On the eve of a tense White House encounter, New York City’s mayor-elect walks a narrow line between a jubilant base that expects bold change and a president who once cast his victory as a looming threat. He’s promised to sit across from the very man he campaigned against, ready to embrace any plan that truly cuts the city’s crushing costs while vowing to block anything that harms its millions. Allies whisper of opportunity, critics brace for betrayal, and both sides sense this quiet, closed-door conversation could subtly redra… Continues…