A social meeting between Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy and Republican former President Donald Trump on Saturday was good for democracy, and leaders of both parties will get more done if relationships extend across party aisles, said State Sen. Bramnick (R-Westfield), a candidate for the GOP nomination for governor.
“I hate this concept that Republicans say never talk to the other side,” Bramnick said. “Are you supposed to hate the other side? That’s a terrible plan.”
Another candidate for governor, Bill Spadea, had criticized Bramnick in the past for inviting Murphy to his home for social and charitable events.
“It is absolutely ridiculous that Jon Bramnick shouldn’t have meetings to talk to talk to the elected governor of New Jersey,” he said. “It is what you are supposed to do. Having discussions with the other side is the path to success. The hatred that members of my party have is a losing strategy.”
Murphy is facing criticism from members of his party for reaching out to Trump after the assassination attempt and then going to the former president’s golf club in Bedminster to meet with him.
But no Republicans have publicly criticized Trump, their presidential candidate, for meeting with Murphy.
“He’s afraid to criticize Trump,” Bramnick said of Spadea.
Bramnick, a staunch Trump opponent, thought the meeting between Murphy and the former president was a good idea.
“I praise both of them,” he said. “It’s what they good be doing. Differences are policy. They shouldn’t be personal. The minute they become personal, you can’t do policy.”