New Jersey governor says no X Space talks for Kamala Harris as VP continues to avoid media

After a highly publicized interview between former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk on the X Spaces platform, which was viewed by more than 23 million users, Vice President Kamala Harris received a similar invitation from Musk. Despite the widespread attention, Harris did not personally respond to the offer. Instead, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a notable ally of both Vice President Harris and President Biden, conveyed his position during a public appearance on Tuesday.

Murphy defended Harris’ refusal to do interviews, saying he would not accept Elon Musk’s offer.

In an interview with The Hill, Murphy said, “He’s going to have a lot of time to do interviews. And God knows one thing about last night, without hearing, that wasn’t an interview. So when she does interviews, she’ll do it with real journalists like you.”

Governor Murphy, while expressing disinterest in the Musk-Trump interaction, confirmed that Vice President Harris would not participate in an interview on Musk’s X platform. He pointed to Harris’ recent successful weeks in politics, including her selection of Tim Walz as a significant addition to the team, underscoring a period of positive momentum in his political engagements.

“You won’t be surprised to hear, I didn’t have time for the Musk-Trump interview. So I can’t comment on any content. But, no, not at all. I think she’s had an amazing couple of weeks. Tim Walz is an inspired choice. She is, as he said, he brought joy to the entire political arena,” Murphy told the Hill.

Murphy further criticized the format of Musk’s session with Trump, suggesting that when Vice President Harris decides to participate in interviews, they will be conducted with credible journalists. This statement indicates a strategic approach to media appearances, focusing on traditional and more controlled settings rather than the unpredictable nature of live streams on platforms like X.

The vice president’s campaign has also been vocal in its criticism of the Musk-Trump discussion, labeling it an exhibition of Trump’s extremism. Despite the direct invitation and significant public interest, the response from Harris’ camp indicates a continued focus on differentiating her media engagements from those aligned with Trump and Musk’s platform.

Governor Murphy’s comments reflect not only Vice President Harris’ political strategies, but his team’s intent to carefully manage its media presence, particularly in preparation for the upcoming election cycle.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – A 44-year-old man was shot multiple times early this morning inside a building on N Dekalb Street in the 16th District. The shooting happened around 5:50 am. The victim, who was seriously injured, was taken by police to Penn-Presbyterian Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.

At present, the crime scene has been secured by the authorities. No weapons were recovered and no suspects were arrested in connection with the shooting.

The Philadelphia Police Department’s Shooting Investigations Group is actively investigating the incident. They urge anyone with information to contact them at 215-686-8270.

For anonymous tips, people are encouraged to call or text the PPD tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

JACKSON, NJ — County crews and contractors broke ground this week on a long-awaited road widening project on South New Prospect Road in Jackson Township.

According to county officials, the project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and increase safety measures, with the project to transform the current busy two-lane road into a three-lane thoroughfare.

Jackson Township Councilman Mordy Burnstein, who began talks between the township and county last winter, said the expansion is long overdue and appreciated.

“Residents in the surrounding neighborhoods brought this to my attention after I took office, and through several meetings with county officials, we were able to convince the county that this was necessary for the safety of our residents,” Burnstein said.

The extension will add a center turn lane to avoid congestion and improve safety on the busy stretch of road.

This initiative comes after a productive meeting in January between city officials, Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi and other county professionals. The discussions highlighted the county’s support for solving the municipality’s traffic concerns.

South New Prospect Road has evolved over the past decade into a crucial thoroughfare for Jackson, connecting Howell, Lakewood and Jackson to County Line Road and the northeastern sectors of the township, including the Brookwood developments. This road is essential to facilitate smoother movement between these areas.

Burnstein thanks Mayor Michael Reina and his administration for working with the county to ensure this project came to fruition after winter discussions.