The
following is my latest column in The Jewish Link of New Jersey, in which I reflect
on my recent trip to Israel:
A
SENSE OF INEVITABILITY
By:
N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
During
my recent trip to Israel, I spent some time at the Knesset in Jerusalem. In
place of the heated rhetoric and tempestuous debates that often reverberate
across the Plenary Hall, there was the sound of silence. With Prime Minister
Netanyahu’s dissolution of the 19th Knesset, the lively and fiery
discussions that generally take place there are on hold until the elections for
the new Knesset are held in March.
The
conspicuous absence of political dialogue was troubling to me throughout my two
weeks in Israel. As someone who could be considered a “political junkie,” I was
looking forward to speaking about the impending elections with Israelis during
my stay and hearing different perspectives on how this latest episode of
Israeli political drama may ultimately play out.
The
fact of the matter is that but for a relatively small number of campaign signs
and some talk on the radio about the primaries in the various political
parties, there was little evidence of the upcoming election and politics was
rarely discussed.
Yes,
there was some talk of the snow that fell in Jerusalem and Northern Israel when
I arrived. Yet, the leading topic of conversation while I was there was about
the recent acts of terror in France and the frightening rise of global
anti-Semitism.
With
Jews in Europe being targeted simply because they are Jewish and terrorists in
the Middle East intent on destroying Israel and murdering Jews, the reality is
that we live in increasingly scary times.
My
visit to Yad Vashem reminded me of the perils of anti-Semitism and the danger
of getting too comfortable in our surroundings. As I watched people from all
walks of life view the photos which document one of the most horrific tragedies
known to mankind, I was reminded of how critically important it is that we
continue to educate people about the dangers of bigotry and hatred. As I observed
dozens of members of the Israel Defense Forces who were on a guided tour of the
museum study the exhibits that detail the atrocities of the Holocaust with wide
eyes and an apparent sense of wonderment, it struck me that they were
comprehending why it is that they put their lives on the line every single day
in order to defend the State of Israel and protect the Jewish people from the
dangers that threaten their very existence.
In
light of the intense focus on the upsurge of anti-Semitism, there was one
question that I was asked repeatedly during my time in Israel. I heard it from
the storekeeper in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, the Oleh
from New York who moved to the city of Efrat twenty years ago, and the taxi
driver in Tel Aviv. The question that was posed to me was not if I am going to
make Aliyah, but when I am going to make Aliyah.
With
the growing feeling that Jews in the Diaspora are facing an uncertain future,
there is almost a sense of inevitability on the part of Israelis that we are all
going to ultimately relocate to the Jewish State.
As
I stood in the holy city of Hebron and prayed at the Mearat Hamachpelah, I had
an experience that initially shook me, but which ultimately strengthened my
resolve. While davening Shemoneh Esrei in view of the final resting place of
our forefather Abraham with as much intensity and concentration that I could
muster, the silence was suddenly shattered. The sound of the muezzin calling
the Muslims to prayer over the loudspeaker from the nearby mosque was virtually
deafening. As I prayed alongside my thirteen-year-old son, the thunderous cry
of “Allahu Akbar” was ringing in my ears and sent a shiver up my spine.
After
a moment, I smiled as I understood that the Muslim call to prayer, which shook
the walls of the Mearat Hamachpelah, actually helped intensify my davening and
bring me even closer to G-d. The loud call of the muezzin reminded me why it is
crucial that we, as Jews, maintain a close and special relationship with G-d.
As
Jews, we may be small in number, but we are strong in spirit. The fewer than
1,000 Jews who call Hebron home may be dwarfed by the hundreds of thousands of
Arabs who also dwell in the city of Hebron, but that is of no consequence. We
maintain a healthy and vibrant presence not only in Hebron, but throughout
Israel, and nothing can change that – not the muezzin who is crying “Allahu
Akbar” and not the Palestinian Arabs who wish that we were not there.
The
idea that Jews moving to Israel is a virtual certainty is not so far-fetched
when you take into account the world we live in and recent events that have
shaken the core of world Jewry.
As
an Orthodox Jew in the United States, I proudly wear my Judaism on my sleeve
and relish the freedom of religion that we are privileged to enjoy. However,
there is something special about being in Israel that always makes me prouder
than ever to be a Jew. Israel is the land that Jews from every corner of the
globe can always call home. It is a Jewish State where we not only feel
comfortable, but where we truly belong. Some of us may move there next month,
some of us may move there next year, and some of us may not actually have any
plans to move there in the foreseeable future, but based on the sentiments that
I heard while I was there, our ultimate relocation and eventual Aliyah is
inevitable. It is not a question of if, rather, it is a question of when.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul
Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm.
Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or
www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Troodler's Top Ten of 2014
The following is my latest column in The Jewish Link of New Jersey, in which I count down the top ten New Jersey political personalities of 2014:
TROODLER’S TOP TEN OF 2014
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
‘Tis the season of the “Top Ten” lists. As we bid farewell to 2014 and close the book on yet another year, it is an ideal time to look back at the past twelve months and reflect on all that transpired during that time.
At year’s end we are subjected to an array of “Top Ten” lists. Movies, songs, sports moments, news stories – you name it, there is a list that ranks it.
Lest you think that politics is above the fray, you are mistaken. Politics is by no means immune to these seemingly endless “Top Ten” lists. And so, in that spirit, I present to you my top ten New Jersey political personalities of 2014.
10. Lou Stellato
The Chairman of the Bergen County Democratic Committee had a banner year. After the Bergen County Democrats took a number of electoral and political hits in the past, it appears that the Democratic representatives of the most populous county in New Jersey have completed their comeback. The incredible skill that Stellato displayed in unifying the various factions in the powerful Bergen Democrats is a testament to his inimitable leadership style that has greatly strengthened the party. In addition, he was instrumental in overseeing some big victories in 2014, including the re-election of Bergen County Freeholders David Ganz and Joan Voss, which ensured that the Democrats retained their 5-2 majority on the board, and the election of Jim Tedesco as Bergen County Executive. Stellato is a leader brimming with confidence, who has the ability to motivate his party’s base and generate real results at the polls.
9. Bill Pascrell
Very quietly, but quite convincingly, Bill Pascrell reminded us that he is a political force to be reckoned with. After redistricting led to a bruising primary battle in 2012 against then Representative Steve Rothman, Pascrell emerged victorious on Election 2014 yet again against Dierdre Paul, a former Democrat who ran on the GOP line. By easily winning a 10th term in Congress with an incredible 69% of the vote, the 77-year-old Pascrell once again proved his adeptness at bringing his supporters to the polls when it matters most.
8. Paul Fishman
Although his name may not be familiar to most New Jersey residents, Paul Fishman has the ability to drastically alter the Garden State’s political landscape in a manner that could almost singlehandedly shatter the political status quo. As the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Fishman is the prosecutor that is investigating the Bridgegate scandal, which came to light last year. In the event that Fishman concludes that Governor Christie and/or his administration violated the law in any way relative to the lane closures in Fort Lee, his office could unveil indictments that would presumably bring Christie’s political career to a screeching halt.
7. Scott Garrett
Was 2014 going to be the year that the Democrats finally defeat Scott Garrett? With a formidable and charismatic challenger in political newcomer Roy Cho, Democrats thought that they found the key to besting Garrett this past year. However, with Election Day looming on the horizon and his challenger closing in, Garrett went on the offensive and was successful in fending off an extremely spirited challenge from the seemingly indefatigable Cho. When the dust settled, Garrett had scored an impressive 13-point victory.
6. Loretta Weinberg
As the Senate Majority Leader, Loretta Weinberg wields a great degree of political power. Yet, in 2014 she flexed her political muscles and heightened her profile in an extraordinary way. Weinberg, who commands a tremendous amount of respect from the New Jersey political establishment, was one of the first to shine a spotlight on the lane closures and played a central role in putting the Bridgegate controversy on the front burner. As the co-chair of the joint legislative committee investigating Bridgegate, Weinberg has endeavored to uncover the truth behind the “traffic problems in Fort Lee,” and is in a unique position to continue digging deeper into what actually transpired.
5. Robert Menendez
Although he was not on the ballot in 2014, Senator Robert Menendez had a memorable and impactful year. As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Menendez was an authoritative voice on a wide variety of foreign policy issues. From his strong and outspoken position on curtailing Iran’s nuclear capabilities and imposing stronger sanctions, to his emergence as a staunch and strident defender of the State of Israel, Menendez made news throughout 2014 and demonstrated that he is not afraid to stand up for what he believes is right.
4. Steven Fulop
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop is making his presence known well beyond Hudson County. The young and energetic Mayor of New Jersey’s second-largest city is quietly positioning himself for a likely run for Governor in 2017 and is generating a lot of headlines along the way. His strong support for the newly elected Newark Mayor Ras Baraka in 2014 further bolstered his position as a rising star in New Jersey politics. The former Goldman Sachs employee who enlisted in the Marines after 9/11 is clearly not one who is going to shy away from a fight. With his yeshiva background (he attended the Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva in Edison and the Solomon Schechter School of Union and Essex) and grandparents who were subjected to the horrors of the Holocaust, Fulop has deep roots in the Jewish community and a keen understanding of the issues that our community faces. Fulop is a talented politician whose ambition may very well catapult him to great heights.
3. Jim Tedesco
Jim Tedesco’s big win over the incumbent Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan in November was one of the bright spots for New Jersey Democrats. In defeating Donovan, who had not suffered a countywide electoral defeat in a quarter-century, Tedesco singlehandedly ushered in a new era for Bergen County Democrats. The former Mayor of Paramus and Bergen County Freeholder essentially shocked the political establishment with his victory and galvanized his party’s faithful, who rewarded him by showing up to the polls on Election Day.
2. Chris Christie
2014 came and went, and Chris Christie is still standing. When the news of Bridgegate broke last year, people all but wrote off Governor Christie. He was done, they said. There is no way that he is going to survive this scandal, they declared. Not only is Christie still here, but he is somehow in the mix for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Despite all of the controversy that seems to follow him at every turn and the fiscal challenges that plague his state, Chris Christie is still laying the groundwork for a presidential run, and he is building a national network that would sustain such a campaign. As Chair of the Republican Governors Association, Christie had an extraordinarily successful year, both from a fundraising perspective and from a political standpoint. The fact that he has been able to successfully navigate a potentially catastrophic scandal thus far is a testament to Christie’s resiliency. Bridgegate (or some other controversy) may ultimately bring him down, but for now, Chris Christie is still standing tall.
1. Cory Booker
After winning a special election in 2013 to fill the unexpired term of the late Senator Frank Lautenberg, Cory Booker was once again on the ballot in 2014 as he sought to win a full term. With a big win over Republican Jeff Bell on Election Day, New Jersey’s junior Senator further reinforced the belief of those who feel that the sky is the limit for this one-of-a-kind political talent. With his charismatic and gregarious nature, incredible fundraising prowess, unique bipartisan approach, and larger-than-life persona, Cory Booker is a political force to be reckoned with. Booker’s command of the issues and ability to connect with his constituents have propelled him to great heights, and it would probably not surprise anyone to see his name on the ballot for higher office in the future. With a newly-won 6-year term ahead of him, expect to see Cory Booker continue to cement his position as one of the more high-profile members of the Senate.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler
TROODLER’S TOP TEN OF 2014
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
‘Tis the season of the “Top Ten” lists. As we bid farewell to 2014 and close the book on yet another year, it is an ideal time to look back at the past twelve months and reflect on all that transpired during that time.
At year’s end we are subjected to an array of “Top Ten” lists. Movies, songs, sports moments, news stories – you name it, there is a list that ranks it.
Lest you think that politics is above the fray, you are mistaken. Politics is by no means immune to these seemingly endless “Top Ten” lists. And so, in that spirit, I present to you my top ten New Jersey political personalities of 2014.
10. Lou Stellato
The Chairman of the Bergen County Democratic Committee had a banner year. After the Bergen County Democrats took a number of electoral and political hits in the past, it appears that the Democratic representatives of the most populous county in New Jersey have completed their comeback. The incredible skill that Stellato displayed in unifying the various factions in the powerful Bergen Democrats is a testament to his inimitable leadership style that has greatly strengthened the party. In addition, he was instrumental in overseeing some big victories in 2014, including the re-election of Bergen County Freeholders David Ganz and Joan Voss, which ensured that the Democrats retained their 5-2 majority on the board, and the election of Jim Tedesco as Bergen County Executive. Stellato is a leader brimming with confidence, who has the ability to motivate his party’s base and generate real results at the polls.
9. Bill Pascrell
Very quietly, but quite convincingly, Bill Pascrell reminded us that he is a political force to be reckoned with. After redistricting led to a bruising primary battle in 2012 against then Representative Steve Rothman, Pascrell emerged victorious on Election 2014 yet again against Dierdre Paul, a former Democrat who ran on the GOP line. By easily winning a 10th term in Congress with an incredible 69% of the vote, the 77-year-old Pascrell once again proved his adeptness at bringing his supporters to the polls when it matters most.
8. Paul Fishman
Although his name may not be familiar to most New Jersey residents, Paul Fishman has the ability to drastically alter the Garden State’s political landscape in a manner that could almost singlehandedly shatter the political status quo. As the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Fishman is the prosecutor that is investigating the Bridgegate scandal, which came to light last year. In the event that Fishman concludes that Governor Christie and/or his administration violated the law in any way relative to the lane closures in Fort Lee, his office could unveil indictments that would presumably bring Christie’s political career to a screeching halt.
7. Scott Garrett
Was 2014 going to be the year that the Democrats finally defeat Scott Garrett? With a formidable and charismatic challenger in political newcomer Roy Cho, Democrats thought that they found the key to besting Garrett this past year. However, with Election Day looming on the horizon and his challenger closing in, Garrett went on the offensive and was successful in fending off an extremely spirited challenge from the seemingly indefatigable Cho. When the dust settled, Garrett had scored an impressive 13-point victory.
6. Loretta Weinberg
As the Senate Majority Leader, Loretta Weinberg wields a great degree of political power. Yet, in 2014 she flexed her political muscles and heightened her profile in an extraordinary way. Weinberg, who commands a tremendous amount of respect from the New Jersey political establishment, was one of the first to shine a spotlight on the lane closures and played a central role in putting the Bridgegate controversy on the front burner. As the co-chair of the joint legislative committee investigating Bridgegate, Weinberg has endeavored to uncover the truth behind the “traffic problems in Fort Lee,” and is in a unique position to continue digging deeper into what actually transpired.
5. Robert Menendez
Although he was not on the ballot in 2014, Senator Robert Menendez had a memorable and impactful year. As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Menendez was an authoritative voice on a wide variety of foreign policy issues. From his strong and outspoken position on curtailing Iran’s nuclear capabilities and imposing stronger sanctions, to his emergence as a staunch and strident defender of the State of Israel, Menendez made news throughout 2014 and demonstrated that he is not afraid to stand up for what he believes is right.
4. Steven Fulop
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop is making his presence known well beyond Hudson County. The young and energetic Mayor of New Jersey’s second-largest city is quietly positioning himself for a likely run for Governor in 2017 and is generating a lot of headlines along the way. His strong support for the newly elected Newark Mayor Ras Baraka in 2014 further bolstered his position as a rising star in New Jersey politics. The former Goldman Sachs employee who enlisted in the Marines after 9/11 is clearly not one who is going to shy away from a fight. With his yeshiva background (he attended the Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva in Edison and the Solomon Schechter School of Union and Essex) and grandparents who were subjected to the horrors of the Holocaust, Fulop has deep roots in the Jewish community and a keen understanding of the issues that our community faces. Fulop is a talented politician whose ambition may very well catapult him to great heights.
3. Jim Tedesco
Jim Tedesco’s big win over the incumbent Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan in November was one of the bright spots for New Jersey Democrats. In defeating Donovan, who had not suffered a countywide electoral defeat in a quarter-century, Tedesco singlehandedly ushered in a new era for Bergen County Democrats. The former Mayor of Paramus and Bergen County Freeholder essentially shocked the political establishment with his victory and galvanized his party’s faithful, who rewarded him by showing up to the polls on Election Day.
2. Chris Christie
2014 came and went, and Chris Christie is still standing. When the news of Bridgegate broke last year, people all but wrote off Governor Christie. He was done, they said. There is no way that he is going to survive this scandal, they declared. Not only is Christie still here, but he is somehow in the mix for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Despite all of the controversy that seems to follow him at every turn and the fiscal challenges that plague his state, Chris Christie is still laying the groundwork for a presidential run, and he is building a national network that would sustain such a campaign. As Chair of the Republican Governors Association, Christie had an extraordinarily successful year, both from a fundraising perspective and from a political standpoint. The fact that he has been able to successfully navigate a potentially catastrophic scandal thus far is a testament to Christie’s resiliency. Bridgegate (or some other controversy) may ultimately bring him down, but for now, Chris Christie is still standing tall.
1. Cory Booker
After winning a special election in 2013 to fill the unexpired term of the late Senator Frank Lautenberg, Cory Booker was once again on the ballot in 2014 as he sought to win a full term. With a big win over Republican Jeff Bell on Election Day, New Jersey’s junior Senator further reinforced the belief of those who feel that the sky is the limit for this one-of-a-kind political talent. With his charismatic and gregarious nature, incredible fundraising prowess, unique bipartisan approach, and larger-than-life persona, Cory Booker is a political force to be reckoned with. Booker’s command of the issues and ability to connect with his constituents have propelled him to great heights, and it would probably not surprise anyone to see his name on the ballot for higher office in the future. With a newly-won 6-year term ahead of him, expect to see Cory Booker continue to cement his position as one of the more high-profile members of the Senate.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler
Thursday, December 18, 2014
The GOP Presidential Wannabes
The following is my latest column in The Jewish Link of New Jersey,
in which I take a look at some of the Republican presidential hopefuls and assess
how the 2016 GOP field may take shape:
THE GOP PRESIDENTIAL WANNABES
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
To a certain extent, running for President of the United States is a glorified popularity contest. As we know, it is not always the best and the brightest who seek to secure the highest political office in the nation. While there are certainly some truly brilliant individuals who excel in the areas of public policy, international affairs, and the inner workings of the governmental process, intelligence alone will not propel you to the ultimate political prize.
In order to become president, there are a variety of character traits that are unofficial prerequisites. Charisma and charm are on the list. Good looks and good health are up there. An incredibly thick skin that can withstand even the most brutal of criticism is essential. An unassailable track record certainly helps. And the ability to raise ungodly amounts of money could very well be the determining factor.
With those somewhat superficial criteria, it is difficult to weed out the presidential wannabes who may not actually be up to the monumental task of running this country. The reality is, however, that this nation desperately needs a superstar, not a second-stringer.
As we gear up for the 2016 presidential campaign and brace ourselves for a highly competitive contest, we ought to take a closer look at some of the Republican names being bantered about as possible presidential hopefuls.
Texas Governor Rick Perry, who is considering entering the race, tested the waters in the 2012 primaries for the Republican nomination but his run was short-lived and filled with gaffes. No one will easily forget that embarrassing debate performance when Perry emphatically declared that he would eliminate three governmental agencies after he took office, yet was only able to name two of those agencies.
Mitt Romney’s name is being floated as a possible GOP candidate. After falling short in his bid to be the GOP nominee in 2008, Romney was the Republican nominee in 2012, when he lost to Barack Obama in the General Election. Would Romney really want to endure the stress and scrutiny of yet another presidential campaign? Does he want to run the risk of being a three-time loser in presidential politics? My guess is no.
Senator Ted Cruz is working his way into the conversation. Yet, with his Tea Part label and ultra-conservative makeup, will the darling of the Republican right be considered a viable candidate? Not if moderate Republicans have anything to say about it.
After watching his father and brother bask in the glow of the presidency, is it possible that Jeb Bush is looking to score the presidential hat trick for his family? The word is that he is indeed contemplating a run for the White House. However, with the expansion of his private equity enterprise and news that he has a new offshore private equity fund that is backed by foreign investors, Jeb Bush is highly susceptible to attacks pertaining to his financial dealings. In addition, it remains to be seen if the nation is ready for yet another Bush to occupy the Oval Office.
There are definitely some intriguing GOP stars who may throw their hats into the ring. Senator Rand Paul looks increasingly likely to launch a presidential bid. Senator Marco Rubio, who has solidified his spot as an expert on foreign relations and national security, is reportedly contemplating a run, as is Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.
Yet, perhaps the most fascinating potential GOP candidate hails from our very own backyard. Governor Chris Christie has spent the past several years methodically laying the groundwork for a presidential campaign. His tenure as chairman of the Republican Governors Association was incredibly successful and raised his profile exponentially. His trips to Israel, Mexico, and Canada were intended to buttress his foreign affairs resume, which is relatively thin at this point. Christie’s no-nonsense approach may endear him to some, but his periodic tirades directed at members of the public and his “my way or the highway” approach have led to him being labeled a bully.
But for all of the issues that pull at Chris Christie, the one thing that could potentially lead to his political demise is the Bridgegate scandal. The controversy continues to percolate in the news, despite Christie’s adamant denials that he had no knowledge of the George Washington Bridge lane closures. Taxpayers have had to bear the burden of nearly $10 million in costs relating to the investigations that ensued in the aftermath of Bridgegate, including more than $7 million by the Governor’s office and over $1 million by the legislative committee investigating the lane closures. The shadow of Bridgegate continues to cast an ominous pall over Chris Christie and his presidential prospects.
The New York Times recently reported that Paul Fishman, the United States Attorney for New Jersey, who is investigating Bridgegate, is considering invoking a somewhat obscure fraud statute in connection with this case. Under this theory, federal charges could be filed against members of a government agency that receives in excess of $10,000 annually in federal funds, such as the State of New Jersey or the Port Authority, if it is determined that the bridge was utilized for something other than what it was intended to be used for.
This latest revelation is a stark reminder that the Bridgegate chapter in the tale of Chris Christie’s political career is not yet over. How it ultimately ends remains to be seen, but it unquestionably has the ability to singlehandedly quash Christie’s presidential plans.
As the GOP presidential aspirants jockey for position, there are indications that the person they worry about most is not a Republican, but a Democrat.
A recent story in The New York Times noted how the prospective Republican candidates are each strategizing how they are going to attack the one Democratic candidate who they all believe will present them with the biggest challenge: Hillary Clinton.
As the 2016 presidential campaign begins to get underway, let us hope that the GOP candidates will spend more time telling us who they are, instead of focusing on telling us who they are not. With no clear GOP headliner, the Republican candidates need to distinguish themselves from one another and tell us why they are best person for the job. This cannot merely be a popularity contest or an anti-Hillary skirmish. With real issues facing this nation, we need a real candidate to rise above the fray and pursue the mantle of leadership for all of the right reasons.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter:@troodler
THE GOP PRESIDENTIAL WANNABES
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
To a certain extent, running for President of the United States is a glorified popularity contest. As we know, it is not always the best and the brightest who seek to secure the highest political office in the nation. While there are certainly some truly brilliant individuals who excel in the areas of public policy, international affairs, and the inner workings of the governmental process, intelligence alone will not propel you to the ultimate political prize.
In order to become president, there are a variety of character traits that are unofficial prerequisites. Charisma and charm are on the list. Good looks and good health are up there. An incredibly thick skin that can withstand even the most brutal of criticism is essential. An unassailable track record certainly helps. And the ability to raise ungodly amounts of money could very well be the determining factor.
With those somewhat superficial criteria, it is difficult to weed out the presidential wannabes who may not actually be up to the monumental task of running this country. The reality is, however, that this nation desperately needs a superstar, not a second-stringer.
As we gear up for the 2016 presidential campaign and brace ourselves for a highly competitive contest, we ought to take a closer look at some of the Republican names being bantered about as possible presidential hopefuls.
Texas Governor Rick Perry, who is considering entering the race, tested the waters in the 2012 primaries for the Republican nomination but his run was short-lived and filled with gaffes. No one will easily forget that embarrassing debate performance when Perry emphatically declared that he would eliminate three governmental agencies after he took office, yet was only able to name two of those agencies.
Mitt Romney’s name is being floated as a possible GOP candidate. After falling short in his bid to be the GOP nominee in 2008, Romney was the Republican nominee in 2012, when he lost to Barack Obama in the General Election. Would Romney really want to endure the stress and scrutiny of yet another presidential campaign? Does he want to run the risk of being a three-time loser in presidential politics? My guess is no.
Senator Ted Cruz is working his way into the conversation. Yet, with his Tea Part label and ultra-conservative makeup, will the darling of the Republican right be considered a viable candidate? Not if moderate Republicans have anything to say about it.
After watching his father and brother bask in the glow of the presidency, is it possible that Jeb Bush is looking to score the presidential hat trick for his family? The word is that he is indeed contemplating a run for the White House. However, with the expansion of his private equity enterprise and news that he has a new offshore private equity fund that is backed by foreign investors, Jeb Bush is highly susceptible to attacks pertaining to his financial dealings. In addition, it remains to be seen if the nation is ready for yet another Bush to occupy the Oval Office.
There are definitely some intriguing GOP stars who may throw their hats into the ring. Senator Rand Paul looks increasingly likely to launch a presidential bid. Senator Marco Rubio, who has solidified his spot as an expert on foreign relations and national security, is reportedly contemplating a run, as is Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.
Yet, perhaps the most fascinating potential GOP candidate hails from our very own backyard. Governor Chris Christie has spent the past several years methodically laying the groundwork for a presidential campaign. His tenure as chairman of the Republican Governors Association was incredibly successful and raised his profile exponentially. His trips to Israel, Mexico, and Canada were intended to buttress his foreign affairs resume, which is relatively thin at this point. Christie’s no-nonsense approach may endear him to some, but his periodic tirades directed at members of the public and his “my way or the highway” approach have led to him being labeled a bully.
But for all of the issues that pull at Chris Christie, the one thing that could potentially lead to his political demise is the Bridgegate scandal. The controversy continues to percolate in the news, despite Christie’s adamant denials that he had no knowledge of the George Washington Bridge lane closures. Taxpayers have had to bear the burden of nearly $10 million in costs relating to the investigations that ensued in the aftermath of Bridgegate, including more than $7 million by the Governor’s office and over $1 million by the legislative committee investigating the lane closures. The shadow of Bridgegate continues to cast an ominous pall over Chris Christie and his presidential prospects.
The New York Times recently reported that Paul Fishman, the United States Attorney for New Jersey, who is investigating Bridgegate, is considering invoking a somewhat obscure fraud statute in connection with this case. Under this theory, federal charges could be filed against members of a government agency that receives in excess of $10,000 annually in federal funds, such as the State of New Jersey or the Port Authority, if it is determined that the bridge was utilized for something other than what it was intended to be used for.
This latest revelation is a stark reminder that the Bridgegate chapter in the tale of Chris Christie’s political career is not yet over. How it ultimately ends remains to be seen, but it unquestionably has the ability to singlehandedly quash Christie’s presidential plans.
As the GOP presidential aspirants jockey for position, there are indications that the person they worry about most is not a Republican, but a Democrat.
A recent story in The New York Times noted how the prospective Republican candidates are each strategizing how they are going to attack the one Democratic candidate who they all believe will present them with the biggest challenge: Hillary Clinton.
As the 2016 presidential campaign begins to get underway, let us hope that the GOP candidates will spend more time telling us who they are, instead of focusing on telling us who they are not. With no clear GOP headliner, the Republican candidates need to distinguish themselves from one another and tell us why they are best person for the job. This cannot merely be a popularity contest or an anti-Hillary skirmish. With real issues facing this nation, we need a real candidate to rise above the fray and pursue the mantle of leadership for all of the right reasons.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter:@troodler
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Lessons From Ferguson
The following is
my latest column in The Jewish Link of Bergen County, in which I look back at
the grand jury’s decision not to indict the white police officer in Ferguson
who shot an unarmed black teenager and the violent protests that ensued:
LESSONS FROM FERGUSON
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
Innocent until proven guilty. As Americans, we are intimately familiar with this fundamental precept of the justice system. We may form opinions as to an individual’s innocence or guilt in any particular case, but until the matter is adjudicated in a court of law, our personal judgments carry virtually no significance. The court of public opinion is always in session, but it is the court of law whose decision is ultimately binding.
When the grand jury opted not to indict Darren Wilson for the death of Michael Brown, their much-awaited decision reverberated throughout the nation. The jurors’ conclusion that Wilson, a white police officer who shot and killed Brown, an unarmed black teenager, was not guilty of any crime, was met with shock and utter disbelief by many.
We need to bear in mind that the twelve jurors were privy to details of the incident that the public was not necessarily aware of. They listened to more than seventy hours of testimony and heard from sixty witnesses. The grand jury also did their due diligence by analyzing all of the physical evidence associated with this case. They ultimately rendered a decision which some may disagree with, but which we need to respect.
However, after the grand jury’s decision was made public, chaos ensued. The streets of Ferguson, Missouri were instantly transformed into a veritable war zone. Hundreds of protestors took to the streets to protest the verdict, but any hopes for a peaceful demonstration quickly dissipated as pandemonium reared its ugly head.
The protestors torched police cars and threw objects at police officers. Gunshots were fired, stores were broken into and looted, and a number of businesses were damaged or destroyed by fires set by the protestors. More than sixty people were arrested for a variety of criminal acts. The Ferguson Police Department and the Missouri National Guard tried to disperse the crowds and restore order to the area, but to no avail. The damage was already done.
The violent reaction in Ferguson was appalling. Law and order were put on the back burner in favor of violence and crime. To be clear, I understand why people were disappointed. What I fail to understand is how that disappointment gives license to engage in destruction.
You can disagree with a judicial decision and you can express your displeasure through a peaceful protest. But under no circumstances is it acceptable for your anger and displeasure to manifest itself through violence.
The chaotic situation in Ferguson almost threatened to overshadow the real issue that we ought to be discussing, which is that of race.
Let us not fool ourselves. A racial division still exists in the United States even today. We have a long way to go before we can bridge that ugly divide and achieve a sense of true parity in American society.
Putting an end to prejudice at times appears to be an insurmountable hurdle. There are individuals who possess an inherent sense of bigotry that is part of their very essence. There are undoubtedly people in law enforcement who harbor prejudicial feelings towards blacks. The challenge is how to suppress those innate feelings and get to a place where skin color no longer matters.
I am not a black man who has been stopped by the police perhaps for no other reason than because of the color of his skin. I do not know how it feels to be questioned by a police officer because he thought that I was in the wrong part of town where I did not belong. I have never experienced that feeling of being fearful of law enforcement.
I may not be black, but I am Jewish. As Jews, we unfortunately know how it feels to be persecuted. We are well aware of how it feels to have a bulls-eye on our backs. Our community, perhaps more so than most, should be particularly sympathetic to the dangers that bigotry poses to society.
In fact, the American Jewish community has a long history of standing with the black community in their quest for equal rights. Jews played a pivotal role in the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Jews took part in the famous 1963 March on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and were instrumental in its organization. Jews marched side-by-side with Dr. King in the 1965 March on Selma, Alabama.
The Jewish community has stood with the black community before and perhaps it is time for us to do so again.
We are all familiar with the expression “justice is blind.” The idea that justice is impartial is a nice theoretical concept, but in reality, I am not so certain that justice is indeed always blind. To be more specific, justice is certainly not color blind. When there are issues of race, it sometimes seems that the objectivity which we cherish is not always there.
As the protestors flooded the streets in Ferguson, they chanted “No justice, no peace,” as if to imply that in the absence of justice, there can be no peace. I beg to differ. There may be situations where justice appears to be elusive, but that in no way dispenses with the need to maintain a sense of decorum and civility. Justice and peace are not mutually exclusive.
In times of discontent and disillusionment, protesting is an ideal way to express your angst. However, the manner in which you protest is the key. You can demonstrate, but do not destroy. Feel free to protest, but do not plunder. Anything but a peaceful rally is counterproductive.
If you want to achieve progress in the quest for racial equity, arson, vandalism, and assault are not the ways to do it. March in the streets, but do it peacefully. Demonstrate, but act within the parameters of the law.
I may not be a black man, but I am a Jew who is disgusted with bigotry, whether it is directed at Jews or anyone else. When the black community rallies to achieve justice and equity, I hope that members of the Jewish community will be there to stand together with you. It is time to put an end to prejudice, wherever and whenever it exits. Let’s just do it peacefully.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter:@troodler
LESSONS FROM FERGUSON
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
Innocent until proven guilty. As Americans, we are intimately familiar with this fundamental precept of the justice system. We may form opinions as to an individual’s innocence or guilt in any particular case, but until the matter is adjudicated in a court of law, our personal judgments carry virtually no significance. The court of public opinion is always in session, but it is the court of law whose decision is ultimately binding.
When the grand jury opted not to indict Darren Wilson for the death of Michael Brown, their much-awaited decision reverberated throughout the nation. The jurors’ conclusion that Wilson, a white police officer who shot and killed Brown, an unarmed black teenager, was not guilty of any crime, was met with shock and utter disbelief by many.
We need to bear in mind that the twelve jurors were privy to details of the incident that the public was not necessarily aware of. They listened to more than seventy hours of testimony and heard from sixty witnesses. The grand jury also did their due diligence by analyzing all of the physical evidence associated with this case. They ultimately rendered a decision which some may disagree with, but which we need to respect.
However, after the grand jury’s decision was made public, chaos ensued. The streets of Ferguson, Missouri were instantly transformed into a veritable war zone. Hundreds of protestors took to the streets to protest the verdict, but any hopes for a peaceful demonstration quickly dissipated as pandemonium reared its ugly head.
The protestors torched police cars and threw objects at police officers. Gunshots were fired, stores were broken into and looted, and a number of businesses were damaged or destroyed by fires set by the protestors. More than sixty people were arrested for a variety of criminal acts. The Ferguson Police Department and the Missouri National Guard tried to disperse the crowds and restore order to the area, but to no avail. The damage was already done.
The violent reaction in Ferguson was appalling. Law and order were put on the back burner in favor of violence and crime. To be clear, I understand why people were disappointed. What I fail to understand is how that disappointment gives license to engage in destruction.
You can disagree with a judicial decision and you can express your displeasure through a peaceful protest. But under no circumstances is it acceptable for your anger and displeasure to manifest itself through violence.
The chaotic situation in Ferguson almost threatened to overshadow the real issue that we ought to be discussing, which is that of race.
Let us not fool ourselves. A racial division still exists in the United States even today. We have a long way to go before we can bridge that ugly divide and achieve a sense of true parity in American society.
Putting an end to prejudice at times appears to be an insurmountable hurdle. There are individuals who possess an inherent sense of bigotry that is part of their very essence. There are undoubtedly people in law enforcement who harbor prejudicial feelings towards blacks. The challenge is how to suppress those innate feelings and get to a place where skin color no longer matters.
I am not a black man who has been stopped by the police perhaps for no other reason than because of the color of his skin. I do not know how it feels to be questioned by a police officer because he thought that I was in the wrong part of town where I did not belong. I have never experienced that feeling of being fearful of law enforcement.
I may not be black, but I am Jewish. As Jews, we unfortunately know how it feels to be persecuted. We are well aware of how it feels to have a bulls-eye on our backs. Our community, perhaps more so than most, should be particularly sympathetic to the dangers that bigotry poses to society.
In fact, the American Jewish community has a long history of standing with the black community in their quest for equal rights. Jews played a pivotal role in the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Jews took part in the famous 1963 March on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and were instrumental in its organization. Jews marched side-by-side with Dr. King in the 1965 March on Selma, Alabama.
The Jewish community has stood with the black community before and perhaps it is time for us to do so again.
We are all familiar with the expression “justice is blind.” The idea that justice is impartial is a nice theoretical concept, but in reality, I am not so certain that justice is indeed always blind. To be more specific, justice is certainly not color blind. When there are issues of race, it sometimes seems that the objectivity which we cherish is not always there.
As the protestors flooded the streets in Ferguson, they chanted “No justice, no peace,” as if to imply that in the absence of justice, there can be no peace. I beg to differ. There may be situations where justice appears to be elusive, but that in no way dispenses with the need to maintain a sense of decorum and civility. Justice and peace are not mutually exclusive.
In times of discontent and disillusionment, protesting is an ideal way to express your angst. However, the manner in which you protest is the key. You can demonstrate, but do not destroy. Feel free to protest, but do not plunder. Anything but a peaceful rally is counterproductive.
If you want to achieve progress in the quest for racial equity, arson, vandalism, and assault are not the ways to do it. March in the streets, but do it peacefully. Demonstrate, but act within the parameters of the law.
I may not be a black man, but I am a Jew who is disgusted with bigotry, whether it is directed at Jews or anyone else. When the black community rallies to achieve justice and equity, I hope that members of the Jewish community will be there to stand together with you. It is time to put an end to prejudice, wherever and whenever it exits. Let’s just do it peacefully.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter:@troodler
Thursday, November 20, 2014
ISIS on the Rise
The
following is my latest column in The Jewish Link of Bergen County, in which I
write about ISIS and the real threat that it poses to the United States and to
the legacy that President Obama is working to establish during the final years
of his presidency:
ISIS ON THE RISE
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
As he attempts to counteract the characterizations of him as a “lame duck,” President Obama is facing an array of struggles. As the de facto head of the Democratic Party, he suffered an ignominious defeat in the 2014 midterm elections as Democratic candidates across the country were felled by a Republican tsunami that gave the GOP a sweeping mandate and control of the United States Senate. At home, the President is mired in a debate about immigration reform that puts him at odds with the newly empowered Republican congressional leadership. Our Commander-in-Chief is also desperately seeking to avoid a complete collapse of the nuclear talks with Iran, a sensitive international issue that is on the front burner of his foreign policy agenda.
Yet, for all of the political and policy problems that stand in President Obama’s way, there is one issue that essentially trumps everything else. The elephant in the room is the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or “ISIS” as it is commonly known.
What began as an offshoot of al Qaeda has morphed into one of the biggest terrorist threats facing the world today. Under the leadership of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS is spreading its brand of terror far and wide.
As a result of a brazen land grab that seemingly took everyone by surprise, ISIS now exerts control over large portions of northern and western Iraq and has solidified its presence and authority in Syria as well.
In what has become its modus operandi, ISIS routinely carries out mass killings and public executions. Earlier this week, we learned that ISIS beheaded Peter Kassig, an American aid worker, who became the fifth known Western hostage that was decapitated by ISIS in an unthinkable act of barbarism.
The horrific fate that befell Peter Kassig, as well as U.S. journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and British aid workers David Haines and Alan Henning, are shocking not just by virtue of the gruesome fashion in which they were executed, but also by the manner in which we learned of their tragic ends.
In a testament to the sick and sadistic nature of this terrorist group, ISIS informed the world of these deaths by releasing videos showing the beheading of each of the hostages. The audacity of ISIS in proudly publicizing these ghastly murders is staggering, but it is their callous disregard for human life and their proclivity for pain and torture that is especially disconcerting.
What is remarkable is that despite President Obama’s efforts to combat ISIS through the use of targeted air strikes in Iraq and Syria, ISIS appears to be more powerful than ever.
Just one week ago, an audio recording of a man purporting to be Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was circulated, in which he openly mocked the United States and its coalition partners. Calling the U.S. “terrified, weak and powerless,” al-Baghdadi said that the American effort to destroy ISIS has been a “failure.”
At this juncture, there is a great degree of truth to that statement. We have seen indications that ISIS is expanding, not waning. In September, the CIA declared that although initial intelligence reports indicated that ISIS had approximately 10,000 fighters in its ranks, the number is actually in excess of 31,000 fighters.
Contrary to what you may think, ISIS does not just employ homegrown terrorists. As time goes on, they are drawing terror troops from all around the world. For example, in the video showing the beheading of Peter Kassig, there were men from England and France who were among the executioners. There are estimates that several thousand Westerners have signed up to join ISIS. The idea that foreign-born militants are gravitating to ISIS is a genuine cause for concern and further proof of the allure that this terrorist group has for individuals who possess a sick and twisted penchant for unadulterated evil.
The sophistication and adeptness that ISIS has demonstrated in the social media realm is remarkable. They skillfully utilize platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp to effectively disseminate their propaganda. The videos they circulate are semi-professional in nature. In an effort to reach a vast audience, ISIS sometimes posts statements and materials in multiple languages. We are able to somewhat track ISIS’s actions not necessarily because of American intelligence, but because ISIS is hiding in plain sight in the social media world for everyone to see. We are able to closely follow ISIS’ activities because they consciously and calculatedly make it easy for us to do so.
With a well-oiled PR machine and an infusion of new fighters eager to join their jihad, ISIS presents a real challenge to the United States, and, more specifically, to President Obama. The U.S. air strikes persist, but ISIS perseveres. There is of course the possibility that the President may send in ground troops to supplement the air strikes and attempt to hit the nucleus of ISIS’ terror operations. However, that directive may very well result in a prolonged military conflict that could have dire consequences for American forces.
As President Obama works to cement his legacy over the last two years of his presidency, the public nuisance that is ISIS is going to plague him throughout the duration of his tenure. Regardless of whether he focuses on domestic policy or sets his sights on accomplishments in the foreign policy arena, ISIS is going to cast a long shadow over the President’s endeavors. The grave threat that ISIS poses to the United States and to the world cannot be understated and cannot be overlooked.
ISIS may be sophisticated, but they are not invincible. If President Obama wants to fulfill his pledge to eradicate ISIS, the United States is going to have to do a better job both militarily and in the media. In order for the President to put ISIS on ice and freeze its ability to perpetrate acts of terror, it is going to take much more than air strikes that seemingly have little effect on this enigmatic terrorist organization. How we can best defeat ISIS may be open for debate, but the exigent need to do so is undisputed.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter:@troodler
ISIS ON THE RISE
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
As he attempts to counteract the characterizations of him as a “lame duck,” President Obama is facing an array of struggles. As the de facto head of the Democratic Party, he suffered an ignominious defeat in the 2014 midterm elections as Democratic candidates across the country were felled by a Republican tsunami that gave the GOP a sweeping mandate and control of the United States Senate. At home, the President is mired in a debate about immigration reform that puts him at odds with the newly empowered Republican congressional leadership. Our Commander-in-Chief is also desperately seeking to avoid a complete collapse of the nuclear talks with Iran, a sensitive international issue that is on the front burner of his foreign policy agenda.
Yet, for all of the political and policy problems that stand in President Obama’s way, there is one issue that essentially trumps everything else. The elephant in the room is the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or “ISIS” as it is commonly known.
What began as an offshoot of al Qaeda has morphed into one of the biggest terrorist threats facing the world today. Under the leadership of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS is spreading its brand of terror far and wide.
As a result of a brazen land grab that seemingly took everyone by surprise, ISIS now exerts control over large portions of northern and western Iraq and has solidified its presence and authority in Syria as well.
In what has become its modus operandi, ISIS routinely carries out mass killings and public executions. Earlier this week, we learned that ISIS beheaded Peter Kassig, an American aid worker, who became the fifth known Western hostage that was decapitated by ISIS in an unthinkable act of barbarism.
The horrific fate that befell Peter Kassig, as well as U.S. journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and British aid workers David Haines and Alan Henning, are shocking not just by virtue of the gruesome fashion in which they were executed, but also by the manner in which we learned of their tragic ends.
In a testament to the sick and sadistic nature of this terrorist group, ISIS informed the world of these deaths by releasing videos showing the beheading of each of the hostages. The audacity of ISIS in proudly publicizing these ghastly murders is staggering, but it is their callous disregard for human life and their proclivity for pain and torture that is especially disconcerting.
What is remarkable is that despite President Obama’s efforts to combat ISIS through the use of targeted air strikes in Iraq and Syria, ISIS appears to be more powerful than ever.
Just one week ago, an audio recording of a man purporting to be Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was circulated, in which he openly mocked the United States and its coalition partners. Calling the U.S. “terrified, weak and powerless,” al-Baghdadi said that the American effort to destroy ISIS has been a “failure.”
At this juncture, there is a great degree of truth to that statement. We have seen indications that ISIS is expanding, not waning. In September, the CIA declared that although initial intelligence reports indicated that ISIS had approximately 10,000 fighters in its ranks, the number is actually in excess of 31,000 fighters.
Contrary to what you may think, ISIS does not just employ homegrown terrorists. As time goes on, they are drawing terror troops from all around the world. For example, in the video showing the beheading of Peter Kassig, there were men from England and France who were among the executioners. There are estimates that several thousand Westerners have signed up to join ISIS. The idea that foreign-born militants are gravitating to ISIS is a genuine cause for concern and further proof of the allure that this terrorist group has for individuals who possess a sick and twisted penchant for unadulterated evil.
The sophistication and adeptness that ISIS has demonstrated in the social media realm is remarkable. They skillfully utilize platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp to effectively disseminate their propaganda. The videos they circulate are semi-professional in nature. In an effort to reach a vast audience, ISIS sometimes posts statements and materials in multiple languages. We are able to somewhat track ISIS’s actions not necessarily because of American intelligence, but because ISIS is hiding in plain sight in the social media world for everyone to see. We are able to closely follow ISIS’ activities because they consciously and calculatedly make it easy for us to do so.
With a well-oiled PR machine and an infusion of new fighters eager to join their jihad, ISIS presents a real challenge to the United States, and, more specifically, to President Obama. The U.S. air strikes persist, but ISIS perseveres. There is of course the possibility that the President may send in ground troops to supplement the air strikes and attempt to hit the nucleus of ISIS’ terror operations. However, that directive may very well result in a prolonged military conflict that could have dire consequences for American forces.
As President Obama works to cement his legacy over the last two years of his presidency, the public nuisance that is ISIS is going to plague him throughout the duration of his tenure. Regardless of whether he focuses on domestic policy or sets his sights on accomplishments in the foreign policy arena, ISIS is going to cast a long shadow over the President’s endeavors. The grave threat that ISIS poses to the United States and to the world cannot be understated and cannot be overlooked.
ISIS may be sophisticated, but they are not invincible. If President Obama wants to fulfill his pledge to eradicate ISIS, the United States is going to have to do a better job both militarily and in the media. In order for the President to put ISIS on ice and freeze its ability to perpetrate acts of terror, it is going to take much more than air strikes that seemingly have little effect on this enigmatic terrorist organization. How we can best defeat ISIS may be open for debate, but the exigent need to do so is undisputed.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter:@troodler
Thursday, November 13, 2014
The GOP Kingmaker
In my latest column in The Jewish Link of Bergen County, I consider
Governor Chris Christie’s strong showing on Election Day in his capacity as chairman
of the Republican Governors Association and assess how his performance will
impact his 2016 presidential prospects:
THE GOP KINGMAKER
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
Election Day 2014 is a day that most Democrats would like to forget. The Republicans swept into the majority in the Senate with a huge mandate and a sensational surge that absolutely decimated and disheartened Democrats across the United States.
While much of the attention was on national politics as control of the U.S. Senate hung in the balance, there were many hotly contested gubernatorial races that had huge implications in quite a number of states. When all of the votes were counted, the Republican trend that manifested itself on the national level was replicated in statehouses across the nation.
While the GOP emerged victorious in twenty-six gubernatorial contests, sixteen of those races had a common link. The thread that tied those particular contests together was Chris Christie.
For all of those New Jersey residents who have been wondering where their Governor has been since he was re-elected in November 2013, the answer became very apparent on Election Day. As chairman of the Republican Governors Association, Governor Christie has spent approximately a third of his second term outside of the Garden State. Instead of focusing exclusively on governing, Christie has spent a considerable amount of time traversing the country and campaigning on behalf of other Republican gubernatorial candidates.
Out of the shadow of Bridgegate and his state’s fiscal issues, Chris Christie has had the opportunity to bask in the glow of the national spotlight. Under Christie’s leadership, the Republican Governors Association has flourished, raising a staggering $106 million in just one year. As chairman, Christie has traveled to thirty-six states, including an incredible pre-Election Day swing that took him to nineteen states in five days, including such key battlegrounds as Florida, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. With thirty-six gubernatorial races on tap, Chris Christie was a virtual one-man political campaign machine, and when the dust settled on Election Day after the polls closed, it became apparent that Christie had the Midas touch.
Not only did Chris Christie help many incumbent Republican governors retain their seats on Election Day, he also played a pivotal role in enabling the GOP to win the keys to the Governor’s Mansion in Arkansas and Illinois, which had previously been held by Democrats.
In a sign of just how pivotal Chris Christie’s role was in scoring huge wins for Republican candidates, he made triumphant appearances on several national television news shows on the morning after Election Day to trumpet the GOP’s victories and further bolster his image as a key Republican kingmaker.
Other than being able to pat himself on the back, what does all of this mean for Chris Christie? More specifically, how does this impact Christie’s yearning desire to relocate to the big white house on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington?
The fact is that Chris Christie’s tremendous showing on Election Day solidified his spot as a frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. Not only did he notch some impressive victories on November 4, he also buttressed his growing national network of big GOP donors and top Republican operatives. By visiting so many states that will play critical roles in 2016, Chris Christie got a big jump on his potential Republican presidential rivals by establishing early connections with the voters and political leaders whose support they all covet.
Additionally, there are now Republican elected officials across the country who presumably feel indebted to Chris Christie for his political and financial assistance. When the calendar turns to 2016 and the presidential primary season is in full swing, you can be sure that Chris Christie will make the rounds to collect on all of these invaluable political IOU’s.
Chris Christie’s tenure as chairman of the Republican Governors Association has provided him with a unique opportunity to flaunt his fund raising prowess and display his keen political acumen. It has given him a much needed respite from the controversies that have dogged him in New Jersey and enabled him to prove to big Republican donors and GOP leaders that he is a force to be reckoned with on the national stage.
While other possible Republican presidential candidates jockey for position and contend with one another for media attention and national prominence, for the moment, Chris Christie has set himself apart by skillfully leveraging his chairmanship to get tangible results for GOP candidates.
Although he himself was not on the ballot on Election Day, Chris Christie scored what was perhaps one of the biggest victories of the day. Christie flexed his political muscles and proved that he belongs in the ring with the other GOP hopefuls who are seeking to one day take home the ultimate championship belt.
Yes, Governor Christie undoubtedly has major issues to contend with in New Jersey and all eyes will inevitably be on him as he attempts to navigate the choppy political waters in his home state. However, Christie has the luxury of heading towards 2016 with an aura of invincibility after his virtuoso performance in the midterm elections. He will certainly be judged by his ability to govern effectively, but that will not necessarily be the primary factor that will come to define Chris Christie in the context of presidential conversations.
Chris Christie’s legacy will be his role as a GOP kingmaker, which is what is going to catapult him to the front of the pack. It is safe to assume that there will be a bruising battle for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, but barring any future scandals or major mishaps by the New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie may be positioned to pick up the ultimate win.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler
THE GOP KINGMAKER
By: N. Aaron Troodler, Esq.
Election Day 2014 is a day that most Democrats would like to forget. The Republicans swept into the majority in the Senate with a huge mandate and a sensational surge that absolutely decimated and disheartened Democrats across the United States.
While much of the attention was on national politics as control of the U.S. Senate hung in the balance, there were many hotly contested gubernatorial races that had huge implications in quite a number of states. When all of the votes were counted, the Republican trend that manifested itself on the national level was replicated in statehouses across the nation.
While the GOP emerged victorious in twenty-six gubernatorial contests, sixteen of those races had a common link. The thread that tied those particular contests together was Chris Christie.
For all of those New Jersey residents who have been wondering where their Governor has been since he was re-elected in November 2013, the answer became very apparent on Election Day. As chairman of the Republican Governors Association, Governor Christie has spent approximately a third of his second term outside of the Garden State. Instead of focusing exclusively on governing, Christie has spent a considerable amount of time traversing the country and campaigning on behalf of other Republican gubernatorial candidates.
Out of the shadow of Bridgegate and his state’s fiscal issues, Chris Christie has had the opportunity to bask in the glow of the national spotlight. Under Christie’s leadership, the Republican Governors Association has flourished, raising a staggering $106 million in just one year. As chairman, Christie has traveled to thirty-six states, including an incredible pre-Election Day swing that took him to nineteen states in five days, including such key battlegrounds as Florida, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. With thirty-six gubernatorial races on tap, Chris Christie was a virtual one-man political campaign machine, and when the dust settled on Election Day after the polls closed, it became apparent that Christie had the Midas touch.
Not only did Chris Christie help many incumbent Republican governors retain their seats on Election Day, he also played a pivotal role in enabling the GOP to win the keys to the Governor’s Mansion in Arkansas and Illinois, which had previously been held by Democrats.
In a sign of just how pivotal Chris Christie’s role was in scoring huge wins for Republican candidates, he made triumphant appearances on several national television news shows on the morning after Election Day to trumpet the GOP’s victories and further bolster his image as a key Republican kingmaker.
Other than being able to pat himself on the back, what does all of this mean for Chris Christie? More specifically, how does this impact Christie’s yearning desire to relocate to the big white house on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington?
The fact is that Chris Christie’s tremendous showing on Election Day solidified his spot as a frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. Not only did he notch some impressive victories on November 4, he also buttressed his growing national network of big GOP donors and top Republican operatives. By visiting so many states that will play critical roles in 2016, Chris Christie got a big jump on his potential Republican presidential rivals by establishing early connections with the voters and political leaders whose support they all covet.
Additionally, there are now Republican elected officials across the country who presumably feel indebted to Chris Christie for his political and financial assistance. When the calendar turns to 2016 and the presidential primary season is in full swing, you can be sure that Chris Christie will make the rounds to collect on all of these invaluable political IOU’s.
Chris Christie’s tenure as chairman of the Republican Governors Association has provided him with a unique opportunity to flaunt his fund raising prowess and display his keen political acumen. It has given him a much needed respite from the controversies that have dogged him in New Jersey and enabled him to prove to big Republican donors and GOP leaders that he is a force to be reckoned with on the national stage.
While other possible Republican presidential candidates jockey for position and contend with one another for media attention and national prominence, for the moment, Chris Christie has set himself apart by skillfully leveraging his chairmanship to get tangible results for GOP candidates.
Although he himself was not on the ballot on Election Day, Chris Christie scored what was perhaps one of the biggest victories of the day. Christie flexed his political muscles and proved that he belongs in the ring with the other GOP hopefuls who are seeking to one day take home the ultimate championship belt.
Yes, Governor Christie undoubtedly has major issues to contend with in New Jersey and all eyes will inevitably be on him as he attempts to navigate the choppy political waters in his home state. However, Christie has the luxury of heading towards 2016 with an aura of invincibility after his virtuoso performance in the midterm elections. He will certainly be judged by his ability to govern effectively, but that will not necessarily be the primary factor that will come to define Chris Christie in the context of presidential conversations.
Chris Christie’s legacy will be his role as a GOP kingmaker, which is what is going to catapult him to the front of the pack. It is safe to assume that there will be a bruising battle for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, but barring any future scandals or major mishaps by the New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie may be positioned to pick up the ultimate win.
N. Aaron Troodler is an attorney and principal of Paul Revere Public Relations, a public relations and political consulting firm. Visit him on the Web at TroodlersTake.blogspot.com, www.PaulReverePR.com, or www.JewishWorldPR.com. You can also follow him on Twitter: @troodler
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