Opinion

De Blasio suddenly scarce on campaign trail

We refer to Bill de Blasio, the candidate formerly known as Warren Wilhelm.

With the Democratic mayoral nomination locked up and a 40-point lead in the general election, suddenly de Blasio has made himself scarce on the campaign trail.

Now, falling on the ball and letting the clock run out is as familiar in politics as it is in football.

But it’s no coincidence that de Blasio’s vanishing act comes as New Yorkers are beginning to learn some substantial disturbing things about the man who will be our next mayor, if the polls are accurate and his lead holds up.

These questions cut to the heart of who de Blasio really is. He presents himself as a progressive candidate of the poor and marginalized. But recent stories about de Blasio’s past enthusiasm for the powerful and repressive raise troubling questions about both his ideals and his judgment, not to mention the class-warfare he’s running on.

In particular, you have to wonder about his attraction to despots from Fidel Castro and Daniel Ortega to Robert Mugabe — all men with gruesome human-rights records. Especially given that he continues to insist he is “very proud” of the work he did for the Sandinistas, allies of Cuba and the now- vanquished Soviet Union.

Back when he was battling for his party’s nomination, the gregarious de Blasio seemed to be everywhere. Now he’s ­nowhere.

He holds fewer events, and reporters who ask questions are either cut off after a few minutes or ignored. So if you find Wilhelm, please let him know New York is looking for some answers.