It seems like every week or so, you see blogs and Twitter comments in the vein of, “Hey, did you see this great speech by Chris Christie?”
And they’re not actually great speeches, at least not the way we’ve been conditioned to expect in the Age of Obama — not much flowery language, not much rhetoric that soars — but just him and a group of New Jerseyans, and him laying out the state’s enormous problems in blunt honesty, and a raw, unvarnished pep talk that the path ahead is going to be hard, but will be the responsible and wiser course in the long run. And what makes him seem great is that the audience knows he’s not trying to sell them anything; we know he’s not making an implausibly optimistic promise because what he describes is not all that appealing, or at least not all that easy. He’s leveling with everyone, treating the voters like grown-ups, and they’re appreciating it, recognizing that it is radically different from what politicians usually offer.
It would probably not be best for Chris Christie or New Jersey if he were to run for president in 2012; he’s still got a lot of work to do and a lot of promises to Garden State voters yet to be kept. But right now, the idea of Chris Christie running for president or appearing on the 2012 presidential ticket just stopped being unthinkable, crazy, and implausible.
I suspect primary opponents (Huckabee? Palin?) would pick apart his positions on guns, abortion, illegal immigration, gay marriage, etc.
Christie is the kind of Republican who can win in the northeast, and he'd probably win the NH primary handily, but I don't see him winning in Iowa or South Carolina unless his opponents split the vote.
Also, I'm a bit hesitant about dropping untested right-wing celebrities into Presidential campaigns with only a year and a half of gubernatorial experience under their belt. It works for inexperienced Democrats, who have the media at their backs, but those headwinds are still too strong for the GOP to sail into.
Gov. Awesome is not going to run for anything until he's done whipping NJ into reasonable shape. Maybe '16, at best, but '12? Not a chance. If he even hinted at such his home state would turn on him faster than a Miami Steve guitar break.
I think that Republicans in 2012 need to put up someone with significant experience in policy, especially executive experience, as a contrast to Obama.
To use a baseball metaphor - we don't want to be rushing the minor leaguers. We have talent ready to contest the 2012 elections - we can give our young guns and rising stars time to build their resumes and amass solid achievements in conservative governance before bringing them up to the majors.
AStev, I agree with you on your second point about how Christie and others shouldn’t be thrown into the Prez ring too quickly. However, I don’t agree that red meat social issues would be that difficult for him. He might not beat the drum on social issues like, say, Huckabee, but unless I’m mistaken, he hasn’t taken any strong stances against conservative positions on these issues, unlike many other blue-state Republicans (e.g., Rudy). Heck, even Sarah Palin has never made social issues front-and-center. What New Jersey needs right now is someone to clean up and shrink their government, not a culture warrior. Even if a culture warrior could win in New Jersey, that’s still not what they need. And it’s not what America needs either.
This is quite related to Mitch Daniels. He’s been widely criticized for wanting a truce on social issues. I think opposing MD on this though is the wrong course for the GOP. First of all, our biggest problems are a pathetic foreign policy, runaway spending, looming tax increases, and an overall belief that government should have more control over our lives. I’d hate for us to hand Obama a second term because we needed some culture warrior. Second of all, there really isn’t all that much that a President can do on social issues. A marriage amendment requires vast support in both houses of Congress but is not dependent on POTUS support. Defending the unborn requires a change in the Supreme Court. As for things like the Mexico City policy, taxpayer funding of abortion, etc., I have no doubt MD or Christie or any other similar Republican would take the correct action.
Think about Obama. He didn’t win the Presidency by campaigning as a guy who was going to make all of the Democratic base’s dreams come true. He campaigned with a moderate tone on abortion, even though he is the most rabidly pro-abortion president we’ve ever had, and his record showed that. I’m not saying we should be disingenuous like him. What I am saying though is that tone matters. Democrats don’t get scared off when a liberal politician starts sounding moderate or concentrates on issues that are an easier sell political (as well as more relevant in most cases). Likewise, we shouldn’t be afraid of someone like Christie just because he doesn’t offer as much red meat on social issues as someone else.
Christie gives off an aura of "RESPONSIBLE ADULT" that is lacking in too many DC pols.
I would like to think that would trump any partisan social issue concerns. I'm agnostic on this "truce" notion, but very receptive to the idea that politicians should put REALITY before IDEOLOGY.
These are tough times and there is much work to be done. The college stoodents in the Whitehouse are showing how NOT to do things.
I also think 2012 will be too early to have CC on the ticket, but he definitely should be on the short list for the Republican response to the next Obama State of the Union speech, and should be given a good speaking slot at the next GOP convention.
I also think 2012 will be too early to have CC on the ticket, but he definitely should be on the short list for the Republican response to the next Obama State of the Union speech, and should be given a good speaking slot at the next GOP convention.
I also think 2012 will be too early to have CC on the ticket, but he definitely should be on the short list for the Republican response to the next Obama State of the Union speech, and should be given a good speaking slot at the next GOP convention.
Someone please introduce Christie to Mike Huckabee. For Christie to be a national figure he MUST lose some weight. Sorry to say but appearances matter.
I admire Gov. Christies's grit and no-nonsense style. I would agree with the earlier comment that NJ residents would rise up and revolt should he leave early to seek the Presidency in 2012.
Indiana's Gov. Mitch Daniels is cut from the same cloth but in less boisterous colors.
He'd get my support if he decides to run - we'll have to push hard though!
I agree with WhittyMike-the State of the Union response would be the perfect introduction for a straight talker like Christie. The contrast next to a no-substance blowhard like Obama would be spectacular.
Christie sounds good but here are the facts: taxes are not being cut, in fact, unemployment taxes upon businesses have increased substantially. Wasteful spending on state paid preschool programs is going through the roof. No state workers have been let go. Property taxes are skyrocketing with no relief or action from Trenton. Income taxes are not being cut on the middle class. Where is the substantive "change"?
One day we might succomb to Socialism - but not on this day because Chris is going to lead this country out of this mess.
Why?
No party baggage, NJ will be the first turnaround success story of the Bipartisan Boondoggle of the decade, and he projects the 3 f's this country needs; Future, Focus and Family (not "villages").
Whether he does it from Drumthwacket or the White House is irrelevant (note Palin's impact).
Finally, tho he might not be the leading Pres contender, he is definitely the top prospect for VP which gives him plenty of time to get Trenton straight.
I suspect primary opponents (Huckabee? Palin?) would pick apart his positions on guns, abortion, illegal immigration, gay marriage, etc.
Christie is the kind of Republican who can win in the northeast, and he'd probably win the NH primary handily, but I don't see him winning in Iowa or South Carolina unless his opponents split the vote.
Also, I'm a bit hesitant about dropping untested right-wing celebrities into Presidential campaigns with only a year and a half of gubernatorial experience under their belt. It works for inexperienced Democrats, who have the media at their backs, but those headwinds are still too strong for the GOP to sail into.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseGov. Awesome is not going to run for anything until he's done whipping NJ into reasonable shape. Maybe '16, at best, but '12? Not a chance. If he even hinted at such his home state would turn on him faster than a Miami Steve guitar break.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI think that Republicans in 2012 need to put up someone with significant experience in policy, especially executive experience, as a contrast to Obama.
To use a baseball metaphor - we don't want to be rushing the minor leaguers. We have talent ready to contest the 2012 elections - we can give our young guns and rising stars time to build their resumes and amass solid achievements in conservative governance before bringing them up to the majors.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseAStev, I agree with you on your second point about how Christie and others shouldn’t be thrown into the Prez ring too quickly. However, I don’t agree that red meat social issues would be that difficult for him. He might not beat the drum on social issues like, say, Huckabee, but unless I’m mistaken, he hasn’t taken any strong stances against conservative positions on these issues, unlike many other blue-state Republicans (e.g., Rudy). Heck, even Sarah Palin has never made social issues front-and-center. What New Jersey needs right now is someone to clean up and shrink their government, not a culture warrior. Even if a culture warrior could win in New Jersey, that’s still not what they need. And it’s not what America needs either.
This is quite related to Mitch Daniels. He’s been widely criticized for wanting a truce on social issues. I think opposing MD on this though is the wrong course for the GOP. First of all, our biggest problems are a pathetic foreign policy, runaway spending, looming tax increases, and an overall belief that government should have more control over our lives. I’d hate for us to hand Obama a second term because we needed some culture warrior. Second of all, there really isn’t all that much that a President can do on social issues. A marriage amendment requires vast support in both houses of Congress but is not dependent on POTUS support. Defending the unborn requires a change in the Supreme Court. As for things like the Mexico City policy, taxpayer funding of abortion, etc., I have no doubt MD or Christie or any other similar Republican would take the correct action.
Think about Obama. He didn’t win the Presidency by campaigning as a guy who was going to make all of the Democratic base’s dreams come true. He campaigned with a moderate tone on abortion, even though he is the most rabidly pro-abortion president we’ve ever had, and his record showed that. I’m not saying we should be disingenuous like him. What I am saying though is that tone matters. Democrats don’t get scared off when a liberal politician starts sounding moderate or concentrates on issues that are an easier sell political (as well as more relevant in most cases). Likewise, we shouldn’t be afraid of someone like Christie just because he doesn’t offer as much red meat on social issues as someone else.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseChristie gives off an aura of "RESPONSIBLE ADULT" that is lacking in too many DC pols.
I would like to think that would trump any partisan social issue concerns. I'm agnostic on this "truce" notion, but very receptive to the idea that politicians should put REALITY before IDEOLOGY.
These are tough times and there is much work to be done. The college stoodents in the Whitehouse are showing how NOT to do things.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI also think 2012 will be too early to have CC on the ticket, but he definitely should be on the short list for the Republican response to the next Obama State of the Union speech, and should be given a good speaking slot at the next GOP convention.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI also think 2012 will be too early to have CC on the ticket, but he definitely should be on the short list for the Republican response to the next Obama State of the Union speech, and should be given a good speaking slot at the next GOP convention.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI also think 2012 will be too early to have CC on the ticket, but he definitely should be on the short list for the Republican response to the next Obama State of the Union speech, and should be given a good speaking slot at the next GOP convention.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseSomeone please introduce Christie to Mike Huckabee. For Christie to be a national figure he MUST lose some weight. Sorry to say but appearances matter.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI love it when a fat guy wins big. This weird fixation on his weight is horse-s**t.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI admire Gov. Christies's grit and no-nonsense style. I would agree with the earlier comment that NJ residents would rise up and revolt should he leave early to seek the Presidency in 2012.
Indiana's Gov. Mitch Daniels is cut from the same cloth but in less boisterous colors.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseHe'd get my support if he decides to run - we'll have to push hard though!
I agree with WhittyMike-the State of the Union response would be the perfect introduction for a straight talker like Christie. The contrast next to a no-substance blowhard like Obama would be spectacular.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseChristie is far too reasonable and effective to ever be allowed to succeed. His chances of being elected president are zero.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseChristie sounds good but here are the facts: taxes are not being cut, in fact, unemployment taxes upon businesses have increased substantially. Wasteful spending on state paid preschool programs is going through the roof. No state workers have been let go. Property taxes are skyrocketing with no relief or action from Trenton. Income taxes are not being cut on the middle class. Where is the substantive "change"?
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseOne day we might succomb to Socialism - but not on this day because Chris is going to lead this country out of this mess.
Why?
No party baggage, NJ will be the first turnaround success story of the Bipartisan Boondoggle of the decade, and he projects the 3 f's this country needs; Future, Focus and Family (not "villages").
Whether he does it from Drumthwacket or the White House is irrelevant (note Palin's impact).
Finally, tho he might not be the leading Pres contender, he is definitely the top prospect for VP which gives him plenty of time to get Trenton straight.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseNJRighty,
Chris cut $500mmm from the school budgets within days of taking the oath of office.
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Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseNJRighty,
Chris cut $500mm from the school budgets within days of taking the oath of office.
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Reply to this commentLinkReport Abuse