"If this is one of the best ways to help people feel is to tell personal stories, God bless her, I say," Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters this week.
The mayor was talking about his wife's most recent project: A city-sponsored podcast, Thrive With Chirlane McCray, produced in collaboration with BRIC Media, a nonprofit organization based in Brooklyn that receives funding from the city.
The new venture was announced this week. In monthly episodes, McCray will discuss mental health issues and the work being led by ThriveNYC, the multi-million dollar program the first lady launched as her signature platform in year 2015.
The first episode features another well-known de Blasio: Dante, the couple's son who has appeared on political ads. This time, he plays podcast host.
"I'm really happy to be here, happy to be able to ask you some questions about ThriveNYC," Dante said on the first episode.
But the new media launch is once again fanning rumors that the first lady of New York City is eyeing a run for public office. She has expressed interest in the past — perhaps a run for Brooklyn borough president, or possibly the same City Council seat her husband once held.
"You can say it seems and appearance all day long and evince your own worldview, but if you ask the question, 'What is motivating it? Did it have anything to do with any potential running for anything?' No," de Blasio said.
When asked if she would consider a run for office, McCray conceded she was thinking about it.
"I have said I would think about running for office, but not right now," McCray said in March of 2018.
That was nearly two years ago, but now, McCray once again looks like a first lady with a plan: There are new media ventures, splashy media coverage of her Gracie Mansion Art exhibit, and a recently announced city-run program for new parents.
The mayor, however, says if she does consider a run, then all the rules will apply.
"Chirlane is an extraordinary devoted public servant who gets no compensation whatsoever, she is doing this work for all the right reasons, and people all over this city thank her for it," he said. "There are some legitimate ground rules if you're actually running for office, obviously, but it's not like you're quarantined."
Most people who are considering running for public office aren't living in Gracie Mansion with a spouse who runs City Hall. For now, McCray says she's busy being first lady. But those duties as first lady are sometimes conveniently overlapping with work that has to be done on the campaign trail.
------
Looking for an easy way to learn about the issues affecting New York City?
Listen to our "Off Topic/On Politics" podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Stitcher | RSS