2012-01-30T10:45:00.000-08:00

In a controversial time that is critical for politics and especially politicians, Governor Chris Christie displayed his administrative abilities on Tuesday at a town-hall meeting in Bridgewater, N.J. “With Gay Marriage, Christie Shows Political Dance moves” was published as an editorial in The New York Times on Tuesday, January 26, 2012. The stock issue presented in this particular editorial is a policy; The Governor Christie pushed for a potential change within the Government by promoting a ballot initiative. With that being the case the citizens will be able to choose for themselves whether or not same-sex marriage should be legal in New Jersey. This editorial was complete with a magnitude of thorough information, as other politicians chimed in with quality concerns for Governor Christie. While it is undetermined why he felt the need to divert the attention of the audience, but Christie used red herring aggressively. The importance of this editorial favors the gay community in New Jersey, as well as, voters and other politicians. These people in particular, are the ones that will impact this situation the most, because of their familiarity and passion for it. Considering the fact that many things can and will change by the next election, it is important for all political parties create a sense of urgency.

Chris Christie did a good job at enforcing policy as his stock issue. Not only did he create a need for the public, but he also offered a change that could make a huge difference. Instead of voting on a bill, Christie suggests a ballot initiative which will leave same-sex marriage rights in the hands of the public. Mr. Christie has adherence from other politicians and in the same breath there are many that do not agree with the idea of a ballot initiative. It is well known that Governor Christie opposes same sex marriage, but he wants to use the ballot initiative so he does not have to make a difficult decision. He might be running from this decision based on him nominating an openly gay man to the state’s highest court. If the ballot initiative is approved we can then suggest that Christie even created a sense of desirability for certain groups of people. The desire would be for the gay community, voters, and politicians of New Jersey to vote, because of the power in numbers. That would be their chance to be heard and even listened to, because ultimately they will decide the outcome of this subject. Without the different views of different politicians this editorial wouldn’t be as complete and thorough.

Although the main topic was same-sex marriage rights, they did not shy away from other big political issues such as: income tax cuts, school funding, black church, and criminal justice. These topics gave Christie the opportunity to divert the attention of the crowd and discuss other topics that he could possible change. Red herring was present on multiple occasions throughout the editorial. Governor Christie was quick to switch subjects when other parties attempted to down play his responses. “Democrats tried to argue that the tax cuts would mean less money for schools. Mr. Christie had by then moved on to a black church in one of the state’s poorest cities, contending to an approving crowd that his proposals would help its children escape dismal schools and bad teachers.” Politicians including Stephen M. Sweeney argue that it would not be proper for civil rights questions to be decided by a ballot initiative. As the audience has to determine the sincerity of Christie’s argument, they have to wonder whether or not their vote will mean anything.

The editorial notes that Christie spoke in Bridgewater, New Jersey. It is important for the residence of New Jersey, whether gay or not to get involved. Along with the gay community, other voters should take extreme notice of this editorial. The involvement or lack thereof will be a determining factor in the potential changes that might soon be a reality.

This editorial has the potential to persuade many citizens in a tight political race. As this situation will continue to grow in importance, governors will have to be at their best. Avoiding fallacious arguments as much as possible such as, red herring, and hasty generalization is vital to the race. Their credibility is on the line and fallacies could hinder how they are viewed. But, as we center our focus on what this editorial brings to light about Chris Christie. He focuses on the stock issue presented in this particular editorial which is policy; The Governor Christie pushed for a potential change within the Government by promoting a ballot initiative. With that being the case the citizens will be able to choose for themselves whether or not same-sex marriage should be legal in New Jersey. But, this idea has not sat well with other politicians, who believes Christie wants to just avoid making a decision that he might be bias to.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/26/nyregion/christie-avoids-problems-by-seeking-vote-on-same-sex-marriage.html?scp=7&sq=chris%20christie&st=cse

With Gay Marriage, Christie Shows Political Dance Moves