By Kristopher Seals
Glassboro, NJ – While it did not have the same brutality as Fury-Wilder III, some (figurative) punches were thrown at the latest New Jersey gubernatorial debate, and the final decision could get interesting.
Rowan University hosted the second and last scheduled debate between incumbent Phil Murphy (D-Rumson) and challenger Jack Ciattarelli (R-Hillsborough) Oct. 12. While the first debate could be considered a little restless and in favor of Murphy at its northern NJ setting, the second one was way more restless and in favor of Ciattarelli thanks to its southern location.
As with the first meeting, the key issues came up again: Tropical Storm Ida response, COVID-19, Edna Mahan, the budget, and more. However, this debate saw a more locked-in Ciattarelli compared to Murphy, who seemed shaken by the anti-Murphy leaning and very vocal audience.
On the subject of school funding, former assemblyman Ciattarelli said that it needs to be fixed in order to be “flatter” and more equitable, alleviating property taxes at the same time. Murphy felt differently, saying, “If you’re in a black or brown community or you’re a Black or brown kid out there, you’re gonna get the rug pulled out from under you.”
In a bold counterpunch, Ciattarelli later blasted Murphy over racial issues, citing how the Governor has not given Black-owned firms opportunities at public contracts and brought up a discrimination lawsuit filed by a Black-owned firm against the state.
One unique aspect about the candidates is that while their cutoff time differs, both of them support abortion. The only difference is that Ciattarelli would prefer it not be done after 20 weeks compared to Murphy, who feels no restriction should exist. Also, while Murphy feels the conservative leaning U.S. Supreme Court will overturn Roe v. Wade, Ciattarelli feels that it will actually remain in place.
A key moment of the debate came on the heels of the current governor repeating his stance of “Forward” with little to no effect. Ciattarelli countered with the fact that Murphy took the job even though he knew what he was facing. This seemed to indicate that while Murphy wants to move “Forward,” when he faces criticism, he looks backward to what other people did .
Analysis
In the last debate of any election, the candidates are usually more pressed to get their agenda out there in a strong decisive manner. Although Murphy has the stronger campaign budget and support, he did not land any blows that would effectively end Ciattarelli’s run for the post.
The governor looked stunned and shaken at times, either consciously or subconsciously assuming that this election was in the bag. To him, it must have felt like a disaster, and based on his record with calamities like Ida and snowstorms, he does not perform well in those situations.
Four years ago, he promised to get minimum wage bumped up, legalize marijuana, and install a millionaires’ tax. He did all of that. This time, he is promising nothing concrete besides keeping what he already put into place.
When I hear Murphy shout “Forward,” it makes me want to ask him, “Where?”
On the other hand, Ciattarelli was calm, cool, and collected. Maybe it was the “home crowd” feel, or maybe not. Either way, he presented himself as the candidate who will offer something new.
This leads me to two takeaways. First, based on performance, I think that Ciattarelli won Round 2, not by knockout, but on points. Secondly, combined with the performance of Diane Allen, his lieutenant governor running mate, in her debate against incumbent Sheila Oliver, I would have to say that Ciattarelli is in striking distance of an upset. In no way am I saying it will happen, but he has a much better chance than you think.
