This Week in Politics: Phil Murphy Enters the Shark Tank

WNYC News | Feb 3, 2018

New Jersey's new governor has been in office for less than three weeks, but the change in style between Phil Murphy and former Governor Chris Christie  has been dramatic.

In contrast to the scowling, autocratic style of Christie, Murphy appears to be more inclusive when it comes to decision making.

But how's that gonna fly in Jersey?

Matt Hale, political science professor at Seton Hall University argues that New Jersey is designed to have a powerful governor.  "Murphy is a consensus builder. Murphy is a collaborator," Hale said. "And those are all fantastic traits. But it'll be interesting to see how that fits. You know, sometimes it's the alpha dog that gets things done."

For more on the transition and the ways Phil Murphy is working to undo the legacy of Chris Christie, host David Furst speaks with Charles Stile, Political columnist for The Record and Northjersey.com

Stile compares New Jersey politics to a shark tank - and wonders if Murphy is ready for a fight.  "When you're in a shark tank... sometimes you gotta bite back to survive."

 

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