Murphy Grim after Dems’ Election Day Evisceration
NEWARK – Phil Murphy was downcast, but defiant Wednesday afternoon as he tried to make sense of this week’s election.
He began by saying a “free and fair election” is a hallmark of democracy, but his speech at the state’s office in this city was more than a mere tribute to American democracy.
He was also ready to fight.
“If there is an attack on the Garden State or any of its communities from Washington, I will fight back with every fiber of my being.”
That sounded a bit cryptic, even odd. Is he anticipating a military invasion?
Asked to explain, the governor said one must assume that federal action of some sort will try to weaken New Jersey laws protecting abortion rights and controlling guns.
Then, there is Donald Trump’s mass deportation threat, which prompted the governor to muse if he really intends to round up immigrants.
If so, Murphy said the state will use whatever power it has to stand with the immigrant community.
At the same time, Murphy said that when he became governor, Trump was president and the men did work together during COVID and when Trump granted federal approval to building a new portal bridge on a rail line into Manhattan. So that can happen again.
As for the election itself, Murphy acknowledged how the Democrats’ winning margins were much lower than 2020. He called the whole episode a sobering experience.
Kamala Harris won New Jersey by about five points; Joe Biden won it by three times that.
He credited Republicans for playing their cards well, saying that their talk of crime, immigration and a poor economy resonated despite evidence to the contrary.
For example, various studies put New Jersey’s violent crime rate as among the lowest in the nation.
The governor also acknowledged the Democrats’ problem with Hispanics, which were once a dependable base. He said part of it is simple messaging, but the party also needs to reassess how it meets the needs of the Hispanic community.
And as far as Democrats losing their strength in New Jersey, Murphy admitted:
“Our race (in 2021) may have been the canary in the coal mine.”
That was when Murphy beat Republican Jack Ciattarelli by only 3 points or so.
It was a pretty candid admission, but how far does it go?
In some ways, every election is its own story.
A year after that 2021 election, Democrats all over the nation did much better than expected in the midterms. And last year, Democrats gained six seats in the state Legislation, beating back what was thought to be a strong Republican challenge. So maybe that canary was wrong.
Which brings us to this year and the power of Trump at the top of the ticket.
Said Murphy:
“He has an uncanny ability to connect with people – even if it’s not in their best interests.”
The governor was also asked about the race and gender issue. He replied that he didn’t think it was at play in a very diverse state such as New Jersey.
But Murphy said that may have been the case nationally, “which sucks.”
When there are extremes on any political issue , it make those in the middle very uncomfortable.
The divide and conquer methodology was challenged by overwhelming common sense.
Hopefully, those candidates running to be the next governor of the great state of New Jersey get out of their bubbles and walk a mile in the shoes of the average New Jerseyan.
Because this goes well beyond abortion rights and gun control.
#STOP THE VITRIOL #UNITE AMERICA
People need to look at why Andy Kim won in such a resounding way. He won counties Kamala lost. He did well with the Latinx community. He talked about immigration, LGBTQ/transgender rights. Why? Because he was chosen by the people, is honest, ethical, listens and cares! We need to look at his model and emulate it if Dems are to win the Gov election in 2925.
Don’t understand what NJVOTER is saying. I guess he/she needs to say something after the beatdown the Democrats took on November 5th. America was UNITED on November 5th. And, they are more UNITED now. So far, over 77 MILLION voters have spoken to UNITE America!!!!! They voted to reduce taxes, and make tax cuts permanent, voted to jump start the economy destroyed by Harris-Biden, voted to remove ALL ILLEGAL aliens who are stealing taxpayers’ monies without working for it, voted to stop crime, voted to assert & strengthen our 2nd Amendment Rights, voted to stop wars raging around the globe where some maniac tyrant could accidentally trigger a nuclear launch and end civilization in 30 minutes, and more. These are ALL issues New Jerseyans want. The only way to get them is to vote for a Republican Governor and Republican Legislature in 2025, and then vote out the New Jersey Democrat Congressional Delegation in the next Congressional election.
So, whatever NJVOTER is talking about is amorphous at best.
To give clarity:
#UNITE AMERICA and #STOP THE VITRIOL were hashtags used by RFK JR.
A candidate having a clear vision and the courage to take the road less traveled.
Phil Murphy personifies the liberal elite whose progressive ideas were rejected by the American voter on November 5th. He wants open borders and Sanctuary states but walls up his mansions around the world. He wants to take away guns but not for his security team that escorts him around the world. He wants windmills along the Jersey shore but not in his front yard. Hypocrite November 4, 2025 !
We are fortunate to have Governor Phil Murphy as our Governor fighting for all of us in the Garden State.
I sincerely wish there were no term limits for Governor as I would continue to vote for Phil.
We are truly blessed,
Bob Knapp, Jersey City