Star School Reformer’s Quick NJ Stop Leaves People TalkingMichelle Rhee's celebrity turn in Trenton, a statement of solidarity or a distraction from Christie’s controversial education record?
- Credit: (Governor's Office/Tim Larsen)
Was Michelle Rhee’s high-profile visit to Trenton this week a powerful statement that puts New Jersey in the national forefront of school change? Or was it a political prop for the governor to distract his critics, as one Democratic leader claimed?
From her fans to her foes, Michelle Rhee’s presence at Gov. Chris Christie’s State of the State address on Tuesday sparked plenty of reaction and conjecture to the role she may play in the future for New Jersey and nationwide.
In the chair next to governor’s wife for the half-hour speech, Rhee sat smiling as Christie heaped praise on her like nobody else in the Assembly chamber.
"No one in America has been more clear that we must change our public education system -- from one that caters to the feelings of adults to one that prepares our children for the 21st century," the governor said.
"Michelle, thanks for coming today, and I want you to count New Jersey among those who are finally putting our students first," he said.
The Bully Pulpit
It may not be the last New Jersey has seen of Rhee as she takes to a national bully pulpit with her new advocacy group StudentsFirst, launched this winter
