Transcript: Mayor de Blasio Appears on 103.9's D.L. Hughley Show

January 18, 2018

D.L. Hughley: Alright, ladies and gentlemen, joining us on the show – one of my favorite political figures right now – I’ve got to say that. I can say that honestly. 

Jasmine Sanders: I agree.

Hughley: Mayor Bill de Blasio – New York’s mayor. 

[Applause]

Mayor Bill de Blasio: You know, that’s the sweetest thing you ever said to me.

[Laughter]

Sanders: That’s the sweetest thing?

Hughley: So, you’re married to a black woman, so you feel my pain sometimes. So, that’s why we have to be –

[Laughter]

I’ve been one with the – you know, he seems scared to laugh. [Inaudible] man, he’s horrified to laugh. 

Sanders: Sisters, are you listening?

Mayor: Only bad things are coming from me commenting on that.

[Laughter]

Sanders: Amen, brother. Amen.

Hughley: Indeed. You won re-election when people were certain – were not so sure that you would. How were you able to accomplish that?

Mayor: I think there’s something very big going on and changing in this city, but I think it’s starting to change in the country too. I think people want boldness, and they do not want half-measures any more. So, for example, when I ran, I said we had something broken in the way we were policing in this city – massive use of stop and frisk, super-aggressive policing that was driving a wedge between police and community. I said we would end the broken policy of stop and frisk, and I told people it would actually make us safer. Not only is crime down to the lowest levels since 1950’s, we did it with 100,000 fewer arrests last year than the number of arrests four years ago. Think about that for a moment – 100,000 fewer arrests in a single year, and a lot less crime. 

Hughley: Are you going to run for Mayor – I mean, are you going to run for President? 

Mayor: I’m Mayor. I’m just doing Mayor. 

Hughley: C’mon man –

[Laughter]

Mayor: If I change my mind, you’ll be the first to know. 

Hughley: You know what I think will resonate – I’m a progressive, and I’m a liberal, but when people pretend like they’re not for the purposes of fitting in – that bother me because the other side doesn’t have to pretend like they’re anything else. They get to say exactly what they are, and  I think there’s a bit of truth in advertising, and I think you’ve managed to do that, definitely. I remember when the unions were – police unions were mad, and would turn their back. It’s a hell of a thing to watch somebody fight through that, and I think that’s the kind of stick-to-itiveness and dexterity – political dexterity – that could be valuable on the national stage. 

Mayor: I appreciate that. And look, I think it’s the age of authenticity. I mean, this connects with your point. I think it’s the age of authenticity, meaning, I think a lot of falsehoods got uncovered, you know? We’ve traveled this journey as a country where a whole lot of institutions have been questioned for good reason, and whole lot of facts turned out to be false. I mean, everything has been jumbled and opened up. And, at this point, especially given the digital age, if you’re not real and consistent, it shows pretty damn quickly. 

Hughley: It does.

Mayor: But a lot of people in conventional politics cannot get that into their mind because they were miseducated for the longest time to think, you know, be all things to all men. So, I think there’s something here that is about – hey, just be one thing consistently. You’re right, that was a very tough time when challenged by the police union, but I never had to wonder who I was or what I believe, and I thought that’s what sees you through in the end. If people know you’re for real, that’s what gets you to the next level. It makes you able to actually achieve the changes. 

Hughley: Alright, now, we’ve talked seriously enough. Now, you’re married to a black woman, as am I. Have you ever been to a black family reunion?

Mayor: Of course.

[Laughter]

Hughley: What was the first thing you noticed that was different at the black family reunion – the first thing you noticed. 

Mayor: I’m going to gently observe the situation here. 

[Laughter]

Sanders: I like it, smart answer. 

Hughley: Was it different –

Mayor: The first thing that always comes to mind when you say that is, the willingness, despite 400 years of American history – the willingness of people to even have me at the reunion and give me a chance was the thing that blew me away. 

Hughley: Did you hear of anybody with crazy names? Who had crazy names? Did you –

Mayor: There were a lot of such names.

[Laughter]

Simon: I bet there were.

Mayor: There seemed to be a preponderance of –

[Laughter]

Hughley: And I have an Uncle Perponderance.

[Laughter]

Simon: Did you have to do the cupid shuffle?

Hughley: Yeah, he did. He had to dance

Simon: You have to.

Hughley: And one more thing – what was the first hair product you saw that you had never seen before?

Mayor: Lusters.

[Laughter]

Simon: What?

Hughley: Let me tell you something – you know what you did? Any dude that can get police unions, and teachers unions, and all these different factions together, and go to a black family reunion, and know what kind of hair products a sister uses – you’re ready for the national scene. I’m telling you, dude. I’m telling you.

[Laughter]

Mayor: You warm my heart, my friend. 

Hughley: Here he is – Mayor Bill de Blasio. 

Simon: Thank you so much

Mayor: Thank you

Hughley: Thank you man, thank you for coming by. Thank you so much.

Mayor: I’ll talk to you soon. I look forward it. 

Hughley: Likewise 

Mayor: Take care.