The great Muppet mayor

The New York City mayoral race hasn’t generated much real drama, and with few substantive policy debates, it has frequently descended into mudslinging and name-calling. 

One insult that has caught on is independent candidate Bo Dietl’s likening of Mayor Bill de Blasio to Big Bird. So if de Blasio’s a big, lovable yellow bird, which puppets best represent the rest of the field?

Bill de Blasio & Big Bird

They’re both tall, kind of goofy and a familiar face on the streets of New York City (though many would take offense with Dietl’s description of the puppet – if not the mayor – as “stupid”).

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Nicole Malliotakis & Zoe

Introduced in 1993 to capitalize on the popularity of Elmo and to balance out a male-heavy lineup, Zoe hasn’t quite caught on. Sounds like Malliotakis, an unknown to nearly two-thirds of city voters.

Bo Dietl & Animal

The private investigator/talking head is a long shot, but he’s made a lot of noise. With his unpredictable attacks and self-described “Wild Man Bo” personality, who’s a better Bo than Animal?

Sal Albanese & Waldorf 

Waldorf (along with Statler) has been offering his unvarnished criticism since the ’70s. Albanese, a city councilman in the ’80s and ’90s, has been launching cranky attacks from the sidelines for years.

Scott Stringer & Scott Stringer puppet

Sure, he didn’t have the guts to run for mayor this year. But we couldn’t resist bringing back the Scott Stringer puppet from City & State’s 2015 Manhattan issue.

Anthony Weiner & Gonzo

The former congressman might have been running for another four years as mayor if he had more self-control. Like Gonzo, Weiner loves the spotlight and has, ahem, unusual amorous attractions.