The Morning Briefing - January 14, 2015
Special “State of the State” Issue
TRENTON – Much was left unsaid during Gov. Chris Christie’s annual “State of the State” speech. It seemed the goal was to not say anything stupid, controversial or contrary, with the half-dozen GOP Presidential contenders scanning his remarks line by line, looking for any red meat. And so, our governor spent 11 minutes – about a quarter of his speech – speaking about the need to treat drug addiction, certainly a poll-friendly topic. But many other issues were barely addressed -– like the state’s disastrous financial condition –proving to opponents once again the governor is more focused on his next job, rather than his current one. Barbara Buono is somewhere right now, saying “Yeah, no duh.”
TRENTON – Gov. Chris Christie vowed he will be back for another “State of the State” next January, but today he is again elsewhere. Christie will be in South Carolina, attending the swearing-in of Gov. Nikki Haley and celebrating at her inaugural gala marking a second term – albeit likely weighed down, distracted and consumed by all those darn New Jersey issues that went unaddressed yesterday. Or, maybe not.
TRENTON – Democrats likened the speech to a Seinfeld episode – really a “State of the State about nothing.” Senate President Steve Sweeney: “He is running for president…But he’s still the governor of the State of New Jersey. And our issues have to be addressed.” Democrats complained the Governor touted accomplishments he has already taken numerous victory laps over, but ignored how to fund the Transportation Trust Fund, help the poor, save Atlantic City and assist those still reeling from Hurricane Sandy. Perhaps we’ll be waiting until the gubernatorial race of 2017 to hear more on such topics.
TRENTON – In the past, a feisty “State of the State” Address was followed by a grand tour of the media stations, ensuring the governor’s agenda is reiterated and reverberates. But, this year, it is up to Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno to ride all the momentum that Christie evidently established in his 43 minutes at the podium. All the apparent excitement about the bright new agenda will be evident as she tours a food business in Paterson, headlines a home dedication in Union Beach and goes to a fundraiser at the Union Beach Fire Department.
TRENTON – To educate the masses and keep everyone on message, the governor’s press office offers video and transcript from the “State of the State” speech. It includes some excerpts from the speech that we are all urged to remember, like “If you’re willing to put down the sword of partisan politics, I will extend my hand in partnership.” Here is a good one: “We’re not talking about statistics, we’re talking about people.” This is a nice nugget: “I will veto any income tax increases that come before me.” And, one for the national media that will hopefully hit the Sunday political shows: “We are a nation beset by anxiety.”
IN THE MEDIA
TRENTON – Local media – which the Christie Administration deems as important as Monday’s meatloaf – were ignored once again, as Gov. Chris Christie held an “off the record” chat yesterday with national press prior to the “State of the State” address. Locals Michael Aron and Matt Katz were grousing about it on NJTV, while Politicker devoted an entire article to the grand snubbing, saying The Wall Street Journal, ABC News, NBC, CNN, The New York Times, and the Associated Press got the red carpet treatment. Local reporters were not told why they were barred and, of course, the governor’s office declined comment. Obvious answer: Christie doesn’t want questions he has no answers for.
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
Some say the beginning of the end of commercial television occurred on this day in 1981, when the FCC ruled TV stations could air as many commercials as they darn well please – a real win for political consulting firms that produce Presidential primary campaign ads.