Gov. Baker On Trump Administration: 'There's Way Too Much Pre-Judging Going On Here'
BOSTON (CBS) -- As protesters across the country and here in the Commonwealth express dissent in the wake of last week's election, Gov. Charlie Baker said it's too early to judge the leadership of President-elect Donald Trump's administration.
Gov. Baker took questions at the State House on Wednesday after returning from the Republican Governor's Association annual conference, where he had a private meeting with Vice President-elect Mike Pence. Baker said he returned from the meeting hopeful Massachusetts will have a say in federal policy as the Trump administration forms.
"States are often what I would describe as the front lines for decisions that get made at the federal level. [Pence] made it clear to us he will want to have a deliberate and significant dialogue with states," Baker said. "We are a state that, between health care, education and energy... has a lot of interest in what happens at the federal level. My hope is that line of dialogue will be open to us."
Baker said he plans to continue Massachusetts' public healthcare system under Donald Trump's presidency. He said Massachusetts will continue to be a "welcoming state."
"We are a welcoming state, we have always been a welcoming state, being a welcoming state is what has made us strong and successful," Baker said. "When I talk about the notion of communities, I don't just mean local communities, I mean all communities. We are, for all intents and purposes, a country that is made up of communities that have always respected and appreciated what each community brings to the totality of what we are all about."
Baker said he believes the decision to become a sanctuary city is up to towns and cities themselves.
Under the new administration, Baker said he will work to advocate for every Massachusetts resident while ensuring the state continues to receive federal funding for the programs the state deems essential. His biggest concern under the new President, Baker said, is who Trump will elect to key White House roles. Trump has faced criticism for appointing Steve Bannon, former head of Breitbart News, as the White House Chief Strategist, something Baker also called concerning.
"The folks you choose to serve in key roles of your administration represent for many people the first step in how you plan to govern and what you think is important," Baker said. "I said that the President-elect has made clear he wants to unify the country post election. Based on Bannon's previous remarks and activities, that was a concern to me."
Right now, though, Baker said it's too early to judge Trump's leadership.
"There's way too much pre-judging going on here," Baker said. "Let's judge people on the totality of their work, on what they say and what they're up to. I want people to be vigilant, I want them to pay attention and I want them to engage. But I also want them to remember what I said before. This is a nation of many communities and many opinions. The capacity to respect and understand that is what makes us great."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
