They're everywhere together these days, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown. Whether dining about town, attending political parties, or just bro-ing it up wonk-style, the two power players are the Michelle Williams and Busy Phillips of San Francisco. While they once defended their relationship during Lee's campaign, they're now out in full force together about town at countless public events. Why, we have run into the mayoral duo together together at three events in 2012, including February's Miss Chinatown Coronation Ball.
Why the public partnership between Lee and Brown, you ask? SFist asked several local notables within the San Francisco political scene for further insight. Their answers might surprise you. Or not.
- Eve Batey (SF Appeal, editor/founder): "Brock, of all people, I never expected you to question why two men might want to spend lots and lots of time together."
- Phil Bronstein (Center for Investigative Reporting, president of the board): "Why are they together all the time, beyond a kind of opposites attract bromance? Because they're desperate. Ed Lee is desperate for a little panache and a wardrobe that doesn't look like Kremlin circa 1956. Willie desperately needs just a touch of humility and, frankly, less insecurity about his place in history and how he confuses that with the spotlight."
- Chris Roberts (SF Appeal/SF Weekly, writer): "Easy: they're in the throes of a bromance. A power bromance, but still. That, or Willie has mistaken Ed for a Russian broad."
- Beth Spotswood (SFGate, columnist): "Maybe they're in love."