Good for the US, not so good for NJ as now he can return to focusing all his energy to mismanaging and lying to the good people of NJ.
4
While Rubio is a very immature and ignorant dim bulb on par with Quayle, Palin and Perry, until Christie focused on him he escaped notice and notoriety. Rubio has been on the government benefits and welfare dole all of his life without being bravely patriotic and honorable enough to ever serve in an American military uniform or humble and empathetic enough to ever serve in any human civil rights or community service capacity.
4
I kinda agree Rubio is just a empty suit, Palin however is never scripted and doesn't shy away from speaking her mind. We may not like her but she has more guts then the guys who sound like puppets just to get elected
1
Drops out and back in Jersey for a while, but Christie will re-emerge and likely secure Attorney General spot if the future administration is Trump's. Didn't they have a long post New Hampshire chat; Trump also refers to Christie as a "long time friend" and "very effettive." I don't see the former brillant prosecutor
giving up, surrendering, ever.
giving up, surrendering, ever.
These "moderate" (more like "less extreme") Republican candidates have to understand that by attacking other "moderate" Republican candidates, they are not doing much except solidifying support for Trump. Do any of them seriously care about the future of Republican party or the greater good for the United States of America?
1
Will the cancellation of the ARC Tunnel go down as the worst of Christie's legacy? This seemed like an impeachment offense to me.
6
Thanks to Christie, the Republican party will now have Trump as its nominee. The possibility that the party could coalesce around a more main stream candidate was gutted by Christie's kamikaze attack. Rubio can now join the Romney club of those knifed in the back by Christie.
1
No matter what you think of him, Christie had the gift for exposing the frozen facade of Rubio and anyone else he felt deserved it.
I personally will miss his contribution to just desserts.
I personally will miss his contribution to just desserts.
1
Breaking through some 18 initial Republican hopefuls that included the noise and hoopla around Trump was sure to make Christie's ability to resonate difficult at best. Even Bush with all the super PAC millions behind him can't break through. The Republican Party, by having a fractured agenda, and by enabling a free for all spectacle of the primary races, and placing it's biggest support behind Bush, has made a huge strategic blunder.
1
Since the Boston television market covers New Hampshire we were bombarded by Chris Christie commercials for the last few months. During the last weeks of the primary campaign a commercial was played showing a rotund Mr. Christie in a navy suit with tan sneakers adressing a town hall meeting. He was telling the audience the he knew how to handle terrorists because he was a federal prosecutor who was sworn in on 9/10/11. This commercial shows Christie as delusional and full of himself. He never gives details of how he would fight terrorism, but is quick to criticize President Obama. This is all bombast with no substance. One more empty suit going home.
2
Christie was irrevocably damaged by Bridgegate- an example of arrogance breed by political success. Good riddance.
6
As a resident of New Jersey, all I can say is Hallelujah Christie's presidential campaign is over. His brand of politics would have been disastrous for the United States. Maybe now, he'll finish up his governorship and then hopefully retire from politics.
11
Christie might be the biggest fraud of the bunch. Because he wanted to run for President in 16, he did everything he could to ruin Romney. And in 16, on the way out, he tried to the same to Rubio so he can run again in 20.
6
Is it an indication of the state of the Republican party that Christie's last act was to sabotage the candidate who he felt had supporters who spent a lot of money to attack him? On a human level, it makes perfect sense, but if these people are supposed to be motivated by strong belief and principles, his behavior falls short of the mark. It looked an awful lot like payback to me, something that illuminates the darker side of his character. Okay so Bernie and Hillary are taking some shots at each other, but the Republican primary as a whole has been playing out like an especially nasty episode of "Survivor."
6
Another one bites the dust. I hope his time in Jersey goes by just as quickly as his misguided presidential run. This loudmouth scandal ridden Politian wouldn't even carry his own state- ( ok, we're a blue state)- - But I know he had to be looking forward to all the meetings and town hall type events that would've been set up in our 1000,s of pizzerias
4
Accusing President Obama of "betraying" our nation was a vulgar and vile sop to the hatemongers among us --- and the beginning of the end to your candidacy Mr. Christie. Were you referring to the post-Sandy love-hug you gave him? Was it unrequited?
7
The General Election should be a race between, Hillary, Bernie, and Kasich; three candidates that have the experience, vision and moral fiber to lead this great nation. the rest are phony airbags who need to go crawl under a rock somewhere.
5
As a resident of NJ, and a witness to Mr. Christie's disastrous policies, and poor temperament, I couldn't be happier that the people of New Hampshire rejected him for pandering charlatan that he is. Now Mr. Christie will spend the rest of his term in NJ as a broken lame duck with a 30% approval rating, rejected by his own party, and growing less powerful and relevant every day.
13
He said he needed to take a breath and consider the future of his campaign. He did and he is gone. Ms. Fiorina looked her supporters in the eye and said she was in for the long haul, and then quit ahead of the Governor. The better quitter is Christie.
1
He was just anxious to go back to real job, moving the cones at the entrance to the GW bridge.
8
This article should be entitled "NYT battles back."
The NYT can take credit for destroying a Republican candidate.
The NYT kept the GW bridge snarl on the front page without any direct evidence that Christie was involved. All the negative garbage is included in this article. This is an attack ad that many of the candidates said they would avoid.
This article creates great ammunition for attacking the media.
The NYT can take credit for destroying a Republican candidate.
The NYT kept the GW bridge snarl on the front page without any direct evidence that Christie was involved. All the negative garbage is included in this article. This is an attack ad that many of the candidates said they would avoid.
This article creates great ammunition for attacking the media.
Good riddance. Now its time to go back to New Jersey and face the music over Bridgegate. You can't run away forever.
7
Two sputtering bullies was one too many for the Republicans. No one even had to bother excoriating him over Bridgegate--a severe lack of judgment about picking your staff of advisors at best --and dis-qualifier for sure. (A better-prepared and less robotic Rubio might have been able to do that off-the-cuff.)
The Gary Hart-like hubris and narcissism of Christie's doomed run is agitating end to a bully's career.
The Gary Hart-like hubris and narcissism of Christie's doomed run is agitating end to a bully's career.
3
Now the no-show governor plans a return? What exactly does he think he can accomplish now that he has clearly demonstrated an utter lack of interest in a job he got paid for yet forgot about in this Quixotic quest for higher office?
Any person getting paid by taxpayers should be required to resign under the circumstances of a run for a different public office job.
Any person getting paid by taxpayers should be required to resign under the circumstances of a run for a different public office job.
7
It has always been my contention that when any sitting elected public official - on either side of the aisle - takes such an inordinate amount of time away from their primary duties, he or she should at a minimum be penalized financially in some way ( salary deductions, etc.). Resignation would be good, too, except that would involve a lot of special elections at taxpayers' expense.
2
Christie fell on his sword. He must have known he was sacrificing himself while exposing the Rubot. It was a masterful moment, for which many are grateful.
3
After his concession speech - Christie and family went to an all you can eat burger joint - it declared bankruptcy 2 hours later.
4
Chris Christie ran New Jersey with a constant eye to what best served his interest in being a candidate for President rather than being a good governor who took care of business in the best interests of the people of New Jersey. It is sweet to see his presidential ambitions crash and burn. He deserves it. Unfortunately, the damage done by him to New Jersey will long continue.
10
I slept a little easier last night, knowing one less blowhard, lying, egotistical creep is out of the running.
9
“And so today, I leave the race without an ounce of regret."
Or apparently without any SHAME for his self-righteous, egotistical, narcissistic, mean-spirited, insulting temperament. A terminal case of the worst signs and symptoms of Potomac fever. I hope Trump succumbs to this disease too.
Or apparently without any SHAME for his self-righteous, egotistical, narcissistic, mean-spirited, insulting temperament. A terminal case of the worst signs and symptoms of Potomac fever. I hope Trump succumbs to this disease too.
4
Chrissy the bully dropping out of the race is good news for everyone except New Jersey. Your vindictive, bridgegate governor is baaaaack.
5
Chris Christie was done in by his own hand and small town New Jersey politics. No one believed that his fingerprints weren't all over the George Washington Bridge scandel and no one likes a bulley. His only contribution to the race was to expose Rubio as a fraud.
5
A terrible governor and an even worse human being. He wanted to be president ever since junior high school and he began a political career later that featured smear and lies to get his way. It was always delusional for him to think he could be president especially after the GW Bridge fiasco. Now I bet he will back Bush hoping that if he wins he will be named Attorney General.
7
Good bye and good riddance to the Bridgegate Governor who wrecked a state and to Carly who wrecked Hewlett Packard.
6
The Christie presidential run has cost NJ billions of dollars. He has spent his entire time as Governor preparing to be president. Here are six examples:
-Canceled ARC tunnel project (pre-Hurricane Sandy). Sandy damaged existing tunnel, new tunnel & repairs critically needed; the Gateway project will cost $20 billion, $12.3 billion more than ARC tunnel project.
-Settled with Exxon Mobil for $225 million for polluting NJ over decades. It was expected NJ would be awarded $8.9 billion. (BP paid $20.8 billion for their oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico). Exxon Mobil contributed to Republican Governors Association while Christie chaired, their lobbying firm donated to his PAC.
-Held special $24 million Senate election three weeks prior to general election. Christie did not want Senator Cory Booker voters at polls on same day as his own reelection bid.
-$18 million in NJ taxpayer funds for his failed presidential campaign. Plus Christie spent 261 days out of NJ in 2015, 137 days out of NJ in 2014.
-$400 million lost to to error on federal grant application for school reform funds.
-$8 million in legal fees spent in defense of his Bridgegate shenanigans.
-$1 million+ in legal fees fighting to retain funds related to ARC tunnel cancellation.
When Christie bellows "NJ is broke", he is a big part of the reason. And all this for naught - in the end he achieved not even ONE delegate. I am happy to never have voted for Christie; he was never about public service, only about ego.
-Canceled ARC tunnel project (pre-Hurricane Sandy). Sandy damaged existing tunnel, new tunnel & repairs critically needed; the Gateway project will cost $20 billion, $12.3 billion more than ARC tunnel project.
-Settled with Exxon Mobil for $225 million for polluting NJ over decades. It was expected NJ would be awarded $8.9 billion. (BP paid $20.8 billion for their oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico). Exxon Mobil contributed to Republican Governors Association while Christie chaired, their lobbying firm donated to his PAC.
-Held special $24 million Senate election three weeks prior to general election. Christie did not want Senator Cory Booker voters at polls on same day as his own reelection bid.
-$18 million in NJ taxpayer funds for his failed presidential campaign. Plus Christie spent 261 days out of NJ in 2015, 137 days out of NJ in 2014.
-$400 million lost to to error on federal grant application for school reform funds.
-$8 million in legal fees spent in defense of his Bridgegate shenanigans.
-$1 million+ in legal fees fighting to retain funds related to ARC tunnel cancellation.
When Christie bellows "NJ is broke", he is a big part of the reason. And all this for naught - in the end he achieved not even ONE delegate. I am happy to never have voted for Christie; he was never about public service, only about ego.
19
wish I could "recommend" this comment 50 times!
6
Those salient points should be republished in every state where this failure of a governor resurrects his presidential bid in 2020.
4
If CC really has the interests of NJ at heart, he'll pull a Palin and resign.
5
I am sorry to see Christie go.
I was hoping that--after he was done prosecuting Marco Rubio--he might next critique and interrogate and successfully prosecute Ted Cruz, deeming him unfit for higher office.
Hopefully, Chrstie will do it--loudly and repetitively--from the nearby sidelines.
America needs you Chris Christie. Even more than we did when you responded so effectively to Hurricane Sandy. The nation is counting on right now sir--on your sane humanist words and your condemnation of a Christianist right wing ideologue who seems to me to be in sociopathic pursuit of the GOP nomination.
Please agree to join this campaign:
Do Not Allow America to Elect Ted Cruz, Donald Trump or Marco Rubio. 2016 and forever.
I was hoping that--after he was done prosecuting Marco Rubio--he might next critique and interrogate and successfully prosecute Ted Cruz, deeming him unfit for higher office.
Hopefully, Chrstie will do it--loudly and repetitively--from the nearby sidelines.
America needs you Chris Christie. Even more than we did when you responded so effectively to Hurricane Sandy. The nation is counting on right now sir--on your sane humanist words and your condemnation of a Christianist right wing ideologue who seems to me to be in sociopathic pursuit of the GOP nomination.
Please agree to join this campaign:
Do Not Allow America to Elect Ted Cruz, Donald Trump or Marco Rubio. 2016 and forever.
4
I'm not sure if Christie's temperament is suited in the White House, but he would be a formidable VP in the league of Dick Cheney or even a chief of staff. Yes, he's a bully, but you would never get anything done in the land like NJ without certain amount of bullying and vigor, as Christie has demonstrated to be a master of. What he fails short, is his inability to realize the boundary between forceful pushing and bullying, and that kind of boundary-pushing permeates through his staff.
Anyone who thinks politics is not about tit-for-tat, they're just being naive. But politics is also about give-and-take, and Christie is all about the taking without much giving.
Christie's presence will be missed in the GOP debates. He's the one who sees exactly Rubio (rookie with nothing to show for except photo op and scripted speeches) as he is, and is able to take Rubio down. Now that Christie has shown the way, Trump will know where to hit in Rubio's knees, should Rubio try to rise again. Everybody else on the GOP lineup is really just white noise. Kasich, even Jeb, would have looked good in a Reagan era when moderation is rewarded. In the shadow of Trump, all those moderation has gone through the windows.
Anyone who thinks politics is not about tit-for-tat, they're just being naive. But politics is also about give-and-take, and Christie is all about the taking without much giving.
Christie's presence will be missed in the GOP debates. He's the one who sees exactly Rubio (rookie with nothing to show for except photo op and scripted speeches) as he is, and is able to take Rubio down. Now that Christie has shown the way, Trump will know where to hit in Rubio's knees, should Rubio try to rise again. Everybody else on the GOP lineup is really just white noise. Kasich, even Jeb, would have looked good in a Reagan era when moderation is rewarded. In the shadow of Trump, all those moderation has gone through the windows.
3
Oddly enough, I too am sorry to see him go. I dislike Christie intensely, but he alone seemed to have the wit sharp enough to call out the other Republican candidates for the craven beings they are. Christie, to his credit, noted that rape is not a choice, it's a woman being violated, and that she should be able to terminate a pregnancy that results from that violation. He was able to buck the Republican "politically correct" mantra against expanding medical assistance to the poor, and wasn't so insecure that he couldn't stand with President Obama to acknowledge what the federal -- yes, that big overreaching horrible terrible federal government -- offers in the wake of a disaster. And, of course, his takedown of Rubio was stellar. I was looking forward to hearing some of that insight directed against Cruz and Trump. I'll miss him in the next debates.
6
See Shaun's comments,above, for a more accurate accounting of this egotist if you even think for a minute that Christie's bluster was good for N. J.
1
I'm still not over the Fort Lee lane closure. His aides did it because punishing mayors who didn't support Christie was something the Boss would like. That does not make a good president. Policy is dictated by political favors.
3
Great to send him back to the state he hasn't seen in months. Portraying himself as a tough guy was wearing thin. Anybody can be tough when in the midst of a security detail. Real tough guys don't bully teachers and teen aged girls. Chris looks like a guy who needs to go home and find out why he is so loved in Jersey. I would dock his pay for the 70 days he spent in New Hampshire. Funny how the bully was as quiet as a church mouse with Trump. Some tough Guy!
5
Christie, a great symbol of the evil of the Republican Party has left the race, but the evil remains within it.
4
At least he took down Rubio with him.
1
Nice hit piece on Rubio, NYT. I wasn't a fan but suggesting that Christie was his presidential nemesis is laughable. A well planned choreography to raise lesser establishment candidate by having a New Jersey RINO fall on his sword while grabbing a conservative by the leg and pulling him down with him, into the bucket.
R.I.P. Hopefully we have heard the last of Governor Christie, who did not want to listen to others, but only to talk over them. Bully. Alas, we will live with his illegitimate canceling of the Hudson rail tunnel for years to come.
3
This video'ed episode in Christie's campaign tells one all one needs to know about the bullying, egocentric nature of the man. Note Christie's tone to the young girl at 21 seconds; note also the laughter that it got from the room full of what one can only with generosity call "adults."
https://youtu.be/gWn2k_SX7tc
https://youtu.be/gWn2k_SX7tc
1
The Emperor has no clothes. Riding high in April, shot down in May!
3
Christie based most of his merits on the fact that he had been a prosecutor and, indeed, his talent may lie in that direction. I never saw his potential and he lost me when he repeated that as president, he would prosecute Hillary Clinton on her supposed role in the Benghazi controversy. As if the primary role of a president were deciding the legal responsibility of citizens. Obviously, he remained a prosecutor and never morphed into presidential status.
8
Power, especially political power, usually breeds arrogance, and thereafter, often corruption, which need not be criminal. Christie is just another example, that the people of New Jersey subsidized, during his presidential junket. Had he ever shown some humility instead of being a crass blowhard, things might have ended differently. I'll always remember the retired vet he inappropriately humiliated on the boardwalk in NJ. He really is just a little man.
10
In politics timing is everything. Had he run four years ago he could very well have been the nominee and, who knows, with his anti-Romney straight talk persona and purple state appeal, could have been president right now.
3
Good riddance!
That fiasco on the bridge was so incredibly spiteful. No one will ever convince me that the order didn't come directly from Christie.
He's as big a liar as Clinton.
Good riddance.
That fiasco on the bridge was so incredibly spiteful. No one will ever convince me that the order didn't come directly from Christie.
He's as big a liar as Clinton.
Good riddance.
4
From what I understand, he was a pretty good guy up until his final years as U.S. Attorney.
Once Christie became the celebrity governor hobnobbing with the rich and famous, the hubris and inner anger just poured out. He thought he could do no wrong and became rotten at his core.
Assuming he isn't facing real legal trouble, Christie's next 22 months in Trenton are going to feel like he's been sent to Hell. Jimmy Fallon won"t be inviting him on to do musical parodies, that is for sure.
If he does find some kind of spiritual redemption, I will watch him on "Today Show" and read his book.
Once Christie became the celebrity governor hobnobbing with the rich and famous, the hubris and inner anger just poured out. He thought he could do no wrong and became rotten at his core.
Assuming he isn't facing real legal trouble, Christie's next 22 months in Trenton are going to feel like he's been sent to Hell. Jimmy Fallon won"t be inviting him on to do musical parodies, that is for sure.
If he does find some kind of spiritual redemption, I will watch him on "Today Show" and read his book.
4
I'd like to see him take down Cruz the way he took down Rubio.
9
Now Governor Christie can go back to destroying New Jersey.
13
When an historic blizzard slammed his state, Governor Christie showed some genuine humanity and grace, albeit for only a moment, to thank and embrace the Democratic President of the United States for his concern and support during a calamity.
Ultimately, as he realized he was paying a heavy political price for this simple gesture, showed his true self when he turned his coarse bullying on the same president and roared, "We're gonna kick Obama's rear end out of the White House!"
To witness this about-face is to understand the nature of a bully.
Ultimately, as he realized he was paying a heavy political price for this simple gesture, showed his true self when he turned his coarse bullying on the same president and roared, "We're gonna kick Obama's rear end out of the White House!"
To witness this about-face is to understand the nature of a bully.
10
Christie put it best when he said, "competency matters'. It's exactly why he failed miserably as a Presidential Candidate and why he's been horrible for the State of NJ in so many ways. Let's hope his obvious lack of complete competence is the end of his grandstanding career as a total fake and fraud.
15
I'll give Christie this, he sacrificed himself for the remaining sane, established candidates still in the race. Hopefully, they can manage to deflate the billionaire buffoon Trump and the Cruz missile. Otherwise the Republicans will remain the winner and still champion of the Stupid Party award.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
6
He hardly sacrificed himself. That suggests some plan to do so, like Ronald Colman at the end of A Tale of Two Cities. But Christie did a far, far lesser thing. He bloodied some other guy and then lost anyway, hardly his plan. And Ronald Colman was better looking, too.
1
Dear LarryLA: I agree, I do think Christie's purpose was twofold. A politician's decisions, based on a variation of an old Jewish query, "But is it good for the Jews?", always asks the question, "But is it good for me? In this case, obviously not.
I've seen "A Tale of Two Cities" and you're right, Ronald Colman was a far, far better looking chap than Christie. But really, isn't everybody up there on stage? Well, maybe with the exception of the oleaginous Cruz. Positively icky.
DD
Manhattan
I've seen "A Tale of Two Cities" and you're right, Ronald Colman was a far, far better looking chap than Christie. But really, isn't everybody up there on stage? Well, maybe with the exception of the oleaginous Cruz. Positively icky.
DD
Manhattan
The guy's a pit bull. Exactly the qualities needed in a vice presidential nominee.
1
One Spiro Agnew was more than enough, thanks.
1
Okay. So now Boss Christie will be in state for subpoena's to testify, accept service of criminal complaints.
Mr. Bluster will be available for an audit of the Hurricane Sandy funds.
The Christie peak is in the rear view mirror. His tide is ebbing rapidly.
Mr. Bluster will be available for an audit of the Hurricane Sandy funds.
The Christie peak is in the rear view mirror. His tide is ebbing rapidly.
10
By embracing Christie's crude, often untruthful and downright nasty fighting style, the Republicans set the stage for someone with real skills in that dept - Donald Trump. The media found it all entertaining and soon we had a raft of crude and nasty Republican presidential wannabees. Better watch out what you wish for.
11
Remember Lee Atwater? The Republicans have been the party of character assassination for almost 30 years. They have absolutely nothing to say except sabre rattling, crude remarks about women that are beyond sexist, they're just filth, war mongering, "seeing" body parts, forcing people to take religious loyalty tests - and, by the way, what about actual governance? Never happened. For some reason the Republicans have become the party of pure anger and revenge and they are very, very scary.
1
At least he was smart enough to try to conceal his record of "accomplishments." Carly actually called attention to hers.
4
An absurd candidate from beginning to end.
11
He had the insight and courage to pierce the incompetence of Rubio. Rubio has no ideology, plays truant, is beholden to his big donors and is not even close to inspiring confidence.
8
Stronger than the storm, NOT.
6
Good. Another New Jersey thug finally bites the dust. He stuck it to Rubio. That’s the only good thing that can be said about him.
It's one thing to throw your weight around in your backyard, to get the fearful onlookers pusillanimously cheering for you where you're known to be the local bullyboy with a penchant for revenge.
It's another to do the same thing in a national arena where you can't intimidate the electorate because you don't control their neighbourhoods and livelihoods.
It's one thing to throw your weight around in your backyard, to get the fearful onlookers pusillanimously cheering for you where you're known to be the local bullyboy with a penchant for revenge.
It's another to do the same thing in a national arena where you can't intimidate the electorate because you don't control their neighbourhoods and livelihoods.
7
I remember that keynote speech. All bragging about himself, barely a word about Mitt Romney. I started disliking him then, and Bridgegate confirmed my suspicions. His attack on Rubio during the NH debate was effective, but also effective in making himself very unlikable. Why Trump's often similar aggressive and rude behavior doesn't seem to have a similar effect on voters, I have no idea.
14
I guess some bullies are more appealing than others.
4
Christie: If I'm the Nominee, Hillary 'Won't Get Within 10 Miles of the W.H.
This was credible given his record for diversions, bridge closures.
But if I may invoke Shakespeare's Othello and Christie's evisceration of pinhead, Rubio:
Soft you, a word or two before you go.
I have done the state some service, and they know ’t.
This was credible given his record for diversions, bridge closures.
But if I may invoke Shakespeare's Othello and Christie's evisceration of pinhead, Rubio:
Soft you, a word or two before you go.
I have done the state some service, and they know ’t.
8
When's he going to jail?
8
Next stop.
2
Who would have thought, that once upon a time, Christie had once been considered a serious contender, even crossing over the divide to have handshake and photo op with Obama. But timing is not on his side, self-imploding with bridge-gate right about the time when campaign was to start. But perhaps it's silver lining for him, that he should drop out now, rather than having his past catching up with him when he's much further along in the campaign season.
Every election season has its memorable moments. GOP has the "oops" moments from Rick Perry, and the 45% moments from Romney. One would have thought no one can top the outlandish top-it-up-everyday ethos from Trump, but Christie did it superbly in the debate, succeeding in pulling Rubio down right when he's about to take off. If anything, that would be Christie's moment, it's like Christie pulling Rubio's pants down on stage and Rubio didn't even notice it. How embarrassing.
I do have to give Christie dues on his debate skills, putting his prosecutor training in good use. In another era, one might even think he would make a good VP candidate, who would make a good attack-dog role.
Every election season has its memorable moments. GOP has the "oops" moments from Rick Perry, and the 45% moments from Romney. One would have thought no one can top the outlandish top-it-up-everyday ethos from Trump, but Christie did it superbly in the debate, succeeding in pulling Rubio down right when he's about to take off. If anything, that would be Christie's moment, it's like Christie pulling Rubio's pants down on stage and Rubio didn't even notice it. How embarrassing.
I do have to give Christie dues on his debate skills, putting his prosecutor training in good use. In another era, one might even think he would make a good VP candidate, who would make a good attack-dog role.
4
To a democrat, unlike Kasich who is admired for his poise and pragmatism, Governor Christie was barely acceptable. He was acceptable because of his ability to work with Democrats in the legislature; a trait that the hard right calls capitulation. His ability to hug Obama if that is what was needed to do to get help for his constituents after the super storm Sandy (Obama would have helped New Jersey regardless) showed pragmatism. Bottom line verdict: an individual willing to embrace the “enemy” for the welfare of his constituents is infinitely better than doctrinaire right wing conservatives who would rather destroy the country than give up his so called –and often opportunistic-principles. After all politics in a democracy requires ability to compromise and not catastrophic confrontation.
20
Perhaps, but Christie has an undeniably bellicose and insouciant demeanor which does lend itself to compromise. If he had seen Obama as his inferior - and Christie sees many if not most as his inferiors - he would have just as quickly told him to "sit down and shut up". He never had a chance of being elected precisely because of his attitude, and his shady if tenuous (for the moment) association with the GW Bridge scandal. Like others, had he been elected, he would have been forced to take hard line doctrinaire positions by his party, undercutting and reasonable side of his nature which might exist. (See: John Boehner, Paul Ryan)
1
I don't know Christie's legislative record, but he called a Democrat opponent (a woman) who was blocking legislation he wanted to go forward "an animal." He is a nasty bully.
2
Tell that to the citizens of Fort Lee, when its Democratic mayor declned to endorse Gov. Christie.
2
Help! Help!...Christie who? I've seen to have forgotten already who he was!!
1
Oh boy, he is back!
4
Christie was out-Christie'd by Trump.
9
Let's hope he's now done done and gone.
4
Can you hear Vladimir Putim breathing a sigh of relief?
I can't
I can't
6
If this mean he'll be spending more time back here in New Jersey, then it's a sad outcome.
9
Look at it this way - he doesn't want to go back either. His special place in hell is 20 months in Trenton taking smash-mouth from a legislature no longer intimidated by him.
5
Go back to New Jersey and bully the people that voted for you. We have no room in this country for behavior that would get a school kid in trouble. You are a horrendous role model for children. And your bullying of teachers demonstrates how sick and insecure you are as a leader. Glad to see you have the brains to spare the American public from anymore of your obnoxious behavior.
15
Campaigns with lies, Governs with incompetence.
19
Right on the nose. With the way the 2016 campaign is going -- on the verge of the Bizarro World -- I wouldn't be surprised if in 2020 "Campaigns with lies, Governs with incompetence" is a winning slogan. Maybe he should try again then.
4
Rolling on the floor laughing. The arrogant bully doesn't even have the balls to drop out in public.
The guy who diverted money for Hurricane Sandy to his friend's real estate projects will be missed by few.
The guy who diverted money for Hurricane Sandy to his friend's real estate projects will be missed by few.
21
Such a gifted plain-speaker and a practical politician whose rise was halted by his own demons. It was nice to see some of Jersey push back on the last debate and it exposed Rubio to be really really close to a GWB in terms of policy and intellectual heft. To think, if he never created or allowed a culture of vindictiveness and retaliation, he could have been a more palatable candidate.
6
What a relief. Now send him back where he came from Good People of New Jersey and try to find yourselves a true public servant, socially conscious democrat or independent Governor.
5
It is about time that candidates who have no voter support get out of the way.
Christie and Fiorina finally figured that out.
Ben Carson has not. Either he is just obtuse, or nobody has had the heart to wake the poor guy up and tell him how badly he did in New Hampshire.
Christie and Fiorina finally figured that out.
Ben Carson has not. Either he is just obtuse, or nobody has had the heart to wake the poor guy up and tell him how badly he did in New Hampshire.
7
Have no fear. He will be gone before SC or the day after the primary there. Then there will be only six left? Trump, Bush, Rubio, Kasich, Cruz and, yes, the impressively disengaged Jim Gilmore. (Talk about people who haven't figured things out.) It will be a pleasure not to have to worry about seventeen of them any more. I do wonder why there was a such a ridiculously large field in the first place and whether the way we winnow the field is fair or even sensible. We let the media sponsor debates and assign their own reporters to run them. We essentially let the media influence the polls (that they are often involved in themselves) by creating stories of momentum in one or another direction. Those stories are intended to influence poll respondents months and months ahead of the first vote, so as to make the overall plot line last two years worth of commercials and ads that people will watch while coincidentally hearing something about politics. What the media don't control, big contributors do.
2
As an American, I was repulsed by the idea that Christie could become our president. As a New Jerseyan, I am repulsed that Christie will continue as our governor.
19
Interesting that Boss Christie is to verkelmt to appear publicly to announce his "suspension" of his campaign to be President.
A perfunctory press release from the blustering trial lawyer.
Not even willing to go all Cam before the press.
A perfunctory press release from the blustering trial lawyer.
Not even willing to go all Cam before the press.
6
When I heard of Christie's ignoble departure from the presidential race today, I smiled and gave a thought to Kaci Hickox, the brave nurse who returned from working in the Ebola epidemic in Africa, only to be arrested at the direction of this narcissistic jerk and placed in a plastic tent at Newark Airport. That incident revealed everything any voter needed to know about Chris Christie.
15
You are so sweet to mention that wonderful heroic woman. How Christie treated her said all about his character.
Will check out"Devil or Angel " on YouTube.
Will check out"Devil or Angel " on YouTube.
Good riddance to bad garbage. The only downside to the delight one can take from the defeat of a loathsome bully is that he will be back in the Metropolitan area and not far away in New Hampshire. Being term limited he presumably will fade into some job peddling influence int the New Jersey political swamp.
10
Chris Christie. One of the most evil men to have entered into the American political process.
12
I would never vote for Christie, But I want to thank him for his important contribution to this whole campaign, in knocking Marco Rubio down many pegs, entirely deservedly!
Hail Christie for this contribution to the election!
Hail Christie for this contribution to the election!
10
It was easier to close a bridge than to close his mouth. No one likes a bully.
12
Except for Trump. They love him.
This was news. Something happened. A candidate dropped out. The Times wrote a story and provided a comments thread.
The other bigger headlines, under the even bigger headline, are not news, and n comments are allowed. They are gossip, conjecture, clickbait.
No wonder the candidates don't talk about the issues, and Douthat can pretend that Rubio is (was) some kind of unifying moderate. As far as the Times is concerned, people didn't vote for him because he goofed in the debate. But maybe it was because of his message. Who knows? Not the NYTimes at any rate.
The other bigger headlines, under the even bigger headline, are not news, and n comments are allowed. They are gossip, conjecture, clickbait.
No wonder the candidates don't talk about the issues, and Douthat can pretend that Rubio is (was) some kind of unifying moderate. As far as the Times is concerned, people didn't vote for him because he goofed in the debate. But maybe it was because of his message. Who knows? Not the NYTimes at any rate.
4
It was inevitable. While Rubio wasn't capable of saying it, Florida has no state income tax and has gained congressional seats. Jersey has the highest taxes in the nation and has lost congressional seats. People evacuate NJ for Florida. Kasich has an 80% approval rating and Christie has a 30% approval rating. Bridgegate is more fuel on the fire.
What's surprising here?
What's surprising here?
2
“You cannot put someone in the Oval Office who doesn’t want the heat,” Mr. Christie said.
“I want the heat. I love the heat. I love it — look at me. You know I mean it.” "How else would the doughnuts get cooked?". Go back home, Chris, and "take a breath".Hard to call all those "believers" and tell them they basically wasted the $18,000,000 they gave to your PAC's.Tell 'em about how tough you are,, tough , but poor. Oh Chris, we hardly seen ya' ,Oh, and thanks for selling the water rights of Jersey residents to private water companies....We'll drink to that.
“I want the heat. I love the heat. I love it — look at me. You know I mean it.” "How else would the doughnuts get cooked?". Go back home, Chris, and "take a breath".Hard to call all those "believers" and tell them they basically wasted the $18,000,000 they gave to your PAC's.Tell 'em about how tough you are,, tough , but poor. Oh Chris, we hardly seen ya' ,Oh, and thanks for selling the water rights of Jersey residents to private water companies....We'll drink to that.
5
This -- and the withdrawal of Ms. Fiorina -- demonstrates that not all election results in America are bad.
6
I'm dismayed by the letters criticizing Christie for embracing Obama's assistance after Sandy.
I am no fan of the governor, but I think that was one of his finer diplomatic moments. Reach across the aisle for the greater good.
Politicians used to do that once.
I am no fan of the governor, but I think that was one of his finer diplomatic moments. Reach across the aisle for the greater good.
Politicians used to do that once.
10
Chris Christie has done incalculable harm to NJ. I hardly know where to begin. Maybe tricking state workers into agreeing to a pension deal that he then had declared unconstitutional marked the low point of the man's character. But the most infuriating thing is the fact that he was out of the state 72% of the time last year AND he has stuck NJ taxpayers for paying for his 24/7 "security detail" while he was on his quest to become President. AND he refuses to release any receipts or even the total amount spent on said security detail, citing the need to keep things secret for security reasons. Really? The amount we paid to put state troopers up in hotels, pay for their meals, pay for transportation, gas, etc. is a secret?
I cannot wait until this egomaniacal bully is out of Trenton. Unfortunately, we are stuck with him until January of 2018. I shudder to think about the damage he will inflict on us between now and then.
I cannot wait until this egomaniacal bully is out of Trenton. Unfortunately, we are stuck with him until January of 2018. I shudder to think about the damage he will inflict on us between now and then.
22
I liked that he exposed Rubio for his lack of experience and talking point facade. He highlighted how important experience is to becoming President. However, if Rubio becomes the GOP nominee Christie will be right in line supporting him when on this principle alone, which should be larger than almost all others, Hillary or Sanders have far more experience than he.
That's the sad fact in all of this.
That's the sad fact in all of this.
1
I'm just not sure that stranding the constituents on bridges for political payback
was ever going to be construed as presidential .
was ever going to be construed as presidential .
8
james davisspn
Cristie was investlgated by the state attorney-general.
not guilty
Cristie was investlgated by the state attorney-general.
not guilty
Oh Chris Christie...My fellow Gen-X-er. If only he'd take the incisive language and passion and make the--I think--subtle switch to our side of the aisle, he could be the Democrats' knight in shining armor. Perhaps we must wait for four very painful years to see the combination that he may well embody.
1
No! We don't want him! Please! Incisive language and passion? Character assassination and bullying. Argumentative, combative, druel, vengeful, self-serving. Please don't confuse being a loud-mouth with being passionate. Mr. Christie is passionate about himself, not the people he serves.
1
Christie's campaign has died, but he killed Rubio's campaign on his way out. I think that is what Christie's campaign will be remembered for most. Christie will be looking over his shoulders now for the enemy he made out of Rubio.
2
Here's the core problem: Chris Christie had little presidential to offer the electorate. What was his big selling card? The fact that he was abrasive and had a big mouth? It sure as heck wasn't his stewardship as New Jersey's governor. The state's economy is lousy and the politics is rancid - in no small part due to Mr. George Washington Bridge tie-up. Fact is that he doesn't have the temperament to be the president. His was a losing candidacy from Day 1 and testifies to the dearth of quality candidates on the GOP side.
11
I have always disliked Christie. I was appalled at his treAtment and disregard for teachers. I read with glee the NYT articles on Bridgegate. But now I have gained some respect for him as he exposed the shallowness of Rubio. Christie may have saved us from having Marco be our next President.
9
Buh-bye. Best of all, the voters of NJ who gave him the stepping stone to the national stage are now stuck with him for two more years. Enjoy!
9
Most people here hate him. Not everyone in NJ deserves this. I know I certainky don't.
3
Totally awesome headline, NYT!
2
*OF COURSE* Christie's only memorable accomplishment in the primary season was his nasty (if too easy) bullying take-down of a fellow candidate...who completely deserved the treatment, but, well, I expect you see my point.
3
Do we really have to take him back?
7
At least he exposed Rubio. Now we need to make sure that both Cruz and Rubio are down for the count. They are why I will cross in Georgia and vote for Trump. To get the puppets out and that includes Bush, Cruz and Rubio.
2
Christie always struck me as a stereo typical crooked politician in an HBO series.
Almost cartoonish. The corrupt bully who ends up dying by either choking on a piece of filet mignon or in the arms of a hooker from a heart attack.
Almost cartoonish. The corrupt bully who ends up dying by either choking on a piece of filet mignon or in the arms of a hooker from a heart attack.
9
Perhaps Christie and Fiorina will get the message this vote sent: Insulting Hillary Clinton, speaking fiction as truth, and promising to spy on the american people are winning political strategies. Pass it on.
6
Poor Chris never got the chance to be grilled for his crimes, including taking kickbacks for privatizing new Jersey's prisons and his participation in closing the GW bridge entry.
11
My condolences to the people of New Jersey...
13
Nero has returned to the ashes.
2
One of the best stories to have come out of the primary season. Christie frightens me. He is a bully who likes to pick fights. Good riddance. My only fear is that we are in for a bigger bully with Trump, or Cruz, or...
Respect is not something that is known to this current slate of GOP candidates.
Respect is not something that is known to this current slate of GOP candidates.
6
Mr. Christie should now step up to a podium in Trenton and resign from his term as Governor.
13
Can I get an amen!
5
Christie may have taken down Rubio and for that the nation should be thank ful, but now that the Governor has withdrawn from the race he has time on his hands. Christie should use that time and go sit in the traffic on the George Washington Bridge for about four days and reflect on how to become a better human being.
5
My condolences to the good people of new jersey, who now have to feed the fat man at home.
And my utter contempt to the corrupt lowlifes at Gibson Dunn, who had the temerity to give some of the state money Christie paid to be quote exonerated unquote back to his campaign.
And my utter contempt to the corrupt lowlifes at Gibson Dunn, who had the temerity to give some of the state money Christie paid to be quote exonerated unquote back to his campaign.
10
There are many reasons that Romney said "no thanks" to Christie as a running mate and vetting by the public resulted in the same conclusion.
4
This big air bag is a bad example of a US citizen. He cant do anything for Nj because he can't even control his own eating. Perfect example of excess. Glad people see him for what he is. But really how could you miss him?
2
Does he really have to come back to NJ - he is a flop here also - absolutely useless - the only thing he is good at is wasting the taxpayers money and letting the states infrastructure crumble - in other words the typical republican.
7
We all serve a purpose, if we so choose. I find the comment that Christie's presidential bid was a flop. One I would read in a rag of newspaper. To be honest,I find this a despicable caption. I'm not Christie supporter but I respect any person who puts themselves in the arena for public comment. What purpose his role was is not apparent in the presidential contest. I am positive it will end up being substantial!
2
Interesting how the NYT describes Christie's campaign in NH as a "flop" and Hillary who gets pummeled receives no mention.
2
Kinda too bad. Christie would have been a far better president than any of the remaining Republicans.
It'd be impossible to enjoy this enough, except for the fact that this fool won't have learned a darn thing.
10
With Boss Christie's belly flop in NH, a Guiliani with a half twist, one could be thoroughly pleased that America is spared the Christie Jersey Economic Miracle for all of the Motherland,
but Eddie Munster is at the helm in the House.
One step forward, two steps back........
but Eddie Munster is at the helm in the House.
One step forward, two steps back........
10
Actually, it's Eddie Haskell in the House.....
2
As a lifelong New Jersey resident, now in the city for just about a year, I can tell you just how much Chris Christie is despised in his home state ... with an approval rating that is probably now close to 20%, his government is one of nepotism, cronyism and patronage... I am a moderate Republican but in the last election I voted for the ultra liberal Democrat Barbara Buono.....'nuff said
17
Who says you can't kill two birds with one stone? Christie managed not only to knock Tweetie Bird Rubio off his perch, probably fatally, but to knock himself out of the flock of GOP whacko birds as well. I'm so happy to see them both gone, or going, I may even send a contribution to his now-defunct campaign!
3
Christie wanted to lock up all the pot smokers. Where was he going to put them?
2
A lot of what Christie used to scorn and put down Rubio are applicable to Christie himself. Weak, bothersome, little substance.
7
Well he should think of leaving politics, for he is not even popular in Jersey anymore.
8
Christie never established a distinctive identity other than his mouth, and in that he simply could not outdo Trump. No particular piece of turf was his, as he tried to be too many things to too many people. Christie made too much noise to compete with Kasich and Bush for the ostensibly "moderate" label, and when it came to competing with the three crazies, all he had was 9/11, while they could exploit with eschatological bombast and with no sense of shame the fear produced in many Americans by news such as the following:
"MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — When three girls showed up Monday at a camp for people who had fled the militant group Boko Haram, they were welcomed and offered a place to sleep. But early Tuesday morning, as the first light spread across the sprawling camp, two of the girls blew themselves up with bombs they had been concealing, killing 58 people and wounding 78."
"MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — When three girls showed up Monday at a camp for people who had fled the militant group Boko Haram, they were welcomed and offered a place to sleep. But early Tuesday morning, as the first light spread across the sprawling camp, two of the girls blew themselves up with bombs they had been concealing, killing 58 people and wounding 78."
1
not th right image for pres
people want a pres who projects an image of health and vigor, and chris is anything but that
people want a pres who projects an image of health and vigor, and chris is anything but that
2
Couldn't have happened to a *cough* nicer guy.
But Christie will always have a place in my heart for his savaging of Rubio in that last debate. Maybe Christie can get an Ambassadorship within a Trump administration...
But Christie will always have a place in my heart for his savaging of Rubio in that last debate. Maybe Christie can get an Ambassadorship within a Trump administration...
2
Christie looks like VP material: reminds me of Spiro T. Agnew.
6
That's an apt analogy. Chris, like Spiro, is well trained in the art of the bribe, and kickback.
6
Christie goes bustie. He showed glimmers–strobe pulses–of having the necessary political chops, but in the end, what brought him down–hubris? An over-abundance of chutzpah? A lack of true political acumen, not to mention statesmanship? He should lay low for the next four if not eight years to do a lot of soul-searching, and come back not only when he better understands the game and its rules, but also when he has a better grasp of what the people of this country are so desperate for: someone in command of his/her own mind, with a true vision of leadership to offer us, and the force of will (not muscle) to lead us forward.
1
I'd much rather feel sorry for this bully in his defeat than the anger
I felt whenever I heard him 'perform' in front of an audience. Remember him telling the tv people to turn the camera around and show the audience in one debate, and his nasty, "whatta ya want me to do, go down there with a shovel..." comment, and the famous, "yeh, I was the guy in the hard hat and orange vest putting cones on the road..?" I hope we hear more about his cozy friendship with David Samson, the former NJ Attorney General and crooked former Port of NY Authority leader. I'd like to hear more about Christie's getting United to fly his daughter back to college by changing their routes out of Newark Airport. I'm glad I don't have to sweat seeing a real-life Tony Soprano running for president of the United States. now for the rest of the Republican contenders. I am relieved to see Kasich get some votes in NH. It shows that the Republicans aren't totally irresponsible voters. Good riddance Chris Christie!
I felt whenever I heard him 'perform' in front of an audience. Remember him telling the tv people to turn the camera around and show the audience in one debate, and his nasty, "whatta ya want me to do, go down there with a shovel..." comment, and the famous, "yeh, I was the guy in the hard hat and orange vest putting cones on the road..?" I hope we hear more about his cozy friendship with David Samson, the former NJ Attorney General and crooked former Port of NY Authority leader. I'd like to hear more about Christie's getting United to fly his daughter back to college by changing their routes out of Newark Airport. I'm glad I don't have to sweat seeing a real-life Tony Soprano running for president of the United States. now for the rest of the Republican contenders. I am relieved to see Kasich get some votes in NH. It shows that the Republicans aren't totally irresponsible voters. Good riddance Chris Christie!
8
I hope he comes back via the GWB.
2
What's that? Christie is still governor of New Jersey? I had no idea.
7
In the end, it was a bridge too far....
7
Why did the media-addled New Jersey-ites vote for him as NJ governor to start with?
2
Thank God for video and You Tube that way you can decide for yourself what really happened. In the clip I saw Rubio got some nice shots in at Christie about the state's debt, faltering credit rating and Christie's lack of response to some snow storm and the big boy got kind of flustered, jowls flapping. And then Robo Christie used the same lines over and over saying that Rubio has no experience as a one term Senator. Nice troll job by readers here and NYT and rest of media about Rubio. Try to be fair and accurate and get it right next time.
2
No character;
No temperament;
Bully;
Blow hard;
Hypocrite;
Good riddance.
No temperament;
Bully;
Blow hard;
Hypocrite;
Good riddance.
12
Yeah. He was viewed with suspect. The bridge clloging and all.
How about being governor of a state with one of the worst records of economic performance.
8-9 credit downgrades and all. I'd think that would matter.
How about being governor of a state with one of the worst records of economic performance.
8-9 credit downgrades and all. I'd think that would matter.
4
The sad tale of Chris Christie should be an object lesson for all the Republican blowhards. Christie was popular for a while because his shtick was novel, but he never offered much more than that. Turns out the people of NJ wanted an actual governor. Republicans should pray that the little love affair with Trump ends before he becomes the nominee. His shtick is even more tiresome than Christie's.
4
Christie's campaign for the Republican nomination did not just end. It actually ended almost 4 years ago during the last presidential campaign when when Christie so publicly embraced Obama over Romney. he even posed hugging Obama, all in order to get a subsidy in the form of tens of billions of taxpayer dollars diverted to NJ after the storm.
The press ignores the most obvious aspects of a candidate's disabilities.
Case in point: the weight of Chris Christie. The man is said to have used a stomach band. True or false, he is morbidly overweight. Ask any physician.
Eating disorders are on display on every street, on any cruise ship, in every walk of life.
People with morbid obesity are everywhere. Our national health is a disgrace. Obesity is a carcinogen. Obesity costs the nation dearly.
The military rejects a huge percent of candidates seeking to serve simply because they are overweight. This fact is public.
Chris Christie is massively overweight. I do not recall The New York Times covering this aspect of the man.
Why not? The emotional and physical health of our president is vital to national security.
The same may be said for addictions of other types. See tobacco. See Bill Clinton's personal habits.
Are we in denial?
Is this the ultimate in politically (in)correct?
What will it take for journalism to question and report on such issues?
Case in point: the weight of Chris Christie. The man is said to have used a stomach band. True or false, he is morbidly overweight. Ask any physician.
Eating disorders are on display on every street, on any cruise ship, in every walk of life.
People with morbid obesity are everywhere. Our national health is a disgrace. Obesity is a carcinogen. Obesity costs the nation dearly.
The military rejects a huge percent of candidates seeking to serve simply because they are overweight. This fact is public.
Chris Christie is massively overweight. I do not recall The New York Times covering this aspect of the man.
Why not? The emotional and physical health of our president is vital to national security.
The same may be said for addictions of other types. See tobacco. See Bill Clinton's personal habits.
Are we in denial?
Is this the ultimate in politically (in)correct?
What will it take for journalism to question and report on such issues?
3
Boss Christie belly flops in NH.
We all know that that the voters in NH responded to the yearnings of their brothers and sisters in NJ to have Corpulent Chris return to the Garden State,
so the criminal summons can be served personally.
Then the day saw the Republic Party Alpha Male white flag it: see you Carli.
So now we are left with the Zika Boys.
Narcississ-Psycho Aquanet Don
Domo Arrigato No-Show Marco Roboto
Tail Gunner Rafael, the Natural born Canadian, the Goldman Boy
!, carrying the ! legacy forward.
Kancer Killer Kasich, single handedly balanced a budget, and kilt him a bar.
Sleepy Ben Carzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
It's still wall to wall clown car..........
We all know that that the voters in NH responded to the yearnings of their brothers and sisters in NJ to have Corpulent Chris return to the Garden State,
so the criminal summons can be served personally.
Then the day saw the Republic Party Alpha Male white flag it: see you Carli.
So now we are left with the Zika Boys.
Narcississ-Psycho Aquanet Don
Domo Arrigato No-Show Marco Roboto
Tail Gunner Rafael, the Natural born Canadian, the Goldman Boy
!, carrying the ! legacy forward.
Kancer Killer Kasich, single handedly balanced a budget, and kilt him a bar.
Sleepy Ben Carzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
It's still wall to wall clown car..........
4
Would the debate "moderators" have followed up on Rubio's absent-minded brain-fart repetitions? They wanted to move on, but Christie made everyone acknowledge what was happening. Rubio didn't even seem to know where he was. Scary. So, I never took either of them seriously as candidates (there are no real Republican candidates this year because nobody of integrity would want to be associated with the party of Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan and Ted Cruz), but at least Christie gave us that moment of clarity.
1
Gotta give him cedit for at least finishing off that wanna be clown Cuban Rubio. I mean he really nailed Rubio coffin shut.
But, don't ya ol worry about Gov Soperano.
He has a great future ahead for him.
Just a run down of the so many options now available:
1) Quit NJ and move to Dallas. Get a job as butler to Jerry Jones.He will be able to watch his beloved Cowboys from the owner suit
2) Quit ternton. Move to the City and get a gig as Hwoard Stern side kick
3) Leave Gov mansion and start a conulting pratcice as mafia consigliere
4) Team up with Liz Cheney/Sarah Palin and start an Advance Intriogation Tequics pratice
But, don't ya ol worry about Gov Soperano.
He has a great future ahead for him.
Just a run down of the so many options now available:
1) Quit NJ and move to Dallas. Get a job as butler to Jerry Jones.He will be able to watch his beloved Cowboys from the owner suit
2) Quit ternton. Move to the City and get a gig as Hwoard Stern side kick
3) Leave Gov mansion and start a conulting pratcice as mafia consigliere
4) Team up with Liz Cheney/Sarah Palin and start an Advance Intriogation Tequics pratice
3
So it turns out that all that polling that showed most folks just don't like Christie, especially voters in his home state, were accurate despite all his assurances to the contrary.
At least now there's one less bully campaigning for the GOP nomination.
At least now there's one less bully campaigning for the GOP nomination.
6
Bummer. Now he'll come home and pay attention to New Jersey.
Oh, well, at least he ignored us for quite a while.
Oh, well, at least he ignored us for quite a while.
9
Nobody likes a bully.
7
Headline in tomorrow's Newark (NJ) Star Ledger: "Giant Blowfish Washes Up On Sandy Hook."
22
He made a huge mistake by hugging Obama, to me this was like hugging the devil.
Obama, the devil? Right.... Starting to get a little tired of this. Oh, and have you taken a gander at the Republican presidential candidates?
1
heres whos left
Skip Andrews
• George Bailey
• Michael Bickelmeyer
• Kerry Bowers
• Jeb Bush
• Ben Carson
• Eric Cavanagh
• Dale Christensen
• Chris Christie ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Ted Cruz
• Brooks Cullison
• John Dummett, Jr.
• Mark Everson ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Jack Fellure
• Carly Fiorina ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Jim Gilmore
• Lindsey Graham ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Jim Hayden
• Chris Hill
• Mike Huckabee ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Bobby Jindal ◄ WITHDRAWN
• John Kasich
• Valma Kittington
• Andy Martin
• Peter Messina
• James C. Mitchell, Jr.
• K. Ross Newland
• Esteban Oliverez
• George Pataki ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Rand Paul ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Rick Perry ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Michael Petyo
• Marco Rubio
• Brian Russell
• Rick Santorum ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Jefferson Sherman
• Donald Trump
• Scott Walker ◄ WITHDRAWN
Skip Andrews
• George Bailey
• Michael Bickelmeyer
• Kerry Bowers
• Jeb Bush
• Ben Carson
• Eric Cavanagh
• Dale Christensen
• Chris Christie ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Ted Cruz
• Brooks Cullison
• John Dummett, Jr.
• Mark Everson ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Jack Fellure
• Carly Fiorina ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Jim Gilmore
• Lindsey Graham ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Jim Hayden
• Chris Hill
• Mike Huckabee ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Bobby Jindal ◄ WITHDRAWN
• John Kasich
• Valma Kittington
• Andy Martin
• Peter Messina
• James C. Mitchell, Jr.
• K. Ross Newland
• Esteban Oliverez
• George Pataki ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Rand Paul ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Rick Perry ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Michael Petyo
• Marco Rubio
• Brian Russell
• Rick Santorum ◄ WITHDRAWN
• Jefferson Sherman
• Donald Trump
• Scott Walker ◄ WITHDRAWN
2
It's really a bit of Lewis Carroll-like entertainment, reading that Christie is too egotistical, selfish, bullying, and generally of the wrong character overall to be President of the United States. Meanwhile, we have Trump winning the primary in NH by a hefty margin, a man who exemplifies all of those bad traits (and more) and revels in them. Trump made Christie look like a gentleman by comparison, and Cruz made him look like a realistic genius. Woe are we.
3
I was sick of him invoking 9/11 all the time.
6
He was kidding himself the whole way.
Trump cornered the market among those who like blowhards, so that eliminated Christie's only constituency.
Now he can get back to the business of evading responsibility for Bridgegate
Trump cornered the market among those who like blowhards, so that eliminated Christie's only constituency.
Now he can get back to the business of evading responsibility for Bridgegate
5
Chris Christie flopped? just refill the pool and move on.
5
A very weak exit, not making any final comments but rather doing it behind the scenes. Now go back to Joisy and do your job!
4
Wonderful. Now he can go back to New Jersey and pick up that mop.
5
I'm sorry but being from New Jersey there is nothing better than watching this delusional man get humbled. Next up the Trial, and maybe he'll have too resign. Adios amigos .........
16
He made a mess of NJ and then thought he was qualified to lead our nation?
Go home, Christie, and clean up your mess.
Go home, Christie, and clean up your mess.
7
He won't clean it up. He'll just make it worse.
8
Geez - Hubris. Ego. Let's raise & spend millions of dollars and neglect the state you've been hired to run for this quixotical venture. Christie may be good for New Jersey, but he is all wrong for America.
1
Awhile back it was reported that Christie's purpose in running in NH was to assassinate Rubio's presidential bid. Mission accomplished
3
I guess they can leave William Howard Taft's bathtub in storage...
19
Na na na, hey, hey, hey, goodbye.
8
Hey, New Jersey, this whole thing is on you. New Jersey bought in to this guy and went into the the voting booths and elected him. It was feeding an ego that can never be satisfied.
4
So this is now how someone withdraws from the presidential race -- via a post on Facebook? How far we've fallen….
6
If there is a god, I pray that HE/She makes sure we've seen the last of Chris Christie or Carly Fiorina running for a national office.
4
The real news here is that Jim Gilmore keeps climbing. When he and Trump are the only candidates left you'll see Jim Gilmore make his big push. Go Jim.
3
Back to New Jersey, back to Bridgegate, back to bullying people who call him out on his failures as governor, New Jersey your bully is back, watch out!
8
Finally, he can get back to doing full-time what the people of New Jersey elected him to do: obstructing transportation, brow-beating teachers, and pimping shopping malls.
9
Ah! the silver lining.
1
Any chance Christie can stay in NH? We haven't missed him here.
6
Gee, and David Koch thought Christy was his kind of guy!
2
Christies brand was damaged beyond repair by the Soprano's TV show.
the original Trump, in the end, he couldn't compete with the actual Trump.
he screwed up our bridge, and an old lady died in an ambulance, kids peed in their pants on the school bus, the Amtrak tunnel that the feds gave him money to build, that he refused to give back may collapse and kill people and screw up rail traffic for ever, and.........well; it's so cool to see Chris get what was coming to him. NJ should start a recall petition. I think it has a chance of succeeding.
he screwed up our bridge, and an old lady died in an ambulance, kids peed in their pants on the school bus, the Amtrak tunnel that the feds gave him money to build, that he refused to give back may collapse and kill people and screw up rail traffic for ever, and.........well; it's so cool to see Chris get what was coming to him. NJ should start a recall petition. I think it has a chance of succeeding.
5
Perhaps, with this election cycle, the people have finally learned that "talking tough" and eviscerating your opponents with bullying and loud mouth accusations, do not create a leader. My nephew is voting for Donald Trump, why? Because he says Trump, "is a real man," and "Trump tells it like it is." Anyone could stand at a podium and spew the kind of vitriol that comes out of the mouths of people like Christie, Trump and Cruz. If these are "real men" I'm getting out of here. Boy, will I miss Obama. Now, come the comments about his "weakness", he's the "devil", he's a flipflopper. No. What he is, is a real man; thoughtful, intelligent, takes the long view, cool under pressure, and not vengeful. I am proud that this country elected Obama, but too many people have decided that accusations, blame and vicious behavior and violence, are the only remedies for what ails us. I have a feeling we're going to get the president we deserve, and it ain't gonna be pretty.
To quote Mr. Christie: "Sit down and shut up."
3
He was doing his job when hurricane hit and that's responding to a crisis situation. Why would a situation jettison him as some superstar. Mayor Giuliani set the stage for that nonsense with 911 when overall his administration was divisive in NYC. So Christie thought he could run the same thing. Please go back and continue to help Newark.
Thank God!
Great! Now he can go back to ruining New Jersey, that is, if he's not under indictment by November.
6
Bye!! Don't let the door hit you on the way out!
2
Maybe there is a God.
2
Good to see you go. Now how about resigning from the governorship? It will be no loss to the state as you've been absent so long.
3
Whew, America dodged a bullet! Sorry NJ, he's all yours again! His greed and corruption will have to remain contained in your state!
Nj bill tax bill,big insurance bills,big utilities, big governor. Example of excess.
Mr. Lapband and can now go back to the Seaside boardwalk and eat his ice cream. Frankly, the rest of us in Jersey wish he would have gone to SC or anywhere but our fair state. We don't need him, want him, or care for him. What goes around comes around bigmouth.
5
King Christie made a deal with Jeb. I'll put the hit on Rubio because I'm probably gone anyway. Jeb's donors and conservative activists don't get mad at Jeb for trying to sink a possible candidate who could take on Billary. And Christie, he'll be out of a job soon enough. But Jeb promised him, if he wins, to be US Attorney General.
Mr. "accountability" did nothing except get mad at a local mayor and shut down the traffic plaza leading from Jersey into NYC. If he didn't know about it, then he created a culture in which his operatives thought he would approve such a "dirty trick," ala Dick Nixon. That's what the GOP needs, another Dick Nixon.
Too bad Rubio short-circuited last Saturday. He should have owned his "Gang of Eight" immigration bill with the Dems, cause Christie won't reach across the aisle. Then he should have asked Christie to look earnestly into the camera, and promise the American voters that if elected to the WH, but unable to pass his own legislative projects, he would not shut down the DC beltway in a fit of rage, thereby preventing anyone from driving home to Maryland.
Every time Christie demurred, Rubio could have yelled out, "there he goes again, governor Bridgegate, unable to take the heat of the actions of his own appointees and underlings."
But Christie did do one thing in his gubernatorial tenure, besides chasing the top 10% of wealth out of NJ, he did get Obama to have Bruce Springsteen call him on the phone.
You can't make this stuff up.
Mr. "accountability" did nothing except get mad at a local mayor and shut down the traffic plaza leading from Jersey into NYC. If he didn't know about it, then he created a culture in which his operatives thought he would approve such a "dirty trick," ala Dick Nixon. That's what the GOP needs, another Dick Nixon.
Too bad Rubio short-circuited last Saturday. He should have owned his "Gang of Eight" immigration bill with the Dems, cause Christie won't reach across the aisle. Then he should have asked Christie to look earnestly into the camera, and promise the American voters that if elected to the WH, but unable to pass his own legislative projects, he would not shut down the DC beltway in a fit of rage, thereby preventing anyone from driving home to Maryland.
Every time Christie demurred, Rubio could have yelled out, "there he goes again, governor Bridgegate, unable to take the heat of the actions of his own appointees and underlings."
But Christie did do one thing in his gubernatorial tenure, besides chasing the top 10% of wealth out of NJ, he did get Obama to have Bruce Springsteen call him on the phone.
You can't make this stuff up.
1
Jubilee133*** I think you may be right about the deal with Bush. I have been trying to figure out why he was the one to go after Rubio. Bush and Kasich are the ones who are helped mostly by it, and Kasich I don't think would make such a deal. But the Bush crime family would not care about all the baggage, mob ties, patronage, etc. Romney vetted Christie and found out there was too much there, that's why he was dropped from consideration for anything, let alone VP. It makes sense.
Glad I'm not the metaphorical dog that is going to get kicked when daddy comes home from a bad day in the office!
It has been asked "did the New Hampshire voters roll Christie?" (double entendre intendre) "Sure, pal, we'll vote for ya, but you're gonna need to drop about $30Mil."
$1,500 per vote, oh the fiscally conservative Republicans!
It has been asked "did the New Hampshire voters roll Christie?" (double entendre intendre) "Sure, pal, we'll vote for ya, but you're gonna need to drop about $30Mil."
$1,500 per vote, oh the fiscally conservative Republicans!
12
Christie has one talent and only one talent he is a very good con artist. He conned the media and much of the electorate here in NJ prior to his second election. He conned many in the media and lots of Republican big wigs around the country for a time as well. Like all con artists he is endlessly self promoting and a pathological liar. I have scene the Christie administration up close in NJ and despite the fact that many of his appointments are "former federal prosecutors" they and he are not very competent and don't care one whit about the people of the state. Bridgegate is not only a problem for him and some of his highest ranking appointments (David Samsom isn't out of the woods yet) it and the attitudes it represents is a metaphor for who he is and how he governs. Many, many New Jersey residents while happy he is out of the race just wish he would go away even if that means leaving the government in the hands of another former federal prosecutor and incompetent Kim Guadagno for the next two years.
12
The end of a bully.
15
This time - and this time only - we'll thank him for eroding Rubio's facade. But please, Mr. Christie, just stay away (and that includes major bridges).
12
I never thought that Christie was fit for the presidency. On the other hand he has earned my gratitude for revealing Rubio as the man behind the curtain and his shameless posturing as the one and only "Wizard".
Now Chris, back to NJ and, as someone else has commented, what about the desperately needed new tunnel to NYC and replacement of aging bridges.
Now Chris, back to NJ and, as someone else has commented, what about the desperately needed new tunnel to NYC and replacement of aging bridges.
11
If the Repubs win in November, they can install CC as the attack dog on the White House lawn.
6
Wow, Christie really got clobbered. Sixth place. Wow. What a shame. Totally creamed. Even Jeb Bush beat him. The wimp. Chris Christie. Such a loser.
I only hope and pray that this worm of a man, after he crawls away from being New Jersey governor, never holds an important public office again. At least not in my lifetime.
I only hope and pray that this worm of a man, after he crawls away from being New Jersey governor, never holds an important public office again. At least not in my lifetime.
24
Now, now... calling Christie a "worm" is a tad harsh... ha ha.
Good riddance. Now if all the other Repubs would just declare they are unfit to occupy the office of the Presidency.
17
As long as Trump and Cruz are poised to utterly destroy this once great country, I am very pleased. Go Donald! Go Ted!!
3
The despicable thing about Christie--okay, one of the many--was how he made governance decisions in New Jersey so transparently with an eye to how they would be received in the "Invisible Primary," and Iowa. (Not so much New Hampshire, whose Republicans seem relatively sane.)
So not only did he hurt his state, he did so with nothing at all to show for it.
So not only did he hurt his state, he did so with nothing at all to show for it.
9
I'm no fan of Chistie (nor of any other Republican), but I will say that his takedown of Rubio in the New Hampshire debate gave me one of the best laughs I've had so far in this entire campaign season, and for that I thank him!
17
Christie turned massive federal funding for needed infrastructure projects that would have benefited the entire NE region so he would look more presidential to the GOP.
Now his failed leadership, and campaign have washed ashore and New Jersey has not advanced an iota. He put his personal glory for fame above the state which he was elected to serve. What a disaster for the good people of New Jersey.
What a despicable character!
Good riddance!
Now his failed leadership, and campaign have washed ashore and New Jersey has not advanced an iota. He put his personal glory for fame above the state which he was elected to serve. What a disaster for the good people of New Jersey.
What a despicable character!
Good riddance!
30
Now he is going to focus on NJ instead of travelling the country while still in office. Wonder if NJ is happy with this.
12
No, we are not.
3
No.
3
My conscience is clear. I voted for Barbara Buono.
1
Perhaps the erstwhile Governor can now reimburse the New Jersey taxpayers for all of the costs of his NJ State Police detail while he was busy pretending that he was a credible Presidential candidate and traveling all over the nation, rather than actually doing the job for which he was elected. It won't compensate for the 9 successive bond rating downgrades on his watch, of course; nor will it compensate for the $1 million+ he cost us for his whitewash of a legal "investigation" to exonerate him from his obvious complicity in the still unfolding Bridgegate scandal; nor will it compensate us for the $24 million he spent on a ridiculous, self-serving "special election" two weeks before the general election, in order to avoid appearing on the ballot with the popular Senator Cory Booker. For this man to have been so arrogant as to presume that he is remotely qualified as an "executive," given his egregious record in New Jersey, is beyond comprehension. New Jersey really doesn't want him back, but the nation is far better off without him.
26
Now he can focus on what he does best: yelling at underappreciated teachers.
17
Running on the platform of cutting social security to wealthier older folks, it is not surprising that he did not set the Republican voter base on fire.
Christie is the Doctor Kevorkian of the New Jersey pension fund. He is the last person who should be put in charge of Social Security.
New Jersey, you gave him to the nation. Time for New Jersey to take him back.
Christie is the Doctor Kevorkian of the New Jersey pension fund. He is the last person who should be put in charge of Social Security.
New Jersey, you gave him to the nation. Time for New Jersey to take him back.
12
We don't want him either!!!
4
Like most bullies he is a coward at heart. Now, he is justifiably confined to oblivion. The history is already written: a petty, vengeful, cynical hack!
6
11 points in the NH primary dropped out today.
It is now a game of musical chairs. Donald Trump will not get one, due to his high negative numbers. He has a ceiling....so does Cruz, probably. And Carson. It is now just a matter of time before the nomination goes to Bush, Kasich, or Rubio, in that order. Money still counts, and Bush has a ton.
It is now a game of musical chairs. Donald Trump will not get one, due to his high negative numbers. He has a ceiling....so does Cruz, probably. And Carson. It is now just a matter of time before the nomination goes to Bush, Kasich, or Rubio, in that order. Money still counts, and Bush has a ton.
2
I like Chris Christie.
I hope he's the next United States Attorney General.
1
You get disbarred when you are sentenced to jail after a felony conviction. So this is a tad outlandish.
4
I suppose somebody somewhere is surprised.
Or cares.
Or cares.
10
One bully down, several more to go.
12
"And so today, I leave the race without an ounce of regret". Speaking as a New Jersey constituent, I would have preferred he stayed in Iowa or New Hampshire. The guy is that bad.
17
The last part of this article seems to provide a overly positive political obituary for Gov. Christie which isn't right. He didn't die. Based on his own interests he decided to take his ball and go back to NJ. Hard to get all sentimental about that.
Also another point missed in the article. Christie went after Rubio in the debate to get back at him for the Rubio aligned super PACc negative ads attacking Christie. It was a simple matter of retribution as any bully would do while also hoping he would gain votes from his tough guy behavior. That's not the negative behavior voters look for in a president.
Also another point missed in the article. Christie went after Rubio in the debate to get back at him for the Rubio aligned super PACc negative ads attacking Christie. It was a simple matter of retribution as any bully would do while also hoping he would gain votes from his tough guy behavior. That's not the negative behavior voters look for in a president.
3
It is baffling to me why this man has not been indicted. But I will take the wreck of his dream as a consolation prize.
27
Granted, Christie laser focused on Rubio's robotic, nonsensical sound bites. However, anyone who really listened to any of these candidates, particularly Rubio, should have realized he never said anything of substance and only repeated himself like an old fashioned broken record. What did he mean Obama tried to change this country? To what? How? Never explained and no one asked.
Meanwhile, back at the Christie ranch, he abandoned the state to pursue this presidential folly. NJ has the country's highest real estate taxes which has forced seniors and the middle class to flee. I left the state 20 years ago, returning recently to find residents disillusioned, despaired, and disgusted. The cost of living is a prohibitive except for the affluent. While that's nothing Christie can solve alone, the captain should not abandon the ship while it's sinking.
Meanwhile, back at the Christie ranch, he abandoned the state to pursue this presidential folly. NJ has the country's highest real estate taxes which has forced seniors and the middle class to flee. I left the state 20 years ago, returning recently to find residents disillusioned, despaired, and disgusted. The cost of living is a prohibitive except for the affluent. While that's nothing Christie can solve alone, the captain should not abandon the ship while it's sinking.
10
Another one bites the dust.
Now that Carly'so out too, we're down to 6. Hopefully Carson will go home for another change of clothes and stay there. We don't want a president who can't keep his eyes open.
Now that Carly'so out too, we're down to 6. Hopefully Carson will go home for another change of clothes and stay there. We don't want a president who can't keep his eyes open.
17
My wife and I were laughing our head off when he slamed Rubio in the debates.
We were cheering him on. I hate to see him leave the race. He was one of the few in the debate that I listened closely too.
We were cheering him on. I hate to see him leave the race. He was one of the few in the debate that I listened closely too.
4
Well, that makes one person who hates to see him leave. But, oh, yes. That person is from Iowa.
3
This man tried so hard to pander to a constituency that was never going to support him by inflicting hard-right positions on the state. I'm almost sorry that we won't get to see him rejected in the South on Super Tuesday.
7
Good riddance! As a NJ tax payer glad I don't have to continue paying for our State Troopers to travel with Christie. Fiscal conservative, how about reimbursing the State for your failed run.
15
I guess it's safe to say that Chris Christie successfully bridged the gap between being an unsuccessful Governor and an unsuccessful Presidential candidate. Some might even say he's on a roll . .
11
Much criticism has been leveled at the apparent strangeness of our primary system in which a tiny, unrepresentative minority of Americans exerts a disproportionately huge influence on the selection of candidates for the general election.
In fact, we are seeing that the current primary system works quite well. Candidates like Christie--a blowhard with a penchant for corruption and abuse of office--are quickly shown the door, while those with zany ideas but decent coalition-building skills are allowed to fight it out. The real problem with the electoral process is that its profound ugliness convinces all the decent people with good judgment to avoid running for office.
In fact, we are seeing that the current primary system works quite well. Candidates like Christie--a blowhard with a penchant for corruption and abuse of office--are quickly shown the door, while those with zany ideas but decent coalition-building skills are allowed to fight it out. The real problem with the electoral process is that its profound ugliness convinces all the decent people with good judgment to avoid running for office.
5
Well if you're a member of the Republic Party,
if you cannot do well in one religious and white state and a very white state,
you are not capturing the hearts and minds of the National Socialists.
The hand writing is on the wall
if you cannot do well in one religious and white state and a very white state,
you are not capturing the hearts and minds of the National Socialists.
The hand writing is on the wall
This is the part of the Republican race that I like the most, when we are spared the fearful thought of a dangerous and undeserving person becoming president of the United States. I would have slept better tonight, knowing that Christie is out, but for the fact that I know that Trump, Cruz, Rubio, Bush and bunch of other awful Republicans are still in the race.
9
I don't have an ounce of regret that he is dropping out, either. I do have pity for the people of New Jersey, however, who have to suffer from his increased attention to state matters from this point on.
14
it seemed like he took one for the "team" (the republican establishment). I wonder if he knew it in advance.
Now comes a period of reflection, counsel with advisors, and serious binge eating.
20
Let's not forget the Chairman's Flight that was created for former Port Authority Chairman David Samson, his crony lawyer who received huge legal fees from the state, or the disastrous Exxon settlement that cheated NJ taxpayers out of billions or the whitewash of bridge-gate that involved a law firm that has paid political patronage to his campaign. All of our governors in the past several decades have been bums, but Christie elevate corruption to a new art form. I guess his motto must be "If anything is worth doing, it's worth doing right."
10
I bet the citizens of NJ now feel better that their Governor has returned --- he's back.
Chris Christie dropping out of the race is probably the most gracious response to his performance in Iowa and NH. The only to governors left are Kasich and Bush. Kasich is justified in continuing. I am not sure about Jeb. Maybe he may consider following the lead of those who left graciously.
21
The Times must have chosen this reply since "gracious" and "Christie" were used in the same sentence. There was nothing done in the universe in which Christie functions that would deem calling him "gracious."
2
There is too much money and pride behind Jeb Bush to see him take the fall graciously. If he bows out, it'll give Bush Sr a heart attack to see his prodigal son (who has far more capability than W) falling flat on his face like that. Bad karma.
3
Christie saved us from Republican nominee Rubio. Thank goodness.
14
Your obviously a Clinton support who's frightened of a better candidate than Hilary
Most of the other candidates, including Clinton, feared him. He should consider endorsing Kasich. Or teaming with Bloomberg.
2
Rubio will bounce back and be stronger for the tribulation.
Just imagine a ticket with Trump as president and Christie as veep. What a pair
that would make.
I mean that in a complimentary way.
that would make.
I mean that in a complimentary way.
3
Well, Trump and Christie do complement one another in that they are both narcissistic bullies, but that is not a compliment.
8
And when they're done speaking with Putin or Kim Jung, we would find out what America will look like when it glows in the dark.
Only the cockroaches will survive.
Only the cockroaches will survive.
1
When Christie was planning to run for President, I thought he had a good chance of winning. Then bridgegate hit and I thought he is just another vindictive politician. I lost interest in him after that.
6
Bill93
Christie not guilty
Christie not guilty
Buh Bye Christie…, next exit…, your governor’s job…
16
It's too bad Christie is not staying in the race. NJ does not want him!
Maybe he can move to NH, he at least has a few people who seem to like him.
Maybe he can move to NH, he at least has a few people who seem to like him.
10
It's incredible to me how someone like Christie can actually run for high office, and count on having so many overlook, or not care about, his very public record of dishonesty and corruption, as well as his mean-spirited lack of class.
Maybe he stopped getting away with this in New Hampshire? If so, applause to those folks, and hopefully there will be more like them in other States, as we move towards November.
Maybe he stopped getting away with this in New Hampshire? If so, applause to those folks, and hopefully there will be more like them in other States, as we move towards November.
22
In soccer what Christie did was that he scored an “own goal” on his own campaign and defeated himself.
New Jersey will welcome Christie back with pitchforks at the Washington bridge turnpike.
New Jersey will welcome Christie back with pitchforks at the Washington bridge turnpike.
15
It's the George Washington Bridge and it's NOT a turnpike.
But your point is well taken. The citizens of New Jersey, especially Fort Lee, NJ should be waiting with tar, feathers and pitch forks on the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge. AND just to be sure, they should have people waiting at both the upper and lower levels just in case Christie slips by on the lower level of the GW Bridge.
But your point is well taken. The citizens of New Jersey, especially Fort Lee, NJ should be waiting with tar, feathers and pitch forks on the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge. AND just to be sure, they should have people waiting at both the upper and lower levels just in case Christie slips by on the lower level of the GW Bridge.
2
A well deserved hat tip to the journalists, managers and owners of the Bergen Record, without whom most of us may never have known about the George Washington Bridge blockage and the Christie-bred savages who spawned it. One can only imagine how much we don't know because of the unfortunate contraction of local journalism. But at least the Record got that one!
43
robert
Christie was not involved Those who were are still appealing.
Christie was not involved Those who were are still appealing.
Just wait until the list of "unindicted" co-conspirators is made public. Christie may be on that list.
1
Sarah, you don't know whether he was or not, nor do I - and I didn't say so. Most thinking people are convinced, with good reason, that staffers influenced by the poisonous atmosphere he created were responsible, and that is more than enough to discredit him as a leader.
I have one comment. The hatred I've read in these posts are revolting. I now see why Sanders and Trump are leading in the race for president. Is this country angry or what? Maybe we could have a public lynching and just get it over with. How many people did Chris murder? Killers are cut more slack in this country. People, take a deep breath and get over your hatred.
2
Christie is far more revolting than any hatred you'll see expressed here. He's the most corrupt and incompetent governor in New Jersey's history.
Educate yourself and look up the following topics: his expulsion from the Morris County Board of Freeholders, the number of libel and slander suits that he's had to settle out of court, his string of lies and deceit in local politics, his work as a bag man for Karl Rove, his abuse of the office of U.S. Attorney as a political weapon, the strange case of his brother Todd who magically escaped indictment for Wall Street fraud and malfeasance while his colleagues all went to prison, the corruption in NJ's halfway house system, his pay to play scam with state contracts, his all out assault on NJ's public education (ranked 3rd best in the USA before he took over), over $10 billion in corporate tax giveaways that he's settled on the backs of the middle class, his public abuse of citizens who dare to question or criticize him, his abuse of tax payer funds for his own gluttonous lifestyle and we haven't even gotten anywhere near "Bridgegate" yet.
Educate yourself and look up the following topics: his expulsion from the Morris County Board of Freeholders, the number of libel and slander suits that he's had to settle out of court, his string of lies and deceit in local politics, his work as a bag man for Karl Rove, his abuse of the office of U.S. Attorney as a political weapon, the strange case of his brother Todd who magically escaped indictment for Wall Street fraud and malfeasance while his colleagues all went to prison, the corruption in NJ's halfway house system, his pay to play scam with state contracts, his all out assault on NJ's public education (ranked 3rd best in the USA before he took over), over $10 billion in corporate tax giveaways that he's settled on the backs of the middle class, his public abuse of citizens who dare to question or criticize him, his abuse of tax payer funds for his own gluttonous lifestyle and we haven't even gotten anywhere near "Bridgegate" yet.
22
At least one who died when the ambulance got stuck on the bridge he closed.
He should be in prison, not in the governors mansion.
He should be in prison, not in the governors mansion.
18
You sir have no idea what you are talking about.
Christie deserves all the vitriol being written and more.
He is a narcissistic bully who insulted and lied his way to the national stage and you want to give him slack.
My answer, no slack for Christie for his treatment of the citizens of New Jersey and the lies he foisted on the voting public.
Christie deserves all the vitriol being written and more.
He is a narcissistic bully who insulted and lied his way to the national stage and you want to give him slack.
My answer, no slack for Christie for his treatment of the citizens of New Jersey and the lies he foisted on the voting public.
3
His parting blow -- exposing the shallow Boy Wonder -- was the best thing he's done in years. My only regret is that he will not be sticking around to finish the job.
15
Seriously sad the Times never had the courage to portray this old time — out for himself — for who he obviously is. Seriously, the press needs to begin to take some responsibility in its portrayal of people who want to supposedly represent us. At least print the objective truth! Then the at large news media fed the fiction that he had any chance at all of actually being a contender in the nomination contest when any honest observer paying attention knew that his dismal record as governor disqualified him. Just another Republican bully who though he could fool the people forever. In terms of being a representative of the voters the man is a bad joke who will go down with all the other fools NJ voters put their hopes in. Though I doubt anyone with integrity could get themselves on the ballot there.
12
I'm sorry to see Chris go .. I think he would have made a great President and is far more qualified than most of the Republicans still in it. Trump seemed to take away his natural constituency but Christie knows how to govern .. I don't think Trump will. Thank you for your efforts Chris .. you deserved a better outcome
2
Good. His almost abusive demeanor will not be missed one single bit.
Now maybe he can get out the mop, as he suggested to the innocent young woman who was just trying to ask him an innocent question.
And it looks like Snarly Carly Fiorina is doing the same.
Good riddance to both of them.
Now maybe he can get out the mop, as he suggested to the innocent young woman who was just trying to ask him an innocent question.
And it looks like Snarly Carly Fiorina is doing the same.
Good riddance to both of them.
26
Sorry, New Jersey, you have to take Gov. Donut back, now. Just don't elect him to anything else, if you now know what's good for you. Carly Fiorino may join a conservative "think" tank, since she is now ostensibly unemployable, on the open market.
11
Seems like every lane to the White House has been blocked. How ironic and appropriate.
46
It is not classy to take pleasure in another man's failure, but in this case we can make an exception. While there have been other public officials who have built their resume slashing and burning with total disregard for our children's future, and there have been other politicians who have taken an expensive ego trip, none have done it with the crassness and disrespect for those he serves as well and those who write about his service. May our collective wisdom continue to eliminate all the science denying, self-serving puppets of the anarchists on the right- Is John Huntsman still available?
15
Christie knew well that he had no chance to be POTUS. He just wanted to keep his name in the ring so that if his party wins he will get a job in the cabinet. He has no future in N.J.
15
No one likes a bully - especially a public official who lies misrepresents distorts fact and truth and enjoys doing so. Close down the busiest bridge in the country to get even with some local pol who refused to support him and let several of his "soldiers" take the rap... And terrorize a teenager who asked him at a rally in Iowa why he was there campaigning when there were floods in NJ: "Whadda ya want me to do- go back with a mop?"
Leaving the race was the only really smart decision he's made.
Leaving the race was the only really smart decision he's made.
16
If no one likes a bully, then why is the Trumpet getting votes?
JL
Christie was investigated by the State Attorney-General. Not Guilty re Bridgegate
Christie was investigated by the State Attorney-General. Not Guilty re Bridgegate
Yeah and guess who appointed that State Attorney General?
I want to see that sealed list of unindicted co-conspirators for Bridge-gate.
I want to see that sealed list of unindicted co-conspirators for Bridge-gate.
1
Christie's attack on Rubio, followed by his own defeat, brings to mind the adage: "He who wields the dagger seldom wears the crown."
22
Cristie's attacks on Rubio - however guilty - went beyond bullying to assassination. Hopefully it was this perception that brought the good people of New Hampshire to put the assassin down!
4
Only if he somehow forced Sen. Rubio to keep regurgitating those talking points.
9
This should be a message to Michael Bloomberg, the American people are not looking to elect a dad.
4
DTRAIN, you give too much credence to Christie. One of the last pretenders of the five families.
When your crew has shut off bridges to ambulances and school buses.
The general population sits in wait.
The five families never did that,
When your crew has shut off bridges to ambulances and school buses.
The general population sits in wait.
The five families never did that,
6
G. P.
The Governor had nothing to do with "bridgegate.'
The Governor had nothing to do with "bridgegate.'
1
Probably true, but his insults, bullying and hard ball tactics fostered these egregious actions by his staff.
Thank you New Hampshire for seeing through bluster.
Thank you New Hampshire for seeing through bluster.
1
Huh? Nothing "to do with bridgegate"? No direct orders involved by Mr. Christie, I guess he just created the environment in his administration in which "Bridgegate" could happen...
Sounds awfully Nixonian to me!
Sounds awfully Nixonian to me!
3
He "loved the heat"- and now he's cooked. Jersey doesn't want him back, and his political career is nearly at an end in any case (term limits make him an incumbent governor and no one wants to see him run for the U.S. Senate). Hopefully, there'll be an opening at FOX News wide enough for him to pass through.
15
Though appointed as the NJ federal prosecutor, Mr. Christie had zero criminal experience; President Bush appointed him because he was a loyal fund raiser. The president's office of prosecutors was notoriously and improperly political, something unheard of before then. Thinking he was actually qualified, Mr. Christie began his NJ career a bully-in-chief, bellowing at everyone who had a different opinion.
He next was elected as governor, winning against a detested incumbent Jon Corzine; again thinking it was because of his personal qualifications, he proceeded to tank the state's finances, meriting it 9 credit downgrades w slow growth/employment to boot. He then ran against a poorly funded under-whelming opponent for re-election and won, thinking it was because of his sterling qualities.
"Handling" a hurricane next, again Mr Christie thought by having his picture taken next to its victims, he had actually accomplished something.
In 2012, pols pleaded with him to run against Romney a lifeless candidate, and again thinking it was because of his qualifications, he seemed to believe his own press.
He confused ideology as thought; happenstance as clear causation; unqualified opponents as a measure of his brilliance.
His next role: VP candidate cum attack dog, a la Spiro T. Agnew.
Good dog: Now Bark!
He next was elected as governor, winning against a detested incumbent Jon Corzine; again thinking it was because of his personal qualifications, he proceeded to tank the state's finances, meriting it 9 credit downgrades w slow growth/employment to boot. He then ran against a poorly funded under-whelming opponent for re-election and won, thinking it was because of his sterling qualities.
"Handling" a hurricane next, again Mr Christie thought by having his picture taken next to its victims, he had actually accomplished something.
In 2012, pols pleaded with him to run against Romney a lifeless candidate, and again thinking it was because of his qualifications, he seemed to believe his own press.
He confused ideology as thought; happenstance as clear causation; unqualified opponents as a measure of his brilliance.
His next role: VP candidate cum attack dog, a la Spiro T. Agnew.
Good dog: Now Bark!
25
Rachel Maddow should take a bow for his leaving. I love you Rachel!!
She was at NH and showed the 180 degree difference in Kasich’s Town Hall meetings---talking WITH folks-- while Christie just lectured with talking points. People got up and walked out of the rooms when Christie talked.
Rachel then asked him a question at a presser and Christie immediately said “Oh I don’t want to talk to you!” at Rachel. She asked a good question. “How are Iowans and the people of New Hampshire different?” He then proceeded to do EXACTLY what Maddow said he would do...Christie started his stump speech and never did answer her question.
Christie knew what Rubio was doing with his 25 second memorized spots since Christie did the SAME THING. Christie CANNOT talk to a common citizen. He has no idea what everyday folks even think about much less do every day. (They sure don’t have private helicopters taking them to special events!)
She was at NH and showed the 180 degree difference in Kasich’s Town Hall meetings---talking WITH folks-- while Christie just lectured with talking points. People got up and walked out of the rooms when Christie talked.
Rachel then asked him a question at a presser and Christie immediately said “Oh I don’t want to talk to you!” at Rachel. She asked a good question. “How are Iowans and the people of New Hampshire different?” He then proceeded to do EXACTLY what Maddow said he would do...Christie started his stump speech and never did answer her question.
Christie knew what Rubio was doing with his 25 second memorized spots since Christie did the SAME THING. Christie CANNOT talk to a common citizen. He has no idea what everyday folks even think about much less do every day. (They sure don’t have private helicopters taking them to special events!)
27
While not a Christie supporter I have to admit it would have been entertaining to see Christie tear into some of the other GOP candidates at a later debate like he did to Rubio. Bullying GOP presidential candidates just seems to be fair game.
4
Get the picture Mr. Crisco - a lot of people really, really don't like you. Perhaps you could go hang out in some other state since you haven't done much good for the people you pretend to govern. Good riddance, but please stay out of New Jersey.
10
It's not enough being quick thinking and personable in front of a crowd. He is also an arrogant bully, who believes the rules don't apply to him. Some still remember his interference in corruption cases involving his allies, shortly after becoming governor, and his Port Authority debacles go far beyond a few traffic cones. I don't mind him hugging President Obama so much, but the way he twists his accomplishments to build Tea Party cred is sickening.
I hope he will use his remaining time in office to work on the state's very real challenges without constantly worrying about how it will affect his national ambitions.
I hope he will use his remaining time in office to work on the state's very real challenges without constantly worrying about how it will affect his national ambitions.
8
He loves the heat and he wants the heat . . . ulness it's coming from steamed-up commuters on the GW Bridge
7
Well, I certainly won't miss hearing him say over and over again like some kind of robot that he is a former prosecutor. I'm sure that Mr. Rubio won't miss either.
5
What a nice article. Why didn't you mention that the man is a bully. As to the George Washington Bridgegate.... it is ludicrous to think this "take charge", type A personality didn't know about the Fort Lee snafu. He probably ordered it.
The other problem is the man's morbid obesity problem. He's obviously defeated the band around his stomach. Considering the number of obese people in this country, it is odd that that could be held against him.... but many people could never vote for someone with so little self control. In our media driven world, a 300 pound bully just doesn't cut it.
The other problem is the man's morbid obesity problem. He's obviously defeated the band around his stomach. Considering the number of obese people in this country, it is odd that that could be held against him.... but many people could never vote for someone with so little self control. In our media driven world, a 300 pound bully just doesn't cut it.
8
stephen R. Higley, Ph.D.
Be ADVISED
Gov. Christie was not involved in "Bridgegate" The people who were are still Appealing.
Be ADVISED
Gov. Christie was not involved in "Bridgegate" The people who were are still Appealing.
1
Stephen R. Higley Ph.D
Dr. Higley:
You need to pay attention. Governor Christie has lost quite a lot of weight, and looks very good, in my opinion.
Dr. Higley:
You need to pay attention. Governor Christie has lost quite a lot of weight, and looks very good, in my opinion.
2
Sarah, if you believe Christie was NOT involved, I have a bridge to sell you...
8
>
Good!
Then please come back and do the job we are paying you for, like filling the massive potholes all over NJ state highways, and yes if takes you personally managing the road crew so be it. That is what I expect.
Good!
Then please come back and do the job we are paying you for, like filling the massive potholes all over NJ state highways, and yes if takes you personally managing the road crew so be it. That is what I expect.
10
He'd be the guy on the crew eating doughnuts in the cab, or leaning on a shovel.
10
Where is your in-depth coverage of Gov. John Katich, the leading Establishment candidate to take down Trump? You've ignored him for months; now it's time to assign to him a full-time reporter and regular front-page coverage. Just because he doesn't swear or boast like Trump, or whine like Clinton, he's well-worth real election coverage. You're not giving it to him.
4
Sorry New Jersey, Chris Christie please will be spending more people time back home.
A good piece written with 20/20 hindsight
As it reads Christie was never a contender.
I'm sure they have pieces like this ready to go on all that are left in the race... it would be better for democracy if they published those pieces now, thus ensuring the next Presidential race isn't contested by idiots.
As it reads Christie was never a contender.
I'm sure they have pieces like this ready to go on all that are left in the race... it would be better for democracy if they published those pieces now, thus ensuring the next Presidential race isn't contested by idiots.
1
The scary part is he might have contended had Trump not outmaneuvered him - which of course is scary in itself.
3
Time for some traffic problems in Nashua, NH.
19
Aww, poor baby. That does give him till 2017 to try finishing NJ off, though. :P
5
There's a lesson here in Presidential politics: run for office when they come to you, not when you have to go to them. 2012 was his year, and it's not coming back.
4
Thank you for whacking the callow Senator Rubio and if we win, hope you get to be US AG. He is not a Democrat at all, just the kind of Republican who consistently carried NJ, NY and sometimes even California. Enjoyed his appearances with Joe and Mika too.
1
The good news is that he will not become president. The bad news is that he is still the governor of New Jersey.
12
Welcome back to Trenton. But, will you be the moderate you said you were or the right wing apostle you became?
4
What is wrong with New Jersey that they voted him in as Governor. New Hampshire very quickly told him "Thanks, but No Thanks."
7
New Hampshire picked Trump, though..
All things happen for a reason. I hope the reason he was here was to mess with Rubio and get him off the roster. Christie was never ever a viable candidate, and now with him out of the picture, hoping he did some real damage to the unskilled and truly useless Rubio, NJ can get on with Bridgegate and prosecute CC for that disgraceful display of "power" executed for no reason, against millions of motorists, hospital patients, students, workers, etc.
Delighted he rocked Rubio off his roost; now on to other battles.
Delighted he rocked Rubio off his roost; now on to other battles.
5
I pledged my eternal support to Gov. Christie when he got my guy re-elected in 2012. When the most influential republican warmly embraces and effusively praises an enemy in the weeks before a tight race, I'll reward that for a political lifetime. And, for good measure, he has neutralized Rubio -- the inside-out of Obama (like what an Obama record would sound like if played backward). Those two accomplishments put him in the center-left hall of fame. But, as a New Jerseyan, I'm sad he's back. He's is a horrendous governor and I feel as if my grumpy boss has come back from vacation just when the office was starting to have fun...way, way down deep, Christie knows that Kasich is right and correct in his assessment of what needs to be done to right the right: hugs not hate. Maybe Kasich -- who gave his political eulogy last night when he called for compassion and charity-- should sit with Christie for a spell and spread some of his "everybody love everybody" spirit in the garden state. The only way Christie's rep survives beyond the next year is if he drinks some of what ever Kasich is drinking so as to un-become the nasty, mean spirited person he has become in the last many years of his power hungry, self-obsessed life. Only then will he make his mother proud.
88
I can never understand why New Jersey elected Christie, not once but twice!
Ya know, I think you are wrong about Kasich. I think he is a phony. I think he will be exposed now that the spotlight is on him. Anyone who keeps saying out loud how positive he is, isn't (kinda a like those pols who say they did nothing wrong, and usually have).
Will need to see how this plays out but between the Obama Hug in 2012 and Harpooning Rubio, the candidate that has the best chance of beating Hillary this year, Christie may have single handedly handed the 2016 election to the Dems the same way he gave the Dems the final push they needed in 2012. He may have conservative principals but Christie actions make him a great democrat operative.
2
The common wisdom is that the danger of being in the spot light is that people take a serious look at you. I thank Christie for illuminating Rubio’s possibly fatal flaw, but that’s just about the only positive thing he’s done all year. When the spotlight came to Christie, what we saw didn’t improve our opinion of him.
Trump, on the other hand, may disprove the common wisdom. He is benefiting precisely because he’s such a horrible human being, and being in the spotlight reinforces that. He built his brand on reality TV, and his supporters seem to prefer reality TV to reality. I’m only disappointed that Christie couldn’t stick around long enough to illuminate a flaw that would be fatal to Trump. Christie’s been a reliable second best insult machine in the race.
Trump, on the other hand, may disprove the common wisdom. He is benefiting precisely because he’s such a horrible human being, and being in the spotlight reinforces that. He built his brand on reality TV, and his supporters seem to prefer reality TV to reality. I’m only disappointed that Christie couldn’t stick around long enough to illuminate a flaw that would be fatal to Trump. Christie’s been a reliable second best insult machine in the race.
90
You should realize that behind the rise of Trump are real voters, those who literally stand behind him. Yes, you could say all the horrible things about Trump, as a person, as a candidate, as a businessman, the works, but Trump's rise says as much about him as a person as it is about the quality of the voters who are with him all the way.
1
Christie did to Rubio what he does best: bullied him.
Nothing to be proud of.
Christie is beyond mean.
Nothing to be proud of.
Christie is beyond mean.
As has been said, the people who voted for Trump in New Hampshire were "low information" voters. H'mmmm. The barbarians are at the gate and the crowd is filled with Republicans.
I know decorum in politics has changed but calling sitting president a petulant child, in my opinion, was very offensive coming from a flatulent glutton.
24
Good riddance! Sorry that New Jersey now gets him back full time, unless he plans to continue campaigning for one of the other candidates.
5
He never had a chance. Missed his moment 4 years ago before his uglier, meaner, slimier side was exposed.
5
Praise the Lord. The best result of the New Hampshire primary is that Christie is gone. We won't have to watch that thug at any more of the debates savaging another candidate nor using 9/11 as a shameful way to try and advance himself. I'm looking forward to the movie about Christie " Bridge of Lies."
8
Trump and Christie, two men cut from the same cloth; both swaggering, uncouth, Northeastern bullies, yet one is wealthy and the other isn't and that made all the difference. It's what physicists call "broken symmetry".
5
Timing is everything; his opportunity (if it existed) was four years ago. No longer popular in NJ, and a liability as a running mate or in a GOP cabinet, he will go not so gently into the sunset. No doubt Rubio wishes Christie had departed after Iowa.
I'm still left wondering how he and so many other republicans became governors of blue states?
I'm still left wondering how he and so many other republicans became governors of blue states?
3
The same way Trump is riding high--there are a whole lot of voters who think democracy/public monies should only work for them. They love anyone who promises to keep the "undeserving" in their place.
2
Live by the highway cone, die by the highway cone.
15
Surprised? - no.
Surprised Bush would not fund his campaign for another month rather than go along his ineffectual trajectory? - YES!
In order for Bush to even have a chance, Rubio must go away. I believe their are only three people who can do this: Trump, Cruz and Christie. And two of them will want Rubio to stick around (with Bush) as long as possible.
The Bush team would have a better return on their investment if they just funded Christie to stick it out for 4 more week.
Surprised Bush would not fund his campaign for another month rather than go along his ineffectual trajectory? - YES!
In order for Bush to even have a chance, Rubio must go away. I believe their are only three people who can do this: Trump, Cruz and Christie. And two of them will want Rubio to stick around (with Bush) as long as possible.
The Bush team would have a better return on their investment if they just funded Christie to stick it out for 4 more week.
"The Bush team would have a better return on their investment if they just funded Christie to stick it out for 4 more week."
So true!!
So true!!
I am happy to see this selfish bully out of the presidential race. It makes me furious to recollect on how he has cynically sold NJ short in his quixotic bid for the presidency. The examples of his cynicism abound:
- Stopping the ARC tunnel project and thereby leaving us with 3 substandard tunnels, one of which will likely have to be closed for major renovations. This will give rail commuters the opportunity to relive a Bridgegate equivalent experience for the entire length of the project.
- His failure to enact a gas tax hike to replenish the Transportation Trust Fund thereby ensuring that NJ continues to have third world roads.
- His recent veto of a bill that would prevent gun purchases for anyone convicted of carjacking, gang-related crimes, racketeering or making terroristic threats.
- His veto of the gestation crate prohibition bill.
- His $24 million special election to replace Senator Lautenberg just 20 days before the scheduled general election.
- Bridgegate
- Etc., etc.
I am saddened to see him back in NJ. If past performance predicts future behavior, then our state is in for a rough three years until he leaves office.
- Stopping the ARC tunnel project and thereby leaving us with 3 substandard tunnels, one of which will likely have to be closed for major renovations. This will give rail commuters the opportunity to relive a Bridgegate equivalent experience for the entire length of the project.
- His failure to enact a gas tax hike to replenish the Transportation Trust Fund thereby ensuring that NJ continues to have third world roads.
- His recent veto of a bill that would prevent gun purchases for anyone convicted of carjacking, gang-related crimes, racketeering or making terroristic threats.
- His veto of the gestation crate prohibition bill.
- His $24 million special election to replace Senator Lautenberg just 20 days before the scheduled general election.
- Bridgegate
- Etc., etc.
I am saddened to see him back in NJ. If past performance predicts future behavior, then our state is in for a rough three years until he leaves office.
13
there's more, and unfortunately, there will be more. if i lived in NJ, i would start a recall petition. give him just dessert. [doh....!!!]
2
This is absolutely shocking. Christ Christie was still running in New Hampshire? Who knew?
All who are commenting that Kasich is a moderate should do some research. He's not. Check his record and the type of people he hangs out with. Just because he doesn't breathe fire, doesn't mean he is anything but a right-leaning Republican.
6
Chicago's going to need a new mayor soon... maybe he can run for that? He'd fit right in with the way they do business there.
"Time for some traffic prahblems on the Dan Ryan."
"Time for some traffic prahblems on the Dan Ryan."
1
Did he seriously think that he was going to win? Or even do well? Are these people really that delusional?
6
I'm no fan of Christie, but I thank him for exposing Marco Rubio as a robotic empty suit unfit for the presidency. That, in my mind, was a public service.
5
Agreed. I kind of wish Christie could have stuck around longer into primary season to savage the rest of the clowns in the Republican race. Would have been entertaining at the very least, and perhaps a public service!
1
Christie did not understand that many GOP voters were angry and he did not channel or tap into that wishing well. He instead attack Marco Rubio instead of Jeb or The Donald. He should have attached them instead. Oh well. Buh bye!
"I think it's time for some traffic problems in New Hampshire!"
4
Back to laying down construction cones and mopping up flooded basements. Sure, it's a come-down but it's way less stressful than running for President. Hillary, who was quaking in her boots fearing an autumn run against Christie, is breathing a sigh of relief. As for Bernie, not much frightens him.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
2
Given that he put most of his time, money and effort into New Hampshire, the more voters there got to know him, the less they liked him. Just like in New Jersey.
11
Let's hope the slams you on your way out. One of the other knuckledraggers would name it attorney general, God forbid.
1
Not sure whether to cheer or cry. The good news is that we no longer have to pay for his Presidential campaign. The bad news is that he has to now come back to NJ.
8
This is of course, an incredibly shallow question. but, after being constantly subjected to close up pictures of Trump and Christie, aren't there any good dermatologists in the greater New York/New Jersey area? Maybe a few should solicit some business.
4
Christie should be honest for once and change his party and become the Democrat he really is. All Christie has done for the Republicans is put the hit on Mitt last election with his Obama pandering and, now, Marco. With friends like Christie, who needs democrats? I hope he is happy about doing the number on Marco. He was sure proud of himself and spent two days on a self-congratulatory binge. He didn't understand that while he got as good lick in with Rubio he destroyed his own candidacy. Justice. He deserves to be a total loser.
1
The only aspect of this that I find disturbing is that he'll now have more time to inflict further damage on our fair state before his term runs out.
4
Chris Christie's a good guy; I hope Trump appoints Christie as U.S.A.G.
Be on the lookout for new, dubious "traffic studies" in New Hampshire, Iowa, DC, Florida, Texas, NYC...
2
So, the people of New Hampshire have spoken. After spending 70 days in New Hampshire; after 76 town hall meetings; after 180 public events and after 1800 ads, Chris Christie received 7 percent of their votes. But all is not lost for this blue-fleece wearing Governor of New Jersey. Christie has high stepped it back to the state he all but abandoned over the last two years, where a whooping 30 percent of the residents approve of him. Welcome home, Chris.
8
$ 852 per vote. And for what?
Whether he's in the boardroom or on the boardwalk the guy just likes to prosecute. He should resign and return to the courts. Otherwise it's just another downgrade for the state of New Jersey.
Whether he's in the boardroom or on the boardwalk the guy just likes to prosecute. He should resign and return to the courts. Otherwise it's just another downgrade for the state of New Jersey.
4
He never, ever was in court. His was a political appointment and he proceeded to politicize one of the most a-political offices in the land.
A legal zero.
A legal zero.
5
For so much as Christie loved to repeat that as a Governor, he was held accountable for everything, the truth is that he skirted his own accountability. In his office, Christie showed no interest into why a clearly pointless and disruptive “traffic study” was being conducted in his state. When the scandal broke, his response was just a dismissive joke, “I’m the guy moving the cones.” And after the sinister prank was established, Christie threw himself a pity-party news conference, showed no interest into why his staffers would do such a thing, and let them stand as the fall guys. Not even close to accountable.
7
Christie's handling of the traffic controversy may have been the final dagger. As you point out, he took no responsibility for the fiasco - providing a stark counterpoint to his contention of being the guy responsible for everything in NJ as a governor.
Overall, I think governors are best suited for the presidency. They are the state's CEO. And while that can lead to much accomplishment and glory, it also requires owning the bad things that inevitably happen.
I had high hopes for him after Sandy. As a liberal Democrat, I liked that he bonded with Obama in the shared tragedy caused by Sandy. That was no time for partisan politics, and he rose above it for the good of the people in NJ.
He let it all slip away. And for that alone, he's unfit to be a governor, much less POTUS. So long Chris. It's gonna be a tough road. Looks like your own state doesn't even want you back.
Overall, I think governors are best suited for the presidency. They are the state's CEO. And while that can lead to much accomplishment and glory, it also requires owning the bad things that inevitably happen.
I had high hopes for him after Sandy. As a liberal Democrat, I liked that he bonded with Obama in the shared tragedy caused by Sandy. That was no time for partisan politics, and he rose above it for the good of the people in NJ.
He let it all slip away. And for that alone, he's unfit to be a governor, much less POTUS. So long Chris. It's gonna be a tough road. Looks like your own state doesn't even want you back.
1
Hockey teams have a player who is the "designated thug." He has no hockey skills but is good at bashimg the opposing team's players.
Chris Christie is the political equivalent. No people skills, no managerial skills, but great a bullying. Speaking for my fellow New Jerseyians, we look forward to seeing him on the ice, driving the Zamboni :)
Chris Christie is the political equivalent. No people skills, no managerial skills, but great a bullying. Speaking for my fellow New Jerseyians, we look forward to seeing him on the ice, driving the Zamboni :)
8
Finally!
Sad thing is, New Jersey is stocked with him for now.
Sad thing is, New Jersey is stocked with him for now.
3
Happy to see that he is out of the national spotlight, but the thought of him returning to NJ is depressing. Perhaps he will get an offer from one of the Fox shows-he did so well on the stages entertaining the captured audiences in New Hampshire. No substance, just a lot of hot air which is his style.
2
I have never understood the appeal of Mr. Christie. His bullying without the 'charm' (if one wants to call it that) of Mr. Trump has caught up with him - and I could not be more pleased. He is a mean-spirited man, "Sit down and shut up" his mantra. It's ironic that someone even more crude and authoritarian showed up to push him off the stage. I'm sure he wasn't counting on that.
Since Bridgegate he's been toast. Buh-bye Christie. As penance, why don't you try to work hard for the people of New Jersey instead of for your own ambitions.
Since Bridgegate he's been toast. Buh-bye Christie. As penance, why don't you try to work hard for the people of New Jersey instead of for your own ambitions.
8
Suspend means to stop temporarily. The headline says he plans to drop out - which means for good. What is it?
They all, generally, "suspend." I think it has to do with finances and campaign-money laws. Perhaps it's that they can continue to fundraiser to pay off campaign debt even after "suspending" the campaign, whereas "ending" the campaign rules out that option.
But in practice, "suspend" and "finish" are the same thing when it comes to these races.
But in practice, "suspend" and "finish" are the same thing when it comes to these races.
2
One less bully to deal with, good self riddance.
1
Gov. Christie, by his actions, character, and experience, a politician cast in the "Tricky" Dick mold, is supremely unqualified to lead the nation. He did Americans a favor by dropping out.
2
Christie returns home to a state that no longer wants him but he did the country a wonderful service by knocking out the only establishment candidate who stood a chance in the general election, Rubio. If only he could torpedo the two left standing, Trump and Cruz, though given their radically nativist positions, have no shot with the general electorate.
3
As a NJ resident I am am devastated at the unfortunate turn of events. I had been praying non-stop for his success in the race so that we could get rid of him as fast as possible before he does any more damage. I just cannot understand why his vicious, rabid attack dog personality wasn't more attractive to N.H. voters.
6
He's quitting before touring the South Carolina BBQ joints?
9
Not much love for Christie in these comments. He did everyone a big favor by knocking Rubio off his scripted perch. We should show some gratitude, perhaps by setting up a crowdsourced campaign to buy him a cheeseburger or two. Or three. Or...
5
One annoying and irrelevant Republican drops out after another. Finally Chrisie and Fiorina experienced a moment of clarity. Who will be next?
3
A shame to see Christie go as he was probably the most qualified and electable of the republican candidates, but he never gained sufficient traction in this year of the outsider.
2
You clearly don't place much importance on personality and character. You also don't appear to know much about Christie's history. The man never met an argument he could resist.
3
Zero foreign policy experience. Zero.
2
Think of how much the people of New Jersey paid for Chris Christie's sixth place finish:
$12 million to separate Booker's election to the Senate from Christie's re-election, so that Christie could beat the spread in a race he already was guaranteed to win.
$8 million and counting for the Bridge-scandal "investigation" that more resembles the whitewash on Tom Sawyer's picket fence.
Regressive gun policies.
A northeast corridor tunnel delay that is now six years and counting.
The only thing worse than paying so much for sixth would have been paying for a run that would have put that menace to governance anywhere near the White House.
$12 million to separate Booker's election to the Senate from Christie's re-election, so that Christie could beat the spread in a race he already was guaranteed to win.
$8 million and counting for the Bridge-scandal "investigation" that more resembles the whitewash on Tom Sawyer's picket fence.
Regressive gun policies.
A northeast corridor tunnel delay that is now six years and counting.
The only thing worse than paying so much for sixth would have been paying for a run that would have put that menace to governance anywhere near the White House.
7
My deepest condolences to the denizens of New Jersey. He's all yours again.
5
Mr Christie, as a NJ resident, you embarrassed us and yourself with your ugly, racist and sexist attacks against our President and former Secretary of State as you tried to out-insult the GOP front runner. Shame on you for the damage you've done to your legacy and the support you had in NJ. You disappointed us all.
7
As I knew this was inevitable with only the precise timing to negotiate, I can only say that nine has now become seven, with Carly Fiorina also dropping out. That is hardly a bad thing.
Christie can now return here, to NJ, where former members of his staff are preparing to be tried on charges related to the BridgeGate scandal, and at least one is rumored to be threatening to turn on Christie himself.
A regular day in the Garden State.
Christie can now return here, to NJ, where former members of his staff are preparing to be tried on charges related to the BridgeGate scandal, and at least one is rumored to be threatening to turn on Christie himself.
A regular day in the Garden State.
129
Not quite Richard. If Christie is actually *in* the state I'm not sure it is really a regular day ...
4
Carson should have dropped. He's had his moments, but his 15-min of fame has gone out long time ago.
1
Paul:
That one should have gotten a "pick".
That one should have gotten a "pick".
At least he's got his health.
2
Who was he helping with his ferocious calumny attack on Rubio. Was this an attempt to knock down several bowling pins to move others up the ranks. His behavior all along has been embarrassing to New Jersey residents. He has shown himself to be a loud mouth bully. Did he believe that knocking down Rubio's Pins would move him up the ranks, or perhaps help others. Whatever his motive, karma took over. How many days, weeks, months did he spend in New Hampshire? I believe I heard him say: "The people in New Hampshire love me!" It's time to stage a going away party. Pleas make certain you exit via the George Washington Bridge.
1
As for his punching out Rubio's LED's, I believe he was working for Jeb!, who probably whispered in his ear some nonsense about a cabinet post if some miracle would happen.
5
After the GW bridge scandal, denial is the only possible explanation why he thought he could circumvent that stain on his reputation enough to win the presidency.
4
I like Chris Christie.
I hope he's the next United States Attorney General.
1
Fortitudine *** I guess you like Al Capone too.
1
Christie's bullying of Rubio --so reminiscent of the way he treats so many others -- made Rubio a sympathetic figure. Then I remembered what Rubio would do to the rest of us.
3
Christie did a "George Costanza" from Seinfield: He went out on a high note when he flattened Rubio. Nothing but downward momentum for Christie and he knew it.
70
Yeah, 'Christie Abrasives' worked!
Does anyone wonder who does their jobs while these "leaders" are campaigning? I certainly would not be allowed to miss so much work trying to get a new job!
44
And get paid while doing it.
3
The difference, of course, between you (and us, too) Dr. D, and the candidates is, you are not elected to your job, so your boss can fire you. The candidates are all (well, most) in elected positions, and you'll notice how very infrequently we "fire" our elected officials, including the impotent and incompetent ones.
2
Well at least I can say he did us the service of pouring water in Marcobot's circuits. I wouldn't vote for Christie but it's undeniable that he did a public service by pointing out a puppet's strings.
36
And in return we will end up with a much more politically calculated, and far more of a purchased puppet figure in the white house. Hillary.
Please, Governor Christie, don't drop out of the race. It's been a breeze getting over the George Washington Bridge since you started your campaign.
46
I want my taxpayer dollars back that he spent on his selfish quest, but I sure don't want him back.
41
Bullies never win. Give him credit though, he received 7% of the vote which is higher than he's been receiving in his own home state
33
As the ignorant Union Leader endorsement painfully showed, they don't know him up there the way Jersey does. But sixth place? They apparently were starting, just in time, to catch on.
1
Now investigate his entrapment of the Fort Dix Five, so he can have a job he really deserves: prisoner.
15
Perhaps now he will have a shot at his dream job: working the cones on the path to the GWB.
71
Maybe he can just go home, do his day job and take care of his health -- he looks terrible.
2
terrible looks as terrible is.
1
It's OK he has free health care for life.
I would have liked had Christie won the republican nomination to end up losing to Hillary.
I still fondly remember how he played a crucial positive role at such a critical moment in Obama's second term election. I am also very grateful for his role in demolishing the Rubiobot made of fluffy snow :)
I still fondly remember how he played a crucial positive role at such a critical moment in Obama's second term election. I am also very grateful for his role in demolishing the Rubiobot made of fluffy snow :)
6
What will he do now, or after he's impeached in New Jersey—
Probably conservative talk radio or some conservative TV slot, if he stays out of prison.
Probably conservative talk radio or some conservative TV slot, if he stays out of prison.
9
I wish. Impeachment and/or recall in NJ is extremely difficult to the point of impossibility. Our legislature has rigged the game to protect even the most corrupt and venal "public servant." If impeachment had been even a remote possibility, this guy would have been long gone. He has few friends here and now has zero political juice left to intimidate honest politicians. He is the lamest of ducks and would serve the state by emulating Sarah Palin: turn tail and quit.
1
Marco Rubio might be the only one who knew Christie was still in the race.
The New Jersey governor was never a factor. He now joins Fiorina, Paul, Pataki, (and soon) Carson, Santorum, Huckabee and on and on and on. Joins them where? On the list of pretenders whose dreams of the Oval Office bordered on the pathetic.
Christie, the local bully who threw his own staff under the bus when it suited him, can now save his know-it-all lectures for the bathroom mirror. He can look straight into the mirror, as he has done countless times in the GOP debates, and tell the American people what they want. And just like his campaign, he'll be the only one paying attention.
The New Jersey governor was never a factor. He now joins Fiorina, Paul, Pataki, (and soon) Carson, Santorum, Huckabee and on and on and on. Joins them where? On the list of pretenders whose dreams of the Oval Office bordered on the pathetic.
Christie, the local bully who threw his own staff under the bus when it suited him, can now save his know-it-all lectures for the bathroom mirror. He can look straight into the mirror, as he has done countless times in the GOP debates, and tell the American people what they want. And just like his campaign, he'll be the only one paying attention.
14
Business news Flash - Stock prices for wind-powered turbines dropped precipitously today as windbag Chris Christie removed himself from the G.O.P. presidential candidacy race.
8
Meanwhile in Trenton, there seems to be a run on tar and feathers.
4
"Allies" of Christie?
You mean like Baroni, Wildstein, Kelly, and all the other (un)loveable allies and hangers-on he surrounds himself with?
And this article alludes to the Bridgegate political-payback abuse of power, but not some other Christie "highlights" that have surely impacted the public's perception.
A partial list:
Windfall "settlement" for Exxon ($225 million for a $8.9 BILLION lawsuit); presiding over a state that got NINE successive bond ratings decreases; tearing up the "agreement" with NJ state pension-holders that HE HIMSELF negotiated (and touted) just 2 years before; demonizing teachers and NH employees, trashing the Arc Tunnel project--and using the Federal funds to "balance" the NJ budget instead; using NJ taxpayers' money for campaign "specificity" and for gallivanting around the country to hobnob with the likes of Jerry Jones in Texas; trashing NJ Transit with huge decreases in state funding, while raising fares across-the-board; consistently being a bully or the worst sort...
You mean like Baroni, Wildstein, Kelly, and all the other (un)loveable allies and hangers-on he surrounds himself with?
And this article alludes to the Bridgegate political-payback abuse of power, but not some other Christie "highlights" that have surely impacted the public's perception.
A partial list:
Windfall "settlement" for Exxon ($225 million for a $8.9 BILLION lawsuit); presiding over a state that got NINE successive bond ratings decreases; tearing up the "agreement" with NJ state pension-holders that HE HIMSELF negotiated (and touted) just 2 years before; demonizing teachers and NH employees, trashing the Arc Tunnel project--and using the Federal funds to "balance" the NJ budget instead; using NJ taxpayers' money for campaign "specificity" and for gallivanting around the country to hobnob with the likes of Jerry Jones in Texas; trashing NJ Transit with huge decreases in state funding, while raising fares across-the-board; consistently being a bully or the worst sort...
34
Christie used the power of being Governor to get his 2 daughters into Ivy League schools. I hope they don't think that they got in their own merits. Now that he's dropped out from the Presidential race and is barred by term limits from seeking another term as Governor he'll be out of work, unemployed, unloved, and unappreciated. His son, unlike his sisters, will probably have to settle for Bergen County Community College.
6
Finally a reality check by Christie. I think his NJ constituency is going to run him out; few seem happy about the prospects of his return. He had hopes he might find some cover while out on the campaign trail. Now its time for some comeuppance in NJ. It's likely to not be pretty. Christie will be his usual pompous, arrogant self with some jokes dispersed around his self-inflated rationales. He's a political pimp whose been found out by just about everyone. Maybe a quiet law practice is somewhere down the road for him living off of work from people he's done favors for. He's made a name for himself, but the welcome mat is really grimey. The state of NJ needed a Governor to care about it over the last couple of years since Sandy. He was about as absent as Marco is robotic.
17
Every time Christie thinks about us it ends up costing us money - for a legal whitewash, for a downgrade of our bonds (so higher debt service payments), for underfunded pensions that will eventually be made to disappear entirely. ..
Can we afford this governor? Maybe better to merge with Delaware.
Can we afford this governor? Maybe better to merge with Delaware.
2
Just proves that nobody likes a bully. His take-down of Rubio, while hurting Rubio did not help Christie's cause.
8
He lacks the temperament to be president; people want an optimistic and fundamentally kind person in charge. Being president is like being a caring parent in certain ways, but he is the screaming, overbearing kind...
Maybe inconveniencing thousands of citizens because a mayor decided not to endorse you wasn't such a good idea after all?
Actually, I'm glad you did it, so that the world can see you for the sociopath that you so obviously are.
Actually, I'm glad you did it, so that the world can see you for the sociopath that you so obviously are.
14
He took down Marco Roboto, and for that, I thank him.
11
Why does every report in every medium say that x candidate has "suspended" his or her campaign? "Suspend" means to temporarily halt, and these people are not suggesting that they're coming back. Thankfully.
4
It's a fundraising issue. Allows them to continue to collect from donors and pay debts.
1
I think suspending the campaign instead of outright dropping out allows the former candidate to spend whatever money is left in the coffers.
1
When Christi tore into that young female teacher about two years ago what struck me was the big smile on his wife's face . It seemed to show relief . It said , " Man , does this sound familiar , glad it's not me this time " . Mary Pat better get ready for the same once again !
6
Mr. Christie got to learn how to chase the ambulances before he could drive. A politically incorrect infidel whose mannerisms could be liken to more than just plotting to overthrow the President. The French term is lese-majèste, which means something along the lines of defamation or dishonoring the Office of the President, the same office he sought. Good Riddance.!
3
Christie has been completely shirking his gubernatorial responsibilities for a losing campaign, ironically claiming that his administrative experience qualifies him for the White House. Chronic absenteeism never works on a job interview.
16
In his State of the Union speech, President Obama implored the two political parties to "fix our politics" through compromise and cooperation and civility.
Way to go Democrats, kick the losers even harder. That's Democratic "civility." Thank you.
Way to go Democrats, kick the losers even harder. That's Democratic "civility." Thank you.
1
Excuse me. Have you ever seen Christie, aka The Bully, in action? Anyone who asks a question he doesn't like gets demeaned and verbally spat on. I think Dems have been more than kind to Christie.
3
Chris Christie is no Barack Obama.
2
What on earth are you talking about?
4
And Christie was just promoting himself by saying that last Saturday's debate was "a game-changer." He did have Rubio pegged for nothing more than a mouthpiece with a 25-second script, but, as it happens, anyone could have pointed that out. A basic observation does not a President make.
5
Say what you will, hate him for his arrogance, bravado and his tirades to the press, saying it as it is ( according to himself ), however blunt and NJ's multiple downgrades during his tenure, Gov. Chris Christie did America one big favor - he unmasked the robotic, baby-faced, smooth Senator from Florida as a man of no substance. Politics can also be good sometimes !
7
Its interesting to note that the two politicians whose approach to people who disagree with them, both political insiders and voters, are Christie and Trump and yet one flourishes and the other flops. Go figure.
2
Trump entertains while he's doing it. Christie demeans.
Finally!
At least one obnoxious, loud mouth, narcissistic bully has dropped out of the Presidential Race!
Can't wait until Fiorina drops out. It remains to be seen if Cruz has the staying power.
Maybe Trump will also falter. One can always dream.
At least one obnoxious, loud mouth, narcissistic bully has dropped out of the Presidential Race!
Can't wait until Fiorina drops out. It remains to be seen if Cruz has the staying power.
Maybe Trump will also falter. One can always dream.
19
Fiorina needs to fire many staff members before dropping out, then she will concede (just like her reign at HP).
2
Snarly Carly is gone!
2
Great, now he can do the whole nation/planet a favor and increase gas taxes in NJ without fear of political reprisals.
While most talk about increasing gas taxes is in regards to doing it at the federal level. That’s a good option, but there are a lot of sticky geopolitical considerations that come into play. Instead, taking a page from the anti-abortion movement, the state level is where the real success could come. First of all, many states really need the money. New Jersey is a prime example, it has huge holes in its budget and extremely low gas taxes.
It's also preventing NY and PA from doing so, and thru the domino effect DE, MD, CT, etc.
http://theshadowbanker.org/2015/04/21/solution-tom-steyer/
While most talk about increasing gas taxes is in regards to doing it at the federal level. That’s a good option, but there are a lot of sticky geopolitical considerations that come into play. Instead, taking a page from the anti-abortion movement, the state level is where the real success could come. First of all, many states really need the money. New Jersey is a prime example, it has huge holes in its budget and extremely low gas taxes.
It's also preventing NY and PA from doing so, and thru the domino effect DE, MD, CT, etc.
http://theshadowbanker.org/2015/04/21/solution-tom-steyer/
2
why not privatize roads instead? This is more efficient as ties tolls to road maintenance and finances construction of roads that are really needed instead of are based on political factors.
That's good news - he can now get back to "repairing" his bridges in N. Jersey.
5
Hit man with bad manners, working for Jeb and hoping for future in DC.
3
Wouldn't 've happened to a nicer guy. Just ask people on the Jersey Shore that are still waiting for Sandy help. Just ask the tax payers of NJ how much he spent of NJ tax money for his lavish life style and security campaigning. It is all smoke and mirrors. I am relieved maybe now he will work for NJ and not C.C. ego.
18
This article was way too complimentary of this brutish bully.
In fact, "the tough-talking bully" has fit his physical and mental persona for years—and is rather intimidating when you're in the room with him or he's charging up to you.
His speaking style is similarly "in your face". He keeps saying, "I am what I am." "You see what you get with me."
Great. We've seen ENOUGH.
There is also an issue of SELF CONTROL here with Mr. Chris Christie, his gross obesity on continual public display, his penchant to pugnaciously accost those who disagree with him—frequently with a threatening physical effrontery as he charges towards them.
In fact, "the tough-talking bully" has fit his physical and mental persona for years—and is rather intimidating when you're in the room with him or he's charging up to you.
His speaking style is similarly "in your face". He keeps saying, "I am what I am." "You see what you get with me."
Great. We've seen ENOUGH.
There is also an issue of SELF CONTROL here with Mr. Chris Christie, his gross obesity on continual public display, his penchant to pugnaciously accost those who disagree with him—frequently with a threatening physical effrontery as he charges towards them.
18
So Sorry CC. Maybe Scottie Walker can use a hand in organizing the republican governors annual dinner dance.
8
I'm really sorry he's leaving because I wanted him around to attack Cruz. Meanwhile, Fiorina has dropped out and I feel an immense sense of relief. I wonder if they would have set the debate limit to the top 5 if Fiorina had not been in the picture, demanding to be included in the debate last Saturday? Pretty sure Christie would have held on a little bit longer.
4
He can and should still attack Cruz. Christie is not one to have his rhetorical powers blunted by this setback, and hopefully he'll do the honorable thing and use his voice help steer the Republican Party back to reality. That states with taking on Cruz as well as Trump, just like he made mincemeat of Rubio. This departure from the race by no means renders Christie irrelevant. Hopefully he is still part of the conversation, for all out sakes.
Mr. Christie, please throw in with Kasich, the only normal guy left on the Republican side.
Mr. Christie, please throw in with Kasich, the only normal guy left on the Republican side.
For Christie, New Hampshire was a bridge to nowhere. Ironic but sweet justice.
23
Time for Chris Christie to reimburse New Jersey taxpayers for the fees paid to a law firm whose investigation cleared him of wrongdoing in the Bridge-gate scandal, followed by the return of the state salary he earned while campaigning in New Hampshire.
23
Trump sucked all the oxygen out of Christie's candidacy. Only room for one out-sized "truth-teller"; too bad the worse one won. Not that Christie is much better than Trump (just a little smarter) or that either of them tell the truth....
8
Considering how nasty people are to Douthat and Brooks, what hope did Christie have?
I would love to have an honest evaluation of him but I am unlikely to find it from those whose principal emotion is hatred.
I would love to have an honest evaluation of him but I am unlikely to find it from those whose principal emotion is hatred.
1
Rohit, you want an honest evaluation of Christie? Here's an honest, disinterested evaluation of our esteemed governor: he a self-important, narcissistic, sociopath and bully without a scintilla of moral decency or regard for the welfare of the poor, deluded idiots who mistook his thuggery for honesty and voted him into office. He is small-minded, unwilling to consider the interests of those not his sycophants or running dogs of political corruption.
5
What overlap exists between commenters on Douthat or Brooks columns and NH Republican primary voters??
And how can you extrapolate from comments on a website that any person's principal emotion is hatred - or love, or disinterest, or compassion, or anything else?
And how can you extrapolate from comments on a website that any person's principal emotion is hatred - or love, or disinterest, or compassion, or anything else?
Actually I was looking for a few facts and a little logic. But oh, well, this is what YOU came up with...
Worst part is that he now coming home to NJ. Now's the time for lane closures on the GWBridge
7
Christie made me embarrassed to tell people I was from NJ.
Even met him once. He is as unpleasant in person as he appears on the Nightly News.
Too bad we are stuck with him for another [gasp] 3 years.
Even met him once. He is as unpleasant in person as he appears on the Nightly News.
Too bad we are stuck with him for another [gasp] 3 years.
58
And every Democrat that voted him last time around should hang their heads in shame.
3
There is something about the inadequacy of "crisis management candidates" running for national office. Like Giuliani. who touted his success of rebuilding after a severe disaster, Christie has been banking on his record of the post-hurricane work. It is easy to unite others and get things done with a heavy hand in times of crises. But it is another matter to lay out a plan to run a country.
By the way, both of them were tough talking former U.S. Attorneys, right?
Remember Christine said he will fly Air Force One over the South China Sea to challenge China's effort to build artificial islands? Such a joke.
By the way, both of them were tough talking former U.S. Attorneys, right?
Remember Christine said he will fly Air Force One over the South China Sea to challenge China's effort to build artificial islands? Such a joke.
5
Maybe not. There's hope.
Do the taxpayers of New Jersey get a refund on the millions of tax dollars Mr. Christie spent on his campaign?
35
Did such a great job at deconstructing Rubio, wished he'd stuck around long enough to deflate the Donald.
21
I hope this doesn't mean that it's time for some traffic problems somewhere.
16
I've never approved of school yard bullies beating up on littler kids and stealing their lunch money. But then there was the Christie put-down of Marco Robotico. And I am re-thinking all of this. Christie has performed two services: savaging Marco's shallow and empty essence. And getting out of the race himself.
16
Well, he is a Roman Catholic, and today is Ash Wednesday, so I guess he's giving up campaigning for Lent. Wise choice.
10
Hooray the King will return to the State of New Jersey that is on the brink of disaster of his doing. Unfortunately we will have him until the end of his term and that is not good. We have paid for his travel and his security and we are almost bankrupt. Personally I do not want him back in New Jersey. Between the liars and half truths, bridgegate, Port Authoritygate, Sandygate, tunnelgate, Pinelands pipegate, Exxongate and I could go on. Claims he is a prosecutor but have never tried a case, and walked out on a hearing regarding his brother. To all voters this is in your best interest and I am happy for that.
41
NJNative - Yes, it's a good thing you still have all those Democrats in the NJ Senate and the Assembly who are solely responsible for NJ being the highest taxed state in the Union. Tax and spend should be the NJ state motto.
Hey "Tired of Hypocrisy" ...
Everyone is tired of your knee-jerk responses to others' comments. Comment sections should be for thoughtful input by readers to the news articles (I'm breaking that rule now, but it's for a good cause), not for your mindless auto-responses blaming everything on Democrats.
Give it a rest, please.
Everyone is tired of your knee-jerk responses to others' comments. Comment sections should be for thoughtful input by readers to the news articles (I'm breaking that rule now, but it's for a good cause), not for your mindless auto-responses blaming everything on Democrats.
Give it a rest, please.
1
One individual named Chris Christie since being elected has forced we the taxpayers to pay more. He has spent it lavishly on his friends - his attorneys that cleared him of wrongdoing in the bridgegate problem, his personal friends appointed to the NY/NJ Port Authority that have been fired and under investigation with indictments to follow. His friends that ran the Sandy relief funds that were fired, paid their full contract then sued and were paid an early cancellation fee but one of his best ones is the NJ Lottery privatized to friends and it has since that moment for the first time in its history has been and continues to lose money. He sent tons of aid to his pet project Atlantic City casinos of which 4 have declared bankruptcy and over 4,000 workers unemployed. We had a deal to make ExxonMobile to be held responsible for some of the worst pollution in our history and he cut a deal for mere pennies. He made deals with our solely democratic senate and assembly and then reneged. No one in those positions democrat or republican will work with liar liar pants on fire. We the taxpayers will be paying for the acts of one man.
3
One of the more interesting and real of this bunch. We have to be really grateful to him for his evisceration of Rubio, though.
14
Yes, Christie did the country a service by taking down Rubio.
5
Christie as a bulldog chained , let's say, to some bridge abutment. His job has been to snarl and and sound menacing; beyond that he has established few credentials and little appeal. You don't run a country by picking fights in a bar. As for his record,even that great bulk can't hide his New Jersey failures.
The other pseudo tough guy, the snipping chihauhau in cowboy boots , Ted Cruz, has better legs in the race for all of his manufactured piety. False prophet that he is, Cruz has convinced not a few that his campaign is God ordained. We await his unmasking.
Never thought that he had much chance. His most notable asset was also a great liability. Both he and Rubio finished themselves in the last debate debacle.
The other pseudo tough guy, the snipping chihauhau in cowboy boots , Ted Cruz, has better legs in the race for all of his manufactured piety. False prophet that he is, Cruz has convinced not a few that his campaign is God ordained. We await his unmasking.
Never thought that he had much chance. His most notable asset was also a great liability. Both he and Rubio finished themselves in the last debate debacle.
16
Hey wait... Stop the presses !! What about the money he owes NJ for the cost of hiring HIS law firm to prove without a doubt, based on a complete impartial investigation of course, that he had nothing to do with "Bridgegate" I believe the bill was several million dollars
39
Christie should pay for the 'thorough' investigation
He owes $Millions to tax-payers
He owes $Millions to tax-payers
7
Maybe time for a tax-payer funded lawsuit. Theft of honest services, perhaps? I'll give $100 to start. Who's in?
3
Christie basically said to Marco Rubio, "What have you accomplished, punk?" Why Rubio couldn't say, "Look, Stay Puft, you're a decade older than me; repeat the question in 10 years," is beyond me.
The fact is that Rubio is young and has been a pretty successful politician to date, I'd say. A debate should be about ideas, not about seniority and pulling rank. Rubio panicked and tried to get into smearing Christie by talking about how he didn't want to return home after a snowstorm.
He should've listed what he thinks are his greatest accomplishments, however modest, and then transitioned back to discussing ideas. If you've been around for decades, what of it? Does age automatically confer wisdom? Doubtful. Rubio was right to say that Obama knows what he's up to—with the possible exception of foreign policy. What he was trying to say is, "It's not Obama's inexperience that's at fault; it's his worldview, his ideas, his agenda."
He's got to stop being so reliant on scripted remarks and relax a little bit. As for Christie, even supposing he knew nothing about the closure of the George Washington Bridge, he strikes me as someone who is terribly vindictive and doesn't like being challenged. I don't want that temper(ment) in my president. But, personally, I, too, would like to see Rubio age a little bit before feeling comfortable with him in the Oval Office.
The fact is that Rubio is young and has been a pretty successful politician to date, I'd say. A debate should be about ideas, not about seniority and pulling rank. Rubio panicked and tried to get into smearing Christie by talking about how he didn't want to return home after a snowstorm.
He should've listed what he thinks are his greatest accomplishments, however modest, and then transitioned back to discussing ideas. If you've been around for decades, what of it? Does age automatically confer wisdom? Doubtful. Rubio was right to say that Obama knows what he's up to—with the possible exception of foreign policy. What he was trying to say is, "It's not Obama's inexperience that's at fault; it's his worldview, his ideas, his agenda."
He's got to stop being so reliant on scripted remarks and relax a little bit. As for Christie, even supposing he knew nothing about the closure of the George Washington Bridge, he strikes me as someone who is terribly vindictive and doesn't like being challenged. I don't want that temper(ment) in my president. But, personally, I, too, would like to see Rubio age a little bit before feeling comfortable with him in the Oval Office.
3
You know what? Obama is NOT running for a third term. Rubio's obsession and robotic response to that non-happening is quite amazing.
He's a dunderhead who can't think spontaneously and he's been programmed. Christie did us all a favor to upend him.
He's a dunderhead who can't think spontaneously and he's been programmed. Christie did us all a favor to upend him.
4
Personally, I'd like to see Rubio disappear. A very dangerous individual.
3
Christie and Fiorina bite the dust at the same time.
That's a lot of nastiness we won't have to listen to any more.
That's a lot of nastiness we won't have to listen to any more.
62
One ran a state into the ground, the other ran a formerly great company into the ground. We're glad they won't have the chance to do that to our country.
5
Jonathan--you mean merit still counts for something in this country? There's hope yet...
1
Poor Governor Christie. Rude, loud, disrespectful to media and constituents; but too rational and conventional to catch the eye of Republican primary voters this year. How could he compete with a TV reality star, adept at exuding whatever the peanut-munching crowd wants to see and hear?
12
Oh no! Don't quit the campaign trail, Gov. You are the greatest attack dog in your party who can winnow the field out. By quitting you will be doing a grave and serious disservice to the GOP. Don't let the undesirables ruin the GOP, not to mention lessen the entertainment.
1
Perhaps Governor "Sit Down and Shut Up" did America more of a favor with his final act than we might realize. Exposing Marco Rubio's clueless babble was a stroke of pure, malevolent genius. Someone should convince him to hang around and do the same thing to Donald Trump before he ambles off into the western Jersey sunset.
18
Let's see:
1) NJ 49/50 by state in job recovery after the great depression.
2) 6 Bond downgrades in past 6 years.
3) Hero of Super Storm Sandy? The NY State Attorney General managed to figure out that some Sandy victims were being defrauded by the insurance companies, sue the companies, get restitution for NYers. NJ? No such action. NY is almost fully recovered from Sandy, in NJ over 1/3 are still dislocated.
4) Refuse to do anything to fund necessary road repairs.
5) Negotiate with the teachers union to restructure their contract, extract major concessions on their retirement plans in return for the state making structured contributions to the retirement trust. NJ not only failed to make the required payments, but did nothing to assure that they would ever be in position to make such payments.
Christie did a good job bullying Rubio, rambling on about how Rubio never had to make an executive decision and live with the results. He had a point, but maybe he should realize that the voters had an opinion about what he's accomplished.
1) NJ 49/50 by state in job recovery after the great depression.
2) 6 Bond downgrades in past 6 years.
3) Hero of Super Storm Sandy? The NY State Attorney General managed to figure out that some Sandy victims were being defrauded by the insurance companies, sue the companies, get restitution for NYers. NJ? No such action. NY is almost fully recovered from Sandy, in NJ over 1/3 are still dislocated.
4) Refuse to do anything to fund necessary road repairs.
5) Negotiate with the teachers union to restructure their contract, extract major concessions on their retirement plans in return for the state making structured contributions to the retirement trust. NJ not only failed to make the required payments, but did nothing to assure that they would ever be in position to make such payments.
Christie did a good job bullying Rubio, rambling on about how Rubio never had to make an executive decision and live with the results. He had a point, but maybe he should realize that the voters had an opinion about what he's accomplished.
41
Amazing how fickle people and their perceptions are. I remember 4 years ago in Sandy how he could've run as VP and help Romney win (which had a pretty good chance of happening). But instead abandoned him and went to Obama to open his chances in 2016.
He was seen as a real contender. Now he's gone. I wonder if Americans really have the ability to judge good character and worthiness for President (as evidenced by Trump's rise). Americans make a decision and if nothing is fixed in a couple days, they want to take it back by electing the Republicans in 2010 mid-terms.
My opinion is that Americans don't deserve good leadership, as many Americans are poor quality themselves and don't have judgement, patience, or wisdom, instead only focused on the next soundbite media has to dangle. Really sad situation Americans are in.
He was seen as a real contender. Now he's gone. I wonder if Americans really have the ability to judge good character and worthiness for President (as evidenced by Trump's rise). Americans make a decision and if nothing is fixed in a couple days, they want to take it back by electing the Republicans in 2010 mid-terms.
My opinion is that Americans don't deserve good leadership, as many Americans are poor quality themselves and don't have judgement, patience, or wisdom, instead only focused on the next soundbite media has to dangle. Really sad situation Americans are in.
10
Sorry, Christie's dreadful. Would not play in Peoria.
4
One of the most loathsome personalities in American politics, and that's really saying something when considering the competition. Why did anyone, other than the self-involved candidate, think that his obnoxiousness would play well anywhere? Sorry New Jersey, but he's your problem again.
54
Chris Christie has allies?
27
"Chris Christie has allies?"
Yeah. Mika and Joe.
Yeah. Mika and Joe.
2
Politics is a mean sport and Christy is a master at it.
But he's a teddy bear compared to the people writing in on this story. Now their mean! (Anyone else have a fat joke?)
How Sanders doesn't succumb is beyond me. This is truly a great experiment. Can a politician become president if he never gets into the gutter? I can't wait to find out the answer.
But he's a teddy bear compared to the people writing in on this story. Now their mean! (Anyone else have a fat joke?)
How Sanders doesn't succumb is beyond me. This is truly a great experiment. Can a politician become president if he never gets into the gutter? I can't wait to find out the answer.
1
The real tragedy of Chris Christie is that he had the potential to rise to the presidency but lost everything due to self-inflicted wounds brought on by an insatiable ego. He may one day redeem himself and once again be the proverbial contender if he can ever master the art of humility. That may take a while.
3
Chris Christie and Jeb Bush decided to team up on Marco Rubio at the last debate and called him a boy in a bubble. As is often true of attacks on others, Bush and Christie are actually the boys in a bubble, but they are trapped in insular bubbles of different types.
Christie thought he could fool people twice into believing his ideas were worth listening to or that he had the temperament to be President. Angrily shouting and belittling people is not really Presidential. His insider status, corruption in the New Jersey governor’s office, coupled with bullying and brandishing other candidates all went against him. It also didn’t help that he now has a 33% approval rating in New Jersey. That says a lot.
Bush, of course, lives in the bubble of entitlement. He believes people will sooner or later come around to electing him President because it's a family tradition. Plus he believes his brother “made us safe” so we should trust him. He has run a lackluster and somewhat confused Presidential campaign. Unfortunately, we have been subjected to the similarly unremarkable campaigns of Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, Lindsey Graham, George Pataki, and Rick Santorum.
Bush has never seemed to communicate a compelling reason for his run in the first place. He will likely stay in through Super Tuesday, since he has the resources, but then he will exit as well, as Fiorina has just done.
Christie thought he could fool people twice into believing his ideas were worth listening to or that he had the temperament to be President. Angrily shouting and belittling people is not really Presidential. His insider status, corruption in the New Jersey governor’s office, coupled with bullying and brandishing other candidates all went against him. It also didn’t help that he now has a 33% approval rating in New Jersey. That says a lot.
Bush, of course, lives in the bubble of entitlement. He believes people will sooner or later come around to electing him President because it's a family tradition. Plus he believes his brother “made us safe” so we should trust him. He has run a lackluster and somewhat confused Presidential campaign. Unfortunately, we have been subjected to the similarly unremarkable campaigns of Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, Lindsey Graham, George Pataki, and Rick Santorum.
Bush has never seemed to communicate a compelling reason for his run in the first place. He will likely stay in through Super Tuesday, since he has the resources, but then he will exit as well, as Fiorina has just done.
14
It's not so remarkable if Christie in fact bows out. What's truly remarkable is that the voters of Iowa and New Hampshire rejected him without even knowing the truth about what an utter dismal failure he's really been as governor of New Jersey. Neither the New Jersey or national media have done a proper professional job of exposing this bombastic fraud, who engineered a "Jersey Sting" far more lawless than the crimes its victims committed and got away with it because the Bush Dept. of Justice looked the other way, and hoodwinked the voters into viewing him as a corruption-fighter when, in true Republican fashion, he was everything he accused others of being.
Now, rejected by America and denied the job that's been the object of his lust since he was a boy, he has to come back to a despoiled New Jersey that hates him. Who said irony was dead?
I predict, however, he will never surrender. In political terms, he's a young man. He'll go back to being a lobbyist, the refuge of all second rate lawyers, and undoubtedly try again in 2020, 2024, or 2030. Fools will refer to this as persistence and steadfastness. We New Jerseyans understand it for the blind, brazen perversity that, at least in Christie's case, is no longer entertaining or even tolerable.
Resign, governor. It's over. Put on long pants and go looking for a honest job.
Now, rejected by America and denied the job that's been the object of his lust since he was a boy, he has to come back to a despoiled New Jersey that hates him. Who said irony was dead?
I predict, however, he will never surrender. In political terms, he's a young man. He'll go back to being a lobbyist, the refuge of all second rate lawyers, and undoubtedly try again in 2020, 2024, or 2030. Fools will refer to this as persistence and steadfastness. We New Jerseyans understand it for the blind, brazen perversity that, at least in Christie's case, is no longer entertaining or even tolerable.
Resign, governor. It's over. Put on long pants and go looking for a honest job.
423
He'll run for Senate. Menendez will eventually be indicted. Also, I don't see Booker as a Senate lifer.
As if. He'll get some revolving door thing that pays well now that his "public service" is over.
1
Believe me, the voters of New Hampshire knew/know a good deal more than you give them credit for.
1
Bet if you a democrat in New Jersey, this is BAD NEWS. Cause Christies got your number and is coming home to clean up more.
1
Fix the bridges, you mean? Bwahahahahah...
1
Your article fails to mention the disrespectful, insulting and bullying manner in which Christie has often addressed political opponents and questioners in public forums - which is a significant source of public disaffection and his current unpopularity among New Jersey voters.
32
I dislike Christie as much as anybody, but I think using the term "flop" in the headline is beneath the standards of The Times. I think something less pejorative, such as "disappointing finish" or 6th place finish" etc. - would have been the way to go here. Leave the snark to The Post or The Daily News - or at least to the Op-ed section. The discourse is crass enough as it is.
5
Hopefully Trump and Cruz will suffer the same murder-suicide fate as Marquito Rubio and Christie. For the country's sake.
And how much did Christie's very noticeable NJ state trooper protection cost taxpayers while he was looking for a new job in Iowa and New Hampshire?
And how much did Christie's very noticeable NJ state trooper protection cost taxpayers while he was looking for a new job in Iowa and New Hampshire?
6
Not nearly as much as Hillary Clinton's secret service protection as she goes looking for a job.
John Kasich's costs are beginning to bubble up for the taxpayers of Ohio too.
1
The audacity; to think that he could hug Obama and be the Republican nominee!
4
...and this ladies and gents is why Donald Trump will be the Rebub nominee. I think its safe to say the Trumpster has never hugged anyone in his life....
1
Here's a man so egomaniacal, advised he stood no chance of winning, abandons his duties in his home state of New Jersey, spends $18 million on 6 months of campaigning almost exclusively in New Hampshire, buys a tour bus, neglects and ignores woeful problems at home such as lagging economic recovery and weather emergencies, must be shamed into returning for the historic snowstorm of the century. holds 125 town hall meetings, plummets to an all-time low approval rating by his own residents of 30% and eventually garners a measly 7% of the final vote.
This is Chris Christie, the most despised man in American politics. He is so toxic, has offended so many, that his chances of being a running mate or a Cabinet member to a future administration are virtually nil. They say Christie has talent, he does- no one leaves a sour taste in the mouths of voters quite like Christie.
This is Chris Christie, the most despised man in American politics. He is so toxic, has offended so many, that his chances of being a running mate or a Cabinet member to a future administration are virtually nil. They say Christie has talent, he does- no one leaves a sour taste in the mouths of voters quite like Christie.
519
I'm wondering how many town hall meetings he's held with his own constituents this year.
"This is Chris Christie, the most despised man in American politics."
In close competition with Rafael Edward Cruz as we hear tell.
In close competition with Rafael Edward Cruz as we hear tell.
i agree with you, except for THE most despised part. with Trump, Cruz, Chaney, W., and on and on vying for that title of MOST despised, it's hard to just give it to Chris so easily like that.
1
Thank you for the suicide mission Governor. Notwithstanding that it reinforced the bully image we had of you, it needed to happen.
Like a hockey enforcer, you went out, isolated the target, and without regard to expulsion from the game, did what you do best.
Marco Rubio is a truly scary and sadly, electable. His views on reproductive rights among other things are from another time and place.
So we won't miss you Governor! But thank you.
Like a hockey enforcer, you went out, isolated the target, and without regard to expulsion from the game, did what you do best.
Marco Rubio is a truly scary and sadly, electable. His views on reproductive rights among other things are from another time and place.
So we won't miss you Governor! But thank you.
12
Agree! Christie will be remembered as the guy who finally exposed Rubio for the empty suit he is. In other words, a footnote.
1
Donald, Jeb, Ted, and Kasich should form a super-PAC and fund him. Christie's the best chance they have to scuttle Marco.
2
Nasty brutish little man...and these are his strong points.
He ruined Rubio's chances though, so he accomplished some good in his political career.
He ruined Rubio's chances though, so he accomplished some good in his political career.
7
My only comment to your post is that Chris Christie can never be described as a "little man"! You've nailed everything else.
1
Good riddance!
1
It's unreal that politicians are allowed to run for another office while already holding a position of power. If we were to tell our bosses that we were looking for another job, and that we'd be out of the office 95% of the time (but that they should be sure to pay us 100% of our salaries and expenses), all while flaunting our recidivism, we'd be FIRED on the spot. But when you're a politician, you get a free pass. Absolutely absurd. If the job you have now is so awful, give it up and roll the dice, or give up your salary while you galavant around the country. Well, at least one more "hard worker" is back at his desk.
579
Ohio voters are beginning to question paying for John Kasich's campaign too. Elected officials should take an unpaid leave of absence and let their campaigns pay for transportation and security. I resent paying for Mr. Kasich's presidential ambitions.
1
Christie never owned being governor, which comes from the verb "to govern." Mostly he stood in front of cameras in attempts to position himself for his rise to higher levels of power. When he did make decisions, they were often irrational and impulsive or motivated by the false belief that no one was watching. Who could miss him?
Christie also mistakenly believed that he didn't actually have to win voters over in order to get their vote. He insulted people at his own poorly attended rallies--just as he insulted anyone who questioned him on anything he did. He seems to think he's beyond reproach. The imperious attitude is a big turnoff--but of course Christie won't see it. He's already blaming someone else (Dems, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, the dummies of NH) for his failure.
Christie also mistakenly believed that he didn't actually have to win voters over in order to get their vote. He insulted people at his own poorly attended rallies--just as he insulted anyone who questioned him on anything he did. He seems to think he's beyond reproach. The imperious attitude is a big turnoff--but of course Christie won't see it. He's already blaming someone else (Dems, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, the dummies of NH) for his failure.
1
And I'm sure the people of New Jersey are thrilled he's back to work, just like the people of Wisconsin are thrilled Walker quit the presidential quest and went back to his job. And if you believe that, I hear there's a bridge for sale...
1
Governor Christie needs to drive the single-lane bridge to wherever it will take him. I know Jersey residents hope that it goes on forever, away from them.
6
We don't want him back in NJ, just a bully. His personal attacks were despicable. He couldn't get votes back home for dog catcher. He will never again get the support he received from the base he had for Governor. He will be remembered not as Governor but for his ill conceived personal attacks. His political career is over.
8
With his take down of Rubio, Chris Christie finally accomplishes something positive and beneficial during his plod to this moment, and is felled by that old truth: No good deed goes unpunished.
7
NJ residents have voted. We don't want him back either. And he must repay the state for all the travel and security he used at OUR expense during this ludicrous campaign. He abdicated his role for the last 18 months and needs to be impeached.
10
It is not credible that he was unaware of the decision to close access to the GW bridge: because he is so controlling and fond of power, his subordinates would not have made such a decision absent his consent. The competition for the Republican nomination is sufficiently disheartening without a candidate whose appointees, if not the candidate himself, appear to have committed a crime
2
This guy is a corrupt, uncaring, dishonest intimidator for the 1%. He'd be a perfect president on a planet where stepping on little people is the norm. Umm.
He knew nothing about the GW Bridge "traffic experiment" of course.
Third world roads for NJ because we can't raise taxes to fix them. And he sells out to polluting corporations like Exxon without hesitation.
So glad he's gone. Totally unqualified. Too bad though for the people of NJ.
He knew nothing about the GW Bridge "traffic experiment" of course.
Third world roads for NJ because we can't raise taxes to fix them. And he sells out to polluting corporations like Exxon without hesitation.
So glad he's gone. Totally unqualified. Too bad though for the people of NJ.
14
Fewer than two dozen clowns in the car now. It was funny while it lasted.
3
It's like a demented "Ten LIttle Indians" reboot, isn't it? ;)
2
As the incomparable Charlie Pierce wrote in Esquire this morning,
"We here at the shebeen would like to thank Chris Christie for the fine way he fulfilled his mission—wrapping his arms around Young Marco Rubio and hurling himself off a cliff."
"We here at the shebeen would like to thank Chris Christie for the fine way he fulfilled his mission—wrapping his arms around Young Marco Rubio and hurling himself off a cliff."
6
Christie is a typical two faced politician with policies that fit only his needs not the people he was elected to serve. He was for gun control before he was against it. He was pro-choice when he needed to be, now he's not. He was all about reaching out to dems before the focus groups saw that as a weakness by republicans.
My absolute greatest hope for the state I love so much is that Christie now puts all this conservative butt kissing behind him. He needs to work with the dems to replenish the transportation fund, to fix A.C., to address the pension shortfall and to build public transport infrastructure.
Oh, he also needs to take the $1.2 million he has left in his campaign and reimburse the state for the costs of his taxpayer funded security detail.
My absolute greatest hope for the state I love so much is that Christie now puts all this conservative butt kissing behind him. He needs to work with the dems to replenish the transportation fund, to fix A.C., to address the pension shortfall and to build public transport infrastructure.
Oh, he also needs to take the $1.2 million he has left in his campaign and reimburse the state for the costs of his taxpayer funded security detail.
4
Good luck getting "bag o donuts" to kick in any money.
1
I thought his strong debate would help him bridge the gap, but apparently not.
Hopefully this will afford him more time to work on green-lighting new PATH Hudson River tunnels and replacing the old Portal Bridge that should have been replaced decades ago. That is if he wishes to put the PEOPLE of New Jersey first.
289
And that is just to start. There is a long list of things that need attention in New Jersey.
Dont hold your breath.
So in the age old tradition of NJ, should we place bets on when Gov Soprano will actually do some work for the people of NJ that doesn't suit his political aims? I'd bet 10 large he doesn't do a darn thing.
He has cobbled us for a generation to come - the lost economic activity alone, and what could have been done with that 40+ million welfare he gave to that boondoggle at the meadowlands?
At what point do lawyers, resigned CEO's, resigned PA people, and 1000's of delayed NJT riders matter - to him they never did as much as his ego. Because he believed he was the savior. Meanwhile NJ is so far behind NY on storm resiliency planning and recovery it makes me sad.
It makes me incredibly sad. He has harmed us more than any of the nut cases that came before him. He is just wrong. History will prove this out, because I, and my 10 large, bet there is still more scandal to uncover.
He has cobbled us for a generation to come - the lost economic activity alone, and what could have been done with that 40+ million welfare he gave to that boondoggle at the meadowlands?
At what point do lawyers, resigned CEO's, resigned PA people, and 1000's of delayed NJT riders matter - to him they never did as much as his ego. Because he believed he was the savior. Meanwhile NJ is so far behind NY on storm resiliency planning and recovery it makes me sad.
It makes me incredibly sad. He has harmed us more than any of the nut cases that came before him. He is just wrong. History will prove this out, because I, and my 10 large, bet there is still more scandal to uncover.
1
Where's the rest of the story? He has been evaluating scripts to play the role of Ralph Kramden in a new comedy. The story kicks in after his demotion from traffic facilitator to bus driver. His agent (who perhaps was appointed by the people of New Hampshire?) thinks its a smashing comedy and the Mr. Christie is the perfect fit for the role.
1
Stick a harpoon in Christie, he's done.
4
Not sorry to see him go, but are we absolutely sure this report wasn't put out by Ted Cruz? LOL!!
1
We owe CC two thanks; One for knocking out Rubio, and two for quoting the race. Two more down, lots more to go.
To Self,
'quitting' not quoting.
Nothing worse than attempting to crack wise and leaving a typo.
'quitting' not quoting.
Nothing worse than attempting to crack wise and leaving a typo.
One down, four to go. Draft Bloomberg!
2
Since he began his quest to get the Republican Presidential nomination, he has been a Governor-in-absentia. Now that he is crawling back to New Jersey, do the people of that great State even want him back?
10
I don't want him back, and nobody I know does. His approval ratings int he state are abysmal, with good reason.
4
Good riddance, hopefully forever, to a man who may well be the most antagonistic, unmannered, rude, and egotistical of all American politicians. This man's temperament is absolutely not suited to leadership at the national level.
14
"Many are called but few are chosen" ... due to an infinite number of variables.
It would have been smart for Jeb to try keep Christie on the campaign trail a little longer. In last Saturday's debate, Christie did more damage to Rubio than all the millions upon millions Jeb has spent so far.
7
Would Governor Christie please consider staying in the race and finishing off the rest of the GOP field, all of whom are also "manifestly unprepared for the presidency"?
5
I hate to see Governor Christie leave the race, he had such great potential to lead the nation to new heights. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.
2
Believe me, Southern Boy, Christie has been a horrible NJ governor. He is hated by most who live in the state. His dropping out of the Presidential race means that an awful governor won't be an awful President. We've already had a couple of those (no, not Obama, who has done the best he could against an antagonist, racist Congress). No New Jerseyan I know welcomes Christie back to his state.
11
Mr. Jay, If Christie has been a horrible governor and is hated by most who live in the sate, then why was he re-elected in 2013, defeating Barbara Buono by a large margin?
Some of the commenter's are right. The drop outs get their free media fame, worth millions, enhancing their "brand" to become Fox News pundits. That's the driving force behind some of these campaigns.
5
He's a bully and a blowhard, so I'm glad he's quitting, but I'm so thankful that he lasted long enough to expose Rubio as a robotic idiot. Now who will expose Trump and Cruz as the dangerous creatures they are? I wouldn't count on Bush, Rubio or Kasich to handle this task, so it may be left to Hillary or Bernie to do it. My biggest fear is that Trump or Cruz will somehow prevail, Bernie will get the nomination, and that combination will bring Bloomberg into the race, which will only serve to split the sane vote and elect Trump or Cruz. Don't do it, Bloomberg. Remember Nader, who'll forever be blamed for giving us Bush rather than Gore. Do you really want to be blamed for causing the election of someone even more odious than Dubya?
17
I hope they close the GW bridge so he can't get back to New Jersey.
29
He could still cross under cover of darkness from NY or Pennsylvania.
2
A bully and con artist with the chutzpah to run for President of the US is finally forced to face reality. He started his career as a freeholder in Morristown, winning election by slandering his opponent, immersed himself in corruption to improve his margin of victory in his last election with the Presidency in mind, ridiculed and degraded citizens who dared to speak the truth and managed to avoid prosecution so far, by throwing his people under the bus. In addition, he ruined the credit of the State adhering to Republican orthodoxy. I can assure you, New Jersey sheds no tears.
23
I admit to being one of those who believed Mr. Christie's fawning support of Obama right before the 2008 election was done for personal gain, and at the expense of Romney. Even though supporters could probably put that behind them, I think his nasty attacks on Rubio made him appear nasty and not presidential.
3
In the wake of Bridgegate, one has to wonder if Christie was actually courting favor with someone by taking out Rubio -- an event that he surely realized was equivalent to pleading guilty to all the bullying charges -- thus hastening the demise of both Rubio's and Christie's candidacy.
4
I am not a huge fan of his growing up in NJ and living there part of my adult life and visiting while having family still there. NJ has a lot of problems that even God couldn't fix. The over entitlements , double and triple dipping and the underfunded government pension plan plus the healthcare. It not easy to deal with many that want it to stay the same. I feel he would have a better choice than Rubio or Cruz they are just too inexperienced to run this nation as what the Biggest complaint about O'Bama by almost every GOP including the Flip Flopping Rubio. It a shame but it will probably help the Dems in the long run again.
In trying to relate to people, Christie revealed recently that he and his wife make sure to fight each other in a walk-in closet that is out of sight and earshot from their children.
Great anecdote. I'm sure there's NO way the Christie children hear anything when their father is yelling and screaming at their mother inside of a walk-in closet at home.
Great anecdote. I'm sure there's NO way the Christie children hear anything when their father is yelling and screaming at their mother inside of a walk-in closet at home.
6
Oh, to be a fly on _that_ wall...
1
Gov. Christie KO'd Rubio in a sacrifice bunt with hopes of the V.P. slot on the Trump ticket? The tri-state coalition of the willing or Drumthwacket's moment in the Sun passes silently away?
Bush, Rubio and Kasich need to have a talk about two of them dropping out and consolidating behind one, reasonable, experienced candidate. Otherwise, they'll just keep cancelling each other out and there will be, yet again, no real choice come November.
1
Mr Christie helped expose Rubio for who he really is.
But governor Christie now has the time to think of all the untruths he told about Mr Obama , the president who came to his aid when he needed the most as the state struggled after hurricane sandy.
But governor Christie now has the time to think of all the untruths he told about Mr Obama , the president who came to his aid when he needed the most as the state struggled after hurricane sandy.
6
I think we all knew this day would come. But seeing CC fold reminds me of how far we have come/gone. There was a day when CC was viewed as the rude bully of the GOP. He has obviously started a trend. He seems meek now in comparison.
We'll miss you, CC.
We'll miss you, CC.
3
Yea!!!
2
Sit Down and Shut Up!! Another bully gone.
Now only NJ has to deal with his meanness and dishonesty.
Now only NJ has to deal with his meanness and dishonesty.
7
His type never go away.
let's not give President O so much credit for ruining the career of CC...it was hurricane sandy and the global challenge that those right wingers on the east don't be exist..but good riddance ..all i can say is one bully gone and one bully left to go
Tweedledum hopes to be Attorney General for President Trump or President Bush. The bridge incident and the special election shenanigan should disqualify him for that post.
12
Since when does either Trump or the Bush Machine care about trivial things like someone's utter lack of integrity?
1
Oh come now, even an imbecile knew he never stood a chance and was simply showboating for his next job. Although, I'm not sure how many positions he can fill from prison. The fun has merely just begun. Wait till the trials commence.
Bridgate gave them everything they ever needed to expose the extent of his corruption and malfeasance. They're are actually seven investigations pending. Once Trump exists stage left Christie will be right back center stage - only this time from inside a court room, while also grandstanding!
Sadly and yet again keeping all the attention off Kasich, Bush and Sanders allowing Hillary to waltz into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue just as planned. She knows she has serious likeabilty issues as solidified last night when Sanders absolutley crushed her.
They pulled the exact same stunt inserting Anthony Weiner into the NYC Mayoral race to upset Christine Quinn making sure de Blasio won instead. And then look who just happened to show up in Iowa to campaign for Hillary? Hint: NOT Christine Quinn! Keep THAT in mind ladies when she wants your vote! Who she threw under the bus and why! In addition to Barbara Buono in NJ and how we wound up with another 4 years of this buffon.
Ya gotta love how the game is played.
Bridgate gave them everything they ever needed to expose the extent of his corruption and malfeasance. They're are actually seven investigations pending. Once Trump exists stage left Christie will be right back center stage - only this time from inside a court room, while also grandstanding!
Sadly and yet again keeping all the attention off Kasich, Bush and Sanders allowing Hillary to waltz into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue just as planned. She knows she has serious likeabilty issues as solidified last night when Sanders absolutley crushed her.
They pulled the exact same stunt inserting Anthony Weiner into the NYC Mayoral race to upset Christine Quinn making sure de Blasio won instead. And then look who just happened to show up in Iowa to campaign for Hillary? Hint: NOT Christine Quinn! Keep THAT in mind ladies when she wants your vote! Who she threw under the bus and why! In addition to Barbara Buono in NJ and how we wound up with another 4 years of this buffon.
Ya gotta love how the game is played.
2
"Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in." - Robert Frost
Sorry, New Jersey, Chris Christie is coming home.
Sorry, New Jersey, Chris Christie is coming home.
34
Not that I'm a fan of Governor Christie however, perhaps the NYTimes ought to rethink the title to the article and not refer to his recent demise as a "flop", regardless of what one may think of the man.
There's a loss of objectivity which I find a bit troubling, and it's not just Christie. Perhaps this is more suited for the editorial page...
There's a loss of objectivity which I find a bit troubling, and it's not just Christie. Perhaps this is more suited for the editorial page...
1
He ran for president and failed very early in the process. What part of "flop" don't you understand?
1
Granted the word is not Christie's own, but I'm bemused by the use of "suspend" -a word that usually implies a temporary action. Everyone knows he's not returning to the race, so let him "tell it like it is" and say, "I'm quitting."
6
Anyone who "suspends" is in fact quitting. But by not dropping out entirely, they get to keep their delegates, and they can continue to raise money and use it for other things, not just to to cover campaign debts. They also maintain eligibility for federal matching funds, if they were already eligible.
So all you Christie supporters (and Fiorina and Santorum and Pataki and Paul and........) can feel free to keep giving them money. Or flush it down the toilet, which would probably be a better use of it.
So all you Christie supporters (and Fiorina and Santorum and Pataki and Paul and........) can feel free to keep giving them money. Or flush it down the toilet, which would probably be a better use of it.
3
It brings a tear to my eye that he will be actually returning to NJ to govern! Please, stay in the primary cycle!!!! We want you to dilute the chances of the rest of the yahoos even more, and for a longer time!!! PLEASE
7
Good Riddance to a corrupt, boorish thug who had no chance at residing in the White House...but who has every chance of one day residing in the Big House!
27
I had such high hopes and expectations when Chris Christie announced his plans to run for President. I thought he would have been an excellent candidate, however, he fell far short of that. I had similar expectations of Rudy Giuliani when he declared his bid for President. We all know how that ended for Mr. Giuliani.
I guess it goes to show that while both men performed and led New York City and the State of New Jersey magnificently when 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy occurred, their unscripted, unrehearsed and unflappable leadership did not sustain them throughout their campaigns.
Hopefully Mr. Christie will regroup and revisit a future run for the President. Frankly, I think he would be a welcomed fresh of air in the White House.
2
The communications problem among first responders during 9/11 was because of the destruction of a command centre that Giuliani insisted be at the World Trade Center complex as a favour to a wealthy supporter. Locating the centre there went against the advice of virtually every expert in the field.
Giuliani's record against crime was based on establishing a racist police state (and some help with demographics). The city of New York has paid out piles of cash to victims of the police thuggery encouraged by Giuliani.
The city's revival that Giuliani took ALL the credit for was in the midst of the national biggest economic boom in the century.
Christy is just a younger, inflated version of Giuliani. They are both corrupt, incompetent, credit-stealing egomaniacal bullies.
Good riddance to both. May neither ever diminish a public office again.
Giuliani's record against crime was based on establishing a racist police state (and some help with demographics). The city of New York has paid out piles of cash to victims of the police thuggery encouraged by Giuliani.
The city's revival that Giuliani took ALL the credit for was in the midst of the national biggest economic boom in the century.
Christy is just a younger, inflated version of Giuliani. They are both corrupt, incompetent, credit-stealing egomaniacal bullies.
Good riddance to both. May neither ever diminish a public office again.
7
And frankly, I think you should read the comments coming from New Jersey.
1
. . . and then there's Red Lion's perspective. It's always good to have balance and a counterpoint in any discussion. Thanks for sharing.
1
so glad christie will be eating humble pie for 2016. At least it is low calorie. farewell tubby.
12
There is WAY to much emphasis put on these first two states. If you look at the raw numbers (source: Politico), each candidate in the race has received the following number of votes: Trump (145,833); Crus (84,855); Rubio (73,197); Kasich (48,383); Bush (36,548); Christie (24,353); Carson (23,904); and Fiorina (15,191). Anyone considering dropping out now is doing so because his or her campaign was poorly managed and money was poorly and ineffectively spent. The race is still wide open and millions more people are yet to vote.
5
Hats off to you for exposing Rubio as the "Emperor with no clothes". That was a masterful performance, and a real public service as you were able to get behind the facade and show the world what was really behind that suit: almost nothing of substance.
If you had been as aggressive at tackling New Jersey's myriad problems as you were at unmasking Rubio, you might have had my vote. But, you have to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk. Too much of the former and too little of the latter.
If you had been as aggressive at tackling New Jersey's myriad problems as you were at unmasking Rubio, you might have had my vote. But, you have to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk. Too much of the former and too little of the latter.
1
He's working madly behind the scenes for the VP nod.
When he inevitably fails there, too, I suppose we'll take him back in NJ. Only because we have no other choice.
But he better be sleeping out there in gated horse country with the light's on lest the teachers' union or federal prosecutors finally catch up with him.
When he inevitably fails there, too, I suppose we'll take him back in NJ. Only because we have no other choice.
But he better be sleeping out there in gated horse country with the light's on lest the teachers' union or federal prosecutors finally catch up with him.
12
Christie was a "powerful favorite" only in the view of myopic Northeast pundits. Out West, he never had a chance.
1
You might want to re-read more of the comments here coming out of the Northeast.
1
I guess beating up on teachers turned out to be a bridge to nowhere.
8
Maybe America needs Christie in the race so he can expose all the hacks and wannabes? I'd like to see him go at Trump like he went at Rubio. Or, Maybe he wants to endear himself to Trump, a desperate lurch for a VP nod?
Christie is a pitbull, a shark--when he sees blood he attacks. There is a place for him in the system, just not in high office with any degree of public power. He should go back to being a lawyer in the private sector. New Jersey needs a real Governor, not a pitbull shark out for blood.
Christie is a pitbull, a shark--when he sees blood he attacks. There is a place for him in the system, just not in high office with any degree of public power. He should go back to being a lawyer in the private sector. New Jersey needs a real Governor, not a pitbull shark out for blood.
5
No surprise there.
It must feel maddeningly ironic to him, however, that he was able to tweak Rubio so effectively at the last debate - only to see his own already-narrow path close entirely.
Hard to believe that just a few short years ago, Christie was seen as a possible savior for GOP presidential hopes. Alas, his prospects are tied up in a certain traffic jam, among other complications.
It must feel maddeningly ironic to him, however, that he was able to tweak Rubio so effectively at the last debate - only to see his own already-narrow path close entirely.
Hard to believe that just a few short years ago, Christie was seen as a possible savior for GOP presidential hopes. Alas, his prospects are tied up in a certain traffic jam, among other complications.
189
Agreed and a good point. It is so Christie- the man cannot exercise self-restraint. He can't resist a fight. So it is what caused his fall; by tearing down Rubio he extinguished any final hopes for his own campaign. He wins the 'Rubio Battle', loses the 'Presidential War'. Classic Christie. Like vilifying the NJ teachers unions and public workers. He 'won' those battles, but lost the approval of the state.
1
Don't worry about him. Think of it this way: He can now devote his full attention to his legal affairs.
2
I live in New Jersey, not too far from the George Washington Bridge. I've sat in horrific traffic many times traveling into Manhattan. Bridgegate is only the tip of the iceberg for Christie. A lot of us in this state can't stand him because of his arrogance combined with incompetence.
1
Now what can we do to keep him out of New Jersey?
5
Imagine a ticket with Trump pres./Christie vp. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, he'll return to NJ, but I suspect once he's home he'll be pondering his next job, whatever that may be, rather than doing the job he was elected to do. I'm glad that he exposed Rubio as someone who is unprepared to be a senator, let alone a president, but I'm glad to see that someone with real credentials and a compassionate vision has finally surged: Kasich.
1
Christie deserves some kind of medal for the Rubio takedown. The American public may never be able to thank him enough. It's the only thing he's ever done that I appreciate, other than that time he hugged Obama.
13
The question now is whether the failed candidate will have learned something and will return home to New Jersey with some insight into his governing style. "Telling it like it is" only means telling the truth, not spewing invective. The lesson Christie should learned in New Hampshire is this: the performance at the last debate was good if you want to be elected "the enforcer." The voters in New Hampshire surely recognized that Rubio has no clothes, but they also saw, (as evidenced by Christie's final vote tally), that Christie didn't offer anything positive, inclusive, optimistic, and that he offered no viable solutions to the nation's problems. Talking to Putin, et al, like Christie talks to his constituents ("hey idiot, shut up!") is not a strategy for anything. Debate Slap-Down King? Maybe so, but the presidential election is about more than who can punch out a rival candidate at a debate. We'll see . . .
2
A "once-commanding figure"? Foul-mouthed, talk-before-he-thinks Chris Christie?
How America has fallen.
How America has fallen.
16
"Commanding" reads better than "verbally abusive".
1
His voice was lost in the crowd when Trump became the "tell it as it is" candidate.
1
I like the guy a lot. He is the guy I want next to me when a group of thugs has me cornered. He is the guy I want to have to argue for me in a courtroom. And he is the guy who did us the favor of showing that Mr. Rubio is too inexperienced, and making the point that President Obama, a decent man, would probably have been much better had he spent more time learning how to lead. Being the Republican governor of a Dem state is tough, and he followed a real faker, Jon Corzine. As for property taxes, compare your home resale value to your school and property taxes with NY state before complaining. And in NY we are pretending to have a 'cap'.
Anyone, like me, who has been stuck frequently on the GW bridge, [two levels, 8 lanes each way], knows that the on-ramp lane closure from Ft. Lee was totally a hatchet job by the media.
Maybe we will get him as VEEP.
Anyone, like me, who has been stuck frequently on the GW bridge, [two levels, 8 lanes each way], knows that the on-ramp lane closure from Ft. Lee was totally a hatchet job by the media.
Maybe we will get him as VEEP.
As a NJ resident I can tell you firsthand that Christie's bark has been worse than his bite. He has accomplished little in New Jersey as far as job creation, credit worthiness, the environment, or the state's reputation in general.
3
...well, being belligerent and rude has seemed to work thus far for Donald Trump, but Chris Christie is a loathsome bore who bullied his way through New Jersey and somehow has always gotten his minions to take the fall for him. He showed his true colors when he threatened Loretta Weinberg a few years ago, a "brave" act to take on an older woman. At least the great state of New Hampshire saw through his deception and abject self-promotion and sent him packing. And why does the NYT somehow "praise" him for doing his job and returning to NJ during last month's blizzard? Even Christie joked that he was hardly needed there. I'm sure he'd have been with his pal Jerry Jones at the Super Bowl last Sunday had a little thing like the NH primary not gotten in the way. Good riddance.
5
Who aside from christie is not rude and nasty? Only Kasich, the one candidate that makes sense from the republican party.
He is brilliant, likable and the only republican candidate that has common sense and class. He can win against Hillary and Bernie. Compare him to any of the others in his party and they are embarrassing, self centered, and most of all, they lie every time they open their mouths.
He is brilliant, likable and the only republican candidate that has common sense and class. He can win against Hillary and Bernie. Compare him to any of the others in his party and they are embarrassing, self centered, and most of all, they lie every time they open their mouths.
163
"He is brilliant, likable..."
I'm sorry, who are you talking about?
I'm sorry, who are you talking about?
5
Kasich brilliant? Well, he's nice enough but brilliant, not hardly. Obviously you don't live in Ohio.
2
Kasich is as equally vile and backward thinking as all of the other know nothings running for the republican nomination. he's just not as outwardly nasty, but I remember him well from his days as a nasty congressman, and so do many others. he's hiding behind a movie set veneer of cordiality. another phony.
5
Chris Christie owes the NJ Treasury the $12 million that it cost to have a one-item-only special Senate election (after Frank Lautenberg passed away) to be held in October 2013 less than 3 weeks before the general election where he ran for his second term as governor. The only reason for the special election was to avoid diminishing his margin. He wanted to plump up his numbers to show the country how well he could do in a democrat state. He stole that money from us plus inconvenienced all of us by having to vote twice in 3 weeks. Brazen, shameful, and pathetic.
483
Yes, that is correct. This is the most damning and telling story about Christie's time as governor. He was that scared of Corey Booker. Not running against him directly, mind you, just having Booker's name on the ballot the same day for an entirely separate election. That is one of the most pathetic maneuvers I've ever seen, and I honestly can't believe New Jersey voters went ahead and re-elected Christie governor anyway in November 2013.
234
Maybe the US Attorney will finish him off.
5
Yes, it was done to undermine Booker, but it did have one good result: adding Booker as a Democrat in the US Senate where his presence was sorely needed.
7
Asked if he might run for office in the future, Gov. Christie replied, "I'll close that bridge when I come to it."
861
At least he didn't say "drive off" of it a la Teddy K.
We knew it was coming, the Fat Man sings !
K, if there was ever a nytimes gold star for Best Comment of the Day, you should get it.
2
What took him so long to figure out we don't want him?
167
NJ does not want him back either. The State has broken infrastructure all over metro north Jersey and at the shore. Large corporations (Mercedes Benz, Hofflman La Roche, Sanofi, GE Healthcare) have left taking jobs along with them. Property taxes are sure to rise to make up for those lost corporate taxes.
3
This kind of person never really figures that out. He's the governor of the state of denial.
1
I am just sitting back watching the shoes drop as Trump begins a cakewalk to the GOP nomination and the White House.
Trump easily grabs Christie supporters, and will also pick up Carson supporters as the GOP establishment stumbles around indecisively trying to figure out which of the floundering 4 (Kasich, Rubio. Cruz, Jeb) they will try and circle the wagons around as the anti-Trump challenger.
Trump easily grabs Christie supporters, and will also pick up Carson supporters as the GOP establishment stumbles around indecisively trying to figure out which of the floundering 4 (Kasich, Rubio. Cruz, Jeb) they will try and circle the wagons around as the anti-Trump challenger.
17
Please, the rest of the 2nd placers (except Kasich) should drop out so Trump can win!!! Please Please Please. That will be the best way the ds take back the senate and house and oval office!!!
Christie supporters should realize their proper allegiance should now go to Kasich: a practical moderate, with real governing experience , capable of reasonable approaches to problems and standing up to fanaticism.
Kasich will stand a much better chance of grabbing centrist votes who will tip the balance in November, a Republican capable of working with Democrats and one Democrats can live with. Trump is like a figure out of the Machurian candidate: a ridiculous conservative caricature who can only have an ultimately destructive (and self-destructive for the Republican Party) impact.
Kasich will stand a much better chance of grabbing centrist votes who will tip the balance in November, a Republican capable of working with Democrats and one Democrats can live with. Trump is like a figure out of the Machurian candidate: a ridiculous conservative caricature who can only have an ultimately destructive (and self-destructive for the Republican Party) impact.
1
We've had a Manchurian candidate as POTUS since Jan 2009.
Trump is already gaining independent voters, and Reagan Democrats to go along with an insurmountable voter bloc in the solid South.
Kasich has no money, no appeal in Red States and is a darling of the liberals, the 2016 Huntsman. I appreciate your ideas Steve, but nothing happening in American politics anywhere in the United States supports your theory. This is an anti-establishment wave, and Trump is riding it into the Oval Office as the next POTUS.
Trump is already gaining independent voters, and Reagan Democrats to go along with an insurmountable voter bloc in the solid South.
Kasich has no money, no appeal in Red States and is a darling of the liberals, the 2016 Huntsman. I appreciate your ideas Steve, but nothing happening in American politics anywhere in the United States supports your theory. This is an anti-establishment wave, and Trump is riding it into the Oval Office as the next POTUS.
Gov Christie can look forward to a long lucrative career on Fox as a pundit.
83
well, he certainly has th gravitas for it
I think he is better suited to become the next Mr. Ronald McDonald.
1
Christie's attack on Rubio, and Rubio's consequent failure in New Hampshire, is contribution enough. Christie should feel good about exposing the empty shell. that was Rubio.
177
His take down of little Marco-the-Robot is reason enough for me to miss him.
5
My guess is he doesn't feel too good about anything. God Help his poor wife and staff.
1
I agree completely. I was so proud of Christie for taking Rubio down on Saturday night that I forgot for a while how much I dislike him. But he did us all a service on Saturday, and for that I thank him wholeheartedly.
Chris Christie it is one of the most out of touch with reality and his style does not help. He talks and bables with out facts. It reminds me the stereotype of New Jersey Tony Soprano.
Amen
Amen
26
He is half Italian.
It reminds me of Donald Trump. And Trump would govern just the same.
2
Not that there is anything wrong with that.
The high school bully has dropped out. Good! Unfortunately, the Republican candidates remaining are as bad or worse.
191
Except for Kasich, who at least seems competent and centrist, the rest of them are scary, nasty, hate-mongers. I don't care which of the Dems wins - it will be better than these Repug creeps.
1
Kasich is every bit as mean as the others in the GOP clown car, but he just isn't obviously crazy so that makes him seem like a star.
1
If the Christie commenters shown here could show as much critical commentary about the current crop of Democratic candidates, I would feel reassured that there was some measure of openness and objectivity.
3
There is no comparison; they are apples and oranges to the enth degree. Where's your objectivity?
5
There is not as much to be critical about, especially regarding Bernie Sanders.
1
Sure, as soon as you point out which Democratic candidates are as swaggeringly obnoxious as the nasty street corner bully from Jersey.
2
Well can we get him as a moderator for the upcoming debates?
While it was painful listening to him talk about his own candidacy, it was fun -- and useful -- to have him tear down the others.
I mean he was the one who made Marco sputter and malfunction.
While it was painful listening to him talk about his own candidacy, it was fun -- and useful -- to have him tear down the others.
I mean he was the one who made Marco sputter and malfunction.
18
So glad you're not going to be President.
But thanks for knocking down Rubio.
But thanks for knocking down Rubio.
505
My feelings exactly. Now if only Trump/Cruz could do us the same favor.
Kasich, while a very conservative guy, is the only rational pick for the GOP.
I would never vote for any of them in any case.
Kasich, while a very conservative guy, is the only rational pick for the GOP.
I would never vote for any of them in any case.
1
Thank goodness he won't be president, and soon he won't be governor. He can now fade into obscurity supported by a large federal pension that he refuses to talk about.
108
He'll be a star of Faux News
1
For a minute there I read "a large federal prison".
2
Not to mention those scary people at Goldman Saks.
sign me devastated in NJ, but only because now he's going to be hanging out here.
67
A simple lateral move, it seems, going from one state where his approval numbers were deep underwater back to another state where his approval numbers remain deep underwater.
But he does deserve an attaboy for exposing in full glare the Rubiobot for the donor-controlled empty vessel that he is. Thanks, Chris. Now you can sit down and shut up.
But he does deserve an attaboy for exposing in full glare the Rubiobot for the donor-controlled empty vessel that he is. Thanks, Chris. Now you can sit down and shut up.
70
"A simple lateral move, it seems, going from one state where his approval numbers were deep underwater back to another state where his approval numbers remain deep underwater."
LOL! Everything really _is_ history repeating, ain't it? :)
LOL! Everything really _is_ history repeating, ain't it? :)
1
Thanks to this guy Bush finished ahead of Rubio in New Hampshire, and so members of the most conceited and entitled family on planet earth still think they have a shot at reclaiming what they view as their personal property (the White House).
I don't understand why Christie decided on Saturday to play the role of doing dirty work for the Bush family. But his demolition of Rubio worked. You know which law school graduate to call if you need an attorney, that's for sure.
I don't understand why Christie decided on Saturday to play the role of doing dirty work for the Bush family. But his demolition of Rubio worked. You know which law school graduate to call if you need an attorney, that's for sure.
17
AR has nailed it, and Democrats (me being one of them) should stop thanking Christie for "exposing" Rubio. Lets be clear, this was a CALCULATED attack in no way meant to help his presidential hopes. christie has known he's had no chance for a while, but did have enough money to stick around. He clearly despises Rubio and would have no future wiht him, but JEB still have a huge war chest and now just got rid of one of his main moderate competitors (christie) thanks to his beat down of Rubio. Seems pretty clear that Christie will throw his support behind Bush and continue to be his attack dog (since Bush himself failed miserably at attacking Rubio) while setting his eyes on being on the ticket. And as a democrat, I am worried - very worried - about a Bush/Christie ticket. That's a well funded campaign with a "moderate" on top and a VP whose hole career has been being a bully and now that gets to be his only job
We can all thank him for exposing Marco Rubio for being a windup doll. Good luck, New Jerseyans, he's all yours now.
258
I for one was hoping he would stay in the race at least through SC and Nevada. Why? Not because I thought he was a viable candidate, but because I loved watching him torment and attempt to destroy Marco Rubio!
Thanks for that Chris!
Thanks for that Chris!
55
That clip will live forever on Youtube.
3
Great.. now everyone can start with the prattle about what a great VP he'll make, and how he best represents the "establishment GOP" and blah-blah-blah. Anyone with any doubts about this man's love and lust for power needs to take another look at that bridge-closing deal. Just another prevaricating charlatan.
45
And the tunnel cancellation, something that will hurt the region for years, even if it eventually gets rebooted. How he got elected in the first place is a wonderment.
3
Ugh, I pray not. I do recall some chatter, post-2012, about how Romney's scouts pored over Christie when he was being considered for VP - and whatever they found was troubling enough that they were adamant about passing him over as VP. And that; of course, is PRE-Bridgegate! Just imagine the opposition file on him now....I'm sure it's 3 times thicker and even more devastating.
3
Atty General
He almost forgot to mention Romney in that keynote address, it was all about him.
9
It's always all about him.
1
I thought that the establishment donor class would have kept him afloat a little while longer if only to peel a few votes away from Trump and improve the odds for what they really want at this point: a brokered convention.
9
Just 3 days or so ago, Christie blustered that "This is a race between me and Marco Rubio, and everyone knows it." He was right, of course: except the race he was speaking of was the one to oblivion. And Christie won it, hands down.
To paraphrase the old MasterCard ads, "Flying to New Hampshire 70 times: $100,000. Saturating the airwaves with hateful invective: $3,000,000. Losing to Marco Rubio: Priceless."
See ya!
To paraphrase the old MasterCard ads, "Flying to New Hampshire 70 times: $100,000. Saturating the airwaves with hateful invective: $3,000,000. Losing to Marco Rubio: Priceless."
See ya!
192
Excellent post. Priceless.
1
" . . . is ending his run for the White House." Freeing up more time to ramrod the next ramp closure.
26
Anyone proud of how he looked a constituent in the eyes at a public event and screamed "so sit down and shut up!" has no place in public office, anywhere, period.
I'm sorry good people of New Jersey, but you can keep Chris Christie. I still don't believe he knew nothing of Bridgegate anyway. He doesn't come across as a good person.
I'm sorry good people of New Jersey, but you can keep Chris Christie. I still don't believe he knew nothing of Bridgegate anyway. He doesn't come across as a good person.
126
I respected him for that. We need more people willing to shout down hecklers.
Many of us here in the Garden State were appalled by Christie's belligerence toward his constituents. He was elected in 2009 because he seemed like a leader compared to the hapless, awkward and arrogant ex-Goldman Sachs CEO Jon Corzine. Soon after he took office, we began to see the true Christie - an obnoxious, arrogant bully who relished shouting down school teachers and other people and who reneged on nearly every legislative compromise he signed. After standing up for his Sandy-damaged state, he had the pomposity to have himself and his family star in commercials promoting the state.
Christie doesn't come across as a good person because he isn't one. He's a bullying egomaniac who long ago turned his back on the good people of the Garden State. Sadly, we have to endure him for another two years.
Christie doesn't come across as a good person because he isn't one. He's a bullying egomaniac who long ago turned his back on the good people of the Garden State. Sadly, we have to endure him for another two years.
5
Watch his YouTube clips - he shouted down ordinary people, not just hecklers. When a person challenged or questioned him on anything, his response was to shout them down. How can you respect that behavior from an elected official?
3
Christie's tearing apart of Rubio was smart and well-executed, but ultimately a kamikaze move, he didn't really benefit from it either -- and didn't look too good or presidential doing it.
18
Christie wouldn't look presidential if he dressed up as George Washington.
5
The only thing Christie did right was to go after Rubio. Everything else he did was a disaster.
1
He did America a great favor when he speared Rubio like a fish. Rubio is now a Dead Man Walking, doesn't want to look in the mirror and see he's just a zombie now, taking a few final steps before collapsing from his total lack of brain function.
Too bad Christie didn't have time to do the same thing to a few more candidates...I love to see them squeal and then die slowly in the glare of their public humiliation. That's the kind of thing a New Jersey boy does best.
Too bad Christie didn't have time to do the same thing to a few more candidates...I love to see them squeal and then die slowly in the glare of their public humiliation. That's the kind of thing a New Jersey boy does best.
58
Not that I felt Christie was presidential timbre, but he Did accomplish what no other Republican candidate could- he probably ended any true hope Rubio had for the White House (although Rubio may not know it yet)- and for That I applaud him. .
146
If by some chance Jeb got the nomination and won the presidency, it wouldn't surprise me a bit if Christie showed up as Attorney General. Sort of a quid pro quo for taking out Rubio!
Now, let's get him out of NJ. Maybe he can move to Texas next to his beloved cowboys
41
Christie returns to work: The nation's loss is New Jersey's loss.
13
Great, maybe now that he's done pandering for votes in Iowa, he can sign the law to ban those awful pig crates.
17
There is only one reason Chris Christie's campaign bombed. It was the "Obama hug" that many feel helped halt Romney's momentum in the final days of the last presidential election. Republicans haven't forgot. Even if he had won, I don't think he could have withstood the grueling general election. This is not a man who looks healthy. Despite band surgery on his stomach, he is still overweight, and the long hours of retail campaigning have left his eyes droopy and skin ashen. At least he did us all a huge favor by exposing Rubio as the robotic fake we all suspected he was. For that, thank you, Governor.
41
So, if a republican hugs the President of the United States, he is not fit to be President? Geez, there are more real reasons this man is losing - what is wrong with the public that thinks he cursed himself with Obama - a man with more brains, dignity and common sense than any of them?
I am so far away in thought and cannot bear to see the frontrunners of this party gain any momentum - especially trump or cruz - the most nauseating in the pack.
I am so far away in thought and cannot bear to see the frontrunners of this party gain any momentum - especially trump or cruz - the most nauseating in the pack.
5
Given the extremely low bar established in Iowa and New Hampshire in order to be considered "credible" (11%!), just about anything could be said to have doomed Christie's chances. I happen to think that he lost the "leadership" argument the minute his failed stewardship of NJ's credit rating was used against him.
The obama hug? Really? How about the 9 credit downgrades, bridgegate, pension fiasco, switch to a private lottery that is now losing NJ money, just outright lies about eliminating common core and not supporting PP. People could see through cellophane christie. Someone hand him a mop when he starts to work for NJ again.
8
I doubt he will be missed.
But I hope JEB! sends him a muffin basket for his attacks on Rubio. Christie damaged Rubio, big time, but it was JEB! who benefited.
So, what's the over/under on Fiorina, Carson and Gilmore going out soon?
But I hope JEB! sends him a muffin basket for his attacks on Rubio. Christie damaged Rubio, big time, but it was JEB! who benefited.
So, what's the over/under on Fiorina, Carson and Gilmore going out soon?
24
Had he governed New Jersey responsibly, he'd be well on the way to winning his party's nomination. He was derailed by his own character flaws.
47
Despite all of it.. he's still not radical enough for the current crop of rightwing lunatics. They want Trump.
2
I think people still remember Christie hugging Obama after the Hurricane and don't believe he can be trusted.
3
A governor hugged a president after a national tragedy and you don't trust him.
You should move to Syria.
You should move to Syria.
67
Hugging Obama--it still breaks my heart that showing ability to work "across the aisle" --with an African American--is a Republican political death sentence.
20
A pretty sad comment, Don. That the governor of a state so badly wrecked by Hurricane Sandy should be wary of thanking the United States president who's bringing in the big federal dollars to help rebuild said state, and who is commending him for a job pretty well done, even I have to admit, in that the loss of life in New Jersey was not as terrible as it might have been . . . .
8
If, during the last debate, you helped derail Marco Rubio, you have done the nation a favor by running.
255
and dropping out itself.
Dear Governor Christie: Be a mensch and endorse your fellow governor John Kasich.
57
Yes. It would be a redemptive demonstration of character, and big step toward bringing the Republican Party, which is being taken over by kooks (if anybody hadn't noticed) back to reality and a semblance of normalcy.
3
the leopard has a better chance of changing his spots,
the tiger his stripes
than Christie changing into a mensch
the tiger his stripes
than Christie changing into a mensch
3
Christie couldn't get elected Dog Catcher in Rahway let alone President of the United States.
23
The nation's gain is NJ's loss.
249
I celebrate with gust Mr. Christie's departure. The problem remains getting rid the rest of the self-serving proztitutes particularly Trump, Cruz, Rubio. I could live with Bush. And I would be happy with Kasich. In the end, the good people of the US will elect our next President.
1
IMO, by the end of the week it will be down to a field of 5 in any meaningful sense: Trump, Cruz, Kaisich, Rubio and Bush. If the robot thing sticks to Rubio, and Kaisich does poorly in the SEC state primaries as envisioned, then the last person establishment candidate standing could soon be … Jeb!
And if and when that happens, the math flips: Bush would get all the moderate/establishment voters, with Trump and Cruz left to divide up the smaller hard conservative vote.
And if and when that happens, the math flips: Bush would get all the moderate/establishment voters, with Trump and Cruz left to divide up the smaller hard conservative vote.
5
I don't think that Kasich needs to do well in the south, as long as he does well in a couple of the "northern" states on March 1 (Minnesota, VT, Mass, maybe Colorado). If Kasich ignores SC, Bush will but the fork in Rubio on Feb 20, and Kasich can make a big comback by taking down Bush in Mich (March 8) and Illinois and Missouri (March 15). The big question is how many "anti-crazy, anti-Bush" (i.e. sane) voters there are left in the GOP.
2
Christie “suspends” campaign.
Merriam-Webster dictionary: "Suspend: to stop (something) for a period of time; to make (something) happen later; to delay (something)."
As if somewhere along the line there will be a national plea for his return. Terminate it, Governor.
Merriam-Webster dictionary: "Suspend: to stop (something) for a period of time; to make (something) happen later; to delay (something)."
As if somewhere along the line there will be a national plea for his return. Terminate it, Governor.
26
The reason they "suspend" is so they can collect the federal matching funds, that they don't get as quitters.
4
How clever such craven, self-serving legislation.
5
I believe they "suspend" their campaigns so they can continue to raise $ to pay off campaign debts -- (and retire on?).
1
Good riddance. His only positive attributes are a lack of principles and loyalty in a field strewn with ideologues. He threw the people of New Jersey under the bus when it suited him and he would have done the same to the people of the United States.
64
Good riddance to the bully.
58
As a Democrat, Christie was my favorite Republican candidate: the image of a nasty, insensitive, fat plutocrat. All he needed was a cigar. And now--he goes back to traffic problems in New Jersey. Rats.
173
His manner is more mayoral than presidential. However, it must really smart to have kooks and charlatans out perform him. This is a strange election year for sure.
44
Good riddance. Christie does not have the character or temperament to be President of the United States. He is selfish and lacks the integrity, vision, humility, and intellect for the job. The country needs a leader and not a selfish bully with a my way or the highway attitude.
835
"my way or the highway"?
Pun?
Pun?
2
Yes, but if you ever needed a bully, Christie has shown that he's the one you would want on your side.
2
Your description eliminates all the current Republican candidates.
2
So does that mean he may actually "govern" now? As a NJ resident, not sure I'm happy about this...
59
I suspect he'll pull a Sarah Palin and bail on the balance of his term. Gotta get that sweet FoxNews/private sector ca$h.
4
Didn't Christie just sign a bill to speed privatizing NJ's water? Yeah, so great to have him back...:P
1
If it wasn't for Bridgegate he might still be in there.
Wondering if in hindsight he wishes he had copped to it.
Wondering if in hindsight he wishes he had copped to it.
7
The bridge made him unelectable. But that's for later. The base loved the bridge stunt, but hugging THAT MAN? Never.
10
"Be careful how you treat people on the way up, because you see the same people on the way down"
Christie's payback will be more than he can handle.