Corzine a Hit at Somerset County Democratic Convention

Love-In (3.50 / 2)

Lest I interrupt the Corzine love-in, can one point out that Corzine has increased school aid to the top-funded-in-the-nation-per-capita K-12 school systems while simultaneously reducing funding to the 49th-in-the-nation higher education system?  Call it what you will, but the lack of an affordable higher education system in NJ is one of the reasons that NJ is suffering on the job front.   There doesn't seem to be any rational reason for such policies.  Studies show how harmful it is to NJ.   Personally, I think someone has been intentionally asleep at the wheel the past 4 years.

-pb

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by: princetonblue @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 at 00:45:19 AM UTC

Let's tone it down a bit ... (0.00 / 0)

The entire post talks about his speaking style, and discusses things he said for those who can't or don't want to watch 20 minutes of video.  It was not an analysis or critique of his governorship.

I'd love to see the numbers for the public school funding you noted.  Anecdotally I've noticed the opposite in Somerset County, but since most of our towns (please don't forget we have Franklin, North Plainfield, Bound Brook, Manville, South Bound Brook, Raritan, etc.) are wealthy it's not likely to be a good sample.  

I agree with you on the higher education issue, though I see this as a national issue as much as a state one.  We MUST return public universities and colleges to their original intent as a place where anyone can attend if they do the work.  It's true that any high school student with a B average can attend a community college, but that's not enough in this day and age to create a solid economic foothold.

But, back to my original point, let's not attack every positive analysis of something Corzine does as a "Love In" or attack every criticism as a lurker slam.  

We all have issues with the Corzine administration and some of the things that have gone on over the past 8 years.  But there are people of good faith on both sides of these issues and opinions here, and the instant snark and abuse this far from the election is not likely to improve the candidate or the administration.

From either side, pro or con.

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by: nathanrudy @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 at 18:43:18 PM UTC

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it seems pretty plain (0.00 / 0)

that Corzine has a big problem with the College Presidents.  I honestly have the impression he thinks they are wasting money,  In any case, it also seem the state legislature is quite content expecting students to pay hugher tuition (it's their education) or go to community college instead.  I think it's sad but that's what it is.

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

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by: Hopeful @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 at 19:22:44 PM UTC

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Corzine More "Aggressive" and "Progressive"!?! (0.00 / 0)

He used those words well (and often :-), and gave a fairly rousing presentation to a highly partisan audience.

Now the challenge is to sharpen and focus those themes into a stump speech that he can deliver to a mixed crowd with 100% full throated sincerity and confidence.....and of course, beyond that to craft policies and priorities and commitments to actually BE more progressive and more aggressive.

I suspect that Corzine can win small against Christie by running a fairly conventional campaign and spending lots of money....Christie really is an asshole who is attached to the worst of the Bush regimes policies.......but a small win isn't good enough in my book.

I want to see a 25 point slaughter.   And the way to achieve that is for the governor to go over the heads of the political establishments (of both parties) and to adopt a far more progressive policy agenda.    

He'll be able to spend half as much cash for twice as many votes.....that's how disgusted New Jerseyans of BOTH parties are with the same old pay to play bullshit.

The more animated populist style is a positive; but backing it up with some potent substance will result in an ass kicking for Christie...and more importantly a governor who will be empowered to drive the agenda in 2010 without any concern for what the "machines" will do/think!

Thanks for capturing the video Nathan!

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by: Nick Lento @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 at 04:56:34 AM UTC

Just note ... (0.00 / 0)

I said he was "populist", not progressive.  There's a significant difference.

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by: nathanrudy @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 at 18:23:21 PM UTC

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Agreed, There is a Significant Distinction.... (0.00 / 0)

...though the two can certainly overlap.

Listen to his talk again, he repeatedly uses the word "progressive" in reference to himself....and, as I recall, at one point actually uses "aggressive....progressive" in the same sentence....and the word "aggressive" a number of times.

Don't get me wrong, I've been calling for him to be a genuinely "aggressive progressive"...so I'm pleased that he's adopted the language....but it would be very disappointing if he went "lite" on the substance.

My point is that NJ is in a place now where being truly and profoundly/aggressively progressive would actually BE a populist position.  

In my view Corzine is running at a time in which doing the right thing is actually the best thing to do if he wants to win big and have some real clout as governor.  Corzine in in position to actually lead/create a public movement.....and thereby go "over the heads" of the existing power brokers (in both parties) who are clinging to a pathological status quo.

From my perspective it's baffling to see Corzine holding back in the slightest.

Then again, he just may genuinely be a very middle of the road corporate establishmentarian who doesn't want to risk crossing the political/economic machines that have been running the state into the ground.

I'd love to have a real at length in depth conversation with the guy...on the record.  

Just spending 80-100 million bucks and beating Christie by six or so points isn't good enough if one's agenda is to make real/positive changes.    

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by: Nick Lento @ Sun Mar 29, 2009 at 22:53:18 PM UTC

[ Parent ]