Michael Bloomberg, the New York City Major, accused Bill de Blasio (D), the front runner to succeed him as Mayor, as running a “racist” campaign. The original interview was published in the New York Magazine. During this interview, Bloomberg was asked to clarify what he meant exactly. Bloomberg commented that De Blasio is “…making an appeal using his family to gain support.”

New York Magazine quickly released De Blasio’s response and amended the original article for clarification per the request of the Mayor’s office.

The social media sphere released a flurry of opinion and anger at the comments and accusations about De Blasio. Bloomberg’s other comments regarding the economic gap, defending the financial industry and gun control in the whole of the New York Magazine article were also fuel for the Twitter fire.

“I think it’s pretty obvious to anyone watching what he’s been doing,” Bloomberg told New York Magazine regarding De Blasio. “I do not think he himself is racist. It’s comparable to me pointing out I’m Jewish in attracting the Jewish vote. You tailor messages to your audiences and address issues you think your audience cares about.”

Mayor Bloomberg, de Blasio is not running a “racist” campaign. It’s a “racial” campaign. That’s what you meant. There’s a difference!

— Ben Hauck [IdeaFeed] (@BenHauck) September 8, 2013

RT @TheDailyEdge Mayor Bloomberg: “In order to appear less racist, de Blasio should hide his black wife and kids from public view” — Geoff Ninecow (@geoff9cow) September 8, 2013

During his 2001 campaign for mayor, Bloomberg also sent direct mail to Jewish voters as well pointing out the fact he was Jewish. — Theophane The Monk (@sosiat) September 8, 2013

Dear Mayor Bloomberg, The mere presence of black people in somebody’s family does not mean they are “promoting”… http://t.co/eRN7Qd8QIr — Karyn Carlo (@KarynC) September 8, 2013

Mayor: De Blasio Campaign Is “Racist” http://t.co/M6ZVt9c4l0 via @nbcnewyork. Sounds like Bloomberg is the racist in his comments? — Deon W. (@drdeon2000) September 8, 2013

New York Magazine Changes Mayor Bloomberg’s ‘Racist’ Quote http://t.co/JkS3fJNnew — Joan (@LibertyBelleJ) September 8, 2013

“If we can find a bunch of billionaires around the world to move here, that would be a godsend, because that’s where the revenue comes to take care of everybody else.” ~ Mayor Bloomberg speaking to New York Magazine.

I usually don’t get involved in local politicos, but it’s great to see leaders like Mayor Bloomberg unafraid to speak out for the wealthy — Jack Kimble (@RepJackKimble) September 8, 2013

Make him buy it, NYC needs the money-:) RT @davidfrum: Rename Central Park after Mayor Bloomberg? You know, he’s sort of earned it.

— Steven Strauss (@Steven_Strauss) September 8, 2013

The edited and condensed video interview of Mayor Bloomberg is available at the New York Magazine.

What do you think of Mayor Bloomberg’s comments? Do you share your political opinions via social media?

[Image via Bloomberg’s Facebook]