MAPLEWOOD - Ras Baraka was taking questions Saturday afternoon at a "Meet and Greet" here when one person got right to the point.

She wanted to know how Baraka differed from Steve Fulop.

This was not an academic exercise. Baraka and Fulop are clearly the most liberal candidates in the six-person primary fight for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. In fact, they seem destined to split the left wing vote, much to the delight of Mikie Sherrill, the frontrunner, according to the polls.

Baraka talked about getting endorsements from groups representing working families, immigrants and tenants. Then he got to the punch line:

"I'm actually a progressive. I'm not just playing one on TV."

So there.

The woman asking the question seemed convinced. She said she likes Fulop's attention to detail, but that Baraka has more leadership skills.

It's no secret that the Newark mayor was arrested - and briefly detained - last weekend outside an immigrant detention center in his hometown.

He addressed that adventure immediately, telling about 75 people that he did not know things were going to turn out the way they did. And he blasted "the MAGA people" for concocting a series of falsehoods about his visit.

The mayor released a video a few days ago that shows him being allowed inside the gates of the facility. That was done to counter arguments that he forced his way in. Or as he put it, this was not the storming of the Bastille.

When he ultimately was arrested, Baraka said he was held in a "real cell" and was "interrogated."  Baraka said he was happy to see a crowd of supporters waiting outside for him to be released..

A week after the arrest, Baraka called it "petty" on behalf of the feds. He said the federal government charged him with trespassing, but it does not own the building in question.

The issue here was - and is - due process of law, which Baraka said should cross partisan lines.

"If we disagree with that, what are we doing here" in the United States, he asked.

Talking about his race for governor, Baraka said the state must address a "serious level of inequity" in New Jersey.

He specifically talked about consolidating small school districts.

This can save property taxes and also chip away at segregation.

More than that, Baraka talked about the climate of the times and the specter of Donald Trump in the White House. He said Democrats and like-minded souls have an opportunity this November to strike back against Trump.

At a time when there are immigrant raids and potential cuts to Medicaid and other programs, Baraka acknowledged unease in many communities.

He said the answer is action and involvement, adding:

"You can't allow your fear (to) turn you into a coward."'