3 users logged onTips: BlueJerseyDotCom (AIM) |      

Log In
Sign Up | Forgot Password?

Gubernatorial Debate #2 Live-Blog

by: JRB

Fri Oct 16, 2009 at 01:46:00 PM EDT



Promoted by Jason Springer: If you're around, feel free to join us for some live blogging of the 2nd debate starting at 7pm. Jeff and Rosi will have something later as they are at the debate itself. Here is a live stream for your enjoyment, I can't seem to find an embed.

I planned on going out tonight, but who am I kidding? With the fireworks of the last week and the tightening of this race, how can I not watch this thing?

There are a lot of good things to do tonight, but if you're not busy, feel free to join in. 7 p.m. at myfoxphilly.com.
JRB :: Gubernatorial Debate #2 Live-Blog
Tags: , , , (All Tags)
Print Friendly View Send As Email

Gubernatorial Debate #2 Live-Blog | 90 comments
also (0.00 / 0)
Northjersey.com:

http://www.northjersey.com/sit...

probably other sites too.


Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

The line outside (0.00 / 0)
Rosi and Jeff are attending the debate.  Rosi sends along this picture of the line outside:

theline


The candidates are on stage (0.00 / 0)
and we're almost ready to go.
Clap clap clap (0.00 / 0)
Woo. Audio not great on MyFoxPhilly.
[ Parent ]
Waiting for the audio to kick in and blow me away. (0.00 / 0)
Because it's not live they're getting off to a slow start I guess.
[ Parent ]
Booooooooooooring. (0.00 / 0)
7:06 let's kick it off. Quiet time should be over. Now it's just awkward.
[ Parent ]
Now I feel like Dennis Hopper in Speed (0.00 / 0)
And I'm just watching Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves on loop.
[ Parent ]
And it begins. n/t (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
The fox news stream (0.00 / 0)
has a host, Asm Jon Bramnick, Patrick Murray and Tara Dowdell doing commentary. The Myfoxphilly stream just shows a full screen of the room.
[ Parent ]
Daggett is wedged in the middle again. (0.00 / 0)
But please, GET SOME NEW JOKES.
There's a Jon Corzine look alike behind the moderator! (0.00 / 0)

Daggett talked about how he's anti-politics. (0.00 / 0)
... by only talking about... politics?

Ack.

Corzine talks meat. (0.00 / 0)
He talks about his accomplishments.
Corzine lists some accomplishments (0.00 / 0)
and now Christie is talking about the need for change. He knows we can be hopeful.  Cutting, waste, spending. Make change.
Christie talks about a "broken" New Jersey (0.00 / 0)
Christie no likey New Jersey. His version sounds DEPRESSING.

Says we need "common sense basics" which is his version of "compassionate conservatism." Not a better way.

Corzine is going at the voters' brains. (0.00 / 0)
But he needs to strike at the gut some more. He is a little too mellow and it sounds a little jumbled.
"Highest burdened taxpayers" (4.00 / 1)
is Christie's way of saying "wealthiest."

Now THAT is creative.

Corzine attacks Christie expanding deficits w/ his tax breaks (4.00 / 1)
to the quote-unquote "highest burdened taxpayers." Says we need relief to the middle class, also known as "the middle class."
[ Parent ]
"Highest burdened taxpayers" (0.00 / 0)
is Christie's way of saying "wealthiest."

Now THAT is creative.

Doblin talks about (4.00 / 1)
plans and lack of plans.  What part of plan depends on legislative approval.

Corzine talks about what they've dealt with taking on a mess.  Says we will not be able to put everything into pension system we'd choose to.  We have 1.5-2 billion to come from economic recovery program.  Talks about reducing state employees and then go through budget and reduce by 5 or 6% if OLS budget is correct.  He presumes we may have stronger revenues.

Christie says we know deficit will be 6-10 million.  He says he's laid out specifics.  Some mirror Corzine.  He says he won't raise taxes on the highest earners.  Take different approach.  Get greater reforms in pension system and collective bargaining.  Can't lean on the people for taxes.  It will not be easy.  Have to go through every program.  In the end, he knows we'll find more.  We can no longer raise taxes.

Daggett says all of it will take legislative approval.  1/3 will be taken care of through his tax cut plan. more taken care of through pension reduction. a billion will be with a freeze in state spending. use stimulus money, but they will make cuts necessary to balance budget.

Corzine says he's please the candidates want to mirror him.  Difference is tax cuts to wealthy.  That will make the deficit 10 billion that has to be close.  Need to be sure we provide property tax relief.  You can't do that and give property tax relief.

How would you improve quality of life (4.00 / 1)
Christie says in first 6 months will reinstate property tax rebates for citizens who lost in last budget.  Not a long term position and have ideas to deal with that. Of course he doesn't tell us.  He says we need to share services. We need a hard cap on spending.  Need an audit of school boards to look at middle management of schools.  Need to go back and look at possibility of consitutional convention and if we can't fix in the first year, he's gonna be calling for that.

Daggett says rebates is money that D's and R's shouldn't have taken from you in the first place.  Tries to explain his sales tax plan.

Corzine says we've already demonstrated that with record direct property tax rebates to seniors, 2 million more than any governor.  We've also imposed caps.  Put together a new school funding formula that delivers school aid to middle class areas.  Working every day on shared services, consolidation and regionalization.  Expanded senior freeze to cover 210k households.  Will restore property tax rebates when we have resources.  Says christie went to 10.5 billion deficit if he increases tax rebates immediately.

Christie attacks Daggett's plan.  Says as to Governor's claim, he says small businesses need a tax cut.

Christie seems more concerned w/ attacking Daggett (0.00 / 0)
than Corzine.
Toll Talk (0.00 / 0)
So far (first 15 minutes) it's been pretty typical debate fodder. Nothing that will make the nightly news.
Other than that (0.00 / 0)
Christie seems cooler than he was in the last debate. A little smaller in stature and more on-point.
[ Parent ]
Tolls hikes (4.00 / 1)
Daggett says he wouldn't sell state assets.  Says Corzine's idea was bad. At some point in time, we have to deal with bankrupt transportation trust fund.  We have to take care of to fix roads, bridges and mass transit are funded.  If we have to fix by increasing sales tax on gas, gas tax or increasing tolls, we'll do as last resort.  He's not gonna stand by and let us go into a greater state of disrepair.

Corzine says he agrees with the last statement.  There's not question that the plan he laid down was to much, to fast. The problems that underly what they were trying to accomplish, pay down debt, make sure they have resources to fund system, and make sure they provide for open space, we still have to fix thos problems.  Unattractive alternatives are fundamental. A constituational amendment that requires debt to be approved by the voters was good thing that came out of it.

Christie says the other candidates believe we have a revenue problem, he believes we have a spending and debt problem. Christie says he's for voters approving debt and won't bring on more.  Christie says he doesn't believe we shoudl raise the cost on anybody.  We have to convince them we are responsible stewards.

Daggett says he's gonna buy christie a calculator because his numbers don't add up.  He says he has no plan at all.  He says his plan will make the system fairer. He wants to see someone comes up with a substantive analysis that challenges it.

DAGGETT: "I have to get you a calculator Mr. Christie" (0.00 / 0)
He lands the first blow. Attacks him for numbers not adding up, not having enough substance.

Daggett's really showing some spunk. Corzine has no energy.

CHRISTIE: "I'm gonna get you a dictionary Mr. Daggett" (0.00 / 0)
Ignores what Corzine just said about starting to create jobs. WHAT DEBATE ARE YOU IN DUDE?
CORZINE: "I'm going to get you a protractor." (0.00 / 0)
Wait, no he didn't. J/K
[ Parent ]
Questions on jobs (4.00 / 2)
Corzine talks about grants to small businesses to hire and hold people for a job.  Going to have to extend, well received by small business.  Put tax credits down for equipment purposes.  Working with president to make sure national program is providing real change by investing in infrastructure and sustaining investment in schools.  Talks about program 2 months ago to provide credits for urban hubs and public/private partnerships.

Christie says he's gonna be more than happy to get daggett's calculator and says he'll get daggett a dictionary because you can't make a $ 4 billion hike a tax cut.  Talks about how bad the business climate is, how many people have left. This is the problem we have to solve.  Too expensive to live her.  business are moving for other states.  Says questionner needs to be concerned with getting a Governor.

Daggett says that if his tax plan is implemented, things will be fairer.  It will make this state more attractive to people here and corporations thinking of coming in. Take addiotnal money found in cost savings to invest in higher education.  Putting ourselves in a position where our best students leave.  Need to invest in high tech future, bio tech, nano tech.  Develop better collaborative relationships, we can make fairier and more attractive.

Corzine rebuts, agreeing with daggett on getting christie a calculator.  Talks about Christie saying we have the highest unemployment rate in the country.  Says it's just misleading and talking down the state is not a good idea.

End of round 1.

Corzine got a good shot at Christie on degrading the state (0.00 / 0)
But it was nothing worthy of a sound bite. Corzine needs to animate himself.
[ Parent ]
OK. This is what defines the debate tonight. (0.00 / 0)
Hands down. The Debate is over.

Christie is talking about his weight.

**NEWS ANCHORS HEADS EXPLODE**

Daggett gets passionate again (0.00 / 0)
Maybe Corzine's voice is too low, his manner too subtle. But he is putting me to sleep.
On talking about real issues (4.00 / 1)
Christie says he's waiting for it too.  He wants to let people in on the weight issue.  Says in case you haven't noticed he is slightly overweight. Apparently this has become a great cause for dicusssion.  Says he's struggled with his weight as he's sure many have in the audience and many more are at home.  Worst part is that the gov's staff won't admit what they're doing.  Crowd claps as the moderator says no applauding.

Daggett says he doesn't run negative campaigns. He hasn't done it and will continue not to doit.  Only turns people off.  Both campaigns have embarrassed our state with this campaigning.  Spent millions of dollars in special interest money by funneling money into washington to come back as negative campaiging.  Says no one cares, wants to know what we're doing to fix this state.  Their campainging only serves to supress votes.  Do what's right and end negative campaigning.  Crowd claps again.

Corzine says he doesn't are about Christie's weight.  He cares about what matters for state of New Jersey.  Says we've been talking about what people should provide under insurance policies.  Whether they're going to provide autism screening, women 48 hour stay or a mammogram.  That is part of a serious debate about healthcare.  More important to stand with families than give tax cuts for the wealthy.  Says we put out very serious plan with caps and shared services.  

Christie says he's been watching those TV ads.  We all know what the Governor's campaign has been about.  Character assassination to talk about how he drives a car, to how much he weighs, to how long he stayed in Congres.  Wishes Governor would admit that's what hte campaign is about.

Christie's weight talk is the debate. (0.00 / 0)
Nobody reporting on this will give a hoot about anything else. This is what it all boils down to. Wait for the weight stories tomorrow.
[ Parent ]
no doubt n/t (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
Supreme Court Justices (4.00 / 1)
Daggett talks about what he's looking for, but doesn't think we shoudl put them through litmus test with social issues or worry abotu whether they are democrats or republicans.  he wants well rounded people who have reputation for clear thinking.

Sorry to run, but time for dinner.  

See ya. (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
Corzine like Justice Stephen Breyer (0.00 / 0)
Good choice.

Daggett can't name a justice he likes.

Corzine also uses the word "empathy" (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
Christie picks Sam Alito. (0.00 / 0)
Stays local, very conservative.
[ Parent ]
Christie mouths conservative rhetoric (0.00 / 0)
"Don't legislate from the bench"

Daggett gives a great rebuttal: "We have our views." Not much else to say.

[ Parent ]
MARRIAGE EQUALITY (0.00 / 0)
Corzine is for it.

Christie? One man, one woman. Says he supports the civil union law. But he is personally opposed and would like a ballot question on it.  

Christie's people keep applauding. (0.00 / 0)
Yuck.
[ Parent ]
Corzine says that rights aren't subject to a vote. (4.00 / 1)
So shove it Chris Christie.
[ Parent ]
Funny how all Republicans are for civil unions now (0.00 / 0)
Tide is turning, y'all.
[ Parent ]
CHRISTIE MENTIONS BUSH WHEN TALKING ABOUT IMMIGRATION (0.00 / 0)
***HIS SUPPORTERS HEADS EXPLODE***
Christie says immigration is a federal problem (0.00 / 0)
The feds should have to deal with it.
[ Parent ]
Daggett somewhat agrees (0.00 / 0)
but says that we shouldn't deputize squads to seek out those here illegally because it creates an atmosphere of fear. Need humane ways to deal with this issue, especially with children.
[ Parent ]
Corzine says no such thing as an alien (0.00 / 0)
Says these are "human beings." "Undocumented." Also calls for in-state tuition.

His low-key manner helps him hit all the right notes with the people he's trying to sway, but it won't make the nightly news.

[ Parent ]
that is odd (0.00 / 0)
[ Parent ]
Education reform (4.00 / 2)
Daggett says look at the money being spent in urban areas. Time to equalize. Literally billions in urban areas but high school dropout rates of over 50%. Try to replicate the good schools but let's give kids money for private schools rather than public schools.

Corzine points out that our schools are pretty darn good nationally. Pre-school education is important. coughCHRISTIE*cough* Also likes charter schools. Opposes vouchers. Will take stimulus money. coughCHRISTIE*cough*

Christie doesn't like the urban school system. Says he will do something about it: more charter schools ("I agree with President Obama on this") or vouchers for private schools.

Daggett is passionate about accountability. Only one to talk about suburban schools. Can't give up on one kid.

DRAW n/t (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
Corporate tax reform. (0.00 / 0)
Cozine says he's done more about it than others. Wants biz to feel comfortable. Rattling off a bunch of stuff that isn't really making an impression with me.

Christie says get rid of corporate biz tax surcharge, he will cut biz taxes, make rainbows, ice cream raindrops and gummi-bear fountains. (yum)

Daggett says biz climate sucks (0.00 / 0)
He wants tax cuts immediately. Cut corporate taxes by 25%. Regulatory burden. Don't wait at all, just start throwing stuff out. Yipee. He's got the starry-eyes of Christie.
[ Parent ]
Corzine gets his sound bite (4.00 / 1)
That his opponents think the recession is only in NJ and that they be LOCO.
[ Parent ]
Doblin reminds me of a pyschiatrist. (0.00 / 0)
I worry he wants to talk about feelings next.
Christie calls Xanadu ugly (0.00 / 0)
What's he going to do, insult its weight next?
I hope Corzine knocks Christie and Daggett for KNOCKING NEW JERSEY (0.00 / 0)
Christie is such an arrogant, New Jersey-trashing bully. No wonder he's losing to Corzine.
[ Parent ]
NOPE (0.00 / 0)
Corzine is mushy about how it's going to be super-duper. "Ain't that good looking but it does need to go forward."

Guess he's right to not attack Christie for attacking Xanadu. It is a joke and a boondoggle.

[ Parent ]
Christie: Keep the Nets in NJ (0.00 / 0)
Eff Brooklyn. JERSEY PRIDE.
[ Parent ]
State investment in Higher Ed (4.00 / 1)
DAGGETT: Do more.

CORZINE: Done more. Will do more.

CHRISTIE: Done an awful job. Will do more.

thanks for the descriptions (0.00 / 0)
I just got home from work, and now the Yankees have already started.  

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch
Consolidation (4.00 / 1)
CORZINE: We are proactive. Consolidating school districts and done studies. Princeton Boro and Township have it on the ballot. Common tax assessment. Fire Departments merging. Keep it going.

CHRISTIE: Provide grants to study shared services and consolidation. Accountability. You need to implement the plan or you need to give the grant money back. Create the pressure we need on the municipal leadership.

DAGGETT: Uh, what're we talking about? Ah, whatever. This is a waste of time.

CORZINE: Daggett, you so crazy. (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
Jeter, Damon lead off with hits (4.00 / 1)
YES! Dueling live-blogs! (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
Public option on health care (4.00 / 2)
CHRISTIE says no to the public option. And we need to adjust to what Washington does. Do not expand public option, expand "private option" (COUGH-like-dropping-mammograms-COUGH)

DAGGETT says he doesnt support the public option. And that the plan on the table in Washington doesn't mean squat to NJ because we already have these reforms.

CORZINE: We've reduced the number of uninsured by 11% because we've taken a pro-active stance. Covering kids. Preventive care. Stopping the cycle. I STAND WITH THE PEOPLE OF NJ, I DO NOT STAND WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANIES UNLIKE MY OPPONENTS.

CORZINE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO SUPPORTS THE PRESIDENT'S REFORM PLAN

Christie says we need to get the 1.4 million health insurance... (0.00 / 0)
... from PRIVATE insurance companies. YAY!  
[ Parent ]
MAMMOGRAMS (4.00 / 2)
The breast cancer survivor brings it up.
DAGGETT says we need to promote mammograms (0.00 / 0)
But doesn't say if it should be mandated. Says it is talk.

Says he thinks that insurance companies would cover it regardless. WHAT PLANET ARE YOU ON DUDE?

[ Parent ]
CORZINE: I stand with women. (4.00 / 1)
You've got to mandate these things. For women and mammograms, for mothers and maternity leave, for kids and testing for autism.

DON'T LET THE INSURANCE COMPANIES OFF ThE HOOk.

CHRISTIE: Who me?

[ Parent ]
so, JRB (0.00 / 0)
Do you think anything really interesting happened tonight?  It seems like the same ground covered previously.
 

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch
Nope (4.00 / 1)
Coverage will be all about weight. Maybe the calculator/dictionary comment.

Corzine did nothing to stand out. Daggett got some passion. Christie is Christie.

[ Parent ]
Corzine press operation is... (0.00 / 0)
firing off e-mails with supporting info for attacks on Christie, defense of Corzine, etc. etc.

I can see though how reporters get jaded.  We've seen it all.  

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

[ Parent ]
Property Tax Relief (0.00 / 0)
Oh boy. My stream just went haywire for a minute. But this is the classic Corzine on defense, Christie and Daggett on offense situation.
Corzine says christie is pushing "trickle down economics" (0.00 / 0)
Pins the last eight years of national economy on this. BUT DOESN'T USE ThE WORD BUSH? WHAT THE WHAT?

Don't get it.

[ Parent ]
CORRUPTION (4.00 / 1)
Christie mentions "hope." Will he go all "HOPE CAN BE REAL AGAIN?" GAAAAAH! I uh, HOPE not.
DAGGETT goes at "legal" corruption (0.00 / 0)
and even uses "air quotes". Dorky, but I totally agree with him. Says it is about service not corruption. Too many people are acting unethical but are protected by the law. Time to pull back the curtain.
[ Parent ]
Corzine lists all the half-measures he;s done (0.00 / 0)
and now attacks Christie for no-bid contracts, pay to play. CORZINE GETS SOME APPLAUSE. but the Christie town-hallers boo and holler.  
[ Parent ]
I give you two words, you pick one (0.00 / 0)

BRUCE OR BON JOVI (0.00 / 0)
EVERYBODY PICKS BRUCE

Poor JON BON

[ Parent ]
GIANTS OR EAGLES (0.00 / 0)
EVERYBODY GIANTS
[ Parent ]
JERSEY OR NY GIANTS (0.00 / 0)
EVERYBODY JERSEY GIANTS
[ Parent ]
JERSEY SHORES OR JERSEY FARMS (0.00 / 0)
DAGGETT: Both

CORZINE: Shore

CHRISTIE: JERSEY

[ Parent ]
CLOSING STATEMENTS (0.00 / 0)

CORZINE (0.00 / 0)
Clear contrasts.

THIS IS A CHOICE. Which way will it be? I cut the budget two years in a row WHILE increasing education spending. Keeping health care expanding. Property tax relief in our means. Sorry, no big tax cuts for big biz and wealthiest when we have to tighten our belts. Pro-choice. Anti-gun.

[ Parent ]
CHRISTIE (0.00 / 0)
Born in Newark. Raised in Livingston. Educated in Delaware. Living in New Jersey.

YIPEE.

Do you like New jersey? Nah! Me neither. Are you better off than you were four years ago? And hey, how about that smell on the Turnpike?

New Jersey will only be awesome if I am governor. Otherwise, fuck it.

[ Parent ]
DAGGETT (0.00 / 0)
There are three choices.

The major parties are broken. I can win. I am more experienced than these two. We are a great state. We have the stuff to make it great. And let's send a message that it's time to end politics as usual. Don't let them scare you into not voting for a third party. I can win. Believe me it is never wrong to vote for the right person.

Change like you've never seen.

[ Parent ]
WINNER? (0.00 / 0)
No one, again.

Maybe Christie because his weight comments will dominate the news. But really, what a waste of an hour and a half. I am going to get a drink. SEACREST OUT.

Thanks for live blogging (0.00 / 0)
doesn't look like I missed anything going to have dinner. Do I liked the dueling live blogs with the game too.
[ Parent ]
Gubernatorial Debate #2 Live-Blog | 90 comments
Featured Stories
NJ Budget Forecast: "When You Wish Upon a Star..."
by: Bill Orr - May 23
5 Comments
Cory Booker Gets His 12 Minutes on Maddow
by: Rosi Efthim - May 22
6 Comments
Cory Booker has a Complicated Relationship with the Democratic Party
by: Chazz - May 22
8 Comments

Hate Ads? Make them disappear.
Subscribe:

Blue Jersey Essentials
 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
 Rosi Efthim

 STAFF WRITERS
 Adam L a/k/a/ clammyc
 Bill Orr
 Deciminyan
 Hopeful
 Jeff Gardner
 Jersey Jazzman
 KendalJames
 Senator Loretta Weinberg
 the_promised_land
 Rosi Efthim

» About | FAQ | In the News
» 
» Tips:
» Front Page RSS Feed
» User Diaries RSS Feed
» Blue Jersey on Twitter » Blue Jersey on Facebook » Blue Jersey T-shirts
ADVERTISEMENT

Blog Roll
» Alicia Menendez
» Alive and Kickin
» Baristanet
» Blog the Fifth
» Capitol Quickies
» The Center of NJ Life
» Channel Surfing
» Channel Surfing
» Deciminyan
» The Englewood Report
» Frank Lobiondo Record
» Fred Snowflack
» Freedom to Tinker
» Garden State Grapevine
» ClearysNoteBook
» Herb Jackson
» Hoboken Journal
» Hoboken Now
» Jersey Blogs
» Jersey Jazzman
» Middletown Mike
» More Monmouth Musings
» NJ Domestic Partnership
» NJ Politics Unusual
» NJ Voices: Policy Watch
» On Our Radar
» The Opinion Mill
» Other Spaces
» Plainfield Plaintalker
» PolitickerNJ
» Retire Garrett
» Ruins of Trenton
» Senator Ray Lesniak
» Stovetop Diplomacy
» Sustainable Cherry Hill
» The Subversive Garden
» Teaneck Progress
» Trenton Kat
» We Don't Need Permission
» Xpatriated Texan

Cartoons
» M.e. Cohen
» Jimmy Margulies
» Drew Sheneman
» Rob Tornoe
Search




Advanced Search











Ads do not constitute
an endorsement
from Blue Jersey.


Blue Jersey Gear

Visit the Blue Jersey store. T-shirts, bumper stickers & more!


Shirts available in dozens of styles and colors.


Visit the Blue Jersey Store

Contact Us
» Editor: 
» Press releases: 
» Advertising inquiries: 
» Tips:
About Us
» About Blue Jersey
» Blue Jersey in the News
» FAQ/Usage
» 
» RSS Feed

 		Misc Stuff
» Blue Jersey Radio
» Blue Jersey on Twitter
» Facebook Group
» MySpace Page
» NJ Politics 101 Wiki
» Blue Jersey Podcast
» Screaming Carrot Award
» Contribute to Blue Jersey
7959 satisfied users, visits and 0 subpoenas served since Sept 28, 2005
© Blue Jersey, powered by the mighty SoapBlox.
Powered by: SoapBlox