Quote from spect8or:
This one's interesting from a 'social psychology' perspective. What did he actually do, above and beyond what any other leader might have reasonably been expected to have done? What 'tough choices' did he make? What mistakes did he avoid that would have left New York in a vastly different shape than the one that emerged?
Basically, all I can pinpoint is that, like Bush, he looked and spoke the part. Obviously that's what people were looking for at the time (sort of like children scared of the dark comforted by a parent's brave posture and reassuring words). But that's the only thing the legend that developed around him is based on, as far as I can tell. I mean, let's say he waffled and acted 'indecisively': what would actually be different in the world, different about New York?
Obviously I'm not criticizing the man, but it's amusing to me how easily, and on what threadbare bases, perceptions are shaped.