Senator Teresa Ruiz
NJ Senate Majority Leader
“Jack, finish the sentence please! We know you were talking to President Trump, and we can infer the word…It is unfortunate that you have joined in this kind of callous, classless behavior that has no place in public life. His decision to refer to a woman using a derogatory slur isn’t just a lapse in judgment—it’s a window into how he views women, and it reflects a pattern of conduct that has become all too familiar in the era of Donald Trump.
Language matters. When candidates and public figures use words meant to degrade or demean women, they send a clear message that disrespect is acceptable and that misogyny can be brushed aside as “a joke.” It cannot. Women lead in our schools, our small businesses, our hospitals, our police departments, and our families. They deserve respect, not ridicule. They deserve a governor who will stand up for equality, not someone who laughs along with sexist slurs.
This latest episode reveals not only a lack of character but also a dangerous normalization of behavior that disrespects women and weakens our politics. Leadership begins with example. True leadership is about integrity, empathy, and respect."