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Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109:573]

Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

It must not, or they wouldn't have elected him governor.

The question is, do they have the culture of political payback and so on right? I don't know that one either, but it seems logical to listen to what the local press is saying. They should know.

Ok, so you admit that the "local press" doesn't represent the public at large with their opinions, yet we should listen to them? Why?
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

Just have to post a few comments from a townhall article entitled I'm a Traffic Jam Survivor

You’ll have to forgive me. This is a difficult time for me. This week I have been forced to confront memories I’ve been trying to bury my whole life, but recent events have made that impossible. I…am a survivor of traffic jams.

It’s not easy to talk about. Just the sight of brake lights causes flashbacks to the horror of sitting on a freeway not going anywhere. But for you, dear reader, I will be strong and push on.

To CNN, thank you! Your wall-to-wall coverage in this time of national tragedy has been second to none. The courage you’ve shown in uncluttering your airwaves of the “phony scandals” you’ve been covering over the past five years so we could know more and more and more about this is commendable. I do fear for the health of Wolf Blitzer. Yes, there is not a more trusted voice on the scourge of traffic, but the man needs his sleep. He has been hyperventilating for what seems like 36 straight hours. Please, make sure he stays hydrated and gets some rest. We will need him if, God forbid, some other random New Jersey Democrat says something about Chris Christie.

http://townhall.com/columnists/derekhunter/2014/01/12/im-a-traffic-survivor-n1777624/page/full

hilarious! and spot on
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

Let's see... we were talking about, what again? Sig lines? Nope, that's not it. Alexis de Tocqueville? Nope again. Oh, yes, I remember, it was about the governor of New Jersey! Since I live way on the other side of the country, I'm not too familiar with New Jersey and its culture and politics, so, let's look at what the locals have to say about their governor:



link

Would it be out of character for Christie to cause a traffic jam as a political payback?
For some reason, the first thing that occurred to me was "were these actions offensive, defensive, or both?" Sounds like a report on various skirmishes in a war...a political war.
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

Ok, so you admit that the "local press" doesn't represent the public at large with their opinions, yet we should listen to them? Why?

No newspaper ever represents the opinions of everyone, or ever could.
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

For some reason, the first thing that occurred to me was "were these actions offensive, defensive, or both?" Sounds like a report on various skirmishes in a war...a political war.

Yes, it sounds like a war. So, is all fair in love and war?
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

No newspaper ever represents the opinions of everyone, or ever could.


But, you said we should listen to them, why? If they don't represent the sentiments of the people as a whole, what possible reason could you have for wanting to listen to what they have to say? Because you agree with it maybe?
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

Oh look...

BN-BC112_0114br_G_20140114110203.jpg


"Gov. Chris Christie is seen with David Wildstein, in red tie, on Sept. 11, 2013, before a ceremony on the 12th anniversary of the 2001 World Trade Center attacks in Manhattan, in a photo obtained by The Wall Street Journal. Sept. 11 was the third day of the lane closures in Fort Lee, N.J. "

Christie, Official Who Arranged Bridge Closures Were Together During Fiasco - Metropolis - WSJ

Christie last week: “I have had no contact with David Wildstein in a long time, a long time ... I did not interact with David.

uh oh.
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

"Also present with Mr. Christie that day were Bill Baroni, the authority’s deputy executive director, who was helping Mr. Wildstein manage the fallout from the closures among local officials, subpoenaed documents show.

Also there was David Samson, the Port Authority chairman and close Christie ally, who has said he didn’t learn of the lane closures and traffic in Fort Lee, N.J., until an email from a New York port official ordered the lane closures reversed. Messrs. Samson and Baroni didn’t respond to requests for comment."

Christie, Official Who Arranged Bridge Closures Were Together During Fiasco - Metropolis - WSJ

So while it was happening, many of the key players were right there with the Big Cahoona.

But he ....din't know.

CC gives his State of the State tonight. He'll be bringing up the bridge, no doubt. :lol:
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

But, you said we should listen to them, why? If they don't represent the sentiments of the people as a whole, what possible reason could you have for wanting to listen to what they have to say? Because you agree with it maybe?

NOTHING can "represent the sentiments of the people as a whole". One of the positive aspects of the modern world, at least for some of us, is that those with different views can live right next door and we don't need to worry that their home will be burned down by radicals or that will be shunned at work and on the street simply because we disagree. Free speech, ya know.
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

Yes, it sounds like a war. So, is all fair in love and war?
Does a political war count as a war? If so, then yes, that would apply.
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

But, you said we should listen to them, why? If they don't represent the sentiments of the people as a whole, what possible reason could you have for wanting to listen to what they have to say? Because you agree with it maybe?

Do I want to believe that there is a culture of corruption and pay back in New Jersey? I really don't care, but it would appear that a local reporter would know better than I would.

Let's see if there is something to say it's not so:

Hmmm.. I don't know. I typed "political payback in new jersey" and got three pages of Christie and one reference to Hillary's enemies list.

Do you think there is no culture of political payback in NJ?
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

Egggcellent story here by a NJ insider journalist who was in tight with CC and many of the top players (and worked for Wildstein.)

Really, really worth the read.

WELL, THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY


Brian Murphy – February 2, 2014, 8:28 AM EST4160

Over Chinese food at the fabulous Lao Sze Chuan in Milford, Ct. I had the pleasure of reading Chris Christie’s 700-word-long attack on David Wildstein and the New York Times. This came moments after I opened a fortune cookie that advised me to “Enjoy yourself while you can.” (!)

I am trying to summon the requisite mood to seriously ponder the implications of the email that Governor Christie apparently sent to supporters/donors/ Politico/Beltway Republicans (as if there’s any… never mind). But I can’t. I just can’t.

It is hard for me to believe that the governor of an American state could author such a piece of risible juvenilia, except it is even harder for me to believe a paid communications professional could have been behind this. The “argument” Christie (or possibly one very very close longtime advisor) is making here is that David Wildstein is a bad guy.

Why?


Continue reading here: Well, That Escalated Quickly
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

Egggcellent story here by a NJ insider journalist who was in tight with CC and many of the top players (and worked for Wildstein.)

Really, really worth the read.

WELL, THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY


Brian Murphy – February 2, 2014, 8:28 AM EST4160

Over Chinese food at the fabulous Lao Sze Chuan in Milford, Ct. I had the pleasure of reading Chris Christie’s 700-word-long attack on David Wildstein and the New York Times. This came moments after I opened a fortune cookie that advised me to “Enjoy yourself while you can.” (!)

I am trying to summon the requisite mood to seriously ponder the implications of the email that Governor Christie apparently sent to supporters/donors/ Politico/Beltway Republicans (as if there’s any… never mind). But I can’t. I just can’t.

It is hard for me to believe that the governor of an American state could author such a piece of risible juvenilia, except it is even harder for me to believe a paid communications professional could have been behind this. The “argument” Christie (or possibly one very very close longtime advisor) is making here is that David Wildstein is a bad guy.

Why?


Continue reading here: Well, That Escalated Quickly

Interesting article and the email Christie sent out reeks of desperation

And here we get to the heart of the matter. David Wildstein was put in the Port Authority by Chris Christie, in a job Christie invented, to be the governor’s eyes and ears – his enforcer. Wildstein was put at the Port so Christie could more effectively use the Port as an extension of his political operation (as Steve and I are documenting, more and more, with each passing week).

So spare us the shock that Wildstein is “a political animal.” Christie knew who Wildstein was before he appointed him to this job. There is no sense in distancing yourself from one of your own appointees who was given a job specifically because his skills matched what you were looking to accomplish with that appointment.
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

Interesting article and the email Christie sent out reeks of desperation

Agreed. It's absolute madness.

High school level maturity. Literally.

The Well, That Escalated Quickly piece I linked has to be some of the best writing on this story I have seen.

I hope people here really take the time to read it.
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

More from that article:

"There is a legal process going on that may result in indictments and a political process in motion that may well lead to an impeachment. The risk premium on a Christie candidacy for president just went through the roof. This has been a very very bad week for the governor.

It may be true that David Wildstein “will do and say anything to save David Wildstein.” But at this point the same can be said of Chris Christie.

It was probably a good idea for the governor to hire that white-collar criminal defense lawyer from Manhattan.

After all, we don’t know what was in the file boxes David Wildstein carried out of the Port Authority last year. He mentioned them in passing on Sept. 18, 2013 in an email to Bill Stepien.

Why do we know that?

Because it’s in the documents Wildstein provided to the legislature. Exhibit A. Page 642. An email sent at 5:30 a.m."

Well, That Escalated Quickly

Oh my.
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

The DNC is releasing this Superbowl ad today.



ouch ouch OUCH!
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

Agreed. It's absolute madness.

High school level maturity. Literally.

The Well, That Escalated Quickly piece I linked has to be some of the best writing on this story I have seen.

I hope people here really take the time to read it.

There's a lot of words/phrases like "apparently" "we don't yet know" "that may be true" "seems to have" "we don't know" "might have" in that piece.
As well as huge red flags about where Brian Murphy is coming from and his motivations.
As long as Christie was tough using his (and others) work to defend Liberal politicians Murphy loved it. Now? Not so much.
And where Murphy chooses to appear and who chooses to print his work is revealing.
And the part that he worked for Wildstein (under his pseudonym, no less), the guy he's wildly defending, but says he never met him is peculiar.
Maybe that's so he can say he never noticed that...
Inside the Park Avenue headquarters of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, David Wildstein was known for a passive-aggressive style that left some colleagues feeling uneasy.
Sometimes, he would simply stand silently over a co-worker’s shoulder, watching them at their computer.
"He would ask you a question and listen to your answer and then he stared at you for a long time and you’d have these long, awkward silences," recalled one, who like many interviewed, did not want to be identified.

David Wildstein Was Reportedly Pretty Creepy Around Port Authority Office: Gothamist
Furthermore, David Wildstein was put in the Port Authority by Chris Christie, in a job Christie invented, is preposterous. Christie didn't invent the PONY Board of Commissioners.

Look, Christie may be a big fat lying scumbag and worse, but let's not just take the word of somebody who will feel comfortable typing for publication "Perhaps the New York Times’ headline was too bold. But so what! "
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

Don't care what you say, it's a great piece - and yes, the job was created for Wildstein. It does not even have a job description.
He did not even submit a resume. It was a new position made just for him - to be the Guv's "eyes and ears."
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

The DNC is releasing this Superbowl ad today.


ouch ouch OUCH!

The Democrats lost when they brought Obamacare into the game.
He can't throw, he can't run, nobody likes him, and nobody wants to play on his team.
And I can't imagine the DNC would actually pay money to run that ad.
Probably just for the web sooooo ... good job.
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

Here is a story from December 15th -- detailing how Wildstein's job had no description -- and...

"His role at the Port Authority was never clearly defined.

In its campaign to transform itself into a model of government transparency, the Port Authority turned over a stack of résumés and job descriptions for employees hired at a salary of $100,000 or more during Gov. Chris Christie’s first two years in office.

The documents, including a list of the 50 employees’ names and their hiring dates, were handed to a reporter six months after a Nov. 2 Freedom of Information request, during the agency’s April 26 board meeting. And for most hires, the agency provided both a résumé and the position’s corresponding job description and requirements.


But not in David Wildstein’s case, making it impossible to gauge whether his experience or qualifications met the requirements of the job.


A spokesman for Christie defended Wildstein’s hiring, as well as his lack of an official job description, asserting in a statement that "he is there in that job because he is well-suited to the task of playing a role in reforming the Port Authority in accordance with the governor’s goals."


Commenting on Wildstein’s unpopularity among some officials within the agency, the spokesman, Michael Drewniak, asserted, "If he’s not liked for that role, and if he’s accused of being zealous in that regard, then we plead guilty."



Port Authority scandal: The rising star and the mystery man inside a growing investigation | NJ.com
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

There's a lot of words/phrases like "apparently" "we don't yet know" "that may be true" "seems to have" "we don't know" "might have" in that piece.
As well as huge red flags about where Brian Murphy is coming from and his motivations.
As long as Christie was tough using his (and others) work to defend Liberal politicians Murphy loved it. Now? Not so much.
And where Murphy chooses to appear and who chooses to print his work is revealing.
And the part that he worked for Wildstein (under his pseudonym, no less), the guy he's wildly defending, but says he never met him is peculiar.
Maybe that's so he can say he never noticed that...
Inside the Park Avenue headquarters of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, David Wildstein was known for a passive-aggressive style that left some colleagues feeling uneasy.
Sometimes, he would simply stand silently over a co-worker’s shoulder, watching them at their computer.
"He would ask you a question and listen to your answer and then he stared at you for a long time and you’d have these long, awkward silences," recalled one, who like many interviewed, did not want to be identified.

David Wildstein Was Reportedly Pretty Creepy Around Port Authority Office: Gothamist
Furthermore, David Wildstein was put in the Port Authority by Chris Christie, in a job Christie invented, is preposterous. Christie didn't invent the PONY Board of Commissioners.

Look, Christie may be a big fat lying scumbag and worse, but let's not just take the word of somebody who will feel comfortable typing for publication "Perhaps the New York Times’ headline was too bold. But so what! "

I don't think Wildstein was on the PONY BoC

Port Authority scandal: The rising star and the mystery man inside a growing investigation | NJ.com
Wildstein was hired in May 2010 as director of interstate capital projects — a position that had no job description.
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

Here is a story from December 15th -- detailing how Wildstein's job had no description -- and...

"His role at the Port Authority was never clearly defined.

In its campaign to transform itself into a model of government transparency, the Port Authority turned over a stack of résumés and job descriptions for employees hired at a salary of $100,000 or more during Gov. Chris Christie’s first two years in office.

The documents, including a list of the 50 employees’ names and their hiring dates, were handed to a reporter six months after a Nov. 2 Freedom of Information request, during the agency’s April 26 board meeting. And for most hires, the agency provided both a résumé and the position’s corresponding job description and requirements.


But not in David Wildstein’s case, making it impossible to gauge whether his experience or qualifications met the requirements of the job.


A spokesman for Christie defended Wildstein’s hiring, as well as his lack of an official job description, asserting in a statement that "he is there in that job because he is well-suited to the task of playing a role in reforming the Port Authority in accordance with the governor’s goals."


Commenting on Wildstein’s unpopularity among some officials within the agency, the spokesman, Michael Drewniak, asserted, "If he’s not liked for that role, and if he’s accused of being zealous in that regard, then we plead guilty."



Port Authority scandal: The rising star and the mystery man inside a growing investigation | NJ.com

Ah, the plot thickens, but is it still a tempest in a teapot? Stay tuned....

Greetings, Paperview. :2wave:
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

Greetings polgara. :2wave:
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

I don't think Wildstein was on the PONY BoC
...
Looks like that's correct ... he was something called director of Interstate Capital Projects at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Was the job title really invented just for him ... possibly.
But given what the guy was known for ... even according to his one-time employee Brian Murphy ... and after Christie's suspicions about PONY waste ... having someone like that watching the PONY from the inside wasn't a bad idea.
 
Re: Emails link top Christie aide to GWB lane-closing controversy - [W:77,109]

The DNC is releasing this Superbowl ad today.



ouch ouch OUCH!


Stupid commercial. And the choice to inject politics into the Superbowl, IMO, may very well garner a backlash. Political news is my addiction but generally people don't want this crap mixing into their other passions.
 
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