The Nation: Cool Man for a Hot Seat

Introducing Ed Koch, almost certainly New York's next mayor

The polls had been closed just ten minutes and 25 seconds when WCBS-XV called him the winner. Sheer primordial joy suffused the face of Edward Irving Koch, who normally has the contemplative features of a Talmudic scholar. The moment passed quickly. Feigning loud dismay, Koch cried: "I want it to be longer! I want to enjoy it more! It's too early! I refuse to accept victory!"

But victory it was. Koch's lead grew to ten points last week over the other Democrat who made it into...

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