Of course he’s going to say that. Mayor DeBlasio’s gotta keep the sheep quiet for as long as possible.
Then, when the GOP has the White House and Congress, the truth will come out that - Surprise! These ARE the bad old days! But the difference is DeBlasio/Bratton can blame it on the Republicans for years to come.
And Noo Yawkas will believe every word of it.
New Yorkers do tend to blame Hizzoner and not the President during high crime times. We don’t believe everything.