Back to the question at hand. I believe both papers are letting Bing know he needs to step it up. Whatever pass you might think Bing is getting is basically because there is a perception of an honest administration.

However it is quickly getting to the point where that isn't enough. If we were in better times his incrementalist approach would be fine. However if he wants to time to re-shape the city he his going to need to take some political risks. I know that runs counter to getting another term, but I think thats what he needs to do in order to win another term.

Now what he has in his favor is that the pool of potential challengers is so shallow he could possibly win another term essentially by default.