New Jerseyans aren’t always civil, but it’s still possible for a liberal Democrat and a conservative Republican to have a rational and pleasant conversation about politics in the state. Dan Bryan is a former senior advisor to Gov. Phil Murphy and is now the owner of his own public affairs firm, and Alex Wilkes is an attorney and former executive director of America Rising PAC who advises Republican candidates in New Jersey and across the nation. Dan and Alex are both experienced strategists who are currently in the room where high-level decisions are made. They will get together weekly with New Jersey Globe editor David Wildstein to discuss politics and issues.
New Jersey Globe: Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani filed for bankruptcy this week after a jury awarded two Georgia residents $148 million in a defamation lawsuit. Even beyond the money, it is clear that 22 years after 9/11, America’s mayor is no longer held in high esteem by the public. What’s your take on what changed about Rudy Giuliani?
Dan Bryan: It’s hard to believe someone can fall as far as Rudy Giuliani. I cannot remember anyone as high as he was post-9/11, and as low as he is after his long public humiliation on behalf of Donald Trump. He is a disgrace – to himself, to New York City, and to our country.
But let’s be honest: he’s no worse than anyone else associated with the Trump administration. He was the perfect lawyer for Donald Trump – no morals, no integrity, and no shame. His behavior after Donald Trump’s loss to President Biden places him alongside Benedict Arnold on the list of traitors to America. He deserves every bit of the consequences he is now rightly facing.
Alex Wilkes: Watching this all play out is nothing short of stunning, particularly for someone who came of age during the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our country. Our history is full of complex figures, and I think he will ultimately be remembered as one of them. It’s impossible to forget the way he cleaned up crime in New York or made the city a shining symbol of national unity and resilience in the wake of the worst terrorist attack in our history. Still, it is a shame to see someone who at one time stirred feelings of tremendous pride in our country go so far down a rabbit hole that he is now bankrupt.
NJ Globe: This week, the Colorado Supreme Court held that Donald Trump’s involvement in the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 attack constituted an insurrection and that a provision of the 14th Amendment written to bar former Conferderates from holding public office precluded him being on the ballot. Did the justices in Colorado get this right or wrong?
Alex: I think that this ruling, which is a complete disgrace, has put some much-needed scrutiny on the opponents of Donald Trump to reveal their true motives.
If their aim is to remove an undemocratic figure through undemocratic means, then they are guilty of the very Machiavellian, morally bankrupt motives that they ascribe to Trump and his supporters.
If their objective at the beginning of all the criminal pursuits (state and federal), was to convict, charge, and imprison Trump so as to make him unelectable, they have failed. Alvin Bragg hauling him down to the courthouse in lower Manhattan might as well have been 2024’s “golden escalator” moment for the way every television camera in the country was tuned into Trump and his police escort making their way down an empty FDR Drive. Before that, figures like Governor Ron DeSantis led polls in early states. The continued onslaught of criminal charges against him has acted as an accelerant for his campaign, putting him front and center in the news again and filling his campaign coffers with millions in campaign contributions.
If their goal was to elevate Trump in the Republican primary, believing that a 2020 rematch would result in victory for Joe Biden, I think that was a terrible and risky assumption. Joe Biden’s approval numbers are the lowest they have ever been and although they are early, a number of credible polls have shown Trump beating Biden in critical states.
Finally, if their purpose in using the legal system against Donald Trump was to truly punish him for crimes – perceived or real – they should stop and think: what would be the greatest punishment of all for someone like Donald Trump? Would it really be sitting in Club Fed as a perpetual martyr, or would it be one meted out through the political process, namely losing another election? In going after Trump, his detractors have made him invincible to ordinary Americans who believe that government bureaucrats and the elites have weaponized their power to harm disfavored political interests.
Dan: Very obviously, the Colorado Supreme Court got this right. It is inarguable that President Trump attempted an insurrection, or a government coup, after losing his election in 2020. It was slow moving at first, threatening election officials throughout the country throughout November and December of 2020, culminating in the disgusting violence of January 6th. Clearly, he attempted an insurrection and is now ineligible for office.
In situations like this, our jobs should not be to act as political pundits, wondering whether holding President Trump accountable is “good or bad politics” for Democrats. It’s the right thing to do, period. No one is above the law, and the facts are the facts. I applaud the Colorado Supreme Court for making the right move, and let the political pundits be damned.
Will the US Supreme Court overturn their actions? Of course – they are bought and paid for, quite literally, by wealthy donors on the political right. But make them do it, and let America watch them further sully their reputation.
NJ Globe: The Election Law Enforcement Commission voted this week to file an Amicus Brief in the Republican State Committee lawsuit against Jersey Freedom, the shadowy independent expenditure committee. Doesn’t it seem to be this is not going away anytime soon?
Dan: I don’t blame Republicans for digging their heels in on this issue, and I’m glad to see ELEC get involved as well. So many questions have arisen around Jersey Freedom, and New Jersey deserves answers as to whether or not any foul play was involved.
I am not a lawyer, nor am I an expert in election law. So whether this story sticks depends on what we *don’t* yet know – or as Donald Rumsfeld would say, the unknown unknowns. I’m going to be following this issue closely as it moves forward, as I’m sure much of the New Jersey press corps will as well.
Alex: If Dan is quoting Donald Rumsfeld, then I know we’re right on the money here!
ELEC has wisely decided to intervene here precisely because of what we do know – despite the lengths Democrats have gone to conceal the truth.
Under the Election “Transparency” Act, multimillion-dollar independent expenditures now have fewer reporting requirements than your basic school board race. We can have thoughtful discussions about how to limit the influence of money in politics, but surely this scenario is one that no one should support (except, of course, if you’re Democrats in the New Jersey legislature looking to prop up phantom candidates in South Jersey).
NJ Globe: As you know, I’ve been trying to use one question a week to let you have a little fun, so here it is: Alex, if you could give one Christmas present to Governor Murphy, what would it be? And Dan, what would you give the New Jersey GOP?
Alex: A gift card for four to the restaurant of his choosing. That’s all that’s required for deciding a U.S. Senate primary, right?
Dan: The New Jersey GOP is in a dark place. They’re weak, they can’t focus on a cohesive campaign strategy, and they don’t know whose lead to follow. Let’s face it, they just don’t have the same pep as they used to.
I know the problem, NJ GOP – this is a classic case of low T. It’s ok, this is a safe space. No judgment here. Your party is dominated by so many older men, so it was bound to happen.
So I’m happy to give you some of the many Testosterone pills we see advertised all over the internet. Consult with a doctor before taking, but please, not this doctor.
Alex: I’ll excuse Dan’s bit of bravado there in celebration of the fact that he seems to have recognized that there are biological differences between men and women. It’s an auspicious start for the New Year!