"Who is that guy," one passerby asked.
In the minutes before his television appearance went live on News 12 New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy posed for photos with onlookers at the Asbury Park boardwalk. But not everyone knew who the tall, smiling semi-celebrity was.
"I think that's the mayor," one person said.
A sparse crowd of around 20 passersby gathered around the "Ask Gov. Murphy" program, filmed live outside the Robinson Ale House and hosted by Eric Landskroner. Most stopped by for a few minutes before continuing a stroll along the boardwalk.
During the hour-long program, Murphy discussed looming legislative battles, such as the state budget and marijuana legalization, and took questions on lesser-discussed issues via phone calls and questions from the crowd.