New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and his potential presidential run were hit with a stinging article by the hometown New York Times on Monday comparing de Blasio's inertia with the unexpected quick rise of Pete Buttigieg.

The article began by painting the picture of a buzzing restaurant scene as a crowd of 250 eagerly awaited to hear from a Democratic mayor and his "long-shot bid for the presidency."

"But the mayor in question was not Bill de Blasio, mayor of New York City, population 8.6 million," the article continued. "It was Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend, Ind., population 102,245."

"Both men are considering a presidential run but only one of their potential candidacies seems to be taken seriously."

The article then moved on to compare recent polling, one showing Buttigieg rising to third among all Democratic contenders, with another showing de Blasio coming in last among a poll of only residents of the Empire State asking them which New York politician would make the best president.

"Mr. de Blasio quickly achieved his signature accomplishment, universal prekindergarten, but his tenure has been marred by increased homelessness, the continued deterioration of the city's public housing stock and scrutiny over some of his fund-raising techniques."

Additionally, the report noted that Buttigieg has been harvesting fundraising dollars in New York City, having made three trips there for that specific purpose.

A de Blasio spokesman told the paper that juxtaposing the two politicians was an "apples to oranges" comparison at the moment because de Blasio is not currently a declared candidate.

But de Blasio has been laying the groundwork with the requisite trips to the early voting states of New Hampshire and Iowa.

The speaker of New York City Council, Corey Johnson, hosted the fundraiser that was the setting for the opening of the Times article.

"Still, it was somewhat telling that Mr. Buttigieg had been introduced by Mr. Johnson, Mr. de Blasio's City Hall colleague," the paper said. Johnson has not made an endorsement of either candidate.

Another Times article from late January was headlined, "Bill de Blasio May Be Running for President, if Only People Would Listen."

Other articles in recent weeks have also shown de Blasio struggling to build a base in his own backyard.

A report from the New York City CBS affiliate noted that candidates for public advocate, an elected position that serves both as a watchdog and government liaison to the public, were blasting the idea of a de Blasio presidential run.

"He gets no respect," the report began. "Mayor Bill de Blasio might as well change his name to Rodney Dangerfield for all the regard his presidential ambitions are getting."