Two mayoral candidates, one from the far right and the other from the far left, both claimed a win in the second televised debate, that was hosted by NY1 and focused on Latino issues. Bill de Blasio and Erick Salgado, sent out press releases, Wednesday night, touting their performance at the debate as an indication that their message was well received by the audience in the hall and voters at home.

“Bill de Blasio emerged as the progressive alternative and clear winner in tonight’s debate,” the statement released by de Blasio’s campaign read.

“From his plan to tax the wealthy to fund universal pre-K and after-school programs for our children to his support for municipal IDs for undocumented New Yorkers, Bill is the best choice for our community and all New Yorkers. He understands that we’ve living a Tale of Two Cities and need to head in a new direction — one that marks a real change from Mayor Bloomberg’s focus on big developers, Wall Street, and the wealthy.”

Erick Salgado, a Conservative Democrat, who some saw him stealing the show, touted the applause and laughs from the candidates and the crowd as an indication that his candidacy is the one that will benefit all New Yorkers.

“Salgado had the audience of over 800 cheering in response to almost every issue or proposed initiative he discussed,” the 2 page press release read.

 “It was one of those innovative ideas − a municipal identification card for New York City’s undocumented residents − that caused the loudest ovation when Salgado mentioned that he was the first candidate to call for this.  Salgado then asked why fellow candidate Christine Quinn never introduced the legislation necessary to create the ID card in the 14 years she was in the City Council.

 “Salgado was also critical of Speaker Quinn’s leading the City Council to pass legislation, currently being challenged in the courts, that reduced the percentage of minority and women owned businesses required to be included on City construction projects from 15 percent to four  percent.”

Salgado said that the reaction he received from the forum’s audience was consistent with the momentum he feels building in his campaign.

 “The reaction of the audience at tonight’s forum was no surprise for me.  I see it every day as I campaign throughout the City.  The people I meet, just like the people in the theater tonight, realize I understand the issues that are important to them and know that I will not be afraid to do what is necessary to address those issues,” Salgado continued.

When Salgado joked that City Hall might next come after chicken wings, the audience erupted in laughter.

“The positive reaction to Salgado extended into cyberspace with many comments praising him.  Salgado  being the only candidate not to support Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was noted in many Tweets.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether humor and well received receptions or touting progressive proposals will buy the candidates a slot in the run-off.

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)