Being “tough on crime” has worked for conservative politicians for decades, and it worked for Adams too. But quickly, Adams’ actual conservative policies and resolute unseriousness about governance knocked him out of the public’s good graces.

The New York City mayor recently dined with Donald Trump, who has the power to pardon him in his federal case.

In a nearly 50-minute sit-down, the mayor railed against former president Joe Biden and said he was targeted for his criticism of the administration.