"How'm I doin'?"

The former New York City mayor, who died yesterday at the age of 88, was known by this famous catchphrase, easily recognized by his honk of a voice, laced with a creaky Bronx accent.

Ed Koch served three terms, from 1978 to 1990. During those turbulent times, Koch faced soaring crime, racial tension, and fiscal crises. He managed them so well that during his reelection campaign for a second term, he was endorsed by both Democratic and Republican parties. But time finally ran out for “Hizzoner”. When he sought a fourth term, he was defeated in the Democratic primary by David N. Dinkins, who became the city's first African American mayor. But, as always, he left the crowd smiling. When asked how he felt when people expressed regret at his loss, he replied, "The people have spoken, and the people must be punished!"