Booker calls Murphy's Iran advice 'Yahoo' policy

Sen. Cory Booker labeled Republican challenger Justin Murphy's advice to President Donald Trump as "Yahoo" foreign policy following a Thursday debate in New Jersey. The exchange centered on Murphy's blunt directive that the president "finish" the war in Iran, a comment that drew applause from the audience and a visible reaction from the incumbent Democrat. Murphy, an attorney from the Pine Barrens, responded to a question about what he would tell Trump if the president called for advice on the conflict. He urged the commander-in-chief to "finish that war in a positive manner," arguing that the United States cannot wait until halfway through a conflict to decide it no longer wants to continue. Murphy described the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a radical terrorist organization that has deprived the Iranian and Persian people of their history and a decent life. He concluded his response by telling Trump to "put your cowboy hat on and get out there and kick some ass" to ensure the mission is completed correctly. Booker's reaction was immediate. As Murphy spoke, split-screen footage showed the senator looking down and shaking his head before pursing his lips. When moderator David Wildstein gestured for Booker to respond, the New Jersey senator mouthed "Wow." Booker then criticized Murphy's remarks as the type of policy that has mired the United States in repeated Middle East wars. He accused leaders who rely on false bravado to "kick ass" of damaging the country's treasury. The debate highlighted a sharp division between the candidates on how to handle the ongoing military campaign. While Murphy defended Trump's approach, Booker warned against another prolonged American war in the region. When asked the same hypothetical question, Booker joked that Wildstein was asking for his opinion on a man who has claimed to know more than his generals. Booker referenced his long-standing acquaintance with Trump, noting that New Jersey residents have known him for years because he "bankrupted our casinos" in Atlantic City. He further claimed that Trump frequently ignores advice, citing an incident where advisers had to "jangle keys" to keep him on topic during a meeting about the trans-Hudson rail tunnel project. The candidates also clashed on illegal immigration. Murphy recounted leaving a campaign event in Washington, N.J., and looking at a home where a child was allegedly abducted and raped by Guatemalan illegal immigrant Lester Noe Perez-Amador. According to WRNJ, the Biden administration previously released Perez-Amador after a Texas county notified ICE that it had taken him into custody. New Jersey remains a blue state that has trended redder in recent years, with Trump flipping key areas in 2024. However, 1972 stands as the last time a Republican won a U.S. Senate election in the state, when Sen. Clifford Case was re-elected. Brief, appointed terms were later served by Nick Brady in 1982 and Jeff Chiesa in 2013.