At one point Mr. Christie explained away his overwhelming negative N.J. poll numbers by saying his constituents just didn 't want him to leave office.
Clearly, his Palin-like denial should also be replicated by his leaving his office prior to the end of his term. He is a disgrace - as demonstrated by his veto of a bill - passed without desent - by both the assembly and senate, which would have denied guns to people with dangerous criminal records. Please, go to work for FOX Mr. Christie. We have had enough of you.
Clearly, his Palin-like denial should also be replicated by his leaving his office prior to the end of his term. He is a disgrace - as demonstrated by his veto of a bill - passed without desent - by both the assembly and senate, which would have denied guns to people with dangerous criminal records. Please, go to work for FOX Mr. Christie. We have had enough of you.
3
After all, the absentee approach worked so well for Piyush "Bobby" Jindal.
He dismantled his presidential campaign that LA taxpayers funded. He left office with an deserved approval rating in the teens and about 1.5 billion in state debt.
He dismantled his presidential campaign that LA taxpayers funded. He left office with an deserved approval rating in the teens and about 1.5 billion in state debt.
2
As Bill Maher said on his HBO program on Friday night, it's been 3 years since Christie had his lap-band surgery, to rein in his weight, and the lap-band lost; the banana-split won.
A guy who can't control his own weight and eating expects to run the U.S. government? Really?
A guy who can't control his own weight and eating expects to run the U.S. government? Really?
2
He's coming back because in his first year we had one of the biggest snowstorms ever and as the snow started falling he got on a plane to go to Orlando and gave everyone the Jersey salute ( if you know what I mean ). People asked well Governor don't you think you should wait a couple days cause we're expecting 25 inches ( that's what we got ). He said he promised his son to take him to Disney World. Just one of his many self serving decisions. Anyway that turned out bad as far as public opinion. That's why he was Johnny on Spot during Irene. Personally I don't care whether he comes or goes, what does it matter. The less I see him the better. I don't understand why this guy gets any traction at all running for President. Easily the worst Governor in my lifetime here in New Jersey and not very smart at all. When oh when does the trial start ????
3
In his defense, he is working to make New Jersey as safe as Louisiana in terms of gun violence.
Catching up as Governor implies something even more important than this article implies. We at last have a superior management team in Atlantic City, and yet the Governor and Legislature are threatening to wrest control away for this team and put it in the hands of someone appointed by Governor Christie. Flint, Michigan has already given us an example of what can happen when an agenda-driven Governor takes over control of a city which means nothing to him. Let’s not forget that the “Bridgegate” scandal originated in a battle between Governor Christie and a mayor who did not endorse Christie’s run for reelection. I have no idea why Christie has been freezing Mayor Don Guardian out of his plans for Atlantic City, but Mayor Guardian is by far more competent and more compassionate than Christie will ever be.
Chris Christie. Bad for new jersey even worse for the country. Despite what the governor tell's you, there is no way he can be an effective governor while running for the highest office in the land.
3
Springsteen describes Christie best in Badlands " poor man wanna be rich, rich man wanna be king, and the king ain't satisfied till he rules everything".
But then again Christie dropped Springsteen as his favorite artist.
But then again Christie dropped Springsteen as his favorite artist.
2
This recent comment from a NJ reader regarding this matter says it all....." Chris Christie is a lying, thieving pig, who collects a full time salary while governing NJ part time, badly I might add, He trots around the USA saying how bad NJ is….and that is his presidential platform? Amazing. He should be indicted for more than “Bridgegate” – he has done everything within his power to undermine public education, close schools, fire teachers, ruin teachers’ careers, and make life in NJ uninhabitable right down to the wildlife who he has mercilessly massacred.He is know in the tri state area as the "Butcher of the Bears" and the "Bully Governor" .He wants to be president? I think not.
4
Christie's back in the state for the storm. Oh joy. I suppose that his campaign aides told him that voters in Iowa and New Hampshire don't think much of politicians who are AWOL in the face of extreme weather. For the sake of people in New Jersey I seriously hope that nothing happens that will require him to ask Obama (oh the horror) for federal aid. His embrace of the president after Sandy helped win him a second term but has haunted him among the GOP faithful ever since. I'm pretty sure he'd throw us under the snow plow in a heartbeat.
2
Never has so much done so little for so many--oh :-D
2
Christie for President? Heck, voters in New Jersey can't wait to vote this blowhard out of the governor's seat let alone boost this guy up a notch. Isn;t that the premise of the old Peter Principle? One gets moved up to his own level in incompetence. Christie has already reached his. Enough said.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
3
If the Governor spent 191 days entirely out of the state, is he even a resident of New Jersey?
5
Mr. Christie — who travels with a complement of New Jersey state troopers for security, clad in suits and riding in black S.U.V.s with the state’s license plates —
I think this statement all on its own says everything we need to know about Christie.
I think this statement all on its own says everything we need to know about Christie.
5
Mr. Chrtistie's ambition should be clear to anyone with functioning eyes.
Ya he is running for President!!!!!!!!
The good news is, Christie doesn't have time to have his minions shut down any other turnpikes or highways due to his having a hissy fit.
"In Mr. Christie’s absence, legislative leaders said two of his top aides had been deputized to act as his proxies: Regina Egea, the chief of staff, and Thomas P. Scrivo, the chief counsel." If in his absence almost nothing gets done and these surrogates deal out the Christie agenda, likely with daily discussion with him about what to do, does anyone really believe that when he was daily present that close aides didn't discuss with him the restriction of access in Ft. Lee to the George Washington Bridge?
The author of the book about Christie says he is very funny. We in Jersey never got a view of his pleasant side. It might have made his incompetence more tolerable.
Christie's pay for should be docked the time spent while campaigning out of state. His campaign should reimburse the state for his security detail. Odds that happening?
2
When Christie ran for reelection (the one in which his big claim to fame was being there for the state during Hurricane Sandy) would he have dared say
"Please reelect me even though I will be spending most of 2015 and 2016 away in my quest to become President" He knew he had presidential aspirations and the time of his reelection and it is a disgrace that he chose to run for reelection regardless. Christie is not about New Jersey. Christie is all about Christie, which makes him equally as egomaniacal as Trump.
"Please reelect me even though I will be spending most of 2015 and 2016 away in my quest to become President" He knew he had presidential aspirations and the time of his reelection and it is a disgrace that he chose to run for reelection regardless. Christie is not about New Jersey. Christie is all about Christie, which makes him equally as egomaniacal as Trump.
Christie has already done so much to hurt the state of New Jersey I hate to see what he'd do in Washington He sold out the lottery to the company that lost money for other states and the NJ Lottery is losing money when before with state employees running it they made money. He talks about pensions but never tells you how he keeps giving more control to his wall street buddies. ....they make money and the state employees lose money from their pensions. But nobody will write about it or discuss it in public. Why are people afraid to talk.
1
NJ is nicer than a lot of people think. But it's not nice enough to have the highest property taxes in the country. Strange, from a hard nosed conservative.
I live in NJ and most people outside NJ do not understand how ruthless he is. He is nasty, sneaky, lazy and he lies constantly. The local newspapers like the Star Ledger catch him lying on a daily basis. Chris Christie has no ethics and the people of NJ hate him.
2
Lets look on the bright side. He is done in NJ, will never get to be president and perhaps he moves to Iowa. Good riddance, never liked the guy, now have zero respect for him.
2
Christie is not doing his job as Governor. That is the fact. This state is leaderless. His accomplishments are often modified to seem better than they are. This state is in trouble. Our infrastructure is failing, and there is no money left in the Transportation Trust Fund. Our pensions are broken. He has made our teachers, police and fire fighters look as if they are not important or critical. Our property taxes are too high, and state aid is diverted from where taxes are taken. People are leaving, in droves. If you die, most of your money (the estate and by those who inherit) may end up in the State budget. His second in commands have been indicted or are under federal investigation, for the GWB scandal or illegal diversion of Port Authority funds. We, the voters and citizens, demand Christie resign, or legal action be started to remove him from office. NJ needs a leader. Chris Christie stopped being our leader at least 18 months ago.
3
I want our money back. Only in politics can someone get paid for not doing the job. It is such a disgrace. As voters, we bear some of the responsibility by not demanding laws that would prohibit absentee governance. I do not buy the retort that Christie is getting things done where ever he is. What else would he say?!
"Doing the job" requires a presence in the office, working on solutions to our sorry state of affairs, supporting programs in the state that are working, talking to constituents, bringing jobs to the state, working on programs to clean up all the toxic waste laying around.
Christie knows exactly how he is running away from his responsibilities here while trying to build something for himself after all of this is over. Any statement to the contrary is nonsense. Who does he think he is kidding?
"Doing the job" requires a presence in the office, working on solutions to our sorry state of affairs, supporting programs in the state that are working, talking to constituents, bringing jobs to the state, working on programs to clean up all the toxic waste laying around.
Christie knows exactly how he is running away from his responsibilities here while trying to build something for himself after all of this is over. Any statement to the contrary is nonsense. Who does he think he is kidding?
3
When I think of Chris Christie -I recall two of his vetoes in his state re animal legislation which makes me think he would not make a good president as he is lacking in compassion. He vetoed both the ban on gestation crates and the ban on leg hold traps. The first would release mother pigs from cruel confinement and the second would spare much unnecessary suffering to wildlife caught in the cruel jaws of these traps. I am saddened that no one considers asking these presidential candidates their positions re animal legislation. Aren't animals and their compassionate treatment important to us as voters?
2
Seriously? He flies home to let the citizens of NJ that they will be "safe and secure"? I think we were doing just fine without him and thankfully will not have to tolerate his incompetency for long because of the term limits that will force him out of office not too far down the line.
Christie was a NJ governor but has flipped on so many topics that he can now only be seen as a presidential candidate. He has vetoed bills that were written by Republicans and Democrats that attempted to make very reasonable changes in the gun background process. Don't you think the mental health agencies and the police should be notified when a person judged to be mental troubled seeks to have his/her records expunged, for the purpose of buying a gun. Sounds reasonable, not to the NRA. Christie vetoed the bill. Now that is a presidential candidate, not a governor who has the interest of his state in mind.
Will Gov. Christie be held responsible for signing or not signing legislations which are very important the State of New Jersey because it can make or break the common citizen of New Jersey? Or can he get away with a serious mistake saying he was busy politicking and had no time to do the job he was elected for?
3
I am considering running for governor of NJ (seriously). I am a middle aged, unemployed (for two years due to age discrimination that is rampant in NJ) male. I have a BSc, nearly completed my PhD and worked in NJ industry for 24 years. I was very successful due to a number of key personal traits: leadership with humility, extensive cross-functional knowledge, and personal accountability. As an effective leader, I used my persuasion and negotiation skills to influence win-win outcomes over a global customer base. I would be an outsider, beholden to no one and I would never attempt to run for POTUS. I would approach NJ problems and issues on a data driven basis, while being fully aware that the 99.9% are not "data" but living and breathing residents of our once fine state. I would minimize the involvement of lawyers in government as much as possible. I would encourage the 99.9% to become more involved in finding solutions to the numerous, seeming intractable problems NJ faces. Does this sound like someone you might be interested in hearing more from as a candidate? If I get some encouraging replies I am going to start learning how I would need to go about the election/ballot process. Thanks for taking the time to read this, best regards.
7
Make revising the state constitution part of your platform. Less power in the hands of the governor and way more members in the NJ legislature. You'll get my vote.
Well, he's back in NJ in advance of the snowstorm.
Maybe we'll be able to find him shoveling in Fort Lee in front of the entrance lanes to the George Washington Bridge. He'll be the one in the orange sweater by the orange cones.
Maybe we'll be able to find him shoveling in Fort Lee in front of the entrance lanes to the George Washington Bridge. He'll be the one in the orange sweater by the orange cones.
13
He should be in an orange prison jump suit.
**He announced that he would return to his state “to make sure the people of my state feel safe and secure.”
Oh, Mr. Christie, I truly hate to be the one to break it to you, but we'll do just fine without you. Everyone knows what to do in a blizzard, and your being here in a fleece with the governor's seal - "acting presidential" - will not get the GSP cleared any more quickly nor remind the transit authority to post speed restrictions. NJ Transit figured out how to put cross-honoring into effect while you were bloviating elsewhere, and my hometown of Montclair has plenty of salt for this weekend due to the fact that it hasn't snowed yet this year. The Township isn't waiting for you to tell them to spread it on our streets nor are they waiting to make muni parking free to residents in lieu of parking on the street. That there's even a pretense that this stunt isn't just that is an insult to our collective intelligence.
This isn't our first rodeo, Gov. We'll be okay. Now... go away.
Oh, Mr. Christie, I truly hate to be the one to break it to you, but we'll do just fine without you. Everyone knows what to do in a blizzard, and your being here in a fleece with the governor's seal - "acting presidential" - will not get the GSP cleared any more quickly nor remind the transit authority to post speed restrictions. NJ Transit figured out how to put cross-honoring into effect while you were bloviating elsewhere, and my hometown of Montclair has plenty of salt for this weekend due to the fact that it hasn't snowed yet this year. The Township isn't waiting for you to tell them to spread it on our streets nor are they waiting to make muni parking free to residents in lieu of parking on the street. That there's even a pretense that this stunt isn't just that is an insult to our collective intelligence.
This isn't our first rodeo, Gov. We'll be okay. Now... go away.
17
While I agree with your perceived displeasure towards Governor Christie, please remember we NJ taxpayers pay him a salary to do his job. He should be here regardless, doing the job of governing New Jersey, and not just for snow storms. We have serious economic maladies, like trailing 44th in the nation in economic recovery, still-weak pre-crash real estate values, leading the nation in "zombie homes", weak job growth, out-of-control cost of living, and this from one of the wealthiest states in the country. Shame on Governor Christie for walking away from his duty and service. He has a lot of nerve calling President Obama a "petulant child", a phrase he repeated that never caught on because it is misplaced. Only for him, it applies.
1
This article is missing important facts. What about all the things Obama did to prevent CC from spending time in NJ. And, what about this blizzard Obama is doing nothing to stop from coming to NJ?
14
Well played DM.....Well played :--)
4
It's hard to feel sorry for New Jersey when the voters elected Christie twice. It's the same thing with Walker. What were they thinking?
10
Don't blame me. I voted for the other guy!
6
O.K., I feel sorry for the people who didn't vote for him twice.
1
Maybe Governors and Legislators that are running for higher office should be paid and benefits accrued based on a per diem basis - based only on the number of days that they actually show up for their jobs. That would be the price of doing business.
10
As pathetic as Chris Christie has been in his role of governor of New Jersey, the fact that 33% of New Jersey residents still hold a favorable view of him is even more pathetic.
27
Christie has just announced he is in fact coming home to New Jersey ahead of the storm. but he's only doing it because of the negative fallout from his original decision, and he can't do it without his typical loudmouth attitude-
Said Christie: "I guarantee you ... that if I didn't go back they'd criticize me, when I do go back they'll criticize me for whatever I do when I'm there, and then when I leave to come back here they'll criticize me for leaving."
Maybe you are criticized Governor, because of your gruff demeanor and brash attitude? Here's a wake up call for you- no one likes it. Not sure if anyone ever did.
Said Christie: "I guarantee you ... that if I didn't go back they'd criticize me, when I do go back they'll criticize me for whatever I do when I'm there, and then when I leave to come back here they'll criticize me for leaving."
Maybe you are criticized Governor, because of your gruff demeanor and brash attitude? Here's a wake up call for you- no one likes it. Not sure if anyone ever did.
21
Traffic on the George Washington Bridge has never been smoother...
7
Donald Trump has made exactly one positive contribution to this country: he has blocked the path of the vituperative bully Chris Christie to the presidency.
If I lived in New jersey I would feel safer if Governor Christie was out of the state.
If I lived in New jersey I would feel safer if Governor Christie was out of the state.
13
The bigger problem here is the excessive length of primary election campaigns. No wonder senators and governors are never home - they have to stay on the campaign trails for months to line up donations and secure votes. And their odds might be no better than roulette - if they don't make it through the first few primaries, then all of that time, money, and effort has gone to waste. (Unless, perhaps, they move on to lucrative speaking/TV/consulting/lobbyist gigs!)
Christie is not likely to win any of the first four primaries in NH, IA, SC, and NV. And he may not even finish 2nd. So what's his back-up plan? As an expatriate New Jersey resident, it saddens me to see what’s happened to the state economically and politically over the last 30 years. But Christie’s two terms have no precedent – there are still people waiting for relief from Sandy, the pension crisis keeps growing and getting punted down the field, property tax bills are beyond insane, and infrastructure is wearing out waiting for someone to foot the bill.
What is Chris doing to address any of these problems? (Anyone got a number for him up in New Hampshire?)
Christie is not likely to win any of the first four primaries in NH, IA, SC, and NV. And he may not even finish 2nd. So what's his back-up plan? As an expatriate New Jersey resident, it saddens me to see what’s happened to the state economically and politically over the last 30 years. But Christie’s two terms have no precedent – there are still people waiting for relief from Sandy, the pension crisis keeps growing and getting punted down the field, property tax bills are beyond insane, and infrastructure is wearing out waiting for someone to foot the bill.
What is Chris doing to address any of these problems? (Anyone got a number for him up in New Hampshire?)
15
Are WE allow to miss days of work while looking for another?
Are WE paid for the days missed because we are getting the training for a very slim change to get that other job?
So, then. Why are WE allowing politicians to do that? If they work 100 days, they should be paid for ONLY 100 days... Period!
Isn't it up to us to decide who works for us and who doesn't?
Are WE paid for the days missed because we are getting the training for a very slim change to get that other job?
So, then. Why are WE allowing politicians to do that? If they work 100 days, they should be paid for ONLY 100 days... Period!
Isn't it up to us to decide who works for us and who doesn't?
10
There are countless families still hurting and haven't returned to their homes, from the hurricane.
There are countless unresolved problems, that needs to be addressed by the Governor.
It's as if he just left his post, delegated his responsibilities, and moved on with his presidential campaign. He is still being paid to be the Governor. PERIOD!POINT!BLANK!
There are countless unresolved problems, that needs to be addressed by the Governor.
It's as if he just left his post, delegated his responsibilities, and moved on with his presidential campaign. He is still being paid to be the Governor. PERIOD!POINT!BLANK!
7
If he spent 191 days outside NJ, then he spent 176 in NJ, so is he a NJ resident? Is he eligible to be governor (aside from his lack of competence.
LH, not BH
LH, not BH
6
This is really a non-starter without a comparison of the activities of other sitting governors who have run for the presidency, from both parties. Otherwise it's really just, "Yeah, he is running for president Of course he is going to be largely out of state."
I swear it is the truth: we moved out of NJ (Montclair) after living there for 10 years (with jobs in NY.) Our real estate taxes went up over 30%, the services plummeted in quality and their cost increased (parking at the train station, swimming pool, garbage etc.) Christie's MO was repulsive in words and deeds and we didn't have an ounce of trust that things would improve. So we left for greener and more liberal pastures & forests to New England.
As to those who voted for him TWICE, I am still scratching my head: you can indeed fool all of the people all of the times.
As to those who voted for him TWICE, I am still scratching my head: you can indeed fool all of the people all of the times.
14
That would only be true if all of the people voted for Christie twice. That did not occur.
You might want to retread Lincoln's aphorism. There is indeed a part of it that fits your observation. But not the one you stated.
You might want to retread Lincoln's aphorism. There is indeed a part of it that fits your observation. But not the one you stated.
1
Christie's mantra "Stronger than the storm" should now read "Stronger than the storm is my political ambition." Suddenly the man who prided himself on being a hands-on governor is all too comfortable leaving the dirty work to his subordinates in order to prance around other states chasing a dream that only Don Quixote would seem imaginable. I suspect many Jerseyites are happy he's away. Maybe their economy will rebound with his absence.
4
Elected officials who opt to run for President should resign their positions. Whether it is Ted Cruz, Chris Christie, Marco Rubbio or Bernie Sanders, etc. they all virtually take a vacation from their elected duties. They no longer are working for the people in the state where they were elected, so should vacate the position. Running for President has become a full time job, especially in the last 18 months. The citizens of the state where politicians hold current jobs shouldn't have to subsidize the campaigns of these people.
5
Perhaps the Gov. Christie is planning to resign - regardless of the outcome of the presidential election - before the end of his term.
3
. . . or perhaps forced into resignation by an indictment for one or a few of his various malfeasant acts ?
9
The more time Chris Christie spends ignoring his role as New Jersey's Governor, the better for New Jersey.
13
Almost every local NY/NJ media station this morning led with the fact that Governor Christie is not in the State of NJ -- all reported by a nitwit news reader in a disapproving tone.
As if that's the most important part of the story on the impending storm, or should I say, weather Armageddon 2016.
Now I'm not a fan of Chris Christie but I am a fan of unbiased reporting. Did these folks ever hear of Skype? How about conference calls? How about an old fashion telephone? Are they aware that General Marshall ran the European and Pacific theatres of World War II from the safety of Washington DC?
I'm at my wits end with this stuff that passes as journalism.
Oh and by the way. It's January in the northeastern US. It's been know to snow here this time of year.
As if that's the most important part of the story on the impending storm, or should I say, weather Armageddon 2016.
Now I'm not a fan of Chris Christie but I am a fan of unbiased reporting. Did these folks ever hear of Skype? How about conference calls? How about an old fashion telephone? Are they aware that General Marshall ran the European and Pacific theatres of World War II from the safety of Washington DC?
I'm at my wits end with this stuff that passes as journalism.
Oh and by the way. It's January in the northeastern US. It's been know to snow here this time of year.
3
General Marshall may have been in Washington DC, but he was focused on his job... Can you say the same of Governor Christie? With a straight face?
8
The point is a leader can run things away from the center of action. Gee Whiz. There's plenty to criticize the Governor about. That he isn't now in NJ is a lame one. Very lame.
Sure, you can Skype it in-- but the people of NJ are disgusted with the absences and excesses ( we are paying for his security detail everywhere he goes, and probably for a lot of his travel expenses) of their governor, and frankly, a key part of the job is to actually be with your constituents in times of crisis, or blizzards. It's the least he could do.
6
IBM's Watson can read 800 million pages a second. Watson uses software code.
Ol Gov Christie can't read that fast; plus, he uses legal, monetary and religious culture code as his infrastructure for relationships.
And those codes, well, we've been using 'em for thousands of years, but now we have a bunch of new relationships, what they call greater reach. And more and more, we're reaching into the sky, and we're turning the sky into a lethal gas chamber, largely a gas chamber of commerce.
Yeah, the old codes just ain't working.
Sometimes I even think of Chris Christie as a gas chamber of bad ideas.
Sometimes I think of all the people dying, and all the people that have died in wars, in dungeons and prisons, on slave boats, from starvation; and then there's the mass death that's coming . . .
Then, I look out on the horizon, and there's Chris Christie clogging the bridge of new ideas, and we can't get to other side . . . with him and his ill ilk blocking evolution, and helping to foster-parent a "premature and perverted death" for children across 7 continents.
It's kind of unfathomable, really, if you think about it.
Sometimes I remember the lyrics from The Future by Leonard Cohen:
"I've seen the future, brother:
It is murder.
Things are going to slide, slide in all directions
Won't be nothing
Nothing you can measure anymore."
Running for survival is really really hard, but probably some people are gonna try it.
Game's on later . . . but I already knows: Christie can't pitch.
Ol Gov Christie can't read that fast; plus, he uses legal, monetary and religious culture code as his infrastructure for relationships.
And those codes, well, we've been using 'em for thousands of years, but now we have a bunch of new relationships, what they call greater reach. And more and more, we're reaching into the sky, and we're turning the sky into a lethal gas chamber, largely a gas chamber of commerce.
Yeah, the old codes just ain't working.
Sometimes I even think of Chris Christie as a gas chamber of bad ideas.
Sometimes I think of all the people dying, and all the people that have died in wars, in dungeons and prisons, on slave boats, from starvation; and then there's the mass death that's coming . . .
Then, I look out on the horizon, and there's Chris Christie clogging the bridge of new ideas, and we can't get to other side . . . with him and his ill ilk blocking evolution, and helping to foster-parent a "premature and perverted death" for children across 7 continents.
It's kind of unfathomable, really, if you think about it.
Sometimes I remember the lyrics from The Future by Leonard Cohen:
"I've seen the future, brother:
It is murder.
Things are going to slide, slide in all directions
Won't be nothing
Nothing you can measure anymore."
Running for survival is really really hard, but probably some people are gonna try it.
Game's on later . . . but I already knows: Christie can't pitch.
1
No southern republican will vote for anti-gun candidate from NJ. This presidential bid was over before he started.
3
So they will vote for Clinton or Saunders? Or just stay home? All of them will stay home?
And what about the northern independents who may not vote for a Cruz or a Trump. Might find Christie appealing.
Might wanna rethink that one.
And what about the northern independents who may not vote for a Cruz or a Trump. Might find Christie appealing.
Might wanna rethink that one.
1
Robert Dana you should know better than to think that any southern republican would ever vote for a democrat and you seem not to know what time it is. We are having primaries so when Ryan says No southern republican will vote for Christie it only means they will vote for another more desirable REPUBLICAN. Look before you leap off into a diatribe that is not really relevant.
1
If Governor Christie was in the private sector as CEO of a major corporation he would have been paid hundreds of millions in severance to please stop.
5
Ambitions may shrink, but the man and his ego certainly have not. As for us in NJ, good riddance.
11
Christie destroyed the great State of New Jersey after he took over. He is a bully and that is the only qualification he has. As a great opportunist, he talks the talk- but never learned how to walk. Of course, he is a prime partner of the Republican clowns fighting for the nomination. Pity on New Jersey citizens who fall for his big talk electing an incompetent worthless Governor.
11
In my state of Minnesota, governor Tim Pawlenty ran for president in 2012 and was pretty much AWOL from our great state for some 18 months. Pawlenty let over five million people in his state wither on the vine while he pursued his dreams and ambitions.
Politicians should be required to quit their current job and pursue their dreams on their own time and dime. This "you are never not the governor” is a lie. You are a candidate running for president and governing your state is about #26 on your list of things to do.
Politicians should be required to quit their current job and pursue their dreams on their own time and dime. This "you are never not the governor” is a lie. You are a candidate running for president and governing your state is about #26 on your list of things to do.
6
Nothing like ignoring your own state as a credential for being president of all the states.
13
Give it up, Christie. Stay in New Jersey and prove that you can govern before you ask the nation's voters to trust you in the Oval Office.
4
We all wish for a part time job with a full time salary. There should be a amendment to deduct pay and benefits in proportion to the time spent pursuing other interests as our employer would reduce our pay in proportion. Christie should just write NJ a nice check in good faith. I'm holding my breath - call 911.
6
He has absolutely no chance of winning the Republican presidential nomination so why does he continue to stay in the race?
5
He's aiming for some other outside-of-New Jersey- government job. He has burnt (and blockaded) too many bridges back here.
4
Attorney General if a Republican/Tea Party candidate wins the presidency - please no!
3
I applaud Mr. Christie for calling for the elimination of New Jersey's estate tax!
I am considering retiring in another state just to avoid this tax. The spending in this state is out of control. He's been trying hard against a Democratic legislature to cut spending.
I am considering retiring in another state just to avoid this tax. The spending in this state is out of control. He's been trying hard against a Democratic legislature to cut spending.
4
While his ambitions at home may have shrunk, Christie's eye is on a prize in someways more remunerative than the White House. As is the case with other aspirants without a realistic chance at the White House, this Governor is using the campaign trail as a stepping stone towards burnishing his resume. It provides him with necessary leverage towards lucrative speaking engagements, a role as a talking head or maybe even a directorship at a "think tank". Apparently, there's big demand for ex-GOP candidates. This bidding process will confer a lifetime of relevancy on an otherwise forgettable regional political figure.
28
You hit the nail on the head.
We all get the governance some of us elect.
We all get the governance some of us elect.
2
Was there nothing he could have been doing in New Jersey, for the people of New Jersey, in those 191 days he spent entirely outside the state?
4
One of the saddest ironies is that NJ taxpayers have continued to pay Christie's salary (I believe approximately $175,000/year) while he's been campaigning out-of-state for the Presidency, so we should get about half of that amount back with our 2015 tax refunds!
7
So incumbents - Senators, Governors, Congressmen - should not run for President? Or just the ones you disapprove of?
1
Just the ones I disapprove of ...
2
r, an honest person. Bravo.
CC has used NJ for all its worth. Few will admit even voting for him.
The good news is that the Bridgegate trials will begin, and he will most likely be named as an "unindicted co-conspirator" (like Nixon with Watergate), which might force his resignation. He might even be given up by defendant unwilling to fall on his/her sword for him.
Unfortunately, the damage to NJ is done.
The good news is that the Bridgegate trials will begin, and he will most likely be named as an "unindicted co-conspirator" (like Nixon with Watergate), which might force his resignation. He might even be given up by defendant unwilling to fall on his/her sword for him.
Unfortunately, the damage to NJ is done.
6
What dream world is he living in?
4
You mean a candidate running for President has to delegate a significant part of their responsibilities to their subordinates in order to tour the campaign trail? Who knew? Pray tell, who's covering Bernie Sanders' responsibilities while he's out stumping and shunning his Senate duties?
1
DKNJ: Actually Bernie has missed very few votes in the Senate, unlike his two fellow senators running for the same job - Marko Rubio, I believe has the worst voting record in the last year, and funnily enough, Christie made the comment "Dude, do your job", while he shirks doing his. Gotta love those GOP hypocrites!!!!
7
What duties? Governor Christie said, in effect, that Senators just sit around and talk and don't "take action" like Governors. And, pray tell, who's covering Rubio's and Cruz's responsibilities?
4
Delicious! Is Christie's replacement, Kim Guadagno, the very same Kim Guadagno whom Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer publiclly charged with threatening Hoboken's Sandy funding, unless Zimmer agreed to rezone a project to benefit Christie's cronies? Why, yes! It is indeed her. God Bless New Jersey.
13
He is such a loser on so many fronts. I do not mind a work from home/anywhere mentality but this is too much. He's really done nothing for this state since he was elected. He is a bully, self-interested and has a state wide view that extends to the end of his arm. He'll go off and do something to make money after he is out of office and loses the nomination. I'm counting down the days until both of those events occur. Now if only the news media would address his past and present stances to show who he really is. So much potential...such a loser.
7
Christie is hanging in there in the vain hope that he will be the fallback guy when the grand old party gags on the likes of Trump and Cruz.
5
He's damaged goods. And when he returns to New Jersey after his quixotic presidential bid fails, he will find that nobody wants to have anything to do with him.
5
This is a guy who can't manage his way out of a paper bag let alone manage a State government. His tenure has damaged NJ more than helped it. When he loses his bid, which he will, let's hope he gets lost on his way back to NJ.
9
If Chris Christie was a real conservative he would not accept his state salary while being an absentee Governor. Or, his salary could be pro rated -based on the time he works as Governor.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh, NY
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh, NY
4
A republican governor not doing his job? It could be MUCH worse: Look at Walker, Jindal, Brownback... Christie would ruin New Jersey but like Palin he can't quite get the job done.
5
Of course there is coverage bad for Christie -- He is the candidate that could have given Hillary a run for her money.
I guess the "traffic cones for four mornings on 2 lanes out of 50" has finally gotten through to voters as bogus.
Is a shame -- the Democrats took dead aim at someone who would have made a good President. Unfortunately for all Americans, they did the same job, but in private, on another governor would have been equally great -- Andrew Como.
Wow, have we missed out on a lot of amazing "best and brightest" from both parties so a few big mouthed disasters are our only choices.
I guess the "traffic cones for four mornings on 2 lanes out of 50" has finally gotten through to voters as bogus.
Is a shame -- the Democrats took dead aim at someone who would have made a good President. Unfortunately for all Americans, they did the same job, but in private, on another governor would have been equally great -- Andrew Como.
Wow, have we missed out on a lot of amazing "best and brightest" from both parties so a few big mouthed disasters are our only choices.
2
Tom Mariner ** Christie the " Best and Brightest ".. you really should do a little studying on what he's done here. As far as giving Hillary a run, the guy can't even walk 100 yards to his son's baseball game. And the Bridge Trial has yet to start, but you will see those three defendants are not going down alone. They will spill the beans. And finally we will watch this embarrassment slink off into the sunset
1
I want to echo the comments of some of the other contributors here. Our presidential election system is deeply flawed. It is deeply flawed in the amount of both time and money required for candidates to participate. There is no accountability for the ridiculous statements that candidates make (example: Christie attacking Rubio for not showing up to work when he himself does not show up for work.)
Now the temptation is to say, "Well, nobody is forcing these politicans to run and raise the money and abandon their constituents." To which I say, "Exactly!" Our system in its current form only attracts people like Ted Cruz and Christie who could not care less about the country and good government. It attracts those who are power obsessed, egomaniacal, self-serving freaks.
We need a complete and comprehensive reform of the nominating process and campaign process for all federal elections. Members of the House of Representatives spend at least 50% of their time dialing for dollars and begging for campaign contributions.
How can we as Americans be surprised that we attract such pathetic people to lead and govern us? How can we be surprised that politicians are bought and sold before they ever take office? How can we be surprised that our government is so broken? It is in large part a product of an election system that is wildly corrupt and obscene.
Now the temptation is to say, "Well, nobody is forcing these politicans to run and raise the money and abandon their constituents." To which I say, "Exactly!" Our system in its current form only attracts people like Ted Cruz and Christie who could not care less about the country and good government. It attracts those who are power obsessed, egomaniacal, self-serving freaks.
We need a complete and comprehensive reform of the nominating process and campaign process for all federal elections. Members of the House of Representatives spend at least 50% of their time dialing for dollars and begging for campaign contributions.
How can we as Americans be surprised that we attract such pathetic people to lead and govern us? How can we be surprised that politicians are bought and sold before they ever take office? How can we be surprised that our government is so broken? It is in large part a product of an election system that is wildly corrupt and obscene.
6
Worse than spending more than half the year campaigning outside the state (on NJ taxpayers' dime) Christie has for years voted against the interests of his constituents to make himself an attractive candidate. It started with the ARC tunnel cancellation (we see now what a bad decision that was).
Christie's time has passed. With the poor state of NJ affairs and a looming Bridgegate prosecution, the Governor would not win a third election if term limits weren't applicable.
Christie's time has passed. With the poor state of NJ affairs and a looming Bridgegate prosecution, the Governor would not win a third election if term limits weren't applicable.
3
Did Hillary's ambitions for New York State decline while she was running for president in 08? Was there a Times article on that back then?
1
No, and no article was necessary as it clearly is about a certain "governor."
Governor Christie just vetoed a bill that would have restricted gun access to criminals. VETOED. You read that right. It seems his presidential ambitions to attain the GOP nomination have clouded his governing of New Jersey.
9
The unarmed are disposable people in the US.
1
But then there was that big deal about a NJ bill about pigs in cages. Oh, but the pig farmers are in Iowa. So why the gov's interest? You figure it out.
2
The great people of New Jersey know by now that they're far better off when their nasty governor isn't around.
Enjoy your wonderful snowfall, New Jersey. We wish it was coming our way!
Enjoy your wonderful snowfall, New Jersey. We wish it was coming our way!
1
Sorry New Jersey, you elected him knowing full well of his intent to run for President. Where did you expect his focus and attention to be?
25
Two words. Hurricane Sandy. And the hug with the President did not hurt too. And also blame the DNC for not doing much to help the Democratic challenger. And voter apathy. I lived in Jersey City at that time and nobody who could vote cared enough to even know who was running.
1
I almost always vote but not in 2013 because the Governor "race" was a farce. The Democratic Party utterly abandoned the Democratic candidate. They wanted Christie to win. No one came to campaign with her even.
2
Agreed. Most people in this state are purple and have short memories. They love "fughedabodit", but they soon forget about it.
This guy is a joke. A two-faced hypocrite. If not for having lived through his two-term debacle in NJ, I would be snowed by his in your face lies on the campaign trail. He is obnoxious beyond NJ standards and he makes me sick to my stomach with his critical remarks on Obama. He will say whatever he has to for personal gain, even when it is clear he doesn't even believe himself.he's burned a lot of bridges, not including those he has vindictively closed like like a toddler.
7
Don't forget that for two years prior to harboring Presidential delusions, he spent most of two OTHER years outside of Joisey as President of the Republican Governors Association, in what he trumpeted as a highly successful effort to install Republican governors in statehouses. He bragged about campaigning in 35 states. But the one Republican candidate he not only didn't help, but refused an even proforma endorsement of, was Rob Astorino in neighboring New York. Christie felt a closer bond to his brother from another mother, Andy Cuomo, and left Astorino twisting slowly, slowly in the wind.
3
Personally, I think Chris Christie's hitting his peak as our governor.
Other than the 2 weeks of Superstorm Sandy in 2012, he has been an utterly dreadful governor since a blizzard hit right after he took office, and he and the lt.gov were both out of the country. His list of "accomplishments" for New Jersey reads like a criminal's rap sheet.
Blizzards mishandled
Federal education funding lost and blamed on scapegoat Schundler
Trans-Hudson tunnel cancelled with billions in penalties paid out a s result
Higher property taxes and less state aid to school districts
Using Sandy money (not his) to bully local politicians to endorse him.
Increased state deficits
Bridgegate
Abandoning the state for well over 6 months while he selfishly runs for President (or Attorney General)
But the scariest part is that he's still probably better qualified to be President than anyone else in the field--that's how bad the rest ars!
Other than the 2 weeks of Superstorm Sandy in 2012, he has been an utterly dreadful governor since a blizzard hit right after he took office, and he and the lt.gov were both out of the country. His list of "accomplishments" for New Jersey reads like a criminal's rap sheet.
Blizzards mishandled
Federal education funding lost and blamed on scapegoat Schundler
Trans-Hudson tunnel cancelled with billions in penalties paid out a s result
Higher property taxes and less state aid to school districts
Using Sandy money (not his) to bully local politicians to endorse him.
Increased state deficits
Bridgegate
Abandoning the state for well over 6 months while he selfishly runs for President (or Attorney General)
But the scariest part is that he's still probably better qualified to be President than anyone else in the field--that's how bad the rest ars!
3
Oh come on, this man is NOT running for president. Who are we kidding? He's out on a fishing trip for a hoped for cabinet position in a hoped for Republican administration.
2
The rest of the world already thinks we're overfed, spoiled thugs which Christie symbolizes in a huge number of peoples' eyes. How would it look to have our President emulate all of those base characteristics? His refusal to raise taxes on the wealthy is what keeps New Jersey having to overcharge for everything else like 12 dollar tolls to cross a bridge. He's much too unlikeable to ever hope to be President. And I suspect dishonest with other peoples' money.
5
Christie's appointees to the Port Authority have not been helpful to get that agency to clean up its act.
1
"Mr. Christie spent 191 days entirely outside New Jersey last year..."
And for the most part, NJers are GLAD of that!
Less mischief, a la Bridge-gate political payback, windfall "settlement" deals for Exxon, vetoing environmental bills passed by the legislature, playing fast-and-lose with NJ pensions and ignoring HIS OWN deal with public employee unions, refusing to allow a Hudson River train tunnel, etc, etc,etc ...
NJ is WORSE off in almost every respect because of Christie's actions/inaction/malfeasance! And he wants a "promotion" to President?
And for the most part, NJers are GLAD of that!
Less mischief, a la Bridge-gate political payback, windfall "settlement" deals for Exxon, vetoing environmental bills passed by the legislature, playing fast-and-lose with NJ pensions and ignoring HIS OWN deal with public employee unions, refusing to allow a Hudson River train tunnel, etc, etc,etc ...
NJ is WORSE off in almost every respect because of Christie's actions/inaction/malfeasance! And he wants a "promotion" to President?
5
I feel badly in that I have fired public employees for 'theft in office', a felony also. Pursuing one's personal interest against one's obligation as a public employee, in one's paid for job they hired for. Tell a housing inspector, 'depends on who you are?' Go home and tell your kids that.
3
Does all of this time out of state get deducted from his pension accruals? I'd love to see his time sheets.
7
New Jersey may be better off for Christie's absence.
4
Whatever your politics respect for the office of the President, if not the person holding it, is incumbent upon political candidates. When Mr. Christie spoke during the debate about booting the President out of the WH (thanks to SNL for its skit on this), along with other disrespectful diatribes, I lost any respect I had for him.
Is this what a serious person does and is this what he shows our children as an example. His self-control problems are obvious, both in his politics and his personal appearance. He is not a person other world leaders would ever take seriously.
Is this what a serious person does and is this what he shows our children as an example. His self-control problems are obvious, both in his politics and his personal appearance. He is not a person other world leaders would ever take seriously.
6
Vlad Putin would have great difficulty keeping a straight face as Christie blusters at him.
1
I still can’t get over the idea that one of Christie’s underlings calls another, “Hey I’ve got a good idea. Let’s block traffic on the GWB.”
2nd underling says, “Yeah good idea.”
1st: “Don’t tell the Guv.”
2nd: “Nah, no way.”
I’m sorry, but the story is beyond ridiculous.
Then the Guv fires the underlings and never asks, “What were you thinking? Who told you to do that?”
Seriously?
2nd underling says, “Yeah good idea.”
1st: “Don’t tell the Guv.”
2nd: “Nah, no way.”
I’m sorry, but the story is beyond ridiculous.
Then the Guv fires the underlings and never asks, “What were you thinking? Who told you to do that?”
Seriously?
1
Regarding the Democrats in the legislature being less cooperative with Christie after he started running for president, I would say it's the reverse. Christie is now vetoing bills that he would not have given a second thought to signing because he wants to appear right-wing enough for the GOP primary voters.
4
No growth, very high taxes. Blame Christie??? He is a loathsome human being, and a taker, just like the public unions he rightly opposes. There is nothing special about state workers, why overpay them as we do? Taxpayers should get behind BIG reforms, and end collective bargaining. Taxpayers deserve competitively priced labor for public services, this is not a controversial idea. But - NJ cannot be saved from itself. There is no politically viable appetite in NJ to increase the efficiency of state government, so be it. Christie and the unions -- good enough for government work? Not even close.
1
This absentee behavior is nothing new. Bobby Jindal, when floated early in his first term as an ethnic Republican alternative to Obama, subsequently "governed" the state with that as his driving motivation. Everything he did (or didn't do) after that was to position himself for a Presidential campaign, for a job, ironically, he had no prayer of getting. He sacrificed the welfare of the citizens of his own state to his own delusional ambitions. I wish, considering the damage he did (to higher education, the environment, public transportation, Medicare beneficiaries, public safety, etc.) that he had remained out of the state for good. Thank goodness his term is over. Having grown up in Jersey, I feel for the people of my home state.
2
I skimmed the article so I don't know if it made the point that Christie cannot run for re-election as governor because there is a limit of two consecutive terms.
Therefore, it makes sense for him to put all his chips on the campaign for the presidency. If he washes out of that after the first few primaries, he can go back to New Jersey and work on shaping his legacy and settling whatever scores remain.
Therefore, it makes sense for him to put all his chips on the campaign for the presidency. If he washes out of that after the first few primaries, he can go back to New Jersey and work on shaping his legacy and settling whatever scores remain.
Christie is delusional if he thinks he has a chance to be elected president. He might as well show up for work in N.J. but on balance the more Christie stays away the better off the people of N.J. are
1
Christie is out of options.
Next stop Goldman Sachs or K-Street. Soon, he will have a boss, a paycheck, and he will have to be nicer to people.
Next stop Goldman Sachs or K-Street. Soon, he will have a boss, a paycheck, and he will have to be nicer to people.
4
Christie has not just closed a bridge in NJ, he already burned his bridge with the state. He knows he has no future in NJ. He also knows that his chance to be the President nominee of the Republican Party is remote. But if he does well enough in a few primary states he may be able to wrangle promises for some cabinet position or set himself up as yet another political consultant somewhere. That's his game for now. NJ be damned, hurricane or not.
4
Where else can you leave your job and still get paid while the taxpayers help you search for a new job? Another sign of our bloated government. Anyone holding public office who decides to campaign for another public office should immediately stop getting paid, officially leave the job and let the next person in line take over.
3
Where to begin with this one?
Here's a guy who tough-mouths his own state, tries to apply the same rude, boorish tactics on the Presidential campaign trail, and has eradicated decorum just as he has eradicated the view of his own feet. He's an embarrassment.
As another commenter noted, how can he be expected to govern an ENTIRE nation - 50 whole states, Chris - when he can't even be bothered to tend to his own? We have a major winter storm coming, and we have people without heat or shelter. Any state of emergency? Or preparations for said storm? And how about what he's doing to education in our state?
I'm a lifelong Democrat, but I've been able to appreciate good Republican governance when it's warranted. This is not good governance by any stretch - not for the state of New Jersey, and certainly not for other 49 states. He needs to, in his own words, sit down and shut up.
Here's a guy who tough-mouths his own state, tries to apply the same rude, boorish tactics on the Presidential campaign trail, and has eradicated decorum just as he has eradicated the view of his own feet. He's an embarrassment.
As another commenter noted, how can he be expected to govern an ENTIRE nation - 50 whole states, Chris - when he can't even be bothered to tend to his own? We have a major winter storm coming, and we have people without heat or shelter. Any state of emergency? Or preparations for said storm? And how about what he's doing to education in our state?
I'm a lifelong Democrat, but I've been able to appreciate good Republican governance when it's warranted. This is not good governance by any stretch - not for the state of New Jersey, and certainly not for other 49 states. He needs to, in his own words, sit down and shut up.
10
The people of NJ, who voted for him for a second term, are you sorry now?
9
No. How do you feel about Obama?
You will love what's coming next.
reelect Obama again and again
1
A request to all liberals reading here. Please follow in the footsteps of President Bill Clinton (who I really do think was a good POTUS) and choose anyone but Hillary!
1
Teaching high school English is "really, really hard" too, yet I manage to show up. Fill in the blank with whatever job title you like, most people's jobs are not easy. What hubris. Actually, I could use him as an example to my students as we discuss the ancient Greeks and that term. Living in Minnesota, generally it is the people of neighboring state Wisconsin for whom I feel pity, but it appears my sympathies ought to be shared with New Jersey. How insufferable and embarrassing it must be to have this man as Governor.
12
i'm also wondering if this isn't just a way to keep him in mind for those future very lucrative speaker fees... cynical me...
1
As someone who works remotely I am not that concerned that he is not in NJ. With video calls it is close to the same as being there.
To me the question is, is he engaged, not where he is physically.
Remember executives are supposed to set the direction, not nessacary do the work. Is he still setting the direction?
To me the question is, is he engaged, not where he is physically.
Remember executives are supposed to set the direction, not nessacary do the work. Is he still setting the direction?
There are so many strikes against this guy, but the story that stands out for me is how Christie handled the special Senate election held in New Jersey in 2013. Frank Lautenberg died in office in June, so an interim was named to succeed him and a special election needed be scheduled in the fall to elect somebody to serve out the rest of Lautenberg's term.
The logical cost-saving thing for New Jersey to do would have been to hold the special Senate election on the same day as the election for governor in November. But Christie was running for re-election as governor that year, and when Corey Booker announced his intention to seek the Senate seat Christie realized that turnout among Democratic voters would increase on the day of his re-election bid if the Senate election was being held that same day with Booker running.
So Christie decided to have the special Senate election held in October 2013. Additional millions of dollars were wasted because Christie didn't want a DIFFERENT election involving Corey Booker to occur on the same day as the election for governor. This story is so ridiculous I don't understand how anybody in New Jersey was able to vote for Christie in November 2013.
The logical cost-saving thing for New Jersey to do would have been to hold the special Senate election on the same day as the election for governor in November. But Christie was running for re-election as governor that year, and when Corey Booker announced his intention to seek the Senate seat Christie realized that turnout among Democratic voters would increase on the day of his re-election bid if the Senate election was being held that same day with Booker running.
So Christie decided to have the special Senate election held in October 2013. Additional millions of dollars were wasted because Christie didn't want a DIFFERENT election involving Corey Booker to occur on the same day as the election for governor. This story is so ridiculous I don't understand how anybody in New Jersey was able to vote for Christie in November 2013.
8
Probably still paying his salary, too.
1
How is it that when you have a full time job you are allowed to duck out and tour the country attempting to apply for another job? Isn't the governor supposed to put in 40 hours a week like everyone else?
8
Never expected to see the words "shrink" and "Christie" in the same sentence.
Seriously, however, his administration was a trainwreck well before he decamped on his vain run for the presidency. His recent veto of an eminently common-sense gun control measure is just the latest example of his willingness to put the interests of GOP voters in Iowa and New Hampshire above those of the people he is paid to protect.
Anyone with a job who has been away from work for even a fraction of the time Christie has would have been sacked along, long time ago.
Seriously, however, his administration was a trainwreck well before he decamped on his vain run for the presidency. His recent veto of an eminently common-sense gun control measure is just the latest example of his willingness to put the interests of GOP voters in Iowa and New Hampshire above those of the people he is paid to protect.
Anyone with a job who has been away from work for even a fraction of the time Christie has would have been sacked along, long time ago.
9
Luckily for the nation, Christie is so low in the polls, he will never be elected President. But if running for President or anything keeps him away from governing the state of New Jersey "It's a good thing"
10
Republican governors with consistent "public service" records. Governor Palin who actually quit her job to pursue reality TV stardom. And now Governor Christie who has no shame in abandoning his duties entirely. At least the Alaskan was kind enough to come off the government payroll. Governor Christie still accepts a pay check - a true "no show" job AND he utilizes the very expensive services afforded a governor - security, communications, etc.
Shameless.
Shameless.
5
who pays for his food when he's out of NJ? I've read he likes to stay at fancy hotels, etc so is the taxpayer paying for him living large?
Go home Gov.Chris Christie
The American people don't want a man who pulls antics like a college frat boy!
Remember the silly Bridge Gate!
We do.
Go Home your campaign has no merit!
You disrespect the profession of all educators ... Remember screaming at the teacher? If you couldn't handle that with a dab of tack,how would you expect to negotiate with world leaders?
Your people in New Jersey 'need' you,it's snowing!
The American people don't want a man who pulls antics like a college frat boy!
Remember the silly Bridge Gate!
We do.
Go Home your campaign has no merit!
You disrespect the profession of all educators ... Remember screaming at the teacher? If you couldn't handle that with a dab of tack,how would you expect to negotiate with world leaders?
Your people in New Jersey 'need' you,it's snowing!
2
Well it looks like this governor, although like many other republican governors, thinks more about himself than his state and its citizens, his responsibilities as governor. Here is another lackadaisical performance by this "elected official": "According to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro, New Jersey received the least money - $15 million - of any qualifying state in federal storm resilience funding, and it may have been because Gov. Chris Christie's administration did not respond to federal feedback on their application. The federal government made $1 billion in funding for storm resiliency projects in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, but it distributed it via competition; New Jersey lost points in the application for not leveraging federal funds well enough.
5
You know, some people should retire from public life & Chis Christie is one of them. He's fouled his nest & is lucky not to be behind bars. Whatever he dreamed to be isn't going to happen & it's all his fault. He's a flawed man who should go away quietly & find a good job with an insurance company where he'll no doubt be good at cheating sick people.
The same could be said about Mike Huckabee who like Christie is too greedy & in love with himself to ever be concerned with the people he was elected to serve. America must have better people for public office than these 2 guys & add Carly Fiorina to this list too. She'd make a good warden at an all female prison.
It takes a special person to be a great public servant but these days only egomaniacs seem to seek public office. Must they all seemed to be supplied by the Mafia, an insane asylum, a religious cult or 2 bizarre billionaire brothers from Kansas? Can't America do better than this?
I love Bernie Sanders because I am him & he is me, but I will vote for Hillary Clinton & be thankful to have Bernie & Liz Warren in the Senate till they drop over. American politics must be rid of Citizens United, the Voting Rights Act must be returned covering all 50 states, the Fairness Doctrine returned would pull the plug on Fox News & Rush & bringing back Glass-Steagall would put bad bankers & hedge fund operators out of business.
Only if these things come to pass will America return to normal & rid us of people like Christie. VOTE!
The same could be said about Mike Huckabee who like Christie is too greedy & in love with himself to ever be concerned with the people he was elected to serve. America must have better people for public office than these 2 guys & add Carly Fiorina to this list too. She'd make a good warden at an all female prison.
It takes a special person to be a great public servant but these days only egomaniacs seem to seek public office. Must they all seemed to be supplied by the Mafia, an insane asylum, a religious cult or 2 bizarre billionaire brothers from Kansas? Can't America do better than this?
I love Bernie Sanders because I am him & he is me, but I will vote for Hillary Clinton & be thankful to have Bernie & Liz Warren in the Senate till they drop over. American politics must be rid of Citizens United, the Voting Rights Act must be returned covering all 50 states, the Fairness Doctrine returned would pull the plug on Fox News & Rush & bringing back Glass-Steagall would put bad bankers & hedge fund operators out of business.
Only if these things come to pass will America return to normal & rid us of people like Christie. VOTE!
12
I will vote for Sanders because NOTHING will get better in this country with a conservative in the White House be they Republican or Democrat.
5
Monetary policy made Glass-Steagall untenable. Beware the oversimplification of Bernie's solutions.
1
The Fairness Doctrine gave free for respondents to offer a differ opinion. The 200+ plus stations carrying political opinion are commercial stations with sponsors paying for the broadcasts.
The only reason Liberals want the return of the Fairness Doctrine is because they are unable to sustain any commercial broadcasts because no one listens to Liberals enough for a sponsor to pay for them. Even when they tried to get contributions to support the stations Liberals wouldn't give money to keep them on the air.
The only reason Liberals want the return of the Fairness Doctrine is because they are unable to sustain any commercial broadcasts because no one listens to Liberals enough for a sponsor to pay for them. Even when they tried to get contributions to support the stations Liberals wouldn't give money to keep them on the air.
"Running for President is really, really hard and somebody's got to do it."
Cleaning out the litter box is really, really necessary, too. I'm willing to bet, thanks to Mr. Christie's strenuous work on casino regulation, the citizens of New Jersey will be up to the task.
Cleaning out the litter box is really, really necessary, too. I'm willing to bet, thanks to Mr. Christie's strenuous work on casino regulation, the citizens of New Jersey will be up to the task.
9
One of the WORST gov's NJ has ever had. I lived in NJ for a long time and even my right leaning friends are sick of him. The fact that during his 2016 state of the state address this month Christie asked the legislature for ONLY one law to be passed....to repeal the estate tax for all of the "poor millionaires and billionaires" in the state.....that is all you need to know about Chris Christie and the rest of the morally bankrupt Republican Party.
29
The Republican Party - make that the Republican Criminal Organisation- needs to be removed from Americsn public life in its entirety.
NO REPUBLICANS IN 2016. NONE. NOT ONE.
NO REPUBLICANS IN 2016. NONE. NOT ONE.
3
Dear Citizens of New Jersey: We Michiganders will likely replace our experienced, technocrat governor quite soon, and will gladly send him on to you. That's the way we are in Michigan: always thinking of others.
10
It's a shame because he was my favorite candidate as of yet, but observed early that he had no shot.
A bully.
An opportunist.
A crude, disrespectful (did he really make that comment to/about the president during the last GOP debate?) ogre.
Lastly, and quite obviously, a New York-wannabe.
Stay in Jersey. We don't need or want you.
An opportunist.
A crude, disrespectful (did he really make that comment to/about the president during the last GOP debate?) ogre.
Lastly, and quite obviously, a New York-wannabe.
Stay in Jersey. We don't need or want you.
12
We don't want him here either.
3
A lot of us here in New Jersey never really wanted him either.
3
It's puzzling. Why would anyone, who already has a political job, spend their precious time, energy, and (other people's) money in what's become a less than noble often ludicrous quadrennial political power play that involves deception, smearing the reputation of others, and contorting one's values, views, and oneself all in an attempt win another political job that's decidedly out of their league; out of their reach.
7
Let’s not forget the make-up of the New Jersey Legislature. As of now, the Senate is 60% Democrat and the General Assembly 65%. It's likely that Governor Christie faces the same problems as President Obama, with both legislative houses being in the opposition column.
And, as President Obama has shown, it could be a case of he right, they wrong.
And, as President Obama has shown, it could be a case of he right, they wrong.
Actually not. He and the state's Democratic bosses, whom Democratic legislators are scared to defy, got into bed early. There's even a suggestion that he refused to prosecute one of those bosses when he was still US Attorney, laying the groundwork for their later love fest. So, no. He has cut deals with Dems, though more on a what-can-we-bosses-do-for-each-other basis than through any sense of bipartisanship.
1
The record reflects that in the past, when he deigned to care, Christie achieved legislative compromise with a Democratic Legislature. Since national Republicants continue to tar him for an emotional embrace of the other, Oresident Obama, during Sandy in 2012, Governor Krispie Kreme has decided that dealing with Democrats is off the table, until his delusion of becoming President is gone, as well. By then the well of goodwill will resemble the water supply in Flint.
1
" it could be a case of he right, they wrong."
Could be, but isn't.
Could be, but isn't.
Governor Christie needs to do his job in New Jersey and Senator Marco Rubio needs to show up at Senate and vote. Too many presidential candidates with no chance of winning nomination who hope to land easy job at Fox News.
5
Ironic to hear a Republican spokesman bemoan what happens when the other party refuses to work with you:
“You can run a government, but you’re only going to be able to achieve reforms when you have a willing partner on the other side of the table,” Mr. Roberts said. “We don’t have good-faith partners across the aisle on every single issue these days anymore.”
No doubt Mr. Roberts feels President Obama's pain
“You can run a government, but you’re only going to be able to achieve reforms when you have a willing partner on the other side of the table,” Mr. Roberts said. “We don’t have good-faith partners across the aisle on every single issue these days anymore.”
No doubt Mr. Roberts feels President Obama's pain
6
Palinesque service.
He collects a paycheck,
yet rarely shows up.
As he offers to nationalize the Jersey economic miracle
He collects a paycheck,
yet rarely shows up.
As he offers to nationalize the Jersey economic miracle
3
“You can run a government, but you’re only going to be able to achieve reforms when you have a willing partner on the other side of the table,” Mr. Roberts said. “We don’t have good-faith partners across the aisle on every single issue these days anymore.”
Ironic, coming from a Governor who negotiated a piece of pension legislation, which required pension concessions from public employees, in return for a legal commitment on the part of the State to make annual pension fund contributions necessary to properly fund the pension. Christie then refused to make the pension fund contributions.
When the unions sued the State for the contributions, Christie's lawyers asserted that the provision of the law requiring the pension contributions violated the State Constitution. But that the pension givebacks in the same law were perfectly legal, and should remain in force. The NJ Courts accepted the State's argument.
No wonder, the pension funds are unwilling to engage in any further negotiation with Governor Christie.
Many New Jerseyans think the State is better off with him gone, but that there is no reason why he should be collecting a State paycheck. He should just resign, buy a home in Keene, New Hampshire, and get a head start on 2020.
Ironic, coming from a Governor who negotiated a piece of pension legislation, which required pension concessions from public employees, in return for a legal commitment on the part of the State to make annual pension fund contributions necessary to properly fund the pension. Christie then refused to make the pension fund contributions.
When the unions sued the State for the contributions, Christie's lawyers asserted that the provision of the law requiring the pension contributions violated the State Constitution. But that the pension givebacks in the same law were perfectly legal, and should remain in force. The NJ Courts accepted the State's argument.
No wonder, the pension funds are unwilling to engage in any further negotiation with Governor Christie.
Many New Jerseyans think the State is better off with him gone, but that there is no reason why he should be collecting a State paycheck. He should just resign, buy a home in Keene, New Hampshire, and get a head start on 2020.
4
I know we all like to have it both ways. I do. But a part of my feels you should have to choose: carry out your term and run for reelection, or resign and run for a different office. A whole lot more would get done, and candidates for president would do it because they're absolutely and completely committed.
2
He's probably just going through all his campaign contributions at the most manageable "burn rate", so he can "enjoy" the fading spotlight fro as long as possible. This is the end for Christie, and he should know it. He's "making the most of it".
2
“You can run a government, but you’re only going to be able to achieve reforms when you have a willing partner on the other side of the table,”. So it's not really Obamas fault that congress didn't pass a jobs bill or many other things he hoped to accomplish? It's amazing that Obama was able to do as much as he did without ".... a willing partner on the other side of the table." Christie like all Republicans is a YUGE hypocrite.
6
"Conservative" politicians like Christie rave about how wonderful private enterprise is. And they are right - because in private enterprise, people who don't bother showing up for work are fired.
So let's push for a constitutional amendment that says the holder of any political position in America will be fired if they use the hours they should be using to do their government job, to pursue other activities. Running for another political job should be specifically included as an example of the verboten; time spent plotting to shut down major bridges should be on the list as well.
Would an amendment like this put incumbents at a disadvantage? Let's hope so, because if they can't get elected on their record, they shouldn't be elected at all.
So let's push for a constitutional amendment that says the holder of any political position in America will be fired if they use the hours they should be using to do their government job, to pursue other activities. Running for another political job should be specifically included as an example of the verboten; time spent plotting to shut down major bridges should be on the list as well.
Would an amendment like this put incumbents at a disadvantage? Let's hope so, because if they can't get elected on their record, they shouldn't be elected at all.
4
Christie clearly needs to live big. His only hope to continue his "I am the powerful VIP, fly me to Dallas in my orange sweater" lifestyle is to go higher he thinks. He will not be the POTUS, but he could be the VP, or the AG, or have a chair in the cabinet. Christie is running for a job. He is already a miserable footnote in NJ political history.
3
He is not dissuaded/undaunted because he knows when actual voting begins, there will be hoards of Republican voters who cannot vote for Cruz or Trump
We New Jersey voters can only hope that when Christie finally admits defeat he remains outside of New Jersey for the balance of his term.
Here in New Jersey we have discovered that we are better off when Governor Chris "the Bully" Christie is pitching his political fantasies in Other States!
Here in New Jersey we have discovered that we are better off when Governor Chris "the Bully" Christie is pitching his political fantasies in Other States!
4
The people of New Jersey got exactly what they voted for - and what they deserve. Good government cant' occur under a republican governor, period, because republicans don't want government to exist. Look at chris christie's settlement with exxon - he let them get away with the environmental equivalent of murder. That is his sad legacy.
6
There is no logic to his stance on staying in New Hampshire as the storm threatens to bury New Jersey. He says he will return if conditions warrant. But if it does get that bad, the elements will prevent him from getting there!
And to think he has gotten on Rubio (who deserves the criticism - though hardly from Christie) for missing Senate votes! The people he represents have never mattered. He just uses them as stepping stones for what the guy in the mirror wants next for himself.
And to think he has gotten on Rubio (who deserves the criticism - though hardly from Christie) for missing Senate votes! The people he represents have never mattered. He just uses them as stepping stones for what the guy in the mirror wants next for himself.
3
Chris Christie's political career is over. Trailing badly in the Republican primaries, he is at best a extreme long-short to obtain the nomination, and is unlikely to be named to the Republican ticket. Republicans face steep odds at winning in the general election, and even then a possible cabinet position is hardly assured.
This leaves Christie coming back to New Jersey after being wholly absent for the better part of a year, facing unhappy constituents. Although challenges from outside his party are to be expected, as elected officials begin to look forward to the 2017 campaigns, Christie will find fewer friends within his party as Republicans begin to see a close association to Christie as a liability for their own political ambitions.
This leaves Christie coming back to New Jersey after being wholly absent for the better part of a year, facing unhappy constituents. Although challenges from outside his party are to be expected, as elected officials begin to look forward to the 2017 campaigns, Christie will find fewer friends within his party as Republicans begin to see a close association to Christie as a liability for their own political ambitions.
8
Yes, Chris Christie still in charge of the government in New Jersey, but only available when he needs to put his veto pen to legislation that passed both houses, that would deny CONVICTED felons of car jacking, and terrorism acts. Wait a go Chris Christie!! The NRA will be so proud, as will those gang members you are enabling.
5
Krispiekreme's career will effectively be over in a month or so. He was doing reasonably well in New Hampshire a few weeks ago but apparently their electorate caught up with New Jersey's to the extent that his poll ratings have dropped like a stone. He's probably hoping for another terrorist attack to salvage his candidacy because, after all, everyone knows that he's the only one running who could strike fear in the hearts of our enemies. Is it too late for the citizens of New Jersey to impeach/recall this man and his fat...ego?
8
You can't fool all of the people all of the time, but he has done a good job.
6
I guess a public servant can't serve two masters.
1
Christie is one of the most dangerous candidate because many people do not know how dangerous a thug he is. His record in NJ is abysmal.
- Even by NJ standards, worst cronyism, business and privatization to his friends
- awful environmental record, while he lies about being an environmental governor
- stopped the hudson rail tunnel
- family mafia connections
- turned the NJ solar program into a give away to PSEG (NJ's PGE)
- no economic growth in NJ
- Real estate has not recovered - Ca is now higher than pre-crash
- worst bond ratings for NJ
- attacks on teacher and other unions
- attacks on the state pension system, no cost of living increase
- illegally dropped charges against friends
- Bridgegate
- tool of the developers
- took away a grant from a Rutgers prof who disagreed with him
- Funded Xanadu with state money
- Property values in Ca are about 1/3 of NJ despite higher values
- Even by NJ standards, worst cronyism, business and privatization to his friends
- awful environmental record, while he lies about being an environmental governor
- stopped the hudson rail tunnel
- family mafia connections
- turned the NJ solar program into a give away to PSEG (NJ's PGE)
- no economic growth in NJ
- Real estate has not recovered - Ca is now higher than pre-crash
- worst bond ratings for NJ
- attacks on teacher and other unions
- attacks on the state pension system, no cost of living increase
- illegally dropped charges against friends
- Bridgegate
- tool of the developers
- took away a grant from a Rutgers prof who disagreed with him
- Funded Xanadu with state money
- Property values in Ca are about 1/3 of NJ despite higher values
5
Chris who? just move to Dallas!!!
3
There should be a law in place that any active elected official must take a leave of absence or resign from that position while campaigning for another position. Christie should be charged with dereliction of duty for abandoning New Jersey in favor of his own political gain. He is the de jure, not de facto governor of that state.
6
I actually live in NJ. Christie is better than most of his predecessors. Admittedly, Corzine, Florio, and Byrne are not a high standard. I might have said that Woodrow Wilson was better, but since he has been declared a "racist," he is persona non grata.
1
Who voted this man governor? He always seemed to be an uncouth bully and now he has abandoned his duties for a pipe dream.
He is not going to be President.
He is not going to kick President Obama out of the White House.
The President is going to walk out of a door that Christie will never enter.
He is not going to be President.
He is not going to kick President Obama out of the White House.
The President is going to walk out of a door that Christie will never enter.
15
How is it possible that the governor is still collecting a paycheck for a job even when he is AWOL? Does the taxpayer know about this?
7
Christie cannot win the nomination, and if he did he cannot win the general election. Christie is pursuing a crazed ego-driven mirage, enabled by the bubble he lives in.
At this point I don't know how any Republican runs successfully, but Christie has big negatives everywhere. Do people think he could even carry his own state in a general election?
At this point I don't know how any Republican runs successfully, but Christie has big negatives everywhere. Do people think he could even carry his own state in a general election?
2
I don't think Christie can carry his own weight.
2
Is anyone asking why he continues to draw a salary from the State of NJ, while seeking higher office and not fulfilling his duties as Governor? His seeking the presidency does not serve the People of New Jersey. I know it's a trifling sum compared with the costs associated with a run for the presidency, but as U.S. Attorney, Christie prosecuted people for far less financial fraud than he is now perpetrating against the public fisc and the People of NJ.
2
Speaking as a NJ resident, I can say with all due sincerity,
NO ONE MISSES HIM.
NO ONE MISSES HIM.
13
Never thought I would think this, but Gov. Cristie is making Sarah Palin appear as the model of appropriateness in state government. At least the governor of Alaska had the decency to resign after only 2 years of her term when she admitted that she could no longer fulfill the duties her office required of her. Palin moved to Arizona when she abandoned Alaska; with all of the time Mr. Cristie is spending in the Granite and Hawkeye states during his extensive absences from New Jersey, is he actually seeking to change his residence by going on camouflaged house hunting trips?
32
There's nothing commendable about abandoning an elected position to pursue narcissistic personal gain. It's appalling and deplorable.
4
To me this is less about Christie being out of state than what he's focused on. If he were in another state trying to get a company to relocate and bring jobs to NJ, that's fine. If he were in Vermont talking with the Governor there trying to get a deeper understanding of the heroin epidemic that has impacted both VT and NJ, fine.
But it's crystal clear to anyone who has been paying the slightest bit of attention. that Christie has ignored NJ from the moment he won re-election. Being governor of NJ (and dealing with its constituents) is now an inconvenience for him. He should do the decent and noble thing and resign.
But then again, Christie is anything but decent and noble. Also, by stepping down, he'd have to give up the $175K salary and the security detail.
Additionally, as others have mentioned here, once a state employee declares for national office, he/she should be forced to resign.
But it's crystal clear to anyone who has been paying the slightest bit of attention. that Christie has ignored NJ from the moment he won re-election. Being governor of NJ (and dealing with its constituents) is now an inconvenience for him. He should do the decent and noble thing and resign.
But then again, Christie is anything but decent and noble. Also, by stepping down, he'd have to give up the $175K salary and the security detail.
Additionally, as others have mentioned here, once a state employee declares for national office, he/she should be forced to resign.
5
"I'm a people guy, not a phone guy."
That would explain why Prieto is in the legislature and not governor.
Any executive who can't find qualified people to delegate daily routines to is not an executive.
The governor makes the time to do what he is there to do. Approve or veto bills from the legislature and make the public appearances he can't delegate.
There is an empty complaint based purely on politics.
That would explain why Prieto is in the legislature and not governor.
Any executive who can't find qualified people to delegate daily routines to is not an executive.
The governor makes the time to do what he is there to do. Approve or veto bills from the legislature and make the public appearances he can't delegate.
There is an empty complaint based purely on politics.
Christie's self-aggrandizing nature has caught up with him. Remember how he touted that NJ was "bigger than the storm"? Now his mantra should be that his Don Quixote-like quest for the presidency is bigger than New Jersey, which will face this new storm without its governor.
2
Running for President is a full-time gig and running the state is a full-time gig. Make up your mind Christie!
2
How fortunate it would be if a mismanaged snow storm derailed his ambitions! Makes you sort of hope for the blizzard of the century.
2
ignore my user name. i now live in Fla, and moved out of NJ a year ago. not going back. not looking back. christie was a good part of the decision. Fla is by no means perfect - we have corruption, more gun problems and some political nonsense. But it's much better than NJ.
2
It's warmer, anyway.
I just heard on the radio this morning that New Jersey received far less federal relief aid for Hurricane Sandy than New York State or the city. Apparently, New Jersey officials were notified repeatedly that their applications were not properly completed. Here's just one case where Christie's absences and eye off the ball has cost his state millions.
4
If Chris Christie is able to be absent 191 out of 365 days, then was he ever really needed?
7
I say we're better off with him out of the state than in. The funny thing is, Christie has no chance so this is really an exercise — apparently the only kind he gets — in futility.
10
Mr. Christie has used the New Jersey governorship as a stepping-stone to his Presidential ambitions, not as the job he was elected to do. Is anyone surprised by that? On the very slight chance he becomes President (and hopefully this won't happen), I wonder if he'll then ignore the responsibilities of that job to pursue something else he perceives as a grander stage for his ambitions. In terms of the trajectory of New Jersey's progress or lack thereof, Mr. Christie appears to be all about Mr. Christie, not about solving problems he was elected twice (but not by me) to address.
2
Whatever happened to the investigations of Christie's role in the bridge closure?
2
I really wish we'd make up our minds. Voters want to see candidates with experience, which means they're usually politicians (many times, currently holding office). Well, running for president takes time, and that means the Senator, Governor, Representative, doctor, businessman, whoever, will be away from work.
So please stop complaining. But for this current crop of "no shows" at work, not only can you not have your cake and eat it too, you can't have your cake at all.
So please stop complaining. But for this current crop of "no shows" at work, not only can you not have your cake and eat it too, you can't have your cake at all.
1
The whole political system stinks. You really have no viable choices. The two republican front runners are a joke. And one democrat seems to be in bed with Wall Street. It makes one want not to vote. Christie is the last governor that I'd want in the White House. He's a N.J. version of Huey Long. I wish Jerry Brown were running. He's more than qualified and has had proven results. But most importantly, unlike many running, it's not about himself. Christie has a bloated, undeserved ego. It will cost him.
1
Absentee Governors (Kasich is often away too) and a Senator, Marco Rubio, with the worst "unavailable to vote" record in the Senate. While this may be the reality of primary season it's also depriving citizens of the "honest services" (apologies as these are politicians) of their elected leaders.
Mr. Christie could not handle Hurricane Sandy nor could he control his staff (or did he?) from illegally closing the state's major bridge and wreaking havoc. Drop out, Chris, and get your act together.
Mr. Christie could not handle Hurricane Sandy nor could he control his staff (or did he?) from illegally closing the state's major bridge and wreaking havoc. Drop out, Chris, and get your act together.
Rubio needs at least a couple of more decades to reach adulthood.
3
Christie apparently couldn't care less about New Jersey, which is the one state he was duly elected to serve, how can anyone believe he would really care about the other 49 states if elected President?
1
Unfortunately when he losses the GOP primary he'll be back which is probably worse for NJ.
3
The more he stays away, the less damage he can do (and traffic he creates). I say let him run through the convention, and then go on a family vacation somewhere else!
2
Mr. Wannabe can have more impact in NJ by moving to NH -- permanently
3
Politicians today are no longer embarrassed by anything. Christie is sworn in, promising to govern New Jersey, and then heads off on the Presidential campaign trail while things in his state decay. Trump makes racist remarks and his poll numbers go up. Cruz insults "New York values" while taking money from Goldman Sachs and Citicorp. David Vitter of Louisiana gets embroiled in a prostitution scandal and then returns to Congress where he continues to lecture others on their behavior. The governor of Michigan allows the poisoning of an entire city, including young children, and, even under pressure, is barely apologetic. In my own region, local legislators voted to almost double their salaries at a time when our county is essentially bankrupt, a situation to which they have contributed mightily.
Much of this, of course, is the voters' fault. They should be marching on Trenton (and Iowa and New Hampshire) with bloodhounds and torches, demanding Christie's resignation. Instead, we Americans all sit back and just take it. We are getting what we deserve.
Oh, and by the way, guess which political party produces the vast majority of these hypocrites? The GOP? Bingo!
Much of this, of course, is the voters' fault. They should be marching on Trenton (and Iowa and New Hampshire) with bloodhounds and torches, demanding Christie's resignation. Instead, we Americans all sit back and just take it. We are getting what we deserve.
Oh, and by the way, guess which political party produces the vast majority of these hypocrites? The GOP? Bingo!
3
Not knowing anything about New Jersey, if the State allows recalls, why hasn't one been initiated against Christie?
3
Christie being away is a good thing. the problem is when he drops by.
5
Many in my home state of Wisconsin thought it was great when Scott Walker was running for president, as that left him less time to wreak havoc at home. Perhaps the same holds true for Christie.
84
I live in NJ and I can't stand Christie mainly for his lack of support for public transportation and cancelation of the ARC tunnel. But I would have to say that he did not wreak NJ nor was he as destructive as Walker. He has made a few bad decisions and a few good ones. He also never pursued drastic reform that NJ really needs. But he has for example expanded Medicaid in line with ObamaCare to give coverage to poor residents. His property tax cap helped to slows the raise of property taxes. He did not leave NJ worse off other than the fact that the Amtrak tunnels used by NJT to transport thousand of people to Manhattan are degrading pretty quickly and there is no replacement in site.
1
Yes, this is exactly how several of my New Jersey friends feel.
Nail on the head. Teachers in New Jersey have been seen smiling lately....and no one has complained about yelling on the boardwalk....I hope he loses, but is appointed ambassador to somewhere far away.
At the risk of being cynical, I am delighted he is still running for president. The longer he keeps the campaign going, the less harm (well, active harm anyway) he does to the state.
12
Quetion is: Does NJ run better with Christie gone, or when he's there?
8
Oh, here in NJ, we don't spend a day without a thought about leaving it.
Governor, we only have one wish for you-please, never come back.
Governor, we only have one wish for you-please, never come back.
11
Christie is running to become Attorney General, and will be a good one when Trump is elected
3
Logodos: HaHaHa - funniest comment on here!! Thanks for the laugh.
1
From what I have seen of Chris Christie, maybe he's doing NJ a favor by being away...
8
NJ has to put up a reward for his capture and successful prosecution for malfeasance in office and taking money under false pretenses.
8
"You can run a government, but you’re only going to be able to achieve reforms when you have a willing partner on the other side of the table,” Mr. Roberts said. “We don’t have good-faith partners across the aisle on every single issue these days anymore.”
Wow I guess Gov Christie really does know exactly how President Obama has felt over the last 7 years.
Wow I guess Gov Christie really does know exactly how President Obama has felt over the last 7 years.
8
what a waste of money. He has no chance of winning. this state is a miserable hopeless place and i cannot wait to get out of here. If i can sell my house.
8
It's interesting. In the private sector, one takes a leave of absence to pursue outside interests at length. Typically unpaid; if you have a good relationship with your employer and are a valued employee, you can be reasonably assured of stepping back into your regular job when you're ready.
This is what Christie should do (actually, should have already done): Declare a leave of absence, unpaid; the lieutenant governor will step up while Christie's pursuing his pipe dream; and the voters will decide if they want Christie back if/when he decides he now has the time and interest to devote to the job he was elected to do.
Seems fair, doesn't it?
This is what Christie should do (actually, should have already done): Declare a leave of absence, unpaid; the lieutenant governor will step up while Christie's pursuing his pipe dream; and the voters will decide if they want Christie back if/when he decides he now has the time and interest to devote to the job he was elected to do.
Seems fair, doesn't it?
106
Will that work for Dems too? I seem to recall Obama taking one seat and immediately launching his quest for the next step up the elective letter over
and over.
and over.
But' it's not a private sector gig. Tougher standards apply public service. The NJ legislature should consider a permanent leave of absence starting with impeachment.
Alas, fair is a matter only when Christie is directly and negatively affected. He's the quintessence of a politician.
Here in the Greater Metro Area, we have a word - CHUTZPAH - that basically means unparalleled nerve or gall.
When you look up CHUTZPAH in the encyclopedia, Governator Christies photo may be seen alongside the definition, as distinguished by his billing NJ taxpayers for the so-called investigation and his exoneration - surprise - regarding the Bridgegate Atrocity.
It is roughly equivalent to forcing a prisoner to pay for the bullets used to execute him.
When you look up CHUTZPAH in the encyclopedia, Governator Christies photo may be seen alongside the definition, as distinguished by his billing NJ taxpayers for the so-called investigation and his exoneration - surprise - regarding the Bridgegate Atrocity.
It is roughly equivalent to forcing a prisoner to pay for the bullets used to execute him.
10
Chutzpah at least seems to have a positive connotation. I can think of another cruder word that better describes Christie. But decorum limits me from stating it here.
1
Understood.
Gall was as close as I dared get to the more accurate term.
Gall was as close as I dared get to the more accurate term.
Christie ran for governor in New Jersey promising no more property tax increases. My parents are Republicans and voted for him. Their property taxes doubled. Now they're thinking twice about his run for president.
7
He lied to them and they're only thinking twice about it? Don't they see a problem with that?
2
With politicians like this, who needs enemies.
7
I live in red ex-urbia New Jersey where the TV sets at the deli show the Fox channel 24/7 and non-Republicans are a rare species. But today if I mentioned Christie's name most people would just look down at their shoes or mumble something about Corzine being incompetent as well.
But the Christie agenda of poor governance continues...
the other day he took money out of the trust fund used to protect homes from lead-based paint,
and vetoed a bi-partisian bill to ensure that patients in nursing homes have access to bare-bones care by health aides.
Incompetent, Crass and Corrupt..but vote for me.
But the Christie agenda of poor governance continues...
the other day he took money out of the trust fund used to protect homes from lead-based paint,
and vetoed a bi-partisian bill to ensure that patients in nursing homes have access to bare-bones care by health aides.
Incompetent, Crass and Corrupt..but vote for me.
17
If someone is incompetent, it at least suggests to me that they're trying. Incompetent is too good to describe Christie. Ignorant is more like it.
1
At this point the only hope Christie has is for a vice presidential nomination. He will never be president and New Jersey voters will turn him out if he runs for governor again.
5
Don't worry....Christie will find time to slink home and shut a bridge or two in revenge for your article.
10
You would think somebody would run for governor of a state because they wanted to help that state. Too many people today run for no other reason than publicity. Christie is never in his state. Bobby Jindal was never in Louisiana. Sarah Palin couldn't bother to finish a four year term. They don't care about their states. They just want a job at Fox News.
7
Why do we have to pay him? If I took that many day off from my job, i'd be toast! He'll get a big fat lobbying, or a figurehead job at a law firm next year, and will continue to live high on the hog!
9
How is this not malpractice?
12
Actually it's malfeasance whereby an elected official is accused (and convicted) of "gross dereliction of duty."
Recall procedures exist in the State of New Jersey - see: www.ballotpedia.com
Recall procedures exist in the State of New Jersey - see: www.ballotpedia.com
Don't worry. He'll be back full-time very soon.
6
Chris Christie should be docked for 191 days spent outside the state.
20
Here's my problem with Christie (as a New Yorker, what happens across the Hudson matters to me): We get this curiously unChristie idea from "Kevin Roberts, [Christie's] spokesman" who claims "the governor’s modest legislative agenda for 2016 was a product of Democrats’ relentless opposition to him." Really? So there is nothing in his agenda's modesty that is the fault of the administration. Christie's hands have been tied, tied in a way so that he has never done anything wrong because he could not do anything because the democrats wouldn't let him. And likewise he has never backpedaled, has never, for instance, said he was not interested in becoming president and focused solely on his work in New Jersey (why does Francis Underwood come to mind?).
The world, you see, is AGAINST Chris Christie. He is the tragic heroic figure. A victim of circumstances beyond his abilities. The gods have it out for him. So sad. So real, unfortunately. Yet, what is fascinating is that this politician wants voters to somehow believe that all that challenges his will will disappear when he becomes president. He will be accepted by all and he will get things done when in office because Washington under his oppressive thumb will have no choice but to follow him. The man is incredible as in unbelievable as in not believable as in not to be believed. We have very poor choices for the next president and Christie is certainly among the poorest. We are, indeed, better off with NO PRESIDENT.
The world, you see, is AGAINST Chris Christie. He is the tragic heroic figure. A victim of circumstances beyond his abilities. The gods have it out for him. So sad. So real, unfortunately. Yet, what is fascinating is that this politician wants voters to somehow believe that all that challenges his will will disappear when he becomes president. He will be accepted by all and he will get things done when in office because Washington under his oppressive thumb will have no choice but to follow him. The man is incredible as in unbelievable as in not believable as in not to be believed. We have very poor choices for the next president and Christie is certainly among the poorest. We are, indeed, better off with NO PRESIDENT.
7
""the governor’s modest legislative agenda for 2016 was a product of Democrats’ relentless opposition to him."
It works for Obama, why not Christie?
It works for Obama, why not Christie?
That's no excuse. That it works for Obama does not mean that Christie, who sells himself as a straight shooter, no (?), should employ it. And beyond that, this is a bipartisan issue. Indeed, it's the epitome of what's wrong with our representative republic: the "two" parties' contenders past and present are consistently unappetizingly disingenuous.
1
so, he's essentially abandoned his office and the responsibilities he was elected to perform... has christie returned his salary in his willful refusal to perform those duties, or at least taken a cut in pay? or refused the benefits and niceties that come with being the governor of new jersey. although i'm guessing those niceties are much nicer while traveling the country -- courtesy of the deep pocketed donors who are picking up the considerable tabs of his hotel/travel/food costs.
he has zero chance of being elected president; and i doubt he'd be willing to be vice president, considering his ego is as large as his waistline.
he has zero chance of being elected president; and i doubt he'd be willing to be vice president, considering his ego is as large as his waistline.
15
Actually, it is not just the deep pocketed donors picking up his campaign costs. Unfortunately, I and other unfortunate NJ taxpayers are gifting him a nice chunk of that - about $1 million
So not only has he NOT taken a pay cut, but our taxes are paying for him to travel the country campaigning. Classic.
http://www.npr.org/2016/01/07/462150716/christie-campaign-costs-topping-...
So not only has he NOT taken a pay cut, but our taxes are paying for him to travel the country campaigning. Classic.
http://www.npr.org/2016/01/07/462150716/christie-campaign-costs-topping-...
1
He is going "all in" on a slim bet. It wont work.
He doesnt have the personal deep pockets or high level corporate friends that make someone USA president these days.
1
I moved away from New Jersey because I believe the state is now in a slide that is unfixable. Christie did not cause New Jersey's many problems, but he is so obviously unable and unwilling to do anything to benefit the state in the long term.
51
"Christie did not cause New Jersey's many problems"
No. Fiscally? Christie caused quite a bit of damage. There is a reason NJ's bonds keep going into "junk" status.
No. Fiscally? Christie caused quite a bit of damage. There is a reason NJ's bonds keep going into "junk" status.
18
Sorry to read you moved away on that account. From my perspective in Connecticut, I view New Jersey as the main engine that makes this country work.
The moment Chris Christie was sworn in as governor he pivoted toward the White House and that has been his objective ever since. His relationship to the state of New Jersey has been entirely parasitical, merely a platform from which to seek greater power, which has been his lifelong obsession beginning with running for high school class president. This even explains his obsession with the healthy, life-affirming power of a talent like Bruce Springsteen, who once wrote:
'Poor man wanna be rich
Rich man wanna be king
And a king ain't satisfied til he rules everything'
Does Christie sing this to himself in the mirror every morning as he tightens his necktie?
At this point the people of New Jersey feel used and discarded and, judging by the front page story in the Times, they know the business of their state is being ignored by this governor. There is something desperately wrong with a man who responds to the slightest criticism with virulent, truculent abuse and who is known for his vengeful, vindictive temperament. A bully? It's way beyond that. It's bad that he's absent from the state for so much; it might be worse if he were around to do more damage.
I fear for this country if this American Nero gets to the White House. Would you trust this head case with a nuclear weapon? Or even a pen to sign or veto legislation?
Christie's flaw, lust for power, is of an almost Shakespearean proportion. Would that he suffer an equally epic fall.
'Poor man wanna be rich
Rich man wanna be king
And a king ain't satisfied til he rules everything'
Does Christie sing this to himself in the mirror every morning as he tightens his necktie?
At this point the people of New Jersey feel used and discarded and, judging by the front page story in the Times, they know the business of their state is being ignored by this governor. There is something desperately wrong with a man who responds to the slightest criticism with virulent, truculent abuse and who is known for his vengeful, vindictive temperament. A bully? It's way beyond that. It's bad that he's absent from the state for so much; it might be worse if he were around to do more damage.
I fear for this country if this American Nero gets to the White House. Would you trust this head case with a nuclear weapon? Or even a pen to sign or veto legislation?
Christie's flaw, lust for power, is of an almost Shakespearean proportion. Would that he suffer an equally epic fall.
17
The final insult will be when he files as a non-resident on his 2015 state income tax return while still governor.
12
Democrats re-elected this guy in 2013 in a 65-35 landslide.
Hope Democrats every where learn their lesson that you cannot let the scorpion ride on your back unless you want to be stung.
Hope Democrats every where learn their lesson that you cannot let the scorpion ride on your back unless you want to be stung.
3
That landslide happened in large part because the gutless weasel Democrats in New Jersey believed Christie to be unbeatable. So they put forth a candidate, Barbara Buono, who was not very well known, and then did not support her. In fact, some of them actively campaigned against her. This type of political cowardice is unforgivable, IMO.
18
Yo -- "scorpion on the back" is a metaphor for the middle-east ... and that's what New Jersey has become. New Jersey has at least 100 B$ of unfunded liabilities, and any rational accounting of them shows that a large and increasing fraction of them are due to Christie's administration. By the time he's out he may have doubled New Jersey's total liability.
No state has ever gone bankrupt, but NJ is now the leading candidate to do so.
And Christie is off on a pipe-dream attempt to become President. Sure glad I don't live in New Jersey ... particularly glad I'm not depending on a New Jersey pension!
No state has ever gone bankrupt, but NJ is now the leading candidate to do so.
And Christie is off on a pipe-dream attempt to become President. Sure glad I don't live in New Jersey ... particularly glad I'm not depending on a New Jersey pension!
1
Romney did the same thing to Massachusetts. He may have spent more time out of than in state his last year and a half in office. And while on the road he slammed Massachusetts every chance he got (haven't heard of Christie doing that to NJ). And we know how well things turned out for Romney.
6
Mr. Christie's personal ambition is exceeded only by his desire to be president. It is clear to everyone that what drives this man is NOT the needs of New Jersey and its citizens. If he should become president it will be more of the same. He will satisfy his ego and his needs before the needs of the nation. Running for president is not the same as being governor and meeting the responsibilities of that office. And let's face it. If Mr. Christie became the presidential candidate he would abandon New Jersey even more if that is possible. What will he sacrifice if he became president?
64
He would sacrifice his fellow man.
7
Chris Christie is the WORST. He is a bad human being.
First of all, how is it possible that no further investigation has been done about all of his incredibly suspicious affiliations and behaviors?? David Samson anyone? Bridge gate? I understand that nothing can be directly pinned to him personally, because he is awfully smart, but some of his overtly public decisions relative to Sandy money, for one thing, as well as public projects are very clearly conflict of interests because they benefit his friends and affiliates. THAT is much more scandalous to me than someone using a private server for emails.
Further, his decision making and results are horrific. We live with the decisions he has made every day relative to property taxes, teachers, etc.
....and I am still waiting for someone to write a big expose of his bullying of Margate NJ into trying to get the town to undergo a totally unnecessary project that will benefit his affiliate.
Margate has a system of bulkheads that worked well during Sandy. Everyone in Margatre knows the flooding comes from the bay anyway and that the bulkhead system work. So with that in mind, the town decided not to implement the dune project that Christie's friend's company is undertaking and my God, you would have thought Margate is the devil according to Christie......
He is so overtly self interested--It is amazing to me this man is running for president and none of this is being called out. Sitting out a storm is the least of it.
First of all, how is it possible that no further investigation has been done about all of his incredibly suspicious affiliations and behaviors?? David Samson anyone? Bridge gate? I understand that nothing can be directly pinned to him personally, because he is awfully smart, but some of his overtly public decisions relative to Sandy money, for one thing, as well as public projects are very clearly conflict of interests because they benefit his friends and affiliates. THAT is much more scandalous to me than someone using a private server for emails.
Further, his decision making and results are horrific. We live with the decisions he has made every day relative to property taxes, teachers, etc.
....and I am still waiting for someone to write a big expose of his bullying of Margate NJ into trying to get the town to undergo a totally unnecessary project that will benefit his affiliate.
Margate has a system of bulkheads that worked well during Sandy. Everyone in Margatre knows the flooding comes from the bay anyway and that the bulkhead system work. So with that in mind, the town decided not to implement the dune project that Christie's friend's company is undertaking and my God, you would have thought Margate is the devil according to Christie......
He is so overtly self interested--It is amazing to me this man is running for president and none of this is being called out. Sitting out a storm is the least of it.
21
He is not being called out because he is too far behind in the race. If he were anywhere near the head of the pack he would probably receive more scrutiny.
As it stands, now one seems to be bothered scrutinizing front-runner Donald Trump, so why would they bother with Christie?
As it stands, now one seems to be bothered scrutinizing front-runner Donald Trump, so why would they bother with Christie?
1
The Feds are proceeding with their investigations, indictments were handed down for Kelley et al, trials to begin in April. The state was put on hold until the Feds had concluded theirs
Okay, so we're going forward now as though the bridge scandal never happened. No criminality in the Christie administration, no resignations, no indictments, no jail time for the governor's associates, no bullying of accusers. Me, I'm finding it hard to think of Christie and NOT call to mind his massive petulance at a perceived political slight and the disproportionate chaos he thought was suitable payback. It's hard to imagine this man's values being exercised from the White House.
3
I left Cherry Hill, NJ about 2 years ago for a better job opportunity in the Washington DC metro area. I don't blame Chris Christie for the state of affairs in NJ - I blame the voters. He first term was horrible and HE WAS RE-ELECTED by a sweeping majority.
14
You forget that the feckless, gutless national Democratic organizations totally abandoned Barbara Buono, who ran against Christie in the last gubernatorial election. She did not have the financial resources to effectively attack his abysmal record, and was further undermined by many county and city Democratic officials, who were bought off by Christie, and who also abandoned Ms. Buono. That sweeping majority was largely the result of the Democratic Party's refusal to provide any help to her - she had no statewide message capacity, which costs money.
3
Please see JenDs comment above. The NJ Democratic Party paid a big part in Christies re-election by essentially giving up.
1
The Democrats are not even a real political party, and they get a good part of their money from Republicans sabotaging their slates.
Christie is going to step aside and endorse Trump in the near future. He is already hated by about 97% of his constituency so his endorsement of Trump won't hurt him.
5
It is no wonder our government can't accomplish much of anything. These politicians campaign and fund raise 90% of the time. If I left my job as Christie has, I would be fired, yet we continue to pay these people who are not doing the job we elected them to do. This is slightly extraordinary due to the race for the White House, however, our congressmen and senators regularly miss their responsibilities due to fund raising. Have we gone crazy as a nation?
132
Just like Paul Ryan’s congress that is planning on showing up for just 100 days this year.
3
Yes. Yes, we have.
2
It's really outrageous.
I don't know why we allow politicians to run for one office while still holding another. Any office holder should resign before seeking a different job.
I don't know why we allow politicians to run for one office while still holding another. Any office holder should resign before seeking a different job.
3
Remarkable that Christie, whose sole significant support is from Far Right UNION BUSTERS, is still considered a viable candidate.
Shows you how little influence every day citizens have.
The man is a disgrace.
Shows you how little influence every day citizens have.
The man is a disgrace.
12
This will be his legacy.
3
This article - and the accompanying comments - all seem to miss a key point: campaigns for President in the U.S. have become a ludicrously expensive, prolonged, and at times absurd, affair. In the three most recent presidential elections in which there was no incumbent on the ballot, the six candidates who won their party's nomination and ran in the general election launched their campaigns an average of 526 days before the election took place. The constituency of any politician holding elective office while running for President is going to suffer. I'm not a supporter of Christie, but I am a supporter of campaign reform and this is one reason (among many) why.
96
With today's Supreme Court limits on political speech, i.e., spending, time devoted, etc., are doomed and perhaps should be. Pointing to England, which has no "constitution" as such in terms of a series of stipulations is not helpful. Just as creating term limits for president required a constitutional amendment, campaign reform needs one as well.
The one thing we are never told is how much money these candidates gobble up for spending 526 days on the campaign trail. You can bet they aren't doing it for free. Candidates with zero chance of winning like Mike Huckabee for instance don't cough in public without being paid for it. And every election we have dozens of sure losers who throw their hat in the ring. There must be a monetary reason for doing it.
If nothing else these candidates can provide lifetime good paying jobs for their family managing the left over campaign funds. This is one area we the people know nothing about. Why?
If nothing else these candidates can provide lifetime good paying jobs for their family managing the left over campaign funds. This is one area we the people know nothing about. Why?
The quote by Bramnick "Running for president is really, really hard..." is priceless. I think I'll tell my boss that my job is really, really hard and maybe I will just stay away from the office. I wonder how that will go over...
133
He is, literally, phoning it in.
4
Silver lining. He's neither going to become the president (won't even get the GOP nominee), and he's lost all credibility in NJ. Win/Win. Just have to put up with his nonsense for the rest of his term and the world is rid of him. Well he can go and practice at some firm, who cares about that, but he'll be gone from the public eye forever. Unless he's dumb enough to run for governor or president again...
6
To quote another New Jerseyite: "Whacha gonna do? Ya gotta take da good widda bad." To which his mother might have replied: " I have my ways."
Further proof that politicians - ALL politicians - should have to forfeit their current government position if they decide to run for president.
200
Totally agree. Running for president should be a privilege, not a right. A law should be written to allow for a Governor-Alternate or Senator-Alternate. If they wish to run, they should step down and the Alternate takes over for the remainder of the term.
The people of NJ knew full well that he planned to run, and we reelected him anyway.
We did it to ourselves.
We did it to ourselves.
Although his campaigning for president has kept him traveling and out of the state of New Jersey, it may be a blessing. Hopefully, he is too distracted to do more harm. His state is falling apart while he has been absent 72% of the time. He is being paid to do the job of being governor. Reduce his salary or get rid of him. On second thought please stay away from NJ just not in the White House.
3
That so many have and are taking this guy seriously is seriously sad. That he was able to hornschoggle so many NJ Democrats into voting for him was seriously sad. That the NJ legislature cooperated with him has been a disaster and very sad. Wake up people.
The good news is that he will never be president and anyone with functional intelligence knows it. The only question is how long will it take for Crispy to figure it out.
The good news is that he will never be president and anyone with functional intelligence knows it. The only question is how long will it take for Crispy to figure it out.
6
And then there's his complete idiocy and obvious NRA campaign donation: Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday nixed a bill that would have barred carjackers or anyone convicted of gang activity or terroristic threats from owning or purchasing a firearm in New Jersey.
Christie, who's seeking the Republican nomination for president, failed to act on the bill (A4182) by its end-of-legislative session deadline, effectively killing a measure that received overwhelming bipartisan support in the state Legislature.
Christie, who's seeking the Republican nomination for president, failed to act on the bill (A4182) by its end-of-legislative session deadline, effectively killing a measure that received overwhelming bipartisan support in the state Legislature.
12
"Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday nixed a bill that would have barred carjackers or anyone convicted of gang activity or terroristic threats from owning or purchasing a firearm in New Jersey."
Perhaps because like banning people on the no fly list he realizes that we cannot and should not ban a person from a constitutional right without a conviction of a felony?
What is wrong with people today that they are willing to chuck the constitution's protections?
Perhaps because like banning people on the no fly list he realizes that we cannot and should not ban a person from a constitutional right without a conviction of a felony?
What is wrong with people today that they are willing to chuck the constitution's protections?
If the storm and flood-tides warrant a presidential visit, Christy doesn't want to be seen schmoozing with him so he's safer in New Hampshire.
6
Give it up, spend more time with your family, if you're justing phoning it in on both roles.
1
When Christie ran for his 2nd term he wanted to be reelected by acclimation and Sandy aid was the carrot and bridgegate the stick. He cannot run for a 3rd term so he has lost interest in New Jersey which is extremely unlikely to elect Christie to anything. No one likes a nasty bully who is greedy and wrings every perk possible out of elective office and more at taxpayer expense. When he traveled it was limos and filet minion and luxury suites all the way. This man has convinced himself that he should be president but few except Gov. Snyder has done more damage to the public which elected them by lies, obfuscation and open contempt for their welfare and by confusing conservatism with good government when they are poles apart. On the other hand he is a member of a party which has run off the rails and heading for a monumental train wreck of their own making, so he fits right in.
7
Jersey, Smersey. Presidency or bust!
Someone please ask him, and get on the record, what were his accomplishments as governor.
3
Reminiscent of Senator Clinton's minimal legislative role during her campaign in 2008. She got a good reception upon her eventual return to the Senate - we'll see if Governor Christie gets the same in Trenton.
Scratch the bluster, find the bully.
True of Christie, true of Trump, and Cruz.
Apparently that is what passes for leadership (and apparently "manly" men, models of masculinity) on the right these days.
True of Christie, true of Trump, and Cruz.
Apparently that is what passes for leadership (and apparently "manly" men, models of masculinity) on the right these days.
5
Our loss is NJs good fortune.
1
And yet, Chris Christie freely uses "New Jersey" in his campaign speeches and debates, as if his governorship qualifies him for the White House, while he shirks his job duties, has low approval numbers, and fails to work constructively with the state legislature.
4
Mr. Christie has a lot of bridges to cross before coming home to resign. He also has to prepare for upcoming trials of associates and he runs for the republicans with the hope of finishing 4th, 5th...
1
I've only seen Christie once, on December 26, 2010, when I boarded a plane to Florida when the snow was falling for what was predicted to be a major snowstorm for the State. There he was, with his entire family, smiling from ear to ear, as he abandoned the constituents for his time in the sun. I believe that was the last plane to leave Newark Airport (and in hindsight, we all know why), but I'll never forget how happy he looked. He didn't care about New Jersey then, and he doesn't now. Nothing has changed!
12
Congratulations NJ YOU VOTED for HIM twice...now enjoy
4
I voted against him twice. If I could have choked back the vomit to do so, I would even have declared myself a Republican so I could vote against him in the uncontested primary in 2013.
I love how they say he passed legislation 'by the force of his personality." Uh, no - he just lied over and over again.
5
Whether it is Feb. 2, Feb. 10, or Feb. 21 when Christie finally quits his run for the nomination, the people of New Jersey will soon have their lovely Governor back in the state full time. I can't imagine him placing above 4th place in any of the initial contests.
What I can't understand is how the people of NJ re-elected and did not instead eject Christie from the Governor's mansion in 2013. His demeanor and actions resemble those of a corrupt bully. But I guess the people of New Jersey are finally on to that since a recent Rutgers poll shows that only one in three approve of him.
What I can't understand is how the people of NJ re-elected and did not instead eject Christie from the Governor's mansion in 2013. His demeanor and actions resemble those of a corrupt bully. But I guess the people of New Jersey are finally on to that since a recent Rutgers poll shows that only one in three approve of him.
3
Christie's actions have always been focused on the presidency. Even his famous embrace of Obama during Sandy was a way to undercut Mitt Romney, who if elected president would have cut Christie out of a presidential run. LIke most bullies, he can think only of himself, as in bridgegate.
6
If I lived in New Jersey (which I wouldn't), I'd be grateful for every day Christie was absent from the state. Where's the gratitude?
6
While he's had plenty of setbacks, he has successfully pushed back on the unions and pensions, forced more responsibility on towns and school districts (for school budgets / taxes), and done much in the way of balancing budgets.
He has been the most accessible governor the State has ever had, debating honestly in town halls and telling it like it is. While some disliked the tone, especially when idiots emerged or those with an "agenda" attacked, most appreciated hearing the truth -- i.e., "folk's we're broke".
Critics forget, NJ has the most corrupt, over-legislated, over-regulated, oppressive, anti-small business, nanny-State government in the country. The only thing it does well is collect taxes. While negatives certainly persist, there is no one else who could have navigated this political swamp-land to get us this us far. Prior to him, the trajectory of this State was abysmal, in short, sell your home and retire elsewhere because you can't afford to stay. Give him some credit.
He has been the most accessible governor the State has ever had, debating honestly in town halls and telling it like it is. While some disliked the tone, especially when idiots emerged or those with an "agenda" attacked, most appreciated hearing the truth -- i.e., "folk's we're broke".
Critics forget, NJ has the most corrupt, over-legislated, over-regulated, oppressive, anti-small business, nanny-State government in the country. The only thing it does well is collect taxes. While negatives certainly persist, there is no one else who could have navigated this political swamp-land to get us this us far. Prior to him, the trajectory of this State was abysmal, in short, sell your home and retire elsewhere because you can't afford to stay. Give him some credit.
What he is doing should be illegal. He is collecting a paycheck for not doing a job. Serving as the Governor of New Jersey is not a "no show" job. This dude needs to go.
19
Odd hearing that the other party (democrats) are an obstacle to a Governor who supposedly was objective and acting in the people's best interests. While the rest of the country had a laugh and remembered the sound bites of Christie telling people to shut up and sit down, we citizens of New Jersey had to put up with him as Governor. Where was Christie's cooperative side when after winning the liability stage of a lawsuit against Exxon capitulated and gave the store away and brought his people in from whatever rock they were under and settled for pennies on the dollar (about 3 pennies to the dollar to be exact). Where was Christie's cooperative side when several of Wolf Samson represented corporations got sweetheart deals with the state. Guadagno is doing a better job than Christie ever did, even with her hands tied. To all those readers from outside the state of New Jersey please note the negative comments on this page and from where those commentators originate from, don't let what happened to New Jersey happen to the rest of the country.
8
"To all those readers from outside the state of New Jersey please note the negative comments on this page and from where those commentators originate from, don't let what happened to New Jersey happen to the rest of the country."
To do that we'd have to ban people from New Jersey from settling here. Unfortunately they are and they are trying to do the same things to us that ruined New Jersey.
To do that we'd have to ban people from New Jersey from settling here. Unfortunately they are and they are trying to do the same things to us that ruined New Jersey.
The state is in better shape with the Governor out of it.
8
Soo, many citizens of NJ have buyer's remorse about Christie, but many of us, from the beginning, saw that his boorishness was not a indicator of his ability to lead, but rather just an indicator of his tendency to be a bully. It's too glib to say that NJ is better off without him in it, but sadly, it's true. He's not a nice man or a competent governor. Blaming teachers for the economic straits the state is in, blaming Democrats for his inability to legislate (what happened to the guy who bragged he could work both sides of the aisle), failing to capture educational grants for the state by blaming the application forms for being too complicated, cancelling the midtown train tunnel by lying that NJ would have to foot the majority of the bill, all typify Christie's style of governing. It's never his fault, it's always someone else's. Who is to blame for the downgrading of the state's bonds?
A failed bully who happened to be lucky enough to get elected, make himself into a YouTube star to the same kind uninformed voter who thinks the Donald is the second coming, is running for the position of the Leader of the free world.
Buyer beware.
A failed bully who happened to be lucky enough to get elected, make himself into a YouTube star to the same kind uninformed voter who thinks the Donald is the second coming, is running for the position of the Leader of the free world.
Buyer beware.
15
Chris Christie is the type of sociopathically ambitious politician who sees all jobs as a mere steppingstone to the next rung up the ladder. The thought of doing a good job in office for the people who elected him has never occurred to him. It hardly matters that he couldn't get elected dog catcher in New Jersey because he's now running for President.
10
As a former NJ resident, I paid exorbitant taxes and watched as this governor shifted money around and cooked the books. I can tell you that I did not know one person who had lost their home or declared bankruptcy prior to moving there in 1999, when I left in 2014, I knew more than ten. People lost their jobs, their homes and some people who lost everything in Sandy are still waiting. I sold my home that year and found out that the governor had basically stolen all the money from the oil tank fund, meant to reimburse homeowners who had to dig up their oil tanks in order to sell their homes, to balance a budget that was as phony as he is. As for Kim Guadagno, has she ever given an interview? Did anyone vote for her? The worst governor ever, will never get to be president and I resent that my taxes paid for this gadfly governor to glad-hand around the country while his state rots. NJ has a well-deserved reputation as the cesspool across from NYC. What a sad state! A bloated governor who doesn't even pretend to govern, unless he is standing in front of a microphone talking about himself. Even Donald Trump has better bonafides than him. The blowhard governor, who scolds reporters who ask legitimate questions, is a disgrace!
16
I heard her once on The Brian Lehrer Show. She carries water for Christie.
Yes, Christie has abandoned his post to pursue his own ambitions. Good! He is doing less damage at home this way. I only regret that the citizens of NJ who did not vote for this self-serving bully have had to suffer his abuses of office. They deserved better.
7
Not surprised. Only thing he does is run his big mouth.
11
Next up: "Governor" Christie flies over the soon-to-be-flooded again Jersey shore in a 747 and tells the de-facto governor, "You're doing a heckuva job, Kimmy." If Jon Corzine had behaved like this, NJ 101.5 and right wing hate radio would be screaming for his impeachment. I trust my fellow New Jerseyans are pleased with this disaster they voted into office, twice.
6
Waiting for Mr. New Jersey Republican, Richard Luetgen (sp?) to tell us all what a great governor and big improvement over Jon Corzine his hero, Chris Christie, has been.
4
Me, too. I come here for the comments. I look at the titles pick something to read the comments about. I usually lose interest in the article after the first paragraph.
I'll go back to the article only to find some pertinent reference a commenter made.
My behavior is actually the reverse of my norm. Usually, I have a favorite radio personality, talk show host, or columnist and become quite annoyed (to the point of turning down the sound on a radio show for example), if Joe Blow from Nowhere calls in to give his opinion. "I don't care about your stupid opinion, Joe Blow," I mutter to myself. "I tuned in to hear so and so!".
I'll go back to the article only to find some pertinent reference a commenter made.
My behavior is actually the reverse of my norm. Usually, I have a favorite radio personality, talk show host, or columnist and become quite annoyed (to the point of turning down the sound on a radio show for example), if Joe Blow from Nowhere calls in to give his opinion. "I don't care about your stupid opinion, Joe Blow," I mutter to myself. "I tuned in to hear so and so!".
I feel the same as the commentator below: I don't read the NYT's articles on these politicians anymore because, it's the "same old, same old". Frankly, the comments are more interesting, and, I'd really like to read SOMETHING about Bernie Sanders.
5
I flew into Newark at 7 am a couple of days ago. Out of curiosity I took the new airtrain-railink-NJ transit route instead of the bus. As I half expected hardly anyone else used it and it was awful. The NJ transit train was dingy, infrequent, slow, and packed solid. I'm sure those miserable commuters I saw are not Christie fans. It was him who vetoed the new rail tunnel that would have eliminated the bottleneck.
11
Hardly anyone used the train and yet it was packed solid ? I'm conflicted by that statement.
Hardly anyone from the airport took the train. It was packed with commuters who got on elsewhere.
Which means that the money spent on the airtrain link was a total loss. If the new tunnel is ever built the wretched NJ transit will be helped to its feet and the link will work. As it is now it is easy to understand why most of the trains don't stop there.
1
As a New Jersey resident I find this man appalling and insulting. New Jersey, a money state, one of the wealthiest in the nation, struggles economically. Our recovery has been slow and tedious, and we are by no means out of the woods. Real estate values are still in most cases pre-2008 crash, whereas neighboring states like Pennsylvania and New York enjoy not only recovery but healthy appreciation. Job growth, as I just heard on public radio this morning, is finally taking root (5000 private sector jobs per month) but is only half of New York City's job growth (10,000 per month), which is dismal when we consider the state of New Jersey is 9 million+ compared to New York City's 7 million residents.
No, Governor Christie is a true backroom politician, in the mold of Willie Stark from the classic film "All the King's Men." His speed-legislation signing, only furthers this impression. To come into our state, for the sole purpose of signing off on measures without public discussion, is deplorable. I just found out I'll be paying child support for an additional year, one of dozens of bills he signed before heading back to his 'home state' of New Hampshire. Yes, the age of emancipation has just been moved to 19 years of age, all courtesy of the egomaniac in the shiny "Tell It Like It Is' Bus.
I never voted for Christie. Not in 2009 or 2013. His re-election is what has cemented the audacity he so freely wields today. He is now at 31% approval rating, a historic low in NJ.
No, Governor Christie is a true backroom politician, in the mold of Willie Stark from the classic film "All the King's Men." His speed-legislation signing, only furthers this impression. To come into our state, for the sole purpose of signing off on measures without public discussion, is deplorable. I just found out I'll be paying child support for an additional year, one of dozens of bills he signed before heading back to his 'home state' of New Hampshire. Yes, the age of emancipation has just been moved to 19 years of age, all courtesy of the egomaniac in the shiny "Tell It Like It Is' Bus.
I never voted for Christie. Not in 2009 or 2013. His re-election is what has cemented the audacity he so freely wields today. He is now at 31% approval rating, a historic low in NJ.
15
How many opportunities has New Jersey lost due to the "lack of focus" exhibited by Chris Christie?
The latest botch is that NJ was awarded a pittance to build flood resiliency compared to NYC. Apparently the application was lacking. Much like the botched Federal school funding application when Christie began his term. Then there was the deliberate demolition of the ARC Tunnel to the tune of $1.2 billion down the drain. http://www.northjersey.com/news/1-2b-for-what-much-of-the-cash-spent-on-...
And his ravaging of the decade long court decision to clean up and make amends for Exxons reckless, unconscionable poisoning of fragile wetlands. Christie, in his infinite wisdom, unilaterally decided to return 97% of the penalty back into Exxon's pocket. Guess he expected some handsome campaign contributions from his Big Oil buddies, so the health of NJ residents is expendable.
With a record like Chris Chrisite's, the less we see of Chris Christie, the better.
The latest botch is that NJ was awarded a pittance to build flood resiliency compared to NYC. Apparently the application was lacking. Much like the botched Federal school funding application when Christie began his term. Then there was the deliberate demolition of the ARC Tunnel to the tune of $1.2 billion down the drain. http://www.northjersey.com/news/1-2b-for-what-much-of-the-cash-spent-on-...
And his ravaging of the decade long court decision to clean up and make amends for Exxons reckless, unconscionable poisoning of fragile wetlands. Christie, in his infinite wisdom, unilaterally decided to return 97% of the penalty back into Exxon's pocket. Guess he expected some handsome campaign contributions from his Big Oil buddies, so the health of NJ residents is expendable.
With a record like Chris Chrisite's, the less we see of Chris Christie, the better.
12
There is not a man that deserves to be further from public office.
12
“Running for president is really, really hard, and somebody’s got to do it,” he said. “We’ve got a governor from New Jersey who’s willing to do that, and I think that is something we should respect.”
Maybe if he actually ran his state and not left everything to his aides, Christie might have garnered the respect he had failed to attain from teh people of New Jersey. Sounds like Jersey has another GOP hypocritical opportunist embracing the Sarah Palin ways of governing.
Maybe if he actually ran his state and not left everything to his aides, Christie might have garnered the respect he had failed to attain from teh people of New Jersey. Sounds like Jersey has another GOP hypocritical opportunist embracing the Sarah Palin ways of governing.
3
There's a chance New Jersey will this weekend experience it's worst coastal flooding since Super Storm Sandy,but Christie's staying New Hampshire.Maybe since other GOP candidates give him a hard time over President Obama's post Sandy visit -including showing it in ads-Christie's avoiding risking a repeat...
2
There are many wonderful bed and breakfast places in New Hampshire.
Yes, Mr. Bramnick, you are correct. If Chris Christie doesn't run for president, no one else will. He is our only hope.
So Christie is the boss in NJ. Well, well, well. Everybody knows that when the "boss" (in any organization) is playing hooky too long the respect and following his/her orders is out the window. Such a person should resign (or get fired). Christie is way past that point and has become wasted space. Time for tar and feathers.
6
Having worked in executive responsibility in several levels of organization - including government - people expected me to be on the job - not phoning it in...it's comparable to a coach managing a game from his living room recliner. Maybe during Sandy he just should have gone to New Hampshire. Maybe Eisenhower should have spent D-Day in New York...on and on - want to run for president - resign and go campaign. I personally don't care if he ever comes back to New Jersey.
3
The higher they rise the harder they fall. New Jersey residents should be happy their megalomaniacal governor is too busy trying to become president to bother with state business. When he fails in his run for the Republican nomination, which he surely will, he will be a "has-been" in New Jersey as well.
If we could only convince the Republican governor of Illinois to run for president, maybe we might then have a functioning state government.
If we could only convince the Republican governor of Illinois to run for president, maybe we might then have a functioning state government.
1
He won't ever be president (not that some equally thuggish, but infinitely more polished and lavishly-funded Republican won't pull off precisely that coup sooner or later, if not in 2016 then some other year).
Nonetheless he will enjoy the benefits of collusion, corruption and privilege for the rest of his life. Men like Christie (and Snyder and Brownback and Walker and Scott and Rauner, et al, ad nauseam) rarely pay even a very small price for the truly unconscionable harm they do to the rest of us, to the poor old nation and its people.
Meanwhile, as a failed Republican governor whose malice and incoherence have dominated New Jersey politics for years, he continues to live a life privileged by corruption, access, and an infinite willingness to do the bidding of the very, very rich.
This includes following the blueprint of the dominant John Birchite wing of the Republican Party down to the last iota: union-busting, infrastructure-neglecting, civil rights-eroding, environment-killing, gun-protecting, race-baiting, woman-bashing, deregulating, tax-slashing, smearing, sliming, raging--doing whatever it takes, in short, to shift the burdens and injustices of governance to the fragile backs of the poorest and least influential citizens while shifting the benefits of government into the offshore accounts of the wealthiest few.
Nonetheless he will enjoy the benefits of collusion, corruption and privilege for the rest of his life. Men like Christie (and Snyder and Brownback and Walker and Scott and Rauner, et al, ad nauseam) rarely pay even a very small price for the truly unconscionable harm they do to the rest of us, to the poor old nation and its people.
Meanwhile, as a failed Republican governor whose malice and incoherence have dominated New Jersey politics for years, he continues to live a life privileged by corruption, access, and an infinite willingness to do the bidding of the very, very rich.
This includes following the blueprint of the dominant John Birchite wing of the Republican Party down to the last iota: union-busting, infrastructure-neglecting, civil rights-eroding, environment-killing, gun-protecting, race-baiting, woman-bashing, deregulating, tax-slashing, smearing, sliming, raging--doing whatever it takes, in short, to shift the burdens and injustices of governance to the fragile backs of the poorest and least influential citizens while shifting the benefits of government into the offshore accounts of the wealthiest few.
4
Since the day he allowed his closest advisors prevent people from getting to their jobs and children to their schools (bridgegate), he has done nothing for New Jersey. He constantly complains about how bad teachers get paid for not doing the work; I assume Mr. Christie will be paying back New Jersey his salary for the past several years.
1
He's the same Christie he was in 2010. Bloviating, hypocritical, mean-spirited, self-absorbed. Many of us saw it then, but for some reason it took until about 15 minutes after he was re-elected for it to become conventional wisdom. Discontent on the ground was strong even then, though, and if not for the potent poison we know as voter apathy, we could have been rid of this leviathan of incompetence by now. Instead, here we sit watching the clock until it's time for him to bellow goodbye.
4
It should be illegal to pursue another political office while holding office.
What would happen to the average tax payer if they took 191 days off work to look for another job? We already know what happens to minimum wage earners if they miss even one day or shift - they tend to get fired.
What would happen to the average tax payer if they took 191 days off work to look for another job? We already know what happens to minimum wage earners if they miss even one day or shift - they tend to get fired.
2
Such venomous bile being expressed (once again) about Christie by the NYT. Is this really "all the news that's fit to print"? Or just more catnip for the Christie haters (see the other readers' comments) in time for the upcoming NH election?
This type of nasty divisiveness is why people like Trump and Sanders are doing well, and it's sad to see the NYT avidly participating in the same hate-mongering against those on their "enemies list, on which Christie is clearly highly placed. But I suppose it sells papers, making the NYT more money (if not more honour).....
This type of nasty divisiveness is why people like Trump and Sanders are doing well, and it's sad to see the NYT avidly participating in the same hate-mongering against those on their "enemies list, on which Christie is clearly highly placed. But I suppose it sells papers, making the NYT more money (if not more honour).....
1
So, Jack, according to you Christie is the standard by which you want to be governed (in the state 191/365 days last year), and those mean nasty people at NYT and the commenters are all just wrong?? Maybe you should move your family to Flint Michigan and enjoy the life dealt out by the GOP Governor, No?
Of course he won't resign. Who would pay for his security detail on the campaign trail if he was no longer governor?
2
One is reminded of Aesop's fable about the dog who drops the bone he has in his mouth trying to grab its reflection in a stream. To quote Lydgate, "Who all coveteth, oft he loseth all."
5
True, but the good news is that traffic conditions have improved.
2
I am relaxed with one thisn is that Christy will never be POTUS. I wil be happy once he looses NJ governorship as well.
He has been shame to all the people of NJ and to USA by not collaborating with neighboring state, excluding corruption. He has hurt economy of USA by denying the tunnel.
He needs to go home and start learning from basic first.
Look at recent report on NJ Transit, highest fare but worst service. This all is under his leadership.
He keep taxes low but has increased government service fees to compensate, which are in turn a regressive tax on poor.
He has been shame to all the people of NJ and to USA by not collaborating with neighboring state, excluding corruption. He has hurt economy of USA by denying the tunnel.
He needs to go home and start learning from basic first.
Look at recent report on NJ Transit, highest fare but worst service. This all is under his leadership.
He keep taxes low but has increased government service fees to compensate, which are in turn a regressive tax on poor.
7
NJ law requires he serve one year of his elected term before a recall petition can be filed and in NJ to get a recall election requires 25% of all registered voters (you can barely get that many to vote). If not for those two requirements Christie would be out of office. I say this as a former 25 year resident of NJ.
4
The latest news is that New Jersey lost out on money for storm protection due to a weak application. Christie doesn't want to raise revenues for infrastructure spending so NJ loses out.
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/01/did_weak_application_cost_n...
Christie previously used Port Authority money for the Pulaski Skyway, which is clearly a misuse.
Christie also was able to bail out Bayonne with Port Authority money.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/09/nyregion/port-authority-land-purchase-...
Christie doesn't want to be remembered for accomplishing anything in New Jersey.
If he wanted to fix the pension system, he'd move younger state employees to 401ks, like every corporation has done. Public employees would gripe, but they should realize that no one in the private sector has pensions anymore.
If he wanted to fix infrastructure and earn matching grant money, he'd raise the gas tax and allow self service in New Jersey. New Jersey needs to fix the Portal Bridge and replace the Amtrak tunnel to New York.
The sooner he loses and drops out the better for New Jersey.
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/01/did_weak_application_cost_n...
Christie previously used Port Authority money for the Pulaski Skyway, which is clearly a misuse.
Christie also was able to bail out Bayonne with Port Authority money.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/09/nyregion/port-authority-land-purchase-...
Christie doesn't want to be remembered for accomplishing anything in New Jersey.
If he wanted to fix the pension system, he'd move younger state employees to 401ks, like every corporation has done. Public employees would gripe, but they should realize that no one in the private sector has pensions anymore.
If he wanted to fix infrastructure and earn matching grant money, he'd raise the gas tax and allow self service in New Jersey. New Jersey needs to fix the Portal Bridge and replace the Amtrak tunnel to New York.
The sooner he loses and drops out the better for New Jersey.
15
New Jersey undercuts gas tax revenue from all of the surrounding states.
Some times it is interesting to see the link between TV series and reality. Chris Christie it is the classic soprano of New Jersey. Incompetent and corrupt. Not worth it my time to elaborate more.
6
Must be real nice to have a job you can skip out on for 191 days a year and still get full pay.
12
I never, ever wished to live in New Jersey in the past, and with this guy as the head of the state I'm glad I adhered to my plan!
10
It would be a measure of his failure as an executive if Christie were to fail to carry his own state in the election. It seems likely to happen, if the comments here are any indication.
Perhaps the folks in NJ realize that they made a mistake.
Perhaps the folks in NJ realize that they made a mistake.
6
I'm originally from New Jersey and I've talked to people in New Jersey about why they voted for Christie. Many said that they liked him (before the bridge scandal) because they were impressed with his tough talk and that he didn’t take any crap from anyone. Well, I guess by now, they realize that there are more qualities than just talking tough involved in the governor's job. Why people are so impressed by this Dirty Harry syndrome is beyond me. We are seeing the very same thing play out in Trump's campaign right now. Many people can't see beyond a candidate’s persona and think everything else will just fall into place. It's insane for anyone to believe that tough-talking, hands-on, and in-charge Christie would not be involved in or know anything about his staff's activities regarding the George Washington Bridge scandal. I guess this is what you deserve when you vote for Dirty Harry, not just once, but twice.
271
Same qualities people seem to like in Trump- tough talk. Christie is just another GOP know nothing that talks tough but has nothing else to offer.
Too bad easily fooled people seem to be in abundant supply in NJ as well as the rest of the country. As Lincoln said, you can fool some of the people- all of the time.
Too bad easily fooled people seem to be in abundant supply in NJ as well as the rest of the country. As Lincoln said, you can fool some of the people- all of the time.
2
Crass rudeness passes for blunt honesty these days. Sad and bad.
"Walk softly and carry a big stick. You'll go far."---Teddy Roosevelt
That quote goes through my mind every time I hear our Governor's words. The "noise" covers up the lack of action and body of work. You don't need to talk to accomplish.
That quote goes through my mind every time I hear our Governor's words. The "noise" covers up the lack of action and body of work. You don't need to talk to accomplish.
There is not an ounce of public service in this man's sorry career. To have used the people of his state to prove to the party of "no" that he is anti gun control, anti-taxation and whatever else he thinks they want him to be is an affront to his constituents and their children. This campaign to nowhere has exposed the emperor's new clothes as we consider that he and his cronies have misapplied resources, created havoc with school budgets and taken every opportunity to bully the press for political theatre. After wasting taxpayer money on this ego trip, he may he land his dream job working for Faux news as another voice for the mean and unbalanced- but at least my friends in New Jersey will have the opportunity to elect someone willing to do the people's work.
235
Nah, he won't be on Faux Broadcasting. He'll go straight into the loving arms of Mika and Joe. He'll become a celebrity pundit doing the 'right' point of view.
Man. That's the job I want. Being a pundit on 24/7 cable. Getting paid big bucks to spout off. Have your make-up, hair done, limos pick you up and whisk you here and there. Just for blowing steam.
Yep. That's where Christie is headed. I truly feel sorry for the people of NJ because we have a best bro Republican governor up here in Maine and they are two peas in a pod. Complete bullies who care nothing except their own big ego and serving the Tea Party.
Man. That's the job I want. Being a pundit on 24/7 cable. Getting paid big bucks to spout off. Have your make-up, hair done, limos pick you up and whisk you here and there. Just for blowing steam.
Yep. That's where Christie is headed. I truly feel sorry for the people of NJ because we have a best bro Republican governor up here in Maine and they are two peas in a pod. Complete bullies who care nothing except their own big ego and serving the Tea Party.
2
Still no State of Emergency declared in NJ for the storm, despite blizzard warnings covering half of the state and towns up and down the coast plowing up new sand berms. That's all you need to know about our absentee potentate.
205
- NJ has one of the highest unemployment rates in the US
- NJ has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the US
- Companies are leaving the state in droves taking jobs with them while those that stay are only here because they threaten the state to leave and are rewarded with huge tax incentives.
- My property taxes in Passaic County have gone from 7.5k in 2008 to almost 10k today.
And this man wants to run the country?
- NJ has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the US
- Companies are leaving the state in droves taking jobs with them while those that stay are only here because they threaten the state to leave and are rewarded with huge tax incentives.
- My property taxes in Passaic County have gone from 7.5k in 2008 to almost 10k today.
And this man wants to run the country?
326
Chris Christie is walking and talking proof that people vote for all the wrong reasons. His popularity was as a tough guy who would crack down on corruption and stand up to the unions to save NJ taxpayers money. What they got was an extreme conservative in a blue state who destroyed the economy of NJ with his sole focus on tax cuts. Taxes have been stabilized but at the cost of a decline in the quality of life. Meanwhile The NJ infrastructure has been badly neglected and will need the next governor to correct. What people were blind to is the danger of electing someone who does not really believe in government. Republicans like him are usually very bad at governing. What they do instead is rule. No compromise, little if any progress. So the state regresses. But many of his supporters liked voting for the tough guy who would fight for them. I am sure they go to bed at night happy that "one of theirs" is in charge even as his actions have worsened their lives. And that is a very big problem for America. People vote for all the wrong reasons and need to be punished a lot more before they wake up to it. A lot more.
No worries, he has NO CHANCE!
It seems unfair to blame Christie for all you've complained about. All of them have been there for years. It's why I left in 1979 after living there for less than four years.
I was fortunate to finally a home in South Jersey where I bought a home four years ago for my mother in law to be cared for. $6800 a year for nothing and a 20% loss in value in the sale.
We picked up 6000 employees here with corporations leaving the state. Christie can never fix New Jersey's problems nor can anyone else.
By the way, my ancestor Garret Demarest left the state in 1865 for the same reasons.
I was fortunate to finally a home in South Jersey where I bought a home four years ago for my mother in law to be cared for. $6800 a year for nothing and a 20% loss in value in the sale.
We picked up 6000 employees here with corporations leaving the state. Christie can never fix New Jersey's problems nor can anyone else.
By the way, my ancestor Garret Demarest left the state in 1865 for the same reasons.
And this at a time when New Jersey, like Illinois, is not bankrupt only because we say we're not. This sad fact can't help but damage Christie in the primary slog when pointed out by his adversaries.
9
Christie will never win another elected office after this, and he knows it. New Jersey, sadly, deserves this combination of neglect and corruption for voting him in. The rest of us do not.
9
As a fiscal conservative, I am sure he'll agree that his salary should be cut some 90%.
16
Christie will be back running for President every 4 years like Pataki and that weirdo from Pennsylvania. Why? They know they have no chance on earth, of course. But campaign laws allow them to use donated funds for personal pleasure, and there will always be businesses that hope some donation will get them another connection to more money. We will suffer this endlessly, while newspapers report on their poll numbers and how they can find a pathway to power.
5
Christie not being "at home" is a big win for NJ, just ask NJ residents.
7
The anger my fellow citizens and I feel toward Christie is palpable. He has abandoned the state almost completely and he makes it quite clear he does not care what happens in NJ. He comes back for 1 day, vetoes a bunch of bills (including bills containing revisions HE had suggested) with little or no explanation of why, other than some of them were "stupid" -- and then it is off to New Hampshire again. Now we are expecting a blizzard in most of the state, and our shoreline is once again threatened with flooding that may approach levels seen during Sandy. It's not like we expect him to get out and shovel with us. It's that we expect him to act like a leader, be present with us, and show us that our problems matter to him. The anger currently being spewed at Christie's announcement that he would "actively monitor" the storm from New Hampshire is justified, in my opinion. He and his ego are chasing an impossible dream to become President, while the State that elected him Governor can apparently go to Hades, for all he cares. http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/01/christie_continues_to_activ...
23
I would feel sorry for New Jerseyans were this only Christie's first term as governor. However, you all voted for him twice!
1
Where on earth did you get the idea that "we all" voted for him twice? I certainly did not vote for him even once.
2
P.S. Any time you would like to explain how Andrew Cuomo got re-elected, I will be all ears.
2
Christie shouldn't even have gotten to where he is at all. All but forgotten is that he won his first small local position by putting out a totally false attack ad against his opponent (and the family!) that he was later sued for and settled out of court. He was only appointed U.S. Attorney in NJ after being a "bundler" for donations to the George "W" Bush campaign. If ever there was an example of someone unsuited to his office and unfit for any public office, it's this loudmouth.
Does anyone recall when he actually said that people in the south would've preferred to VOTE on the Civil Right Act? This is a LAWYER...stating that a law clarifying a Constitutional RIGHT should've been VOTED on. Umm...they're called RIGHTS, dude...you don't VOTE on them. They're in the Constitution.
Does anyone recall when he actually said that people in the south would've preferred to VOTE on the Civil Right Act? This is a LAWYER...stating that a law clarifying a Constitutional RIGHT should've been VOTED on. Umm...they're called RIGHTS, dude...you don't VOTE on them. They're in the Constitution.
17
" This is a LAWYER...stating that a law clarifying a Constitutional RIGHT should've been VOTED on. Umm...they're called RIGHTS, dude...you don't VOTE on them. They're in the Constitution."
So is the 2nd Amendment yet New Jersey is one of if not the most difficult state to exercise that right, to be arms un-infringed. Maybe the people of New Jersey should get a vote on that right?
So is the 2nd Amendment yet New Jersey is one of if not the most difficult state to exercise that right, to be arms un-infringed. Maybe the people of New Jersey should get a vote on that right?
What an arrogant person. 'Building Bridges Across America' should be his motto. Worst I've seen in my 65 years.
5
I suggest Building Bridges Across America While Burning Them At Home.
2
Don't you mean "Blocking Bridges Across America"?
2
How typical of Governor Christie that he is once again AWOL from New Jersey in the face of a huge, perhaps unprecedented blizzard which poses a major threat to the entire vulnerable Jersey shore area. Many have forgotten that the year prior to Hurricane Sandy, this governor was too busy vacationing in Florida to return when his state was hammered by Hurricane Irene. His much-touted "Lieutenant Governor" was also out of the state then. Governor Christie is a bombastic, arrogant, foul-mouthed man with massive hubris, and he has no interest in serving the lives and well-being of his state's residents. No one in New Jersey wants him; and I can only hope that his outsized ambitions, not to mention still-pending major legal issues, will finally reduce him to dust bin of political wanna-be's. His terrible and destructive stewardship of New Jersey should be a warning to anyone who thinks he is capable of piloting the ship of state.
17
He's wasting his time. He'll never be President and will never be re-elected as Governor. His political career is over. He'll be relegated to making millions lobbying or lawyering.
5
As Governor Christie's State prepares to be overwhelmed by an impending snowstorm - there was a news item on the radio this morning reporting that he has no intention of abandoning the campaign trail in New Hampshire over the weekend -- while leaving the business of state-wide emergency management to the Lieutenant Governor...
Chris Christie is like the guy who takes a date to a party - but once there, he sees someone else whom he finds more attractive and alluring - and spends the rest of the evening chatting up that person - while ignoring the date he brought to the party...
Chris Christie is like the guy who takes a date to a party - but once there, he sees someone else whom he finds more attractive and alluring - and spends the rest of the evening chatting up that person - while ignoring the date he brought to the party...
9
"Mr. Christie spent 191 days entirely outside New Jersey last year, and since 2016 began, he has held only two public events in the state: his annual State of the State address, and a joint appearance with legislative leaders to unveil an agreement on casino regulation."
If Christie were an employee of any private firm, he would be long fired.
The New Jersey constituents are not paying Christie's salary for running for president; they are paying for his job as a governor. If Christie is unwilling to perform his role in New Jersey, he should. sat the minimum, return the money he is earning to the New Jersey taxpayers.
If Christie were an employee of any private firm, he would be long fired.
The New Jersey constituents are not paying Christie's salary for running for president; they are paying for his job as a governor. If Christie is unwilling to perform his role in New Jersey, he should. sat the minimum, return the money he is earning to the New Jersey taxpayers.
22
"Running for president is really, really hard, and somebody’s got to do it...”
Really? Christie already -has- a job. Using the Governor's own words, "Dude, show up to work".
Really? Christie already -has- a job. Using the Governor's own words, "Dude, show up to work".
48
I love this absurd sentence from the story: "When he has issued executive orders, it has most often been to lower the state flag in honor of someone’s death." It seems mean-spirited to honor someone's death (quite so publicly). But in the spirit of meanness Mr. Christie has demonstrated from the Hudson to the Delaware, I believe we should raise the state flag twice: first in honor of the governor's exceedingly rare presence in the state he was elected "to serve" and second in honor of his impending invisibility in the nation he will not be elected "to serve." It's always been about Christie for Christie. Or, as the sign on the bridge connecting New Jersey with a neighboring state ought to read: "New Jersey makes and Big Gov takes."
6
So, at least now New Jersey has something more to thank Governor Christie for than ten State credit downgrades, an excess of construction cones at Fort Lee and loudly belligerent insults to anybody daring to question him.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
11
I live across New York harbor, but I was born in Newark and lived in NJ until 19. I'm qualified. And Mr. Christie wants to run my country. The governor and his fellows really ought to dwell on the words of his spokesman, Kevin Roberts and follow the spirit:
"You can run a government, but you’re only going to be able to achieve reforms when you have a willing partner on the other side of the table... We don’t have good-faith partners across the aisle on every single issue these days anymore.”
Ergo, Gov. Christie and his fellow party members know what Pres. Obama has contended with since Sen. McConnell muttered his notorious words about making him a one-term president. But not to worry. At least this time around, Gov. Christie will be a no-term president, and for having effectively abdicated his governorship--although he's graciously on-call, like an ER doctor, or a bail bondsman--by '18 he'll need another job.
His actions are the words of private money speaking. Untethered from a publicly financed campaign, he has the freedom to wander, to Freedom, NH, or its namesakes in PA, IN and WY, as well, if he were improbably to get a green light for nationwide touring. As well as the freedom to thumb his nose at legitimate critics. Dude, where's the head of my government? If he was unfunded by large dollops of undisclosed cash, he would likely be held culpable for drive-by negligence. Also, when he's among the friendlies of IA, he will not be asked questions about bridges.
"You can run a government, but you’re only going to be able to achieve reforms when you have a willing partner on the other side of the table... We don’t have good-faith partners across the aisle on every single issue these days anymore.”
Ergo, Gov. Christie and his fellow party members know what Pres. Obama has contended with since Sen. McConnell muttered his notorious words about making him a one-term president. But not to worry. At least this time around, Gov. Christie will be a no-term president, and for having effectively abdicated his governorship--although he's graciously on-call, like an ER doctor, or a bail bondsman--by '18 he'll need another job.
His actions are the words of private money speaking. Untethered from a publicly financed campaign, he has the freedom to wander, to Freedom, NH, or its namesakes in PA, IN and WY, as well, if he were improbably to get a green light for nationwide touring. As well as the freedom to thumb his nose at legitimate critics. Dude, where's the head of my government? If he was unfunded by large dollops of undisclosed cash, he would likely be held culpable for drive-by negligence. Also, when he's among the friendlies of IA, he will not be asked questions about bridges.
19
He only comes back to the state to veto what he doesn't like and approve few other uncontroversial bills.What about raising the gas tax,among the lowest in the nation, and start fixing our crumbling infrastructure?according to him only if is combined with a tax cut for the rich.At this point he has nothing to lose.He can't run for governor again,so,after all the damage he's done, he's pursuing his unattainable dream for the White House.Shame on those who voted for him.
48
He's phoning it in on the upcoming storm.
26
Very early, while he was considering a run (IIRC) he said that he would not act for political reasons if it wasn't in NJ's best interest. Shortly after that he vetoed the pig gestation crates bill because he was pandering to Iowa, even though 90+% of NJ supported the ban. So now he spent more than half of last year out of the state.
29
I am hoping that Christie's neglect of New Jersy and his quixotic quest to be elected President will summon the end of his career in elected office. This is the guy who more or less stated he wanted to punch the teacher's union in the face. Like or dislike unions, this was completely out of line for a public official. About two thirds of teachers are women, many of which are the sole bread winners for their households. They are charged with helping our children become productive citizens and often face daunting obstacles towards this end. They are not "On the Waterfront" or Jimmy Hoffa type characters often associated with unions. Yeah, you're a real tough guy, Chris. Who are you going to go after next? Nurses?
35
I used to like him - but what I perceived a his straightforward candor is showing itself as more blowhard and bully.
New Jersey, if it's any consolation, I don't like my governor either.
New Jersey, if it's any consolation, I don't like my governor either.
4
Chris Christie, from his earliest days in politics, has been a naked opportunist, cloying for power from an early age.
When he was class President at Livingston High School, he did no damage, but that was before he became a Republican.
He eventually chose Republicanism and Greed Over People, and it was all ethically downhill after that.
Mr. Christie's first New Jersey political victory in 1994 featured a widely circulated television advertisement about the ethical shortcomings of his competitors....as he promised to be different.
The ad was so misleading and patently false that a court-ordered public apology was enforced in 1996 and Mr. Christie publicly admitted “These statements were not accurate.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/03/us/politics/chris-christie-first-campa...
Christie's big break in national politics was being a successful bribe-and-fundraiser for George Bush, who then appointed him US Attorney General for his cash-raising prowess.
One of the reasons Chris Christie was a good 'fundraiser' is that his brother Todd is a very wealthy Wall Streeter who was the Grifter-in-Chief CEO for Spear Leads Kellogg who signed his name on an SEC settlement dated Oct. 15, 2008 admitting his firm and staff carried out hundreds of trades that brought excess profits at its customers’ expense and had violated stock exchange rules.
There are too many Christie crimes to list, frankly.
But rest assured, Chris Christie and his greedy brother have no ethics whatsoever.
When he was class President at Livingston High School, he did no damage, but that was before he became a Republican.
He eventually chose Republicanism and Greed Over People, and it was all ethically downhill after that.
Mr. Christie's first New Jersey political victory in 1994 featured a widely circulated television advertisement about the ethical shortcomings of his competitors....as he promised to be different.
The ad was so misleading and patently false that a court-ordered public apology was enforced in 1996 and Mr. Christie publicly admitted “These statements were not accurate.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/03/us/politics/chris-christie-first-campa...
Christie's big break in national politics was being a successful bribe-and-fundraiser for George Bush, who then appointed him US Attorney General for his cash-raising prowess.
One of the reasons Chris Christie was a good 'fundraiser' is that his brother Todd is a very wealthy Wall Streeter who was the Grifter-in-Chief CEO for Spear Leads Kellogg who signed his name on an SEC settlement dated Oct. 15, 2008 admitting his firm and staff carried out hundreds of trades that brought excess profits at its customers’ expense and had violated stock exchange rules.
There are too many Christie crimes to list, frankly.
But rest assured, Chris Christie and his greedy brother have no ethics whatsoever.
370
You should be offered a guest column....
4
"But rest assured, Chris Christie and his greedy brother have no ethics whatsoever."
Unlike Hillary, I suppose.
Unlike Hillary, I suppose.
Not to mention the Fort Dix and Fort Lee entrapments. President? He should win imprisonment.
A shame that Preet's district is just next to New Jersey. The Garden State could use some of that housecleaning.
A shame that Preet's district is just next to New Jersey. The Garden State could use some of that housecleaning.
4
Do we really want someone as POTUS who can not honor his/her current obligations to the voters?
My NJ relatives, staunch GOPers, are praying that Christie becomes POTUS, so in their words, "they can get him the hell out of NJ".
My NJ relatives, staunch GOPers, are praying that Christie becomes POTUS, so in their words, "they can get him the hell out of NJ".
15
Not enough time for another Bridgegate, or sweetheart oil company pollution deal?
The people of New Jersey should count their blessings.
The people of New Jersey should count their blessings.
20
Thank you for reminding all readers about the disgraceful oil pollution settlement favoring ExxonMobil while sacrificing New Jersey and the environment. This is our Flint. But Bridgegate is coming up. Hopefully, what goes around comes around.
2
As Mr Christie spent 191 days outside of New Jersey in 2015, NJ taxpayers should be asking for his check for $91,000 to refund his salary for the 52% of the year he didn't show up for work.
132
Christie's singular talent is to look directly at an audience or a camera and swear to whatever version of the truth fits into his ambitions. According to his actions, as opposed to his words, being a NJ governor is a part-time position that does not require him to uphold the laws he crafted and signed. How absurd that Christie brags about his actions regarding pension reform and the recovery from Sandy.
58
I did not read this article. You spend too much space--this time top of front page--on the Republicans who have only less than 10% of polls. Meanwhile the people, including those who comment here, are rallying around Senator Sanders whose ideas you are unwilling to air. And Sanders is the only candidate who the people prefer to Trump.
Hillary has too much baggage. I have heard quite a few people say they would vote for anyone but her.
Hillary has too much baggage. I have heard quite a few people say they would vote for anyone but her.
48
Really? They would vote for Trump or Cruz or even Jeb Bush over Hillary? For all her baggage, she'd appoint better people to the Supreme Court, and that's a crucial factor, or at least it should be. Think of the likes of the justices the Republicans have nominated: Scalia, Alito, Thomas and Roberts. One more, and we will see more decisions like Citizens United, weakening of the Voting Rights Act, or overturning of Roe v. wade. So really? Anyone but Hillary? Think again.
5
You are spot on. I might add that any space the NYT gives to Palin, Trump, Cruz etc at this juncture just violates its famous, "All the news that's fit to print". I would like to have the Times count the sentences it has devoted to Hillary vs. Bernie since the beginning of the year.
2
Had you read the article you would have (probably) understood that this is a story about an absentee governor in New Jersey, rather than (as you seem to have erroneously concluded) a story about the presidential race.
Whether or not you're correct that the dozens of people who are commenting on this article are all Sanders supporters -- which is reading far more into the comments than justified -- you raise a worthwhile question of whether the Times is short-changing him.
Regardless ... I have long felt that the Times has spent too LITTLE space discussing politicians who neglect their day jobs to run for President. And 2016 Christie is the most egregious example of this in years.
The commenters on this article are, for the first time I can recall, unanimous in their lack of support for the politician who is being discussed. The vehemence in these comments -- many of which are very thorough and carefully reasoned -- confirm in my mind that this is a situation that should be prominently reported upon.
Whether or not you're correct that the dozens of people who are commenting on this article are all Sanders supporters -- which is reading far more into the comments than justified -- you raise a worthwhile question of whether the Times is short-changing him.
Regardless ... I have long felt that the Times has spent too LITTLE space discussing politicians who neglect their day jobs to run for President. And 2016 Christie is the most egregious example of this in years.
The commenters on this article are, for the first time I can recall, unanimous in their lack of support for the politician who is being discussed. The vehemence in these comments -- many of which are very thorough and carefully reasoned -- confirm in my mind that this is a situation that should be prominently reported upon.
3
I have moved out of New Jersey as have many others... Wherever Mr. Christie is now, let him stay there.. He never cared about New Jersey anyway. We were just a step on his path to the presidency. It is great to watch him struggle to answer the unanswerable and now even veto bills in a frantic attempt to garner favor from the gun industry... Move into obscurity Gov. I'm sure you'll make a lot of money. But goodby and good riddance
78
While no longer a NJ resident [lived there for 20+ years], here is an idea, not only for Mr. Christie, but any other high level elected officials who want to run for the "... really, really hard ..." position of POTUS - resign your current elected job.
I am really not interested in the excuses or day to day ruling by deputized proxies [didn't elect them] or perception of access by phone or ... And in the case of Mr. Christie, I believe he 'missed' Sandy; looks like he might miss another serious storm.
If one has aspirations of running a state - run it. It is not a part time fall back position.
I am really not interested in the excuses or day to day ruling by deputized proxies [didn't elect them] or perception of access by phone or ... And in the case of Mr. Christie, I believe he 'missed' Sandy; looks like he might miss another serious storm.
If one has aspirations of running a state - run it. It is not a part time fall back position.
81
Maybe he's still hoping he has a job when he returns to New Jersey in November.
1
Well said.
1
Chris Christie is a political hack par excellence. He won't be the next president, of course. But he'll slither from his government tenure in New Jersey to some obscenely high paying sinecure in finance or law, and use his slimy influence to line the pockets of his new "employers."
And then the establishment shakes its collective head, and ponders why Bernie Sanders has such appeal.
And then the establishment shakes its collective head, and ponders why Bernie Sanders has such appeal.
38
I suspect Christie will be back in New Jersey very soon.
10
New Jersey voters were really sold a bill of goods by Christie: he promised to serve the state when he ran for office and then promptly broke that promise when a shinier object appeared -not unlike Sarah Palin.
He boasts of his "straight-talking ways", but you can be fairly sure that he'll never, ever address publicly his failure to honor the state's citizens.
He boasts of his "straight-talking ways", but you can be fairly sure that he'll never, ever address publicly his failure to honor the state's citizens.
23
Ah, yes, the man who says of our President that he would "kick his rear end out of the White House." The man who was only to happy to shake hands with the President in the Sandy aftermath. Mr. BridgeGate, who believes that running for President is really, really hard and somebody's got to do it. His absence from New Jersey is the least of his problems. Duplicitous, and completely insufferable.
123
Kicking a term limited President to the curb is heroic indeed.
Will Republicans be just as tough will Hillary Clinton in 2024?
Will Republicans be just as tough will Hillary Clinton in 2024?
2
In his presidential pursuit Christie leaves behind a poorly funded pension system that has provided no cost of living increase throughout his governorship, the image of a bully berating a school teacher for asking a question at town meeting, the media glow of basking in the attention-attracting sunlight of offering help post-Sandy but not following through to devastated home owners, the picture of an executive providing at minimum an office demeanor from which the actions of the GW Bridge closure grew, and appointmentments to the Port Authority of NY and NJ of very close associates now under prosecutorial scrutiny. Christie is like the little child who let's his ice cream cone melt on the soda fountain counter while he grabs for the banana split being served to the person next to him. This is mature leadership?
37
and handing over 8 BILLION dollars to its friends at exxon/mobil @OC
1
Christie's only ambition is his own ambition ---having said that, NJ is fortunate the Governor has left the state to run on its own.
9
They're lucky to be rid of him.
15
Christie's behavior is pitiful, shameful, and in my opinion, criminal. Christie was not elected to run for President. New Jersey is a major state with mammoth problems. Every day I meet people running away from what they see as hopeless situation, and for which they are paying some of the highest taxes in the country. The man is an incompetent embarrassment.
97
A self involved, incompetent governor, with corrupt tendencies. He alienated his constituents and has nothing to come home to ... except real honest work, which he's not interested in, and probably not capable of.
57
If he were hired to do the job instead of being elected he would have been fired long ago.
18
Christie would unite Americans as President while Hillary Clinton could not be more divisive.
The Democrat strategy of inciting more racial animosity and divisiveness to provoke Black Americans to vote Democrat is damaging to the country.
The Democrat strategy of inciting more racial animosity and divisiveness to provoke Black Americans to vote Democrat is damaging to the country.
1
It's true, we could all get together and agree how useless and corrupt our President Christie is.
2
Yep, the guy who yells and spits in the faces of school teachers at public, televised events is definitely a "Uniter." The guy who demonizes all sorts of people who don't offer full agreement with him is definitely a "Uniter." The guy who denigrates and disparages his own constituents is definitely going to be a fantastic "Uniter" and bring the country back to wholeness. The guy whose own personal staff jokes about punishing the families that they assume are from Democratic-voting households is surely going to be a "Uniter" for the common good.
Sure.
if you ask me, I'm guessing that the only unity Christie will inspire is a general, nationwide agreement that he should never and will never be president - or hold any elected office whatsoever after he's through with this folly.
Sure.
if you ask me, I'm guessing that the only unity Christie will inspire is a general, nationwide agreement that he should never and will never be president - or hold any elected office whatsoever after he's through with this folly.
7
You're kidding, right?
2
Assemblyman Bramnick states, “Running for president is really, really hard, and somebody’s got to do it,” he said. “We’ve got a governor from New Jersey who’s willing to do that, and I think that is something we should respect.”
The problem, Assemblyman, is that the people of New Jersey are not paying Christie to run for president. We need a full-time governor, not someone who enjoys the perks of the office but leaves the responsibility to others. Had one of Christie's underlings treated their job so cavalierly, showing up when it suited them yet using the title for personal benefit, you'd better bet he'd have their hide. Yet we're expected to not only accept such behavior from him, but respect it, too?
We're tired of the figurative middle finger that Christie has been offering New Jersey as he's marketed himself as the campaign trail. The state's infrastructure is falling apart, our economy is lagging, yet Christie's State of the State address was focused largely on addiction issues. It's an admirable thing to give focus to, but completely tone deaf to the primary issues facing the state. Addicts can't get to treatment if the roads and bridges between them and the healthcare facility have collapsed.
The problem, Assemblyman, is that the people of New Jersey are not paying Christie to run for president. We need a full-time governor, not someone who enjoys the perks of the office but leaves the responsibility to others. Had one of Christie's underlings treated their job so cavalierly, showing up when it suited them yet using the title for personal benefit, you'd better bet he'd have their hide. Yet we're expected to not only accept such behavior from him, but respect it, too?
We're tired of the figurative middle finger that Christie has been offering New Jersey as he's marketed himself as the campaign trail. The state's infrastructure is falling apart, our economy is lagging, yet Christie's State of the State address was focused largely on addiction issues. It's an admirable thing to give focus to, but completely tone deaf to the primary issues facing the state. Addicts can't get to treatment if the roads and bridges between them and the healthcare facility have collapsed.
33
Why is this "fiscal conservative" still taking a paycheck from the state of NJ? If I showed up to work as much as this guy, today would be my last day.
101
Governor Christie was not there for New Jersey, rather New Jersey was there for him. Sadly, in America today, that is what politicians do.
30
Some politicians, the ones like Chris Christie
2
Funny how these politicians who cannot do their job because campaigning takes so much effort, time and money, don't speak up for campaign finance reform. It would change the face of our politicians. They would have to be concise, educated, and have a real platform to run on..... Oh, now I get it.
107
IF he is not willing to serve the job he was elected to (and promised to serve), it is time to Recall him. The people of New Jersey hate the governor.
97
New Jersey does not have recall...best he just stay where is he is...
Apparently, there is no way to recall him no matter how egregious his political offenses. If there were, I cannot imagine why the movement didn't start long ago. For all the yammering and whining of the Democratic-controlled legislature, have the overridden a single Christie veto of any consequence?
1
There is a recall procedure (http://www.recalltherogues.org/downloads/NewJerseyStatutes_v2.pdf) but politicians have made it difficult in NJ by requiring a large number of registered voter signatures (25%) which gives about 1.4 million signatures needed in NJ. This is obviously not easy to do. However, with the advent of social media, not yet prevalent when the law and requirements were enacted, perhaps the 1.4 million number is reachable. But what one of us, the 99.9%, have the time to do this? I would love to but I have my own commitments and life to be responsible for first. Politicians exploit this fact on a routine basis. The common person is so busy and entangled in the complexities of daily life, struggle and existence, that they, the politicians, know they can get away with anything.
Someone must have told Christie that there was a bridge in New Hampshire that needed to be closed to auto traffic.
51
The good people of New Jersey elected this man TWICE. What were they thinking?
166
I moved from NY to NJ about 10 years ego as it has a large selection of active adult communities.Unfortunately residents are largely white middle class and older and you know how they vote.They also run the community I am in and keep on making stupid decisions based on politics
3
The cowardly Democrats were afraid to compete with Christie on the last election giving him the election easily. They didn't support their own candidate Barbara Buono. She was their sacrificial lamb, too weak to challenge the big bully on her own. What a shame. NJ got what they deserved.
10
The puzzlement of HIS reelection will never trump that of George W. Bush's in 2004. After stealing the Presidency, he began the first four of an eight year run into countless criminal and unethical acts.
5
Let's hope he quits his state like Palin did.
69
From your lips to God's ears.
1
Governor Christie’s excuse for his light workload being that the Democrats are not working with him is laughable. His bid for the White House is based on his so called ability to work across the aisle. He cannot manage a state the size of NJ yet he feels he is competent to run the country. He talks about Hillary Clinton being under the cloud of an FBI investigation, but he still hasn’t adequately explained his involvement with the closing of the GWB. Either he knew about and endorsed it or he was oblivious to what his top staff was doing. In either case it goes to his competency as a Governor let along his ability to handle the top post in this country.
The GOP candidates in general are a sad lot, but Christie is not the one who has what it takes to lead this country.
The GOP candidates in general are a sad lot, but Christie is not the one who has what it takes to lead this country.
236
By that logic, Obama could spend the rest of his term in Hawaii. Are there any Republicans willing to work with him?
Christie will lose his home state of New Jersey in the Republican presidential primary.
218
Not a bad thing, but he should be indicted for Bridgegate.
2
"Christie will lose his home state of New Jersey in the Republican presidential primary" for good reason.
Christie remains nothing but a freakish bit player in national politics, but his tenure as governor has been terrible for Jersey. His complete neglect of the state recently has probably been a bit of a relief from his only hands-on period—gutting social services, stealing money, embarassing Bruce Springsteen.
112
Everyone who had their brains in the "on" position knew that Christie would turn his back on NJ in favor of his presidential ambitions the minute after he got elected. Those who voted for him are getting what they deserve, but unfortunately, so are those who didn't.
Funny that Christie says his job is the hardest in the State and that nobody should earn more than he does. Really? then send every public worker in NJ, whose jabs are much easier than the Governor's, should be able to work from home for only several hours a week and expect full pay. What a joke. Bridgegate threats to gain personal public endorsements for re-election, personal United Airlines routes for his pal "The General", and a list of alleged criminal activity and abuses of power beyond being able to list - And HE wants to be president. The great republican George H. Bush once said, and I'm paraphrasing, "Fool me once shame on me, shame on you, Fool me twice, shame on (stammer)......you can't fool me again." I hope the people in other state are smarter than we were.
Funny that Christie says his job is the hardest in the State and that nobody should earn more than he does. Really? then send every public worker in NJ, whose jabs are much easier than the Governor's, should be able to work from home for only several hours a week and expect full pay. What a joke. Bridgegate threats to gain personal public endorsements for re-election, personal United Airlines routes for his pal "The General", and a list of alleged criminal activity and abuses of power beyond being able to list - And HE wants to be president. The great republican George H. Bush once said, and I'm paraphrasing, "Fool me once shame on me, shame on you, Fool me twice, shame on (stammer)......you can't fool me again." I hope the people in other state are smarter than we were.
136
During his last campaign I asked my NJ friends the name of the Lt. Gov. on the ticket with him. Not one could name her (most did not know it was a woman). Yet it seemed clear that Christie would be an absent governor and Guadagno would be the real actor. Alas, even that corrupt scenario has failed, as Christie is too ego-maniacal to allow someone else to step in. So NJ flounders, rudderless. Ask yourself, NJ, why didn't you know this when he ran? It was completely obvious. Think about it and vow to never ever do it again.
2
Eman, it was Junior Bush who stammered , and his closing malaprop was "won't get fooled again." A la The Who.
1
Couldn't help but notice how happy Ms.Guadagno appears to be ,knowing she'll be carrying the weight of decision for awhile.....Unfortunately, the people of New Jersey didn't elect her to be the Governor. Actually they didn't elect her for any position in the government. Oh, Chris, where are you when you're needed (not!)?
11
To be fair, Ms. Guadagno was Christie's running mate. However, she's kept on a very, very tight leash. It's doubtful that many New Jerseyans would be able to pick her out of a lineup, nor have they actually heard her voice.
2
Chrisite is reprising the same stunt that Bill Richardson pulled in NM leading up to the 2008 election. Another ambitious mouth with an attitude and a taste for high living at public expense is looking for "more." And have we heard much from Richardson after his egomaniacal quest got shot down? Um ... not so much. Within a couple of years it will be "Chris who?"
22
But Richardson is a Democrat and thus there was no criticism.
This is untrue. You are playing the Sarah Palin victim card, the illusion that it only happens to your side.
2
Then show proof of the criticisms directed at Richardson for neglecting his duties as governor.
This is like a high school prom queen not showing up for the prom because she thought a college freshman was going to invite her to homecoming which was going to be even more cool....but he doesn't. After the mess Christie has made of New Jersey and the absurd decisions (tunnel anyone?) he supported for the Tri-State area we are all better off with him bloviating about in New Hampshire.
25
Chris Christie is a petulant child.
143
Who derailed my teachers' pension.
Why are we still paying him? Show up less than half the time you are supposed to and command you full paycheck? I don't think too many other state employees have a similar arrangement. If he has any sense of decency left, he should give the state back the wages he hasn't earned since he started his presidential campaign. Maybe he did do this?
61
The sooner this fool is put out to pasture, both in NJ and nationally, the better.
160
This article should have included one more paragraph to summarize how much this "governor" has cost people of NJ, including salary, benefits, and just how much of his travel expenses are paid by NJ taxpayers.
106
Christie will never be President and has a very unimpressive record as Governor. If something like the water situation in Flint were occurring in New Jersey, it would be another catastrophe. The people of New Jersey have been sold out for a delusion.
238
The water debacle in Flint highlights the failure of the EPA under Obama and has nothing to do with Christie.
2
Fortunately the people of the United States are not buying that delusion either.
10
There actually is a catastrophe about to happen in the form of Atlantic City nearing bankruptcy; after requesting changes to legislation that would save the city, Christie vetoed the bill without explanation. Perhaps rescuing Atlantic City wouldn't sit well with the fiscal conservatives he's trying to impress in his presidential bid, but it's a terrible thing when a governor willingly stands by while a city in his state goes down the tubes.
17
He demonstrates he could clearly care less about the people of New Jersey and of the responsibility of his office. When he finally relented and returned to New Jersey, his most notable action was his apology to the people of New Hampshire for leaving. He has clearly demonstrated who he is and who he has been.
The people of New Jersey should get rid of him since he is now a worthless placeholder. He knew he would abdicate his duties when while he was re-elected, but cynically proceeded to take the office of governor again sole to have a launch platform for his personal aspirations to run for President.
If the citizens of New Jersey have a means to remove him, and successfully do so, he probably would not even care, simply channeling Sarah Palin.