Lautenberg's handlers doing the right thing
By Wally EdgeFrank Lautenberg is doing what he's supposed to do: protecting his double-digit lead by not putting himself in a position of blowing his re-election to a fifth term in the United States Senate. Against Rob Andrews in the Democratic primary, Lautenberg put off a debate until the Friday night before the election, and now against Republican Dick Zimmer, he's holding off until the Saturday night before the election. And the debattes -- primary and general -- air on public television. (No disrespect intended to NJN, but it's not like Lautenberg vs. Zimmer will attract the kind of audience a New York/Philadelphia network would provide. Even if Lautenberg made a horrible gaffe -- which he did not last June -- there would not be enough time (or for Zimmer, enough money) to cost him the election.
One thing NJN can do to ensure a larger audience: air the debate constantly over the final days of the campaign -- perhaps mornings, afternoons and evenings on Sunday and Monday.
Contributors
Wally Edge
New Jersey Network reporter Zachary Fink was named on Friday as the new statehouse correspondent for NJN News. Fink replaces Jim Hooker, who ... >
Bob Torricelli
There's nothing more difficult to see than the history before your eyes. It sometimes takes generations to understand the significance of ... >
Michael Patrick Carroll
OK, he didn't say precisely that, but when the Chairman of the Budget Committee informs us that governmental spending is the key to prosperity, ... >
Debbie Holtz
Score one for the Governor’s public relations team. For the last few weeks, they have been working overtime to fuel speculation Corzine was being ... >
Steve Lonegan
The sub prime mortgage melt down and its ensuing financial “crisis” has tested the mettle of all of us who believe in and support the free ... >
Dr. Joseph Marbach
I am pleased to report the results from the first national poll conducted by Environmental Studies Program in the College of Arts and Sciences at ... >
Rob Tornoe
To view a larger version of this cartoon, click here. >
Michael P. Riccards
The media, which loves headlines and knows little history, is trying to sell President Elect Obama as another Franklin Delano Roosevelt. But that ... >
Joey Novick
Whenever I get the chance to visit my parents in Florida when working a comedy gig down there, it’s like living in a “Seinfeld” episode. They ... >
Juan Melli
In an election year driven by a hemorrhaging economy and an electorate hungry for an end to divisive politics, 7th Congressional District candidate ... >
Carla Katz
A couple of weeks ago, my mother, Angelina Katz, did her second debate on behalf of Barack Obama. A debate? My mother? If you knew her, you’d be ... >
Patricia Quattrocchi
Former State Senator Wayne Bryant got a smack on the back of the head from a jury of his peers today when they found him guilty of all eleven charges ... >
Hot Topics
| Politicker INTERACTIVE | |
 |
Lawmaker Profile Follow the funding of your representatives |
 |
270 to Win See how Obama got to the magic number |
Most Active Stories
- Bryant guilty on all counts
- Obama bundler says he lost $25 billion of N.J. pension funds
- Merkt calls for Wilson's resignation
- After running as a local Obama, Hawkins runs early into the hard edge of Orange
- If it's Corzine v. Christie, both sides get ready for the worst
- Quinnipiac: Corzine 42%, Christie 36%
- Karrow announces state senate bid
- Mallet defeats Curley, Monmouth Freeholder Board becomes Democratic-controlled
- Dredden would serve as RSC chairman if asked
- When it comes to Corzine re-election, Democrats trust Team Obama
- Correction: Weiner departure was not his own idea
- Torricelli on COAH
- Two N.J. super delegates go to Obama; Norcross backs Obama; key Clinton supporters endorse Obama
- At energy policy meeting, Rose fights with cabinet and walks away
- Sixteen Democrats are on Norcross' short list for Andrews House seat
- Roughneen in court today on signature challenge
- Jackson will be Corzine's new Chief of Staff
- New Jersey's Most Powerful Law Firms
- Jersey City councilman makes it rain in Washington
- Torricelli on deer hunting
Recent Posts From Inside Edge
Quote of the Day
“For a guy who’s got nothing but adoring press for seven years, and is unknown to 70 percent of the public, it’s not easy to win if you’re a single-issue candidate. Our feeling is, bring him on.” -- Democratic State Chairman Joseph Cryan, on Republican Chris Christie, who is resigning as U.S. Attorney to run for Governor.
Recent Press Releases
In the News
Read the expanded Wake Up Call, our summary of today’s news media coverage.
Today’s Must Reads:
Christie Gives Notice, and G.O.P. Gains Hope ― DAVID KOCIENIEWSKI
Christie's legcy― THE BERGEN RECORD
Corzine for Treasury? Don't Bet on It.― WASHINGTON POST
Immigrants still in New Jersey― THE BERGEN RECORD
Now it's the Dems' chance to be dumb― PAUL MULSHINE
Corzine likely to go nowhere― THE DAILY RECORD
SILENT ON CHARGE; LIPSKI TELLS OF ALCOHOL BATTLE― STEVEN LIPSKI
Syndicate
Frank Laudie will show what hes all about...
If Zimmer starts droning about earmarks, Lautenberg will simply slap him with a fish!
What is a debate going to provide?
Will Lautenberg or Zimmer come out with some statement of policy we haven't already heard, repeatedly? Will a NJ politico decide after the debate that the other side actually won? Or will it just be a piece of theater the political establishment will watch to see if there's a "gotcha" moment? This isn't a way to reach the voters, folks, because they're not buying it, even if you broadcast it on the three networks. Don't believe me? Then look at how many people did not tune into the first McCain/Obama debate. And that was for President.
They might as well air it.
No one watches anything else on Pravda, except the politicians who watch the news hoping to see their face.
The only way this debate will get aired nonstop is if Lautenberg massacres Zimmer. NJN has the political impartiality of Daily Kos. No one takes them seriously. I don't even bother inviting them to news conferences anymore.
If a tree falls in the wilderness and no one hears it, does it make a sound?
Frank Lautenberg is this year's Chicken Hawk
Lautenberg went to great lengths to call Dick Chebey and George Bush "Chicken Hawks" for thier willingness to send troops to Iraq when they both avoided service.
Now, it appears that Lautenberg is the Chicken Hawk.
Bill Pascrell would have had the guts to debate Zimmer. It is a travesty that lautenberg has been allowed to hide in his New York apartment this year.
Get ready for Pascrell v Straten
Bill will have to explain his coinflips on deciding national financial policy against a businessman who stayed committed to Paterson!
He is to busy
drinking and sampling the food that the special interest put out.
Pretty lame Wally
Yes, this is politically smart of Lautenberg's handlers to shield him from the press and the public and his political opponent. But I think you're wrong not to call him out on this, Wally, and you've made it worse by complimenting his cynicism. As feckless a campaign as Zimmer has run, this race has huge national implications- a veto proof Senate majority is at stake. This isn't a Gloucester County freeholder race. And Dcdem, a lot comes out of debates. Hillary and Obama's fortunes rose and fell over snide comments (you're popular enough, Hillary) and yes, even policy issues (driver's licenses for illegal immigrants for example).
Lautenberg the fool
What's wrong with the Democratic Party?
They supported this incompetent stiff for re-election over someone like Andrews?
Can it get anymore pathetic?
At least we don't need to read the lame press comments of Roginsky, et al as she makes a ton of money doing nothing for this old fossil.
The fact the GOP could do no better than Zimmer borders on the ridiculous. Lautenberg will still run 5-7 points behind Obama as possibly losing Bergen County.
Vote Column "A" - All the way!
Lautenberg the liar
and we see how vigorous a running mate he's been to his fellow dems, up and down the ticket. NOT. What a selfish old mad. Not that I'll be voting for Zimmer or anything.......
Miss Cookie! You need a guest column!
Vote Column "A" - All the way!
Falling Trees
Here is a better question to pose:
If a former congressman-lobbyist-senatorial candidate fails to resonate with the voters of NJ, should he be given more free opportunities to ply his failures?
YEAAAHHHH BOYYYEEEE!!!
NOOOOO BOYYYEEEE!!!!
Actually that's a pretty inane question to pose. The idea that you shouldn't have to debate if you're ahead helps all the incumbent political machines- Republican and Democrat-that try to keep challengers down.