloomberg on his total disregard for the will of the people by extending his term, based on his assertion that he and he alone can solve the financial and other difficulties facing this city.
The mayors arrogance and selfishness in subverting democracy needs to be raised and challenged.

The question I would ask is when will middle class new yorkers see affordable housing build in this city? All you see these days is expensive condos going up in all the boroughs.

Felix, Bay Ridge

This is sudden death for Thompson but the King will still win!

Rich
Midtown East

How ironic is it that Bloomberg and his supporters are now trying to get literal? They're trying their best to dilute President Obama's endorsement and dissect language to try their best to confuse voters to believe, "Obama's endorsement wasn't really an endorsement." How silly can this campaign be? The truth is, Bloomberg should've been literal with himself and never try to create a new rule that is beneficial to him but breaks the set laws of term limits. Eight years is enough to get the work done that one feels they need to get done. One should not be awarded another four years when it is clear that the first eight were not positive and productive for the people that the office is supposed to serve. In regards to the endorsement, it is a clear endorsement with no subliminal messages attached. If Obama did not want to endorse Thompson, he would not have. Whether it came from him directly, his spokesperson, or his children's best friends' parents...it is an endorsement from the White House for Bill Thompson. It especially holds weight that Obama had a sit down with coffee involved with Bloomberg and still didn't endorse him. The fact that the spokesperson mentioned Bloomberg's is only an example of the type of person that Obama is; a person willing to be positive even when not in agreement with the person. The problem is, people have become so accustomed to negative messages coming from political commercials and ads from politicians that when a person gives a positive endorsement, it is taking lightly by the ignorant. Let's stop the nonsense. Let's put the stupidity to bed. Let's put a positive person in the mayor's seat to better this city rather than someone who as saturated this city with negativity for eight years. It's a shame that it takes $65,000,000 for one person to try to dirt the name of another. It's taking Thompson less money to embarrass Bloomberg with the truth.

George
Lower East Side

I'd like to see Bill Thompson as Mayor. He understands Fiscal responsibility & I believe will look out for New Yorkers more than Corporations. Another 4 years of Bloomberg telling me what's good for me is not a prospect I look forward to.

I use a car for my job as I travel from 1 appt . to another through all 5 boros. The traffic enforcement agents are a constant ,costly irritant.They are a hidden tax for drivers. Whenever traffic is at a stand still, I always see 2 of these beauties making it worse. I think Bloombergs' pedestrian islands & malls on 8th ave & Broadway are idiotic. We already have some of the best Parks in the world. Giving Traffic lanes badly needed for Transportation to Pedestrians is wrong.

Sandy
Yorkville, Manhattan

I definitely think Mike Bloomberg handled this debate with more confidence than Bill Thompson, it was shown in their answers. Thompson took the approach of attacking the major, instead of clearly stating and showing his accomplishments on what he has done for the city over the years. Also, Thompson was repeating himself in many instances, such as mayor trying to destroy his records and re-write the history, and term limits. I don't think Thompson focusing on these issues so much will change the minds of the voters. I think the mayor, over the years, has shown and proven himself to the residents of NY city as a good, reliable, confident and experienced leader, who understands what this city needs.

Though many might not agree, however, during this time of recession, term limits should not be our main concern, however, what should be is having a leader who will get us out of the recession. Thompson just does not have that experience. And, I definitely agree with the mayor, that four years, eight years is simply not enough to make any city perfect, even with an additional four year term.

What concerned me a lot is Thompson's constant emphasis on Latinos issues. I felt it was racist. As a possible future mayor of such a diverse city, if he already brings up one group, than he has to talk about all groups or none at all. Overall, to me, Thompson seems angry, because the mayor is backed up by larger finances and he is not.

The very clear difference between the two: Thompson is all about the votes and seeing this is as an opportunity to prove to others, mostly Latinos, that he can too become a mayor, Bloomberg, on the other hand, is all about the progress and this is what NY city needs!

Olena
Brooklyn, New York

Bill Thompson won this debate hands down. He backed Bloomberg and all his smoke screens down with the truth. We should all take notice that Bloomberg never once denied the facts that Thompson put on the table when speaking about his paying off people for votes. I also find it humorous that Bloomberg supporters are trying to justify his loss by stating, "Thompson was constantly on the attack." How comical can that be coming from someone who has spending unnecessary money on "attack" ads? Furthermore, we can clearly see who won by the fact that Bloomberg was booed constantly by the audience and even when introduced, a fed up New Yorker was shouting at him. It got so bad that Mr. Carter had to put out the threat of having people arrested if the "heckling" continued. New Yorkers are sick of all the political cover ups. There's tons of other corruption and illegalities happening within this school and this is what this term-law breaking mayor is hanging his hat on? On November 3rd, let your voices be heard by voting for a new mayor that is really for and about the people!

George
Lower East Side

If you try hard enough, you can find things wrong, about everyone.
Which is the worse?
Bloomberg using the leverage of the City Council vote and legislation to run for a third term; or, Thompson's using of the leverage of his office as Controller, to award business contracts to cronies, in return for campaign funding (kickbacks)?
All the while Thompson portends to be lilywhite in slate; he fuels his platform railing up against Bloomberg's money, not his principles, not his accomplishments.
We saw Bloomberg remain strong, intelligent; conscious of the real issues, in the face of weak and worn-out attacks against Mr. Bloomberg's money and character. Thompson supports Bloomberg's innovative initiatives in Public Health, Education, city planning and development--let's continue to think out of the box and allow NYC to see a mayor who can reflect changes like you've never imagined a city official to be capable of in your lifetime.

Jamie A.
Upper East Side

THE MAYOR WON BECAUSE BILL THOMPSON FAILED TO SHOW ANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT HE HAS THAT WOULD LEAD ME TO BELIEVE HE WOULD BE ANY MORE EFFECTIVE AS A MAYOR THAN HE HAS BEEN AS A COMPTROLLER OR BD OF ED PRESIDENT. HE FAILED TO DISTINGUISH HIMSELF IN EITHER POSITION SO I DO NOT BELIEVE HE WOULD BE SUCCESSFUL AS THE MAYOR EITHER

HARVEY101