Christie brings his non-campaign to Cali
C-SPAN is apparently carrying it live, FOX News is sending a camera, every national political reporter will be reading the tea leaves and Rick Perry will be (presumably) shaking in his cowboy boots.
Christie brings his non-campaign to Cali
Matt Katz, Inquirer Staff Writer
Gov. Chris Christie holds hands with wife Mary Pat Christie as he speaks at a gubernatorial Inauguration event on Jan. 19, 2010, in Newark. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
I’m on the Christie non-presidential campaign trail today, flying to California (US Airways in-flight WiFi – holla!), where Christie is delivering what is being described as the biggest speech of his career at the Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library.
C-SPAN is apparently carrying it live, FOX News is sending a camera, every national political reporter will be reading the tea leaves and Rick Perry will be (presumably) shaking in his cowboy boots.
In front of 970 people, plus press, Christie will speak about “American exceptionalism,” drawing a connection between Christie’s fiscal record in New Jersey and how that kind of prudent leadership is needed on a national level so the U.S. can restore its standing in the world. That's right -- Christie will touch on the biggest hole in his resume, foreign policy.
The speech comes after a frenetic, frenzied few days in which Christie has moved – in the minds and hearts of rich Republican donors and conservative media – from “we-wish-he-would-run-for-president” to “he’s-our-only-hope.”
Sources tell me (and lots of other reporters) that the pressure amped up after the Republican debate last week, when Perry is said to have bombed his performance. Calls are coming from all over the country – reporters, donors, politicos – imploring Christie to announce his candidacy ASAP. They say he will clear the Republican field, pushing aside Perry and Mitt Romney, and have a good chance of beating Obama.
What is still unclear in my mind -- and what sources differ on -- is whether Christie is politely entertaining these calls because:
A) It builds his national profile for a 2016 run while increasing his popularity at home (his favorability ratings in Jersey are up to 54 percent in a new poll released today) and helps him raise money for state Republicans (he is hosting fundraisers for the state party in Missouri and Louisiana this week).
Or…
B) He is actively considering a run, thereby reversing himself from his previous statements that he and his family aren’t ready (and backtracking from his threat to commit suicide to prove he wasn’t running).
Here’s a crib sheet to catch you up on the latest Christie For President campaign news in case you don’t pay close attention to presidential elections before they begin...
The New York Times offers this list of the wealthy Americans who are lined up to support him...A Star-Ledger editorial writer who Christie told to “get a life” earlier this month is now calling for him to take the plunge and run....NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, not exactly buddy-buddy with the gov, says Christie should run...Former Gov. Kean, the elder statesman of New Jersey Republican politics, says Christie is “giving it a lot of thought.”....Nancy Reagan herself invited the governor to make this speech tonight, and former First Lady Barbara Bush called New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie, telling her that raising four kids in the White House is totally cool....
And the Daily Show last night played a clip of Christie singing “Born To Run,” (a clip of which I posted yesterday) before host Jon Stewart showed his guest, actual GOP candidate Ron Paul, a picture of Paul’s head on Christie’s body.
So will he or won’t he? Your guess is as good as mine.
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Poll: Should Christie run for President?Comments (66)
Turning around Jersey? What exactly has he done to turn around Jersey? He's never there, taxes are still through the roof, higher education is no longer affordable in NJ even for the residents and your highest crime cities have less fire and police officers then ever.— albertpa
Comment removed.- If he's in Obama is going to walk away with this. Outside of Santorum and Bachman this would probably be the most divisive candidate the Tea Party (formerly known as the Republican Party) can muster.— Rod72
- Who actually pays for these trips? Who's running the state? When did Christie, after only 1 1/2 years on the job, become presidential material? For Republicans, that's pretty sad. Remember folks--who's taxes did he cut? That's right--the rich! When will Americans wake up!!!!!— 3rick
- This is just more of the Libs going after those they are afraid of while ignoring what is actually happening. Whatever happened to covering events that really mean something to everyone..The bankruptcy of Solyndra, the savior company of the Green jobs scam, costing the taxpayers 1/2 a billion, the failed "bailout" of Chrysler, Ford didn't take a dime and is doing great, that cost taxpayers $1 billion +. That is about as significant a gap in success and failure that one can imagine. And guess what, it's true as opposed to the BS the Libs try to throw out about those they are afraid of. This makes sense because most Libs are still living in that world where Obama is the savior and what was it:" I don't have to pay no more rent because I got Obama money" what's that: "I don't know it's just Obama money"." He's just like Robin Hood"!! You Libs need to grow up and realize this guy now has a record. As much as you trash those you hate come November 2012 people are going to have to ask themselves if they can take four more years of what they know is destroying this country, you simply can't hide it any more. The way things are going in the real world, you know the one that doesn't include Michael Moron, Sgt. Schultz and Groucho Olbermann, people are basically going to be saying "anything is better than this"...count on it dudes your guy had no experience and is showing it more and more every day. His record is fully flushed out, his positions and statements are on that record. So keep up the hate it's going to make it that much more pleasing when the the truth is revealed as it will be in the election process despite the Lib media doing all they can to divert attention from the real truth of what these folks have actually done (we are already seeing it in Mass, WI,NY all going for anybody but Libs). Then we can at last move on from this nightmare called Hope and Change that has us all hoping for change.— sarah89
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- I wouldn't vote for this fool. He really does not like women.— jeanjae
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- I guess everything is perfect in New Jersey so the guy can spend a lot of time traveling around the country.— mindstorms
- "If conservatives think Christie is the answer to their every prayer, they may be making the same mistake they made with Perry — allowing themselves to become enamored with the idea of Christie, while overlooking who he actually is. Conservatives know the New Jersey governor is a straight-talker who slashes budgets and takes on the public unions and yells at people on YouTube. Which is all great, obviously. But on some issues [immigration, gun control, climate change, Race to the Top, and Islam] (among many others), Republican primary voters would be in for a rude awakening." - Dan Amira— SituationYo
- You boys are going to have to find someone else to rub one out to: "It seemed that all of America was set to endure one more week, at least, of the "Chris Christie Boomlet," as he was being urged by GOP elites to forgo his promise of suicide and jump into the 2012 race in order to save it. But Fox News is reporting today that Christie will not be making a run, just as he has said all along. Hope springs eternal, of course, but for the time being, it looks like the field for the GOP nomination remains set."— SituationYo
- Fat boy trying to get a new job before the voters get their chance to throw the fat boy out. He's just trying to run away while he can. Next election in NJ he'll be held accountable and it will be cya.— PHAZED
- Can you picture His Hugeness in a conference with Vlad? He'd waive his fat finger in Putin's face and Vlad would cut it off. LOL!— Taxes
- Taxpayers are so blind to think politicians would ever put their interest first.. NOOOO politicians plan is to give their rich cronies say over everything and yous taxpapyers get the crumbs..wake up americans.. christie is campaigning to get introduced to the rest of the states and then boom....— noncents
- Oh, so he is using the states money?— flyersfan89
- Why do people assume if you criticize Christie that you love Obama? I'm talking to YOU 94Bravo. BOTH are wasting our money and time by campaigning when they should be FIXING.— hockeyfan00
- The problem with the GOP is that they don't have any starters or bench warmers who are any good. The Dems,on the other hand, have an adequate starter (Obama) and an excellent bench (Hilary Clinton).— BobSG
- New Jersey was a fiscal mess until Christie got there. The government doesn't exist to make sure everyone has a job. Dems haven't yet learned that we're in a global economy and standard of living is bound to decrease.— Mickey Cross Eyes
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- Not sure if I missed it, but what time is this speach on? Christie would bring such momentum to the republican race. As a republican, I find the current candidates poor and would seriously consider voting for Obama.— Irish148
- "I love it. He's great if you're a working guy." So, all those who are unemployed right now and desperately trying to find work are just lazy good for nothings who only want to sponge off the government? And what working guys are you referring to? I doubt you mean teachers, nurses, and pretty much anyone who has to make a living by actually do something, unlike CEOs, who make a living by swindling people. What has the wonderful Chris Christie done since he became the governor of NJ besides being the fat, less charismatic version of Ronald Reagan? Where are all the jobs if Christie's fiscal responsibility has worked so well? When has Christie done anything to help anyone other than the rich corporate white guys that all the conservatives support? I can't for the life of me understand why Americans aren't more furious about our voting options. Obama hasn't done the job, so Chris Christie is the answer? Really? Can't we do better than this? Then you have the tea party kooks to contend with, who have a shot at winning, by the way, because that's just how batsh@# crazy this country has become. All I know is this country is screwed if it really believes Chris Christie is some sort of visionary. Yeah, Obama hasn't been great, but he is certainly a better option than Chris Christie. I am not in any way married to voting for him again, but no one has shown me any candidate that gives me any indication that they are different from the status quo, and that includes Ron Paul who is just another republican elitist.— Hemingway
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- Might be the second Presidential candidate to pass away while running for President. Before seriously considering a run, he needs to lose at least 50 to 60 pounds. If he is nominated, he better select a solid VP candidate. Sorry, but facts are facts and this man is seriously obese and thus not in good shape. He should stay in NJ and run in 2016. But in the meantime, he really needs to lose a lot of weight.— Danny55
- I am so glad New Jersey's problems are all fixed and Christie has spare time to run around the country. 0% unemployment, fully funded pension system, no corruption, low taxes, no crime in Camden .... oh wait ... that's the fantasy NJ I built online. Time to come back home Chris and get to work!! (Unless you are stealing jobs from California ... then by all means keep up the good work.)
— NJ_Engineer - Comment removed.
Christie is probably the best shot the Republicans have. I'd vote for him over Obama. But if the Reps nominate GW Bush the Sequel (Perry), or Sarah Palin the Sequel (Bachmann), or Mr.Default Candidate (Romney) I'll vote Obama.- I will too — CommonSense in Philly
- Beware Hubris Governor Christie!
Have you served New Jersey ?
Can you build a government to lead the country ? Bush and Obama didn't.
Are you up to date on foreign policy ?
Then there is the endless grind,the attacks, and finally will you win after all this ? What is the future if you do not ?
— Peter of Manassas - The Republicans have so splintered themselves that no one can attract enough support to be a viable candidate.— BobSG
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- Christie lacks less political experience than Obama. He's also done nothing for NJ. Private worker here, my real estate taxes are still hi and have climbed faster in the 2 years he's been in office than the 2 years before he was in office, my services have been cut to bare bones levels, if not below, and businesses are still leaving (see the 3 that just left Pennsauken) for other states. I like that he's holding people accountable, but he needs to fulfill his promises here first. Remember, he was elected with 48% of the vote in NJ, not even a majority.— sjnative94
- MAn I think Christie is great but that wife must really love him!! He looks like BEETLEJuice with that huge body and normal size head!! BABA BOOOEYYYY To Ya AAALLLLLL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!— Rollie
- For all the Christie lovers, please list all of his accomplishments in his very short tenure as governor of New Jersey. Many of you grumble that Obama lacked experience, but Christie has much less experience in government. He is also a morbidly obese diabetic, who would have significant trouble with the stress and strain of a modern presidential run. He also uses the NJEA as a scapegoat for this nation's troubles, but manages to overlook the greed and corruption of Wall Street, the Big Banks, the major realty firms, the leverage buyout artists, the large brokerage houses, all of whom contributed far more to bringing the world economy to its knees than teachers or public service unions. The Republican old guard continues to be desperately unhappy over their candidates, wanting Mitch Daniels, Tim Pawlenty, Chris Christie, Haley Barbour, among others, in effect, anybody but Romney, except the Tea Party wack jobs who make Wall Street and the Corporate world nervous, as well as Independents. Christie is the new darling, until he flames out like the others.— chuckw
- How can you be responsible for the country, when you aren't responsible for your own personal health? This guy has less experience than Obama did when he was elected into office, yet you don't hear that from the right.— main liner
- He'll die on the campaign trail from a heart attack before the Republican convention.— F. Harry Stowe
- Politics as usual is no longer gonna fly. Obama the socialist is scewing up the country more and more every day. Pelosi, Reid, Sideshow Joe Biden = pathetic idiots. There's a reason why dems seeking re-election are distancing themselves from Obama and he is having trouble raising cash. He is in big trouble. Christie 2012!!!!— vinnybravo
- PLEASE RUN FOR PRESIDENT GOV Christie!!!— oxfordcircle
- Does he actually expect to win primaries in fly-over country where they fear shariah law after he publicly blasted all the wingnuts who are so worked up over this silly non-issue?— Ed G
- Christie is only the latest fad for the GOP feverishly looking for a viable candidate to challenge Obama. Sarah Palin will be the next fad followed by Donald Trump followed by Daffy Duck.— BobSG
- Bud Fox - typical low-information GOPer, Careful what you wish for: "What would be most interesting about a Christie candidacy, if one were ever to materialize, is that it would expose something that many of the national conservatives who've been cheering him on have either chosen to ignore or aren't yet aware of: the significant gap between where Christie's record is and where today's GOP base is ideologically. There is plenty of irony here, because Christie is often described as a favorite of the Tea Party movement (which in many ways doubles as the base of the Republican Party). This makes sense, because most national conservatives see Christie mainly as a charismatic Washington outsider who is new to the national stage and who has made real noise -- and scored major victories -- battling public employee unions in a deeply blue Northeast state. He's also pro-life, a rarity for a big-name Republican politician from his neck of the woods. For the average Tea Party activist, there's obvious and powerful appeal in this profile -- especially in comparison to Romney and Perry. But as an actual candidate, Christie's profile would be more fully fleshed out, and his positions and past statements on several issues that matter deeply to national conservatives -- and that have not featured prominently (or at all) in the attention he's received for the past two years -- would come to light." http://www.salon.com/news/opening_shot/index.html?story=/politics/war_room/2011/09/27/christie_reagan_library— Google It
- taxman-- Is it a coincidence that there happens to be $37.5K a plate fund raiser dinners at every place he decides to have a campaign stump speech, or is he just trying to save the US taxpayer gas for Air Force One? Isn't it uncomfortable for him when he runs into all those "fatcats" at these dinners?— Wiseman6
- Every President in modern times has held fundraiser while in office. President George W. Bush had held 88 fundraisers and President Clinton, 76, in their first terms.
Do we really have to play the right's childish tit for tat game? Zzzzzzz. Christie is the Governor of New Jersey but he spends more time at conservative dinners and speaking events on the other side of the country.
— taxmanndumbeth - How's Camden working out for him?— philly-born
- To twist an old axiom..."It ain't over til the fat man runs."— johnnymon
- More like.. "It ain't over until the fat man keels over from a heart attack." — F. Harry Stowe
- "More like if you suckle on the public teat Christie isn't so great. If your actually a working guy that pays taxes he's pretty good." - Correct. If you work in the private sector, he is great. Otherwise you may not care for him because he has stood up to folks like the NJEA bullies— robtpenn
- I voted for Christie. I like his openess, especially calling out the NJEA and the Democratic NJ Legislature. I hope he is a man of his word and continues his work in Trenton. With a Republican NJ Legislature, Christie can get his agenda for our state in place. And hopefully, deal with these out of control and onerous property taxes and getting some real jobs back to this state. The presidency will always be there for him when he is done as governor. I will feel let down and betrayed if he leaves. I can see the democrats and the CWA and NJEA licking their chops, laying low while he mulls the presidency over. If he leaves NJ early, the scum in Trenton will rise to power again......— DelawareRiverRat
- You should feel let down and betrayed. Christie has screamed ad nauseum that he will not run, he's not interested, he doesn't feel it in his gut, etc etc etc. Now...shall we add his name too to the list of hypocrite politicians who promise one thing and deliver another? If he does go back on his word to the people of NJ and declare he's a candidate, then I will see him as a man I cannot trust, whose word IS NOT his bond, and yet another hypocrite politician. Just what this country needs,,,,so sad — CommonSense in Philly
- This guy is the biggest thing to hit presidential politics since TAFT! Is New Jersey foolish enough to pay him a salary to run for President or would they do it just to get rid of him?— atp2007
- If he is in...he wins. The Fat Man is Obama's worst nightmare.— kelprod2
- slanted and enchanted, Stop with old stereotypes, was everybody rich when Dems. were in office. How is that change working out for you, that real smart guy Obama how was he swindled by that solar company.— frank12345
- For the love of God I hope this guy runs. He's absolutely fantastic... charismatic, good communicator, funny, intelligent, and relatable... he's the anti-Mitt. I will vote for Mitt Romney over Obama, but Obomneycare is enough for me to say Mitt doesn't deserve the GOP nomination.— Bud Fox
- god forbid people actually have health care. — wobblie
- @taxmanndumbeth... I didn't hear you complaining about Obama running around, promoting himself and his failed presidency. And he is responsible for the entire country, not one state. And you know what? I'm not complaining either. The less Obama spends on trying to govern, the less damage he will do to the country. As far as Christie is concerned, he has done more good for the state of NJ in his brief stay as a governor than his predecessor in his entire term.— hollandpa
- LOL. You're actually contradicting yourself. Obama travels around the U.S. because he IS the President and responsible for the entire nation not just Washington D.C. Christie is responsible for just his state yet he spends more time traveling around the country.
The real damage is being done by the Republicans and Tea Partiers in Congress. They've put a stranglehold on the government so they can push their Koch brothers corporatist agenda.— taxmanndumbeth - Amen! — NJ_Engineer
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- Have your taxes gone down since Christie has been in power? I am working guy and I am paying more than I ever have while I watch schools struggle and my local services shrink to nothing. Christie is just another politician that only cares about getting elected to his next job instead of doing his current job. Republican, Democrat, they are all the same. — NJ_Engineer
- if you're wealthy and white it sounds great. if your poor or working class - not so much. in christie's world the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. trickle down lol.— slanted and enchanted
- President Christie sounds good to me.— frank12345
- Yes, because there is a shortage of pro-rich angry politicians in Washington. — NJ_Engineer
- Does this guy ever stay in NJ and actually do work? So far all he does is campaign.
— taxmanndumbeth - Comment removed.
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About this blog
Reporter Matt Katz covers New Jersey's 55th governor, Chris Christie,
for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Reach him at mkatz@phillynews.com or 609-217-8355.
Matt Katz
Inquirer Staff Writer
Reach him at mkatz@phillynews.com or 609-217-8355.
Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattkatz00. Reach Matt at mkatz@phillynews.com or 609-217-8355.
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