GOP Senate Challenger Tells Trump to 'Finish' Iran War; Booker Responds

Republican Senate challenger Justin Murphy drew a stark contrast with incumbent Sen. Cory Booker over foreign policy during a recent debate, advising former President Donald Trump to "finish" the war in Iran. Murphy's remarks prompted a "Wow" from Booker, who criticized the approach as "Yahoo" foreign policy.

During the New Jersey Senate debate, Murphy, an attorney, was asked what advice he would give President Trump regarding the conflict in Iran. He responded firmly, "Finish that war in a positive manner. We can't wait halfway through and decide we don't want to do this anymore." Murphy characterized the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a "radical terrorist organization" that has deprived the Iranian people of their history and a decent life.

As Murphy continued, video showed Booker looking down, shaking his head, and pursing his lips. He later countered that Murphy's stance represented the "kind of ‘Yahoo’ foreign policy that has mired us in Middle East war after Middle East war -- with false bravado leaders saying we're just going to go in there and kick ass."

Booker, responding to the hypothetical of Trump seeking his advice, questioned the former president's approach to counsel. He noted Trump's past statements about knowing more than his generals and referenced Trump's business dealings in Atlantic City, saying New Jersey has "known Trump for years because he 'bankrupted our casinos'." Booker also accused Trump of ignoring advice, citing an anecdote about advisers needing to "jangle keys" to keep him focused on a rail tunnel project.

Murphy also addressed illegal immigration during the debate, recounting an instance in Washington, New Jersey, where he claimed a child was abducted and raped by an undocumented immigrant whom the Biden administration had previously released. Murphy alleged the suspect was released by the Biden administration after a Texas county had notified ICE of his custody.

New Jersey has not elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since 1972. President Trump, however, won key areas of the state in the 2024 election, indicating a shifting political landscape.