It wasn’t as heated as the last time he was on the show, but Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s first in-studio appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” today did put him on the defensive at times.
Malloy – who was joined in-studio by guests Pat Buchanan and Tom Brokaw – discussed a variety of issues with hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, including the state’s budget woes, his relationship with businesses and his thoughts on the federal budget deficit.
Last time he was a guest to talk about state budget issues, Malloy sparred with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie over the way each has handled their budget crisis, creating a stir locally.
While Malloy did face some tough questions, they were not all hard-hitting. Malloy did discuss the run of the UConn men’s basketball team to the NCAA Final Four, and showed his basketball knowledge, giving credit to the Huskies’ Jeremy Lamb, calling him a “clutch player.” As far as the success of the women’s team, who play tonight in the Elite 8, Malloy said Connecticut is “used to that by now.”
The recent Quinnipiac poll numbers were discussed, which show that40 percent of state voters polled disapprove of Malloy’s performance.
Malloy, when asked if he cared about the poll, said that he did, saying “I have feelings.”
In terms of the state’s relationship with businesses, Malloy said big business owners are generally happy with his plans for the budget. He also said he was in talks with six businesses about moving to the state or expanding, but would not name them.
Malloy also passed blame on to his predecessors, saying he inherited the budget deficit and in the past years, “no one did any of the hard work,” while Connecticut was standing pat.
In a shot at former Gov. John Rowland, Malloy said that the 20-year deal with the union was a mistake.
Malloy talked about the federal budget at length with Buchanan and Brokaw, saying that he thinks “everything must be on the table,” but said he can say that type of thing because he is not running for president. Malloy said the climate of worrying about sound bites that could be used for political attacks have made it difficult for candidates to tackle hard issues on the national level.
The governor was rattled at the end of the interview when Brzezinski, a Conn. resident who used to work as a reporter in the state, asked him who his favorite reporter was. After trying to avoid the question, Malloy eventually said his neighbor, Dateline NBC’s Chris Hanson, was his favorite, but said he “loves all reporters.”
I think youve made some actually interesting points. Not also many people would truly think about this the way you just did. Im genuinely impressed that theres so considerably about this topic thats been uncovered and you did it so well, with so substantially class. Superior 1 you, man! Truly good things here.
Instead of taxing working people. Cut the welfare! No more, people better start protesting or everything you worked for will be gone in 5 years. You will be eating mac & cheese from the dollar stores.
And get rid of the illegals – NOW
That was an extremely interesting interview. Of course to say everything must be on the table, but give no examples of cuts is a cop-out. However, I’m not sure the discussion should be about the federal budget. CT is the subject and Yes, it was a veto-proof Democrat majority budget that never addressed the issue of the 20 year contract with the state that Gov. Rowland signed. Both were wrong. Now, the proof is in the pudding. I want to see what Gov. Malloy is able to negotiate with the Unions. I do not buy that any business in CT is happy with the taxes and other burdens they bear. I also want to see these businesses who are ready to come here, actually come here. Good luck, I really do wish you success, it will not be easy.
The State of Connecticut has to CUT SPENDING, CUT TAXES AND CUT THE PERSONNEL. The benefits for State employees must have a greater share be paid for by the employees. The State cannot afford them. Try what Costa Mesa, CA is doing, lay off the workers and let private enterprise bid for the work and use former state employees.
Would he say the Democrat controlled legislature didn’t work as well? Everything has to be approved by them and they will never turn on the unions.
CT is one of the worst states for retirees. I do not see how raising taxes helps business as it raises the cost of labor. CT is one of the highest rates for benefits in workers compensation- it should be lowered to average that of neighboring states. Also we should not have a welfare or assistance program that does not exist in at least one of our neighbors. We have too many handout programs. CT should almost have a Hatch Act like the Feds to prevent state and municipal workers from being in elected positions like boards of alderman and town councils. Tolls are severely determental to air quality in the towns that have them. I know, one was close by in West Haven. Also, the tolls will always be dumped only on southern Connecticut.