In the Presence of ‘Great’ People, What Do You Ask?

Former U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley made a name for himself strolling Garden State beaches bottom to top, shaking hands with puzzled bathers, and making small talk with everyone. After all, who would expect a millionaire U.S. Senator to walk up to a body all slathered with sun tan lotion and asks how things are going.
Needless to say, few people pelted him with embarrassing questions, so they passed pleasantries and that was it. As cameras snapped to record the “monumental event,” Bradley walked into history garnering the spotlight for a few fleeting minutes.
I remember an Atlantic City Press reporter, who had chronicled many such minor happenings, commenting to me, “Why is it that every time a U.S. senator walks on the beach, we have to be here to witness it? Can’t he walk without us?” There was probably a lot of truth and thought that went into that seemingly simple observation.
Former Gov. Jim McGreevey made a few visits to Cape May, and those times were duly recorded for posterity. When exalted elected officials like governors and senators meet the common folk, the ordinary people are usually at a loss for words, not always, but they are as a rule silent on tough queries.
One day, it seems eons ago, Sen. Frank Lautenberg made a visit to some Democrats in Sea Isle City. It was a pleasant day, almost a “white glove” affair, but the good senator asked if anyone had any questions he might answer.
These were ordinary people, hard-working taxpayers who liked beer and hamburgers, not the genteel sort who usually hobnob with members of the “Millionaires’ Club” from D.C.
Unknowing about such senatorial things like appropriations bills for wheat farms in Kansas or details about nuclear proliferation treaties, the common people asked mundane questions, like bumpy roads, trash collection and sea walls.
I recall the Gentleman from New Jersey smiling as he replied kindly to each that, such details were not within the domain of a U.S. Senator, but were rather better directed to the municipal officials.
Recently, I was placed in the same position as those folks in Sea Isle City years ago. Gov. Jon Corzine’s office called. I was told that the governor would like to invite me to Drumthwacket with some other newspaper editors from around the state to ask questions about the budget.
It was the second time I’d met the governor, face to face in a sit-down meeting. The first was his road show appearance at the Middle Township Performing Arts Center in Court House when he was trying to sell the public on his toll hike proposal.
Both times, I had solicited from colleagues what questions they thought most worthy to ask the state’s chief executive. Both times, the governor was disarmingly approachable, introducing himself to each person as if he were the new neighbor on the block.
“Hi, I’m Jon Corzine,” he said.
To be honest, I felt like one of those Washington press corps members asking the President a question at a news conference. There I was addressing the person I’d read much about, seen on television, heard on radio shows, and heard so many people criticize for not having all the answers to everything.
There he was, right across the table.
OK, now what? He talked millions and millions of dollars for this and that, more about this and that, then about state employees, furloughs, and balancing the budget.
Then it was time for questions. Frankly, virtually all of us, veteran news people, had to refer to our pads for a list of questions to ask.
Then, and only then, after actually asking the question, came the second most difficult thing, accurately recording his answer. Why, oh why, did I not bring along the faithful Herald tape recorder? I wondered in a split second. Of course, if I had, chances are I would have pushed the wrong button, and missed all the quotes anyway. But I scribbled as best I could, trying to keep my train of thought as Gov. Corzine responded to my question, which was about beach protection and the state’s share.
If any official finds his or her number plummeting in the polls, I would wholeheartedly recommend they hit the trail and meet the ordinary people who pay the bills. They may find it refreshing to get points of view that are divergent from the crew of dark-suited aides and cabinet members who clutter their executive world.
As I have stated here in earlier columns, it really takes guts to stand in front of even municipal or county officials and ask questions in a public forum. I laud those who do, because, as imperfect as their questions may be, they are the ones who the officials hear and to whom they respond.
Therefore, dear reader, the next time you find yourself in the presence of greatness, on the beach, in a coffee shop or in the airport, don’t let the cat shut up your tongue. Rise to the occasion. Ask a few tough questions. That’s what will be expected of you.
When you’re on the beach or boardwalk, when it’s least expected, just as with the old television show “Candid Camera,” smile, you may find yourself face to face with a great name from the news. What questions will you ask?