The Morning Joe crew has problems with Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer. They alleged today that she lied Saturday on MSNBC to Steve Kornacki that Christie's lieutenant governor, Kim Guadagno, and one of Christie's cabinet members tried to pressured her into fast-tracking a proposed redevelopment project in her city in order to receive Sandy aid. To Mika and Joe, timing is everything.
First, here's what Mayor Zimmer said, and how she explains her hesitation to come forward earlier.
Now here's what Joe Scarborough had to say about this according to Talking Points Memo:
"If she's willing to go public and vouch for something that is corrupt, an administration that is corrupt, what does that say about her character?" Scarborough asked, referring to tweets Zimmer sent in praise of Christie. "She can't have it both ways."
How interesting that Joe, who's been accused of some shade during his tenure in the House and who's going through a very messy divorce right now (the details of which he's trying to tamp down and rightfully should) would take this tact. Because this harassed mayor didn't go public or to the Attorney General of New Jersey (whom Christie had appointed and might just be in his pocket) she suddenly doesn't have credibility? Hasn't he ever heard of people fearing coming forward? Hasn't he ever heard of spousal abuse? Women sometimes are beaten within an inch of their lives, but refuse to press charges or admit it. Or if they do come forward, it's long after the attack.
Why? Because of fear. Fear of what? Bullies. Bullies like Joe Scarborough. He, like his hero, Chris Christie, accepta corruption as a way of life. And feel it's okay. Business as usual. Their defense is an offense -- slandering the Hoboken Mayor by accusing her of lying by not coming forward earlier. Does that mean the woman or man who delays accusations of being abused by a spouse is lying? Does that mean the facts don't exist? And think about the military sexual assaults where the victim has to go to their commanding officer who is best friends with the accused. Is that an easy thing to do? Well that's the situation with the New Jersey attorney general -- a Chris Christie appointee.
MSNBC, you should be ashamed of Morning Joe. And Mika, we allow for your limited abilities as you've never been able to stand up to bully pulpit Joe. But Joe, you're the wrong one here. And you should absolutely take back your accusations until the sworn testimony by Mayor Zimmer is presented. Then, if there are inconsistencies or inaccuracies, go ahead and rip her a new one. But your personal relationship and bromance with the Governor of New Jersey should not be tolerated. Just because you accepted and maybe even participated in corruption when you were a congressman doesn't make it right.
Report news, don't create it to protect a friend. Even Steve Kornacki, who worked for David Wildstein, came out and revealed his personal relationship prior to reporting the news. Maybe you should confess your sins in office and relationship with Christie before you take to defending him -- or worse, "Hey, corruption is business as usual." You should be helping, not contributing to the crimes.
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