newjerseynewsroom.com

BY ADELE SAMMARCO

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Guess who is not the Boss?

Governor Chris Christie may think he has the upper hand when it comes to his choice in music, but when it comes to New Jersey native and all-around working man representative Bruce Springsteen, it’s the Boss who really shows who is in charge.

It’s no secret that the Republican Governor is a Springsteen fan as he has gushed many times to the press. The 49 year old even tried to book Bruce for his inaugural party in January of 2010, but a Springsteen cover band had to suffice when Bruce, a devoted Democrat, turned the GOP celebration down.

Still undeterred, Christie has determinedly attended 129 of Mr. Springsteen’s concerts, many times with his state troopers and detail among his entourage surrounding him inside the arenas.

Call it what you will… but a snub sounds more like it.

So why can’t these two Jersey guys get along?

For one, many of the Republican's economic policies and social stances just don’t jive with what Springsteen has been crooning about for decades.

The iconic singer commonly writes lyrics that affect real people struggling to make ends meet, especially in this sluggish economy with high unemployment and the real estate market down and foreclosures up in the state. Christie has boasted he knows all the words to Bruce’s songs, yet has he lived it, question Democratic strategists.

According to the Atlantic magazine, Christie has only met Bruce once or twice, albeit very briefly. Insiders say Springsteen won’t even look at him.

Yet Christie continues to fist-pump to his songs, Jersey-style, while rocking-out to "Badlands" as he devotedly attends his shows.

The song's defiant voice declares, “These badlands start treating us good."

Its most memorable line hardcore Bruce fans chant, "That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive."

The state in which Christie governs is known for one of the highest property taxes in the nation, dangerous halfway houses for those leaving prison, crumbling infrastructure the Governor himself has yet to upgrade with federal funding, and reduced social services.

In vast contrast, Springsteen lyrics echo a state in need of a boost, from his beloved Asbury Park to the streets of Camden. "There ain't that much work on account of the economy", a continuing anthem to the working man and their struggles.

Despite the conflict, the Governor takes it all in stride when it comes to Bruce and suggests it is Springsteen who does not understand the budget and what needs to be cut.

Christie has told reporters when asked about his unrequited love for Springsteen, "We disagree on a lot less than he thinks."

However, the last word for Springsteen does not seem to be as necessary.

For the Boss, silence appears to be golden.