Video: Rep. Frelinghuysen shares his views on Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders
By Berit Ollestad
Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11th Dist.) isn’t sure who he likes for President, since Gov. Chris Christie dropped out of the race.
But the 11-term Congressman knows who he doesn’t like: Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders.
“I just don’t like the way [Trump] has pushed his way around over the years. He could become the presidential nominee and I’m very unenthusiastic about that,” Frelinghuysen told 8th grade history students during a recent visit to the Frelinghuysen Middle School, a Morris Township public school named for his family.
The Harding resident, who seeks a 12th term, said the GOP debates have become a disturbing spectacle of disrespect and disunity.
“There are times that I feel that he [Trump] may have a message; but you can’t be president if you insult 52 percent of the population,” Frelinghuysen said.
“He has said some things that I hope he would regret saying. If you look at society and the beauty of America, it’s that we have diversity. So as a Republican, you cannot win if you insult people with Latino and Hispanic heritage.
“That is stupid politically and it’s not right anyway. So, I’m hoping we can choose someone that unifies us and I haven’t seen too much of that on my side of the aisle yet,” he said.
As a state legislator, Frelinghuysen said, he served on a committee that blocked Trump from introducing sports betting in New Jersey schools.
The Congressman also expressed surprise at Sanders’ support among Democrats.
“I served in Congress for 12 years with him and he was never particularly agreeable. He was known for being perpetually un-agreeable,” said Frelinghuysen, who turns 70 this month.
“So it’s surprising to me that he has become sort of a cult figure and tens of thousands of people are showing up for him. So there must be something in his message that resonates.
“However, I’m just surprised politically that Secretary [Hillary] Clinton, who is very qualified, and she’s worked very hard, that she sort of is on the defensive.”
Frelinghuysen said he visits approximately 90 school groups a year, and considers it the best part of his job.
“I always try and get back to show young people that members of Congress really do exist and that we’re human, made of flesh and blood,” he told the students.
‘MAKING SAUSAGE’
His next stop was a Morris Plains diner where, he joked, he invariably is confused with Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ).
Frelinghuysen said Booker shares his goal of looking out for the best interests of New Jersey residents.
He compared the legislative process to making sausages.
“Sometimes the process of making sausage is not a pretty thing to see. So, when you hear your parents or others talk about the country and what bad shape it’s in, just remember that you don’t always see what is going on behind the scenes, and what we are doing as your elected officials to improve the situation.
“That’s why laws are similar to sausage, you don’t always know what goes into making them, but you certainly hope it’s edible when you are finished.”
Asked by Frelinghuysen Principal Joseph Uglialoro what traits would make students most successful, Frelinghuysen advised:
“Keep your word. If you say something or make a commitment to someone, then keep it. Hard work, keeping your word and helping others is what I believe are the under-lying factors to becoming successful,” the Congressman said.
“The bottom line is, your reputation is everything and you need to do everything you can to uphold that. You know when someone sticks it to you when they gave you their word. You don’t trust them. That’s true in politics, too,” he said.
Students seemed impressed by the visit.
“It’s a lot better than having to look him up on the internet,” said Anayah Beaton.
“He seems like a really great guy…I liked that he didn’t sugar-coat his answers. Even though he’s a big politician, he seems like he can just be a normal guy,” said Matthew Gamerdinger.
Frelinghuysen left the student council with a flag that had flown over the Capitol Building in Washington.
In all fairness to Congressman Frelinghuysen; I don’t believe his intent was to give any type of political speech. The students were the ones that were clearly steering the conversation in that direction. The questions that the students were asking were thoughtful and specific and the Congressman was candid and gracious as he answered each and every one of the questions that the students presented him with.
I felt that after the Congressman spoke with the students there was a connection that was made between the students and the Congressman and albeit for me to say, I’m pretty sure it was a positive one.
People may not agree with him or his political affiliation. But I’ve always been impressed with his willingness to make himself so accessible by being out at events and talking with his constituents.
Sounds like a great opportunity for our kids to get an up close view into politics from a local family that has served NJ for generations. We should all have such a legacy.
Whatever the party, once this Congressman is elected he serves ALL the people. That is important to me.
What was he doing giving a political speech at a public school anyway?
Ignore the typos from my previous comment. Typing on a phone while on the train! But my points still stand.
“At the start of the 112th Congress, Frelinghuysen was ranked the ninth wealthiest member of congress, with an estimated personal wealth between $20 million and $65 million.” “His campaigns have also been heavily supported by contributions from pharmaceutical and health care industries.[15][18] Eight of the 14 bills sponsored by Mr. Frelinghuysen in the last congressional session (112th) were attempts to suspend duties on chemicals used by these industries.”
I think we know why you, Frelinghuysen, finds Bernie “un-agreeable.”
Also, “However, I’m just surprised politically that Secretary [Hillary] Clinton, who is very qualified, and she’s worked very hard, that she sort of is on the defensive.”
That’s probably because of all the lies she’s got herself caught in. Maybe that’s it, Rodney. I don’t think so highly of your opinion considering you aren’t “sure who [your] like for President, since Gov. Chris Christie dropped out of the race.”
Christie is a disgrace to NJ – and that has been shown time and time again with his awful favorability rating.
Could you be more establishment? Morris County deserves better.