CHATHAM – Andy Kim holds many “town halls.” He’s almost up to 90, if you include the ones he’s done as a House member before ascending to the Senate.
His latest on Saturday morning may be one of the more memorable ones.
Questions were good and there was some real passion.
After Kim criticized various aspects of the Trump Administration – defying court orders, causing stock market turmoil, the tilt toward Russia – a woman in the audience spoke out.
Yes, she agrees with the senator, but what alternative – other than criticism – are Democrats offering?
Kim said he fully understood the question and that he has some of the same concerns. He said he has suggested a coordinated strategy to his Democratic Senate colleagues – like coalescing around fighting Medicaid cuts. But he does not always get traction.
In fact, he said some have told him not to hold town halls. That advice does not fly with him.
Kim said he enjoys debating his constituents, suggesting that having “uncomfortable conversations” about politics is what an elected official should do.
“If you’re hiding from people, and you’re not doing town halls, you’re not doing public events, it’s because you’re just thinking about your own needs and comfort,” he said, and not the plight of people financially struggling.
So, instead of waiting for a coordinated strategy to emerge. Kim said, “I’m just doing things.”
Hence, a town hall in this Morris County town that attracted about 200 people.
He did suggest that Senate Democrats should craft and put out their own budget instead of just criticizing one put forth by Republicans.
Kim has never been a “party guy.” Recall that he got to the Senate last year by besting Tammy Murphy, the choice of the Democratic establishment.
On that score, he bemoaned the power of big money in politics and more relevantly, the financial inequality in today’s America.
He again brought up a bill he supports to ban members of Congress from stock trading.
“I don’t own a single, individual stock and that’s how it should be for everyone” in Congress, he said.
The crowd applauded.
Another question came from a man who said he was a retired firefighter who responded to the 9/11 attacks. Now battling cancer, he emotionally spoke about the sacrifice firefighters make and more, pointedly, how the Trump Administration is negatively impacting a health care program for 9/11 first responders. Since the inauguration, services have been cut, restored and some cut again. Confusion reigns.
The former firefighter said attending Kim’s town hall was a no-brainer for him. Whatever his fate, he said he wants his wife to be supported.
If he were to go to Washington to see officials involved in the cuts, he said he’d be looking to “punch the bastards in the face.”
Kim said afterwards that the man’s comments were among the most impactful he’s heard at any of his town halls.
In a recent report by Insider NJ, it has been revealed that Kim, a prominent figure within the Democratic Party, has acknowledged the party’s disjointed strategy. This revelation comes at a crucial time as the party gears up for the upcoming elections.
According to sources close to Kim, she has expressed concerns about the lack of cohesion within the party and the need for a more unified approach. This sentiment has been echoed by other party members who have also voiced their frustrations with the current state of affairs.
One of the key issues that Kim has highlighted is the lack of a clear message and direction from the party leadership. Without a unified vision, it becomes difficult for the party to effectively communicate its platform to voters and rally support.
Additionally, Kim has raised concerns about the party’s outreach efforts and its ability to connect with voters on a grassroots level. Without a strong presence in local communities, the party risks losing touch with its base and alienating potential supporters.
In response to these concerns, Kim has called for a more collaborative approach within the party, emphasizing the importance of working together towards a common goal. By fostering a sense of unity and purpose, the party can better position itself for success in the upcoming elections.
As the Democratic Party continues to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing political landscape, it is clear that a more cohesive strategy is needed. With leaders like Kim acknowledging these issues and pushing for change, there is hope that the party can overcome its current obstacles and emerge stronger than ever.