Mayor Bloomberg is running for reelection as the only person who can save the city, but a roomful of worried New Yorkers at a recent Brooklyn forum weren't convinced.
They were homeowners worried about losing their homes, former victims of the Swine Flu, taxpayers who can't pay their taxes and hardworking people who can't find work.
But, when they asked the mayor for help, he cracked more silly jokes, talked about golf, the New York Yankees and offered vague platitudes.
In response to complaints about the Housing Authority not providing a plumber, Sylvia Whiteside, president of the residents association at the Bay View Houses, was told: "Two things: One, we will try to fix that," Bloomberg replied. "And then I'm going to tell you my plumber joke. I have a great plumber joke."
The joke was about a guy who needed his car fixed and was offered an appointment three years in the future. "Morning or afternoon?" he replies. After all, he tells the mechanic, he has a plumber coming that day.
Then, when asked about the possibility of a full outbreak of Swine Flu in the city this coming fall, Bloomberg began singing, "My tail's still curing and my eyes are still blue..why don't you love me like you used to do?" Remember that old Hank Williams song? Oh, the Swine Flu? We'll just have to see. The city seems safe to me. With all the people walking the streets all day looking for work, at least we don't have as many PORKERS as we did! Get it, PORKERS!"
The joke drew polite laughter from the 200 people crammed into Temple Shaare Emeth for the Friends United Block Association meeting, but Bloomberg's aides admitted afterward his carefree attitude seemed out of touch. At another point, he asked how many in the audience were golfers, drawing quizzical stares.
"I think HE'S the one who's about to "GET IT!" mused one person leaving before the rest of the speech. GET IT?"
As more and more people left, Bloomberg was still at it.
"A woman whose husband had lost his job and couldn't pay the mortgage was referred to the city's foreclosure-prevention clinic."
