Christie responds to Springsteen’s call for tax increases

Chris Christie has called himself Bruce Springsteen’s No. 1 fan. But darn if that means the governor is going to listen to the musician’s ideas about taxes.

 

In an interview with Diane Sawyer, Christie talked with the World News host about his governing approach. And pretty early on she brought up Springsteen’s comments that the lower- and middle-class are suffering under the guv’s resistance to raise taxes.

Christie responded:

“Bruce is liberal. doesn’t mean I like him any less. But you know, Bruce believes that we should be raising taxes all the time on everyone to do all the things that he’d like to see government do. That’s fine, it’s his point of view and he’s absolutely welcome to it, and I have great respect for it, because he speaks out. And unlike other people who don’t, he speaks out. That’s great for him.”

Christie went on to argue with Sawyer about whether some tax increases can be considered a trade-off for certain services.

The Star-Ledger editorial board didn’t hold back after that, likening Christie’s response to Springsteen to the governor’s efforts to demonize those who disagree with his politics: Democrats, teachers, public workers, etc.

Feed the Feed: Is Christie too quick to judge the politics of others, or should governors stick to their agendas no matter what?