(Courtesy of NJBBA) On Tuesday, Oct. 22, the New Jersey Jewish Business Alliance (NJJBA) hosted a unique live “presidential” debate with a Jersey and Jewish perspective on issues of interest to the state’s Jewish and business communities. The debate took place at New Jersey City University’s main campus in front of a limited invitation-only and socially distanced audience and was live streamed on YouTube. It featured NJ State Senator and Trump campaign chair Michael Testa representing the Republican side and retired Democratic state Senator Raymond Lesniak for the Democratic side. Former Senator Lesniak, who retired in 2018, was a late replacement for former US Senator Robert Torricelli who was not able to attend. The hour-long debate was divided into two parts with two moderators. The first half was moderated by Steve Lenox, the publisher of TAPinto Jersey City, and the second half of the debate was moderated by Ezra Lightman, managing director, Bank of America. The event was opened by Dr. Sue Henderson, the president of New Jersey City University.

Overall, the debate was a spirited and lively exchange with each candidate’s representatives doing a capable job of representing their candidate and party on a range of issues ranging from anti-Semitism to COVID-19 responses and policies and business recovery legislation. Although the atmosphere was mostly serious and focused, there were certainly moments of good-spirited and mostly good-natured fun as the candidates poked holes in each other’s facts and arguments. Interestingly, each of these representatives pointed out positions and policies that they parted ways with from their own presidential candidate.

Hundreds of viewers participated and watched the event live and the debate can be viewed on YouTube at: https://bit.ly/2Hz1ZeG. To learn more about the NJJBA, visit www.NJJBA.com.