Even Bill Thompson, a former city comptroller whose 2009 Democratic run for mayor was noted for its lack of fire, has demonstrated a limited willingness to get personal, displaying a flash of anger at a public-safety forum as he discussed his fears about his stepson's interaction with police officers.

WSJ: Politicians Get Personal in This Year's New York Mayoral Race

It is no wonder merchants are feeling frustration and anger that their stores are being considered as little more than showrooms by some shoppers -- showrooms displaying merchandise that, if the people wandering the aisles go home and buy from an online vendor, will provide not a cent in revenue to the owner of the real store.

CNN: Will 'showrooming' kill businesses?