Bully + Bully = good tag team should join World Wrestling federation.
18
Two bullies from the NorthEast running the country? It'll never happen.
16
Two big bullies, indeed; but in that respect, entirely in step with their GOP brethren, who have perfected the art of bullying in government over the past generation.
48
Sad when the editorial is reduced to snark. Maybe Trump is just a reflection of all we have come to expect and some of what we all have become.
11
Again, Donald could care less what you say about him, so long as you say something. Apparently the ability of the public to accept a lower standard knows no bounds so long as the person is from outside of Washington. I am beyond amazed at the support wall builder Trump has received thus far from the Latino population and will watch closely to see if this trend continues on Tuesday. The Chinese were right: "May you live in interesting times."
14
Two bloviating windbags....never underestimate the stupidity of conservative voters. Another article on this site talks about the GOP "leaders" panicking about Donald Trump. They're getting exactly what they deserve. Cry me a river.
54
The NYT and WAPO represent the ELITE. Many people are sick of the elite who look down upon them and tell them that it is wonderful that we send their jobs to Asia and let companies relocate to Mexico firing workers. The elite think it is great that America has Open Borders and make no effort to enforce our immigration laws The Elite love NAFTA and TPP etc. many workers hate both.
It is the elite who don't want Trump, it is those with good jobs who don't like Trump.
Before you write such a "snotty" editorial - worthy of sixth grade newspaper, maybe they should sit down and try to understand what there is so much anger in the US especially towards the elite.
It is the elite who don't want Trump, it is those with good jobs who don't like Trump.
Before you write such a "snotty" editorial - worthy of sixth grade newspaper, maybe they should sit down and try to understand what there is so much anger in the US especially towards the elite.
10
Are they going to tag-team Vlad Putin as Marco and Eduardo tag-teamed The Donald?
1
"If Mr. Trump should win the presidency, he might want to consider Mr. Christie for transportation secretary, since he already knows so much about traffic patterns on commuter bridges."
With this sentence the writer has forfeited any moral authority he or she implicitly claims in the editorial. No competent authority has found that Mr. Christie had any advance knowledge of the G.W. Bridge affair. By blithely ignoring this fact aren't you guilty of the same essential charges you bring against Christie? Aren't you acting the same as those Republicans you accuse (rightly so) of adolescent behavior? And if Mr. Christie is inconsistent and dishonest, what about Hillary?
With this sentence the writer has forfeited any moral authority he or she implicitly claims in the editorial. No competent authority has found that Mr. Christie had any advance knowledge of the G.W. Bridge affair. By blithely ignoring this fact aren't you guilty of the same essential charges you bring against Christie? Aren't you acting the same as those Republicans you accuse (rightly so) of adolescent behavior? And if Mr. Christie is inconsistent and dishonest, what about Hillary?
10
"Mr. Trump, at least, has managed to do what Mr. Christie couldn’t: hoodwink his way to the front of the Republican presidential pack."
While I find Mr. Trump contemptible in nearly every way, as it seems the Times Editorial Board does, that is not a valid reason to denigrate Mr. Trump's accomplishments. He came out of nowhere to become the GOP frontrunner, first in the polls and then in elections. He is increasingly looking like the likely Republican candidate, which, regardless how you feel about him, is a stunning achievement for anyone. Just like the Republican establishment and presidential candidates did, we underestimate Mr. Trump at our own peril.
While I find Mr. Trump contemptible in nearly every way, as it seems the Times Editorial Board does, that is not a valid reason to denigrate Mr. Trump's accomplishments. He came out of nowhere to become the GOP frontrunner, first in the polls and then in elections. He is increasingly looking like the likely Republican candidate, which, regardless how you feel about him, is a stunning achievement for anyone. Just like the Republican establishment and presidential candidates did, we underestimate Mr. Trump at our own peril.
14
Frankly, Sens. Cruz and Rubio are so bad (one a theocratic and the other a "hollow man") that Mr. Trump -- despite his occasional forays into extremism -- looks good in comparison. As for Gov. Kasick, his lack of success this primary season demonstrates how few traditional Republicans remain in the G.O.P.
16
These two no nothing about the Middle East.
Perhaps, they could go together, on a very long fact finding mission, and never return.
Maybe Marco and Ted could join them?
Perhaps, they could go together, on a very long fact finding mission, and never return.
Maybe Marco and Ted could join them?
13
To the liberal NYTimes,
Keep attacking Trump and anyone associated with him, especially their supporters. Your attacks have proven to be the ultimate failure to defeat Trump. In fact, he's actually gained support from those who no longer believe the false narratives put forth by the liberal media.
Clearly, there are big problems on your side. Your side, because it's been you, the liberal media dividing the country for decades. You have a senile, entitled racist and a Marzist who promises free anything for votes.
And the best part is people are beginning to see through you.
Keep attacking Trump and anyone associated with him, especially their supporters. Your attacks have proven to be the ultimate failure to defeat Trump. In fact, he's actually gained support from those who no longer believe the false narratives put forth by the liberal media.
Clearly, there are big problems on your side. Your side, because it's been you, the liberal media dividing the country for decades. You have a senile, entitled racist and a Marzist who promises free anything for votes.
And the best part is people are beginning to see through you.
7
Which people Walter? The uninformed, the misinformed, the misogynists? It isn't the 'liberal' media who are responsible for the elevation of these petty tyrants, it's you and yours...
5
i like th way trump seems to be uniting th country , and thats hes a problem free non marzist, and certainly not an entitled racist
heaven for-fend !
heaven for-fend !
1
Trump is horrible. The dilemma is that Rubio and Cruz are even worse.
All of these appeal to the darkest facets of human nature. None of these people have any interest in making the country better. They are driven by pure narcissism.
All of these appeal to the darkest facets of human nature. None of these people have any interest in making the country better. They are driven by pure narcissism.
13
Next in line to endorse Trump - our own bully of a governor Paul LePage! This will make for a tag-team of political villains like no other.
30
Illustrates that Christies convictions as a representative of the people never ran any deeper than his own ambitions. True for any republican since the only conviction any of them have is their own ambition or tax breaks for their investment class campaign financers. The only policy republicans have and what everything else they chime in on is in service to if only to discredit any opposition. Its been said many times that its odd so many middle class Americans are in their fold and voting against their own interests unless you account for evangelicals and they can be made to believe anything. Christie should now be made to face a Port Authority investigation and the audit he vetoed and his legislature voted unanimously for. There's something in there.
5
I don't understand the jocularity. Are we not ashamed and embarrassed that these self-serving oafs are the best we have to offer?
9
The question is, when is the U.S. Attorney for NJ going to drop the other shoe, the one that fits the investigation of former Port Authority Chairman David Samson, the one in which you don't have to be a genius to know they are trying to get Samson to turn over on Christie, the one about misusing and abusing the fiscal integrity of the Port Authority, of misleading and thereby defrauding its bondholders. You know real serious stuff like malfeasance in the use of public office.
It's about time that shoe dropped. It is about time people understood what a corrupt lout the governor of NJ is. No Trump, don't even think about putting him on your ticket, or maybe you don't remember Spiro Agnew.
It's about time that shoe dropped. It is about time people understood what a corrupt lout the governor of NJ is. No Trump, don't even think about putting him on your ticket, or maybe you don't remember Spiro Agnew.
19
So Trump and Christie have been family friends for 14 years,which exactly corresponds to Christie's first year as US Attorney. Was it Christie's charming personality that was attractive to Trump? How could the lead federal prosecutor in NJ ethically allow himself to be part of such a relationship? Couple this with Christie's football trips with Jerry Jones and you don't even need the bridge debacle for a picture to emerge of a man who is clearly in need a approval by the moneyed class, and is very ethically-challenged.
12
Paul Le Page, Chris Christe. Both Gollums- lusting for something they can't have...having long since lost their humanity. Will the rest of the Republican Party be lulled into a spell...hopelessly drawn to the gates of darkness? A misshapen army serving one master only.
15
I'm reminded of the joke about several people stranded on an island, a mile or so offshore, and surrounded by sharks. "We should try swimming to shore," says one. "But we'll surely be eaten by the sharks," says another. As luck would have it, a lawyer steps forward and says "I'll try." As everyone watches nervously, the lawyer jumps in the water and starts swimming for the mainland. Much to their amazement, he makes it, and soon a rescue boat is on its way. When all are re-united on land, one person says to the lawyer, "How come you weren't attacked by the sharks?" "Professional courtesy," replied the lawyer.
Bully Christie finally found someone more coarse, arrogant, unprincipled and even more poorly suited to the role of public servant than himself. Naturally, Christie endorsed him. Professional courtesy, you know.
Bully Christie finally found someone more coarse, arrogant, unprincipled and even more poorly suited to the role of public servant than himself. Naturally, Christie endorsed him. Professional courtesy, you know.
32
As the GOP crowns its King Herod, out flops its Judas.
Chris Christie's grand act of selfishness will be remembered for all of future US history.
Chris Christie's grand act of selfishness will be remembered for all of future US history.
16
It's ironic how nasty this piece complaining about bullies is. "THE EDITORIAL BOARD" thinks it knows what motivates Christy, claiming that "he is driven by twin demons: national political ambition and vengefulness." Really, you know that for sure? The ED BOARD goes on to mock and trash Trump and Christy as if it itself were on an opposing campaign's payroll. Perhaps Trump brings out the worst fears in people, as well as desperation, and that's the explanation for why this piece is so nakedly spiteful. Whatever the case, the ED BOARD will never convince any fair-minded person to consider its point of view until it can express itself in a less coarsely partisan way. Who wants to read another uninteresting, unthoughtful, partisan, anti-Trump/Christy hit piece? Except of course all the rabid anti-Trump/Christie partisans who want their opinions validated by the ED BOARD.
6
It's amazing to see the amount of wailing Trump's goofy supporters are emitting about having their guy and his man-pal described accurately.
You're cheering for a loud-mouthed fool, folks. In fact you're cheering BECAUSE he's a loud-mouthed fool. Kinda late to complain now.
You're cheering for a loud-mouthed fool, folks. In fact you're cheering BECAUSE he's a loud-mouthed fool. Kinda late to complain now.
29
In their unending pursuit of their ideals of greed and selfishness, the Republican Party has created a true mashup of demons, and helped to free those same spirits in too many Americans.
There is renewed interest in "rugged individualism" over working together as a country.
There is renewed interest in "rugged individualism" over working together as a country.
7
Two points:
1. Ronald Regan started the rot in the GOP with his constant refrain of 'govt is not the solution, it is the problem', instead of bringing about a culture of good governance. The country should de-deify Reagan; he messed up. What we see in GOP, its 'leadership', its partisan adherents is a direct consequence of that somnambulist's misguided philosophy.
2. It is shameful that personal invectives, egregious, aggressive behavior on stage and hollow self-promotion are the basis for republicans' judging of how qualified a candidate is - witness Rubio, Cruz and Trump on stage. That lowers the bar, already at its lowest for GOP's concept of excellence in public service. McConnell is exhibit A for that in addition to these fine GOP candidates.
1. Ronald Regan started the rot in the GOP with his constant refrain of 'govt is not the solution, it is the problem', instead of bringing about a culture of good governance. The country should de-deify Reagan; he messed up. What we see in GOP, its 'leadership', its partisan adherents is a direct consequence of that somnambulist's misguided philosophy.
2. It is shameful that personal invectives, egregious, aggressive behavior on stage and hollow self-promotion are the basis for republicans' judging of how qualified a candidate is - witness Rubio, Cruz and Trump on stage. That lowers the bar, already at its lowest for GOP's concept of excellence in public service. McConnell is exhibit A for that in addition to these fine GOP candidates.
32
Christie may be a noteworthy indication of those Republicans who are tired of the current trend in their party’s politics as exemplified by Rubio and Cruz. The ongoing crusade to undo Obamacare, the Tea Party’s way or no way, tax breaks for the nonperforming “job creators”, and a major contribution to our current dysfunctional government is what is driving the Trump phenomenon.
The upcoming closed primaries will let us know. Only the faithful will decided – no crossovers, indies, or infrequent voters infatuated by Trump will be allowed. Could this be the beginning of a comeback for moderate Republicans? We – and our nation – can only hope.
The upcoming closed primaries will let us know. Only the faithful will decided – no crossovers, indies, or infrequent voters infatuated by Trump will be allowed. Could this be the beginning of a comeback for moderate Republicans? We – and our nation – can only hope.
7
I expect that Gov. Christies's doctors will be putting out a statement pretty soon saying
that he is healthy enough to serve as Vice President.
that he is healthy enough to serve as Vice President.
17
Methinks thou doth protest too much, NYT.
The paper simply can't figure out this political cycle, and it's clearly driving the paper nuts.
The paper simply can't figure out this political cycle, and it's clearly driving the paper nuts.
3
True.....the NYT is alarmed along with every other citizen alarmed at the prospect of a carnival barking, beauty pageant/reality television star with a hair-trigger temper, limited intellectual curiosity or interest, and a list of promises ("Huge wall..add 10 feet to it") that are unrealistic or downright dumb.
7
He endorsed the person he thinks can best help him with a job in the future either as the president of the USA if he wins or Trump Inc if he loses. Same reason companies paid Ms. Clinton $225k to speak for an hour and donated to her charity.
6
The higher the monkey climbs, the more he shows his tail.
11
Shameless pandering on Christie's part. But it also displays his political chops. I always said he was in the race for the VP nod. He's backing the winner to get it. But you got to admit, they make a perfect team. Ego maniac's who think nothing of lying, and are without conscious. And the base they are playing to, sad dumb souls, who confuse bluster for brilliance and fortitude, now get a double serving.
10
Make America Great Again! .... I'll start by hiring experienced governors like Chris Christy and Paul LePage for my cabinet....
And NJ and Maine voters groan sarcastically, "Oh Great...Americans?...Again?"
And NJ and Maine voters groan sarcastically, "Oh Great...Americans?...Again?"
3
According to the current governor of Maine, Trump is simply following his
example: "he should give me a stipend or he should give me a bonus about starting this whole thing about being outspoken." LePage, elected twice by
a plurality not a majority, has certainly has been known to indulge in infantile, mean-spirited, insulting, vindictive and racist comments during his tenure. He has also used questionable tactics to thwart the will of Maine voters as
confirmed in referendums, to intervene in the appointments of state funded
institutions, and to delay or stop legislation with which he does not agree. In the eyes of many, his crass and bullying remarks and his obstructing governance have been an embarrassment for the state. For Trump to follow his example (not likely that Trump would ever admit to following someone else's example) or to resemble him as much as he does is an embarrassment for the nation. Surely we Americans must have higher standards for behavior in our leaders if we expect to be respected as a beacon of democracy and civilization in the world.
example: "he should give me a stipend or he should give me a bonus about starting this whole thing about being outspoken." LePage, elected twice by
a plurality not a majority, has certainly has been known to indulge in infantile, mean-spirited, insulting, vindictive and racist comments during his tenure. He has also used questionable tactics to thwart the will of Maine voters as
confirmed in referendums, to intervene in the appointments of state funded
institutions, and to delay or stop legislation with which he does not agree. In the eyes of many, his crass and bullying remarks and his obstructing governance have been an embarrassment for the state. For Trump to follow his example (not likely that Trump would ever admit to following someone else's example) or to resemble him as much as he does is an embarrassment for the nation. Surely we Americans must have higher standards for behavior in our leaders if we expect to be respected as a beacon of democracy and civilization in the world.
9
The ticket, Trump-Christie, the demise of the Republicans is in sight. Let's make America great again.
12
I think Governor Christie would fit nicely as Attorney General, in a Trump presidency. Looks like that's the angle here. Cue liberal head explosions in 5...4...3...2...
3
Don't forget that Chris Christie, by choosing to reject Federal funds for that urgently needed second commuter rail tunnel, has chosen to play "Russian Roulette" with the financial future of New Jersey! Imagine the chaos and loss of revenue that a necessary shutdown of the damaged existing rail tunnel, which was seriously damaged by Superstorm Sandy, can no longer be postponed!
9
Too true. My first reaction to the Donald Trump/Chris Christie alliance?
A redefinition of 'the bully' pulpit.
A redefinition of 'the bully' pulpit.
17
It takes a bully to know a bully.
Awaiting Giuliani to get aboard. A trifecta!
Capsule image of President Obama- class
Capsule image of Trump and his ilk-crass
Awaiting Giuliani to get aboard. A trifecta!
Capsule image of President Obama- class
Capsule image of Trump and his ilk-crass
3
Emporers Claudius and Nero. Cue the fire.
17
This is great, just like clumping agents in Kitty Litter.
24
Reply to Radio
Corzine and McGreevey actually tried to govern the state and were pretty good about it until one came out of the closet in such a cringeworthy way and the other was too arrogant to wear his seat belt. No such record for Christie.
Corzine and McGreevey actually tried to govern the state and were pretty good about it until one came out of the closet in such a cringeworthy way and the other was too arrogant to wear his seat belt. No such record for Christie.
7
Lovely editorial with a bombastic ending. LOL. Transportation secretary!
14
The esteemed editorial board may mock Christie and Trump, but once they are running the show, they will have to be taken seriously. Cheers!
Be careful what you wish for...
3
Politics is gladiator fighting, there is no "good" politician, especially those that are supported and egged on by establishment. Bernie is the outsider in the democratic race with BIG ideas and energizing the youth to stay involved. For GOP, Trump is the outsider challenging the TPTB with bold ideas even if abrasive. For all that Bernie is, he is positioned to lose to the "super delegates" working behind the scenes; is only apt the democratic party is challenged by the only GOP that can give a tough race to a candidate that is deeply entrenched in the establishment system, before the country accepts and embraces the first lady POTUS
1
brokeback penthouse
13
No surprise here with Christies endorsement of Trump. Power hungry Christie will support anyone that will give him a "HIGH POWER" job in government. I'll bet he's looking at becoming Attorney General if Trump should win. I hope he goes on the political road again giving New Jersey a break. We don't need to be downgraded again. In Trenton I hope they erect a Weather Vane in his honor. Wherever the political winds blow that's the direction Christies takes.
8
The last sentence in this piece is worth the price of a year's subscription.
10
Christie's endorsement of Trump is magnificent! One of America's great politicians, not to mention district attorney, who prosecuted scores of terrorists, endorses America's greatest businessman, who soon will be the nation's greatest politician. Christie will probably be Trump's attorney general. He will make a great AG. In fact Christie would make a great Supreme Court justice. His opportunities to serve America at the highest levels are endless! Yes, America is one its way to being great again.
3
If only this were a parody. Did you think it was great when Trump said he'd rescind the first amendment upon becoming president, apparently all by himself, because the Constitution does not exist when he finds it inconvenient, since it lets newspapers criticize him, and he doesn't like that?
4
Two loud mouths are better than one. Christie needs a job when his term is up.
Now that he is supporting Trump, I guess he will be spending even less time in NJ. ("On the road with Don and Chris")
Question: Will anyone miss him?
Now that he is supporting Trump, I guess he will be spending even less time in NJ. ("On the road with Don and Chris")
Question: Will anyone miss him?
7
When he turns up for the investiture, it would be really cool if Donald Trump had his hair cut like Ike! I think it would make the point that he is serious about the job.
2
"Once upon a time, the governor put his state first, for good and ill."
During which of NJ's 9 credit downgrades during his administration was Christie putting his state first?
During which of NJ's 9 credit downgrades during his administration was Christie putting his state first?
11
When what lies right behind Trump is either Cruz or Rubio then I ask myself "why not?"
8
Caption for the photo, Christie looking dreamy-eyed at Trump: "What are we gonna do now Spike? Huh? Are we gonna beat him up, Spike? Are we?"
22
Like Martin and Lewis — without the laughs.
28
Kukla, Fran and Ollie would be a better analogy. Especially the way they always pummeled each other.
Jerry Lewis was a card carrying clown who took his craft very seriously.
Dean Martin was one of our greatest entertainers.
Yep, Kukla Fran and Ollie
Jerry Lewis was a card carrying clown who took his craft very seriously.
Dean Martin was one of our greatest entertainers.
Yep, Kukla Fran and Ollie
2
i can see them on th podium together, acting like tag team wrestlers, in full wrestler regalia , yelling profanities at th crowd and hurling chairs on them
4
"Donald Trump and Chris Christie Start a Bully Bromance"
I would think that constantly calling a person or persons a bully, especially in such a well read media outlet, is in and of itself bullying. I'm looking at you The Editorial Board.
I would think that constantly calling a person or persons a bully, especially in such a well read media outlet, is in and of itself bullying. I'm looking at you The Editorial Board.
2
He is a bully. And somehow he gets away with it. It needs to be said often.
5
In the first place, Teddy Roosevelt reference. In the second, since when is accuracy a problem?
1
Allow me to add my voice to the chorus below who, while agreeing with the general thrust of the editorial, were nonetheless taken aback by its snarky and catty tone.
So much for the Gray Lady of Journalism image. Is this a harbinger of the future style of NYT editorials in this age of tabloid sensationalism in journalism?
So much for the Gray Lady of Journalism image. Is this a harbinger of the future style of NYT editorials in this age of tabloid sensationalism in journalism?
3
They are both untalented, vicious egoist.
They can have each other for all I care.
They can have each other for all I care.
4
How dare you? It takes a "Hood winker" to know a "Hood winker". Trump has openly declared New York Times as a loser. By this article you are showing us, the long time followers of NYTimes, how low you have gone from your established norms of journalism. There is still time for you to roll back your venom and state what it is there is. You are only a reporter per se. Be a big boy, and mend your ways so you only report like Peter Jennings used to, without reflecting your bad intents. Long Live my New York Times, long live Mr. Trump & Mr. Christie.
1
Pretty much the intellectual level of Trump's supporters, yes.
4
"Donald Trump and Chris Christie Start a Bully Romance," Editorial, Feb. 26, 2016.
As Donald Trump's transportation secretary, Chris Christie will have great trouble recruiting his personal staff. But to speak seriously about the Trump-Christie "bromance," it only confirms our worst suspicions about them, particularly their proclivity for exhibitionism, egomania, and dictatorial putdowns of their critics. However, we can take comfort from Governor Christie's calculated if comic endorsement of his current pal Trump: Very likely, the Real Estate mogul will dig his own political grave, ultimately, thereby proving President Obama's thoughtful prophecy that he will not be elected president. America has never elected a business tycoon to occupy the White House, even though a few, who could outshine the Donald as speakers and statesmen, have tried to get in there in the past. Electing men like Trump to the highest political office in the country will be a mistake of historical proportions that the country will not be able to live with.
As Donald Trump's transportation secretary, Chris Christie will have great trouble recruiting his personal staff. But to speak seriously about the Trump-Christie "bromance," it only confirms our worst suspicions about them, particularly their proclivity for exhibitionism, egomania, and dictatorial putdowns of their critics. However, we can take comfort from Governor Christie's calculated if comic endorsement of his current pal Trump: Very likely, the Real Estate mogul will dig his own political grave, ultimately, thereby proving President Obama's thoughtful prophecy that he will not be elected president. America has never elected a business tycoon to occupy the White House, even though a few, who could outshine the Donald as speakers and statesmen, have tried to get in there in the past. Electing men like Trump to the highest political office in the country will be a mistake of historical proportions that the country will not be able to live with.
6
Hmmm, no comment on Mr. trump's endorsement by David Duke?
I'm guessing the "Trump/Christie Pact of Steel" has all of the KKK and Aryan Nation votes virtually "locked up" unfortunately NOT really locked up, as in jail.
It seems our descent into the 3rd World has a full head of steam and I assume Nigeria will be sending monitors to voting booths in the United States to keep tabs on our election this fall and report "irregularities".
I'm guessing the "Trump/Christie Pact of Steel" has all of the KKK and Aryan Nation votes virtually "locked up" unfortunately NOT really locked up, as in jail.
It seems our descent into the 3rd World has a full head of steam and I assume Nigeria will be sending monitors to voting booths in the United States to keep tabs on our election this fall and report "irregularities".
9
It should upset every American out there that David Duke endorsed Trump and now Bully Chris Christie! How did we sink so low??
9
Wasn't one useless blowhard bully enough? Now we have two of them. Hilary must be laughing all the way to the White House. I am.
11
The statement in the article that
“Mr. Trump, at least, has managed to do what Mr. Christie couldn’t: hoodwink his way to the front of the Republican presidential pack”
is “unkindest cut of all” and unfair to say the least. It seems to mean that Mr. Trump hoodwinked… who? The American people. So, the American people are gullible enough to be hoodwinked except those who are opposed to Mr. Trump’s bid for the presidency! It is not the first time we read such venomous remarks about Mr. Trump. Most of them by media pundits.
I hope your articles temper down the language on Mr. Trump.
In one master stroke, Mr. Trump has got an outstanding attacker / defender in Governor Christie, on his side. It same as what President Obama did when he chose VP Joe Biden as his running mate. This should send shivers down the spine of his adversaries. Also it shows Mr. Trump will surround himself with outstanding talents as needed.
And added to the insult, the article ends with cynical remark that Mr. Trump might make him Secretary of Transportation, citing the commuter bridge incident. Please be fair.
“Mr. Trump, at least, has managed to do what Mr. Christie couldn’t: hoodwink his way to the front of the Republican presidential pack”
is “unkindest cut of all” and unfair to say the least. It seems to mean that Mr. Trump hoodwinked… who? The American people. So, the American people are gullible enough to be hoodwinked except those who are opposed to Mr. Trump’s bid for the presidency! It is not the first time we read such venomous remarks about Mr. Trump. Most of them by media pundits.
I hope your articles temper down the language on Mr. Trump.
In one master stroke, Mr. Trump has got an outstanding attacker / defender in Governor Christie, on his side. It same as what President Obama did when he chose VP Joe Biden as his running mate. This should send shivers down the spine of his adversaries. Also it shows Mr. Trump will surround himself with outstanding talents as needed.
And added to the insult, the article ends with cynical remark that Mr. Trump might make him Secretary of Transportation, citing the commuter bridge incident. Please be fair.
1
Someone has to say it.
2
DT and CC remind me of little boys in school who were always trying to get attention. Too bad the press is giving them so much.
19
would you rather see a 20 min interview w ben carson ?
2
As if Trump wasn't bad enough . . . Trump and Christie together.
It's enough to make you shudder.
It's enough to make you shudder.
18
Christie: hypocrisy and gall. He and Trump belong together. I sure don't see an upside for Christie in this. He has reneged on his contract with the state of New Jersey and left a trail of statements basically calling Trump an entertainer and not qualified for the Presidency. He's raised his middle finger to basically his entire constituency and now extends it towards his own party. Like Trump, I imagine imagines he has a Teflon shield surrounding him and nothing will affect his future endeavors. This is some strange stuff alright. It gets more ludicrous as time goes on.
20
This is living proof you don't need the Presidency if you're willing to share a bully pulpit, lol.
1
The Donner Party wants these two big meaty guys to take a hike with them.
22
And the GOP continues to crack!
14
Dear Editorial writers of the NYT,
Why was there not one little article in your venerable publication that before Christie endorsed Trump, the former KKK leader and white supremacist, David Duke, endorsed Trump.
He said that only Trump could protect European Americans, and all his followers should vote for Trump, because otherwise they would be traitors to their heritage.
Most of us already knew that Trump's logo really stands for "Make America Great and White Again", while I might add dumb to that logo as well.
I only became aware of the fact of the Duke endorsement through my 'newsletter' from the great satirist Andy Borowitz of the New Yorker.
Why was there not one little article in your venerable publication that before Christie endorsed Trump, the former KKK leader and white supremacist, David Duke, endorsed Trump.
He said that only Trump could protect European Americans, and all his followers should vote for Trump, because otherwise they would be traitors to their heritage.
Most of us already knew that Trump's logo really stands for "Make America Great and White Again", while I might add dumb to that logo as well.
I only became aware of the fact of the Duke endorsement through my 'newsletter' from the great satirist Andy Borowitz of the New Yorker.
15
andy's a hoot
get his stuff delivered to your mailbox\
get his stuff delivered to your mailbox\
3
I'm no fan of the NYT Editorial Board these days, but in their defense, this topic was covered back in December.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/11/opinion/campaign-stops/goose-steppers-...
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/11/opinion/campaign-stops/goose-steppers-...
3
@thx
I do get Andy's columns to my mailbox. They are my rock in troubled waters.
@ O
The 'official' endorsement of Trump by Duke happened only two days ago.
I do get Andy's columns to my mailbox. They are my rock in troubled waters.
@ O
The 'official' endorsement of Trump by Duke happened only two days ago.
2
I liken the Twitter followers of Trump to brown shirted thugs. His crowds border on unruly Lynch mobs. They are quick to turn on anyone Trumps decides to focus on in the crowd. Now Christie can be Trump's Bully-in-Chief. I didn't think there was a serious chance we could devolve into the madness of 30s Germany, but Trump's and his followers' viral cyber bullying and threats of physical harm show we aren't so far away from it. The exchange of insults among the Republican candidates and the glee shown by tv commentators just fuels the fires. Who will put out the flames before they burn the house down?
33
The Christie endorsement is payback for the NYT's reports on the GWB
traffic jam. The NYT could not even find a connection but used it to
destroy Christies chances in the campaign. The NYT campaign was totally
racists and without any factual basis. It seems that Christie has the last laugh.
traffic jam. The NYT could not even find a connection but used it to
destroy Christies chances in the campaign. The NYT campaign was totally
racists and without any factual basis. It seems that Christie has the last laugh.
racist ?
are you saying that th nyt is anti-Italian ?
are you saying that th nyt is anti-Italian ?
3
He went down in flames, and he has the last laugh?
1
How is is racist? Last time I checked everyone involved with Bridgegate was white. Besides Christie has plenty of other problems not just Bridgegate.
3
After your support of Corzine and McGreevey we sure do have a lot of respect for your opinion of NJ governors.
4
Many have been willing to sell their souls for ambition. Few have done it with such bald-faced hypocrisy.
25
There's nothing right about this picture. Still it's no real surprise that Mr. Trump and Mr. Christie should find the bond they've always shared. But it doesn't bode well for the Republican Party, and even less so for this country. Is this what we've come to? As a nation, have we descended the ladder of civility to the point where these are the type of people we choose to represent us? And for all the bluster, and the bullying, and the one-upmanship that emanates from the mouths of these two, is there even one good idea? One that won't make us the laughing stock of the rest of the nation? We're already the laughing stock of the world.
15
Simply brilliant media manipulation. The story yesterday could have been about Trump being taken down by Rubio in the last debate. Trump, however, is ready with a headliner story about Christie's endorsement. Debate debacle? What debate? Completely forgotten. Trump studied the Rove playbook, mastered it, and is now far outdoing it.
Of course something was offered. VP or Secretary of State? Imagine Christie as "America's top diplomat". What a vision that is. And note Christie taking quick revenge on Rubio--still think he had nothing to do with the cones on the bridge?
Of course something was offered. VP or Secretary of State? Imagine Christie as "America's top diplomat". What a vision that is. And note Christie taking quick revenge on Rubio--still think he had nothing to do with the cones on the bridge?
23
This coupling of Trump and Christies gives "bully pulpit" a new meaning.
14
And a lot of us thought Christie had given up the election race to - in the words of Mr. Cobert, "open up a Bowling Alley so he could shut down as many lanes as he felt like, whenever he felt like it." Guess we were all wrong.....
12
When I read Christie's antipodal descriptions of Christie side by side I couldn't help thinking, what's the big deal? Hillary Clinton has flipflopped like that on all the issues and the New York Times endorsed her for President. I guess flipflopping is only bad when the candidate you don't like does it.
"When I read Christie's antipodal descriptions of Christie side by side".
What does that even mean????
What does that even mean????
2
Birds of a feather flock together.
15
Dodos, to be exact, and we can only hope for the same outcome.
4
How sad! When the governor of the great state of New Jersey, an attorney who was the U.S. District Attorney prior to his election as governor, has "sold his soul" for an appointment in a God-forbid Trump administration. What has become of human values, respect for the truth, and the meaning of the Constitution he swore to uphold? How can he cast his support for someone who devalues the First Amendment and makes the threats that he does every day of this long drawn out and unnecessary exercise in pre-election rhetoric that has gone on for so long? A disgrace and a shame for all who care!!
18
Many in NJ, including me, get angrier by the day. Christie couldn't even stay in Trenton for 3 weeks? He couldn't bring himself to deal with NJ's problems? Now he is pledging to run all over the country, stumping for Trump? What, did we bore him? Did he feel the apathy and anger from voters toward him and decide his ego didn't like that? He is NJ's Governor IN NAME ONLY. The fact that he is still collecting a paycheck for not doing his job is beyond infuriating.
I wonder if Christie, while campaigning for Trump, will employ the same State Trooper "security detail" he employed while he wandered NH and IA. If he does, guess who will pay for that detail? Hint: Not Trump. And Christie will once again refuse to release any information about the cost of paying for that detail.
I wonder if Christie, while campaigning for Trump, will employ the same State Trooper "security detail" he employed while he wandered NH and IA. If he does, guess who will pay for that detail? Hint: Not Trump. And Christie will once again refuse to release any information about the cost of paying for that detail.
33
The Times' usually measured tone and language gives way to some nasty, but welcome, insult and sarcasm directed at Governir Christie. Starting right off with "sweaty embrace" and finishing with some NYT subtlety about bridge knowledge, this column seems almost mean-spirited. Perhaps the new normal for the Republican Primary language extents all the way from Vicente Fox to the New York Times.
1
Watching the election of 2016 progress summons an image of the body politic having a giant carbuncle or chancre which hopefully will erupt at some point, finally ridding itself of 30 years of accumulated malefaction and puss; an infection which was originally picked up from that most odious Newt Gingrich.
We will either figure out how to respect each other's differences or we frankly can wave goodbye to the grand experiment with self-government. Yes, the future looks bleak, but we've been down this path before and we came out of it more or less whole.
We will either figure out how to respect each other's differences or we frankly can wave goodbye to the grand experiment with self-government. Yes, the future looks bleak, but we've been down this path before and we came out of it more or less whole.
2
After yesterday's editorial demanding that Clinton share the content of her Wall Street speeches, and now today's entirely appropriate takedown of Chris Christie, I do believe the ethically moribund New York Times is reviving itself. Now if it would just give Bernie Sanders a little more space to articulate his sane, sensible, and winnable message, my faith will be restored.
3
How Trump got this far has us stumped:
It's as though in the dark we got jumped.
The thought of him resident
In the White House as president
Makes our gut feel it needs to be pumped.
Bush, Christie, and Carson got dumped,
While Marco first dithered, then grumped.
Super Tuesday's blunt precedent
Picks the G.O.P. resident,
While we, standing idly, get Trumped.
It's as though in the dark we got jumped.
The thought of him resident
In the White House as president
Makes our gut feel it needs to be pumped.
Bush, Christie, and Carson got dumped,
While Marco first dithered, then grumped.
Super Tuesday's blunt precedent
Picks the G.O.P. resident,
While we, standing idly, get Trumped.
5
There are two ways to handle loud mouth bullies - ignore them or expose them for what they are. Why isn't the media doing either?
7
New Jersey is a beautiful state, the shore, the northern hills, the Newark Museum and the cherry blossoms in Branch Brook Park. Even the swamps in the south and around Giants stadium have their appeal. and don't forget Frank Sinatra and Bruce Springsteen.
Just a few things to overlook like the refineries on the northern stretch of the Turnpike, Chris Christie who was elected after I left the state and a few gangsters in local government. Sometimes when I watch the Sopranos I get nostalgic for the old place. Holstein's where the last Sopranos episode was filmed gave me my first job washing dishes and the guy living across the street from us as I grew up looked like Tony Soprano and had the same reputation. And of course Trump had his most spectacular failures in Atlantic City. Trump and Christie perfect together.
Just a few things to overlook like the refineries on the northern stretch of the Turnpike, Chris Christie who was elected after I left the state and a few gangsters in local government. Sometimes when I watch the Sopranos I get nostalgic for the old place. Holstein's where the last Sopranos episode was filmed gave me my first job washing dishes and the guy living across the street from us as I grew up looked like Tony Soprano and had the same reputation. And of course Trump had his most spectacular failures in Atlantic City. Trump and Christie perfect together.
8
Happy you feel so safe secure and clean in your new state but you should know that Colorado received an overall grade of D+ and a numerical score of 67, ranking it 13th nationally (tied with Illinois) in the State Integrity Investigation, an assessment of state government accountability and transparency conducted by the Center for Public Integrity and Global Integrity. Don't want to play crabs in a barrel with you but the highest mark for any state was a C. So times are hard all over when it comes to the integrity of state governments.
1
Chris Christie has started a likely new wave of elected Republicans in high offices who want to join the fast moving Trump train which has knocked out Seven governors and 2 senators out of the race for the Republican nomination. The only way the Republican party has a chance of gaining the white house as I observe is if Donald Trump Train gains more steam. The desperate remaining competition for Trump is pathetic.
1
Who didn't see this little bromance coming when Trump and Christie were pictured having a quiet moment together during a break in their last debate.
Watching the republicans battle for the presidential nomination - and take down their party in the process - has now become a pure spectator sport. Will I be the only one to admit that I have missed Chris Christie in this blood sport in all his venal, vindictive and bullying beauty? A liberal's guilty pleasure. Welcome back Chris. Have at it!
Watching the republicans battle for the presidential nomination - and take down their party in the process - has now become a pure spectator sport. Will I be the only one to admit that I have missed Chris Christie in this blood sport in all his venal, vindictive and bullying beauty? A liberal's guilty pleasure. Welcome back Chris. Have at it!
4
The fact that many pundits think this endorsement will further help Trump with base says something very sad about that base.That the GOP establishment considers the likes of Christie and Rubio it's "moderates " is sad proof how far down the political cesspool the party has sunk.
All the insults between Trump and Rubio Thursday night and yesterday is in it's own way entertaining,I suppose ,but not all funny to those us still sane.As Trump likes to say,the whole world watching.What' it's watching must between "men" ,from which could be chosen the next leader of the free world must be appalling to it; because rhetorically the GOP front runners are acting like the warring Middle East faction.
But as Bill Maher put it last night ,they're also behaving like desperate house wives as they poke fun of each one's makeup ! Sen. Lindsey Greham was also on target saying the GOP has become "bat---- crazy !"
So let's hope that enough of us General Election voters are sane enough to put a Loony Tune In Chief in the White House.
All the insults between Trump and Rubio Thursday night and yesterday is in it's own way entertaining,I suppose ,but not all funny to those us still sane.As Trump likes to say,the whole world watching.What' it's watching must between "men" ,from which could be chosen the next leader of the free world must be appalling to it; because rhetorically the GOP front runners are acting like the warring Middle East faction.
But as Bill Maher put it last night ,they're also behaving like desperate house wives as they poke fun of each one's makeup ! Sen. Lindsey Greham was also on target saying the GOP has become "bat---- crazy !"
So let's hope that enough of us General Election voters are sane enough to put a Loony Tune In Chief in the White House.
5
16 years ago I remember saying, and truly believing "there's no way that idiot could win a general election." Even though Shrub didn't actually win the first one, 8 years later the joke was on me. The moral: Never underestimate the fecklessness of our electorate.
3
Absolutely right and obvious from the get-go - Christie is desperate for job, and a future. New Jersey is sick of him. I am too...
9
The "sweaty" in the first sentence: not really up to Times standards. They have enough going against them without adding that.
3
Masterful move by Trump. He chokes off any momentum Rubio could have gotten from the debate, gets his tax returns out of the news cycle and obtains the services of an ideologically moderate pit bull who is a perfect fit for this campaign of schoolyard intimidation.
Fortunately for Trump, few of his supporters will wonder how the new dream team of below the belt bluster is going to play on the world stage. The rest of us are left wondering how we arrived at a place where a thin skinned egotist who goes nuclear in an instant, can gain the leverage of an arsenal that could obliterate the planet many times over.
Fortunately for Trump, few of his supporters will wonder how the new dream team of below the belt bluster is going to play on the world stage. The rest of us are left wondering how we arrived at a place where a thin skinned egotist who goes nuclear in an instant, can gain the leverage of an arsenal that could obliterate the planet many times over.
62
You guys are getting infected by the juvenile tone of the Republicans. You're on target, but some of this sounds like cable TV, replete with eye rolling. Please help maintain dignity at the NYT and among its readers.
3
But the first line of the editorial refers to their "sweaty" embrace. I thought we had heard enough about body fluids from the Republican candidates, and now I see the NYT has taken up the theme.
1
Following the same footsteps of Capt. Palin, Mr Christie now comes forward to help steer the USS Trump, steaming majestically and triumphantly towards November shoals. Meanwhile, captive party rats are beginning to get VERY nervous ...
8
Hey NYT, hate The Donald much? Apparently, your subtle (ha!) disdain of Trump vs your discreet love affair with Hillarity Clinton has reached its zenith. Perhaps a name change is due? May I suggest "The New York Democratic Times"?
2
With all the coverage he received here, Trump should be grateful to the Times.
The media has given Trump so much attention, he does not even need a full-blown campaign staff, thus saving this already very wealthy man even more money
The media has given Trump so much attention, he does not even need a full-blown campaign staff, thus saving this already very wealthy man even more money
2
You gotta love all the brouhaha over the Republican Party's "establishment," read entrenched .1% donor class, trying to stop Trump.
Maybe it's just me, but I think one of the reasons they're panicking is that they know Trump isn't going to take their calls if he makes it to the Oval.
As the .1% World Turns. :)
Maybe it's just me, but I think one of the reasons they're panicking is that they know Trump isn't going to take their calls if he makes it to the Oval.
As the .1% World Turns. :)
6
What is really disgraceful about this tub of lard, Christie, is that he will shamelessly suck up to anyone to get something out of the deal and I'll bet he's hoping to get picked as Chump's VP should he win the nomination.
10
I bet he was holding his nose when he embraced President Obama.
The NY Times editorial board should be better than this, thought I was reading the New York Daily News when I read the last comment.
2
Sometimes sarcasm has it's place, especially in politics when dealing with blowhards and bullies. This was one of them.
4
If any Republican voters from New Jersey read the NYT I'd like to hear why they voted for Chris Christie in the first place. What did they see that simple fact checking and bile sensors did not catch?
7
More important, I;d like to know how he hoodwinked so many Democrats into voting for him especially when he ran for reelection when it had already become clear he was a bully who cared only about himself and not the people of NJ.
3
The last Democratic governor was a crook who was directly involved
in the 2008 financial crash.
in the 2008 financial crash.
1
Wow that was quick.the "gov" was back home for a month and already is abandoning his state...didn't get a warm welcome from his constituents?getting outta town before Bridget testifies against him?NJ just too small for an
obese blow hard bully like himself?was so hoping he would be chastened by his resounding failure on the national stage.This opportunist will never "sit down and shut up".Ew.
obese blow hard bully like himself?was so hoping he would be chastened by his resounding failure on the national stage.This opportunist will never "sit down and shut up".Ew.
10
"If Mr. Trump should win the presidency, he might want to consider Mr. Christie for transportation secretary, since he already knows so much about traffic patterns on commuter bridges."
Buncombe. Christie could well become Trump's presumptive Attorney General nominee. He is, after all, a former federal attorney. And he's out of a job in two years otherwise.
VP makes no sense. NJ and NY are not swing states.
Buncombe. Christie could well become Trump's presumptive Attorney General nominee. He is, after all, a former federal attorney. And he's out of a job in two years otherwise.
VP makes no sense. NJ and NY are not swing states.
1
"Venal, vindictive political bully" describes Trump as well as Christie, except it Trump's case it doesn't go far enough.
Do we need a president who appears to suffer from ADHD, who has a phobia about sweat, and who never passes up an opportunity to ridicule and disparage people instead of ideas?
Trump is the class clown, the disruptive attention-craving kid in your 7th grade class who never grew up. He just turned orange.
Do we need a president who appears to suffer from ADHD, who has a phobia about sweat, and who never passes up an opportunity to ridicule and disparage people instead of ideas?
Trump is the class clown, the disruptive attention-craving kid in your 7th grade class who never grew up. He just turned orange.
13
It may be time for the experts who use math to predict election results to ADD UP the votes Clinton will receive from Republicans disenchanted with Trump et al. "Groundswell" may be too conservative to describe what is bound to occur!
The alliance of Christy with Trump is as telling as the Koch brothers supporting a shallow candidate who is bought and paid for. As for Cruz, think "Joe McCarthy".
The alliance of Christy with Trump is as telling as the Koch brothers supporting a shallow candidate who is bought and paid for. As for Cruz, think "Joe McCarthy".
6
The two perfect phonies would make a great tag team in the phony world of professional wrestling.
6
bsa:
think they're smart enough to qualify for the mat???
think they're smart enough to qualify for the mat???
2
I look forward to Hillary and Trump.
"The Prosecutor" fully embraces a candidate who's core platform consists of one indisputably unconstitutional idea after another. Mr. Christie has now succeeded in removing any doubt that he is completely unqualified for any significant legal position in government. He can no longer be trusted as Attorney General or Justice at any level. Any attempt to move him through a confirmation process needs to be strenuously opposed, based solely on his unwavering support for a wannabe dictator. The few supporters he has left need not worry, he doubtlessly has a cushy post governor job waiting for him at Trump Inc. At least what will be left of it.
4
Oh, please. Every losing GOP presidential candidate will eventually turn tail and support The Donald. The GOP has always done a great job of circling the wagons and making amends in order to win a big race. The lies and distortions are part of the GOP's DNA.
4
Make no mistake. The GOP establishment is against Trump not because it is afraid Trump would destroy the U.S. or make it a laughing stock. They are fighting him because they are afraid he would lose to the Democrats in general election. If Trump wins the nomination, you'll see the right wing pundits and politicians fire up their cynicism machine to full steam to justify their support of his candidacy.
2
The thought of a showboating bully like Christie as AG in a bully-friendly Trump administration is terrifying. Christie relishes political revenge, and Trump isn't going to do anything to rein him in.
On his record as prosecutor, check out the case of the Fort Dix Five, which he cites as his great achievement in fighting terrorism. Three of the defendants were convicted and given life sentences even though the plot was never raised with them. One of the FBI informants involved in the yearlong entrapment effort has said, on the record, that the three are innocent.
https://theintercept.com/2015/06/25/fort-dix-five-terror-plot-the-real-s...
On his record as prosecutor, check out the case of the Fort Dix Five, which he cites as his great achievement in fighting terrorism. Three of the defendants were convicted and given life sentences even though the plot was never raised with them. One of the FBI informants involved in the yearlong entrapment effort has said, on the record, that the three are innocent.
https://theintercept.com/2015/06/25/fort-dix-five-terror-plot-the-real-s...
3
Trump got his nose bloodied in Houston, and so to distract the press from that story he hauls out the (alleged) governor of NJ --- and the national media all act like one-year olds who are seeing a Christmas ornament for the first time.
He's playing the chattering class like fools, and the rest of America watches with a mixture of bemusement and horror.
He's playing the chattering class like fools, and the rest of America watches with a mixture of bemusement and horror.
3
I wish these guys much success together.
I hope the NYT engages in penetrating reporting and analysis of all the corruption, money-dealing, panic, destructive, psychotic behavior in the GOP in response.
All useful info for the Democratic campaigns, and will make clear if there is even a whiff of the same around one of the Democratic candidates, which many of us suspect there is, given how the DNC has been run lately.
This is a season where the impossible is becoming very much probable; Trump will be the Republican candidate, by a landslide, running against Bernie Sanders, by a landslide. You wait and see!
And then we will toss out the Zombie GOP, representatives of the Zombie Banks that are technically bankrupt, from Deutsche Bank on out, take all the capital back and store it in public, non-profit utilities for exchange purposes among the Citizens of the United States.
There will be no Federal Reserve; it will be a Citizens' Reserve. There will be no Central Bank; it will be a distributed system of banking, non-profit, self-sustaining, entirely secure from manipulation.
And the thin veneer of cancer killing the nation, and the world, will be eliminated for all time.
Then we can get on with preventing the wars we've been conducting for forty years to uphold our present, corrupt regime; wars fought for oil, and natural gas. Wars fought killing millions, for the sake of re-colonializing regions of the world to profit off their raw materials.
It is time.
I hope the NYT engages in penetrating reporting and analysis of all the corruption, money-dealing, panic, destructive, psychotic behavior in the GOP in response.
All useful info for the Democratic campaigns, and will make clear if there is even a whiff of the same around one of the Democratic candidates, which many of us suspect there is, given how the DNC has been run lately.
This is a season where the impossible is becoming very much probable; Trump will be the Republican candidate, by a landslide, running against Bernie Sanders, by a landslide. You wait and see!
And then we will toss out the Zombie GOP, representatives of the Zombie Banks that are technically bankrupt, from Deutsche Bank on out, take all the capital back and store it in public, non-profit utilities for exchange purposes among the Citizens of the United States.
There will be no Federal Reserve; it will be a Citizens' Reserve. There will be no Central Bank; it will be a distributed system of banking, non-profit, self-sustaining, entirely secure from manipulation.
And the thin veneer of cancer killing the nation, and the world, will be eliminated for all time.
Then we can get on with preventing the wars we've been conducting for forty years to uphold our present, corrupt regime; wars fought for oil, and natural gas. Wars fought killing millions, for the sake of re-colonializing regions of the world to profit off their raw materials.
It is time.
2
Wow! This is the most scathing piece I have ever read coming from the editorial board! And I couldn't agree more! I love the idea of a board of senior editors at The Times sitting down in a smoke-filled room and coming up with this poke-in -the-eye. The guy deserves it, he's hideous. He makes Jabba look warm and cozy. And the transportation secretary comment? Eternal!
11
A little burnt, a little catty from The Editorial Board. Good! Too much politeness in response to these gross predators would not be a good thing.
8
Reasonably sane Americans are justifiably appalled by the surge in school and cyber-bullying. It has, after all, led to destroyed lives and to the suicides of even young children. Instead of bullying diminishing, it now seems that an alarming number of Americans are ecstatic about the prospect of nominating a cruel, vindictive and mendacious bully for the presidency. And to further prove the old adage about birds of a feather, that other American political bully Chris Christie has enfolded Trump in his bear-like embrace. Cruelty, slander and libel are now considered strength to be rewarded, I am an elementary school teacher, and I shudder at these role models.
14
To the liberal NYTimes,
Keep attacking Trump and anyone associated with him, especially their supporters. Your attacks have proven to be the ultimate failure to defeat Trump. In fact, he's actually gained support from those who no longer believe the false narratives put forth by the liberal media.
Clearly, there are big problems on your side. Your side, because it's been you, the liberal media dividing the country for decades. You have a senile, entitled racist and a Marzist who promises free anything for votes.
And the best part is people are beginning to see through you.
Keep attacking Trump and anyone associated with him, especially their supporters. Your attacks have proven to be the ultimate failure to defeat Trump. In fact, he's actually gained support from those who no longer believe the false narratives put forth by the liberal media.
Clearly, there are big problems on your side. Your side, because it's been you, the liberal media dividing the country for decades. You have a senile, entitled racist and a Marzist who promises free anything for votes.
And the best part is people are beginning to see through you.
1
For the entire Editorial Board to throw their weight behind an article that would be so trite as to call out frenemies and bromances underserves a publication such as the NY Times.
Whether we agree or disagree with the campaigns, the individuals' rhetoric and the mud being flung about between them, I'd have hoped for better from a publication whom I consider to be the adult in the room.
I look to the Times for meaningful information and would expect that, even though the race is looking increasingly juvenile in tenor, the NY Times would be able to remain balanced and mature through the process.
There will be many other races that will need the Times' strong voice of reporting and reason.
Whether we agree or disagree with the campaigns, the individuals' rhetoric and the mud being flung about between them, I'd have hoped for better from a publication whom I consider to be the adult in the room.
I look to the Times for meaningful information and would expect that, even though the race is looking increasingly juvenile in tenor, the NY Times would be able to remain balanced and mature through the process.
There will be many other races that will need the Times' strong voice of reporting and reason.
1
Actually, an excellent piece this morning. I totally agreed with your position, right up until the last sentence:
"If Mr. Trump should win the presidency, he might want to consider Mr. Christie for transportation secretary, since he already knows so much about traffic patterns on commuter bridges."
Sophomoric at best -- from the NYT Editorial Board? -- how disappointing.
"If Mr. Trump should win the presidency, he might want to consider Mr. Christie for transportation secretary, since he already knows so much about traffic patterns on commuter bridges."
Sophomoric at best -- from the NYT Editorial Board? -- how disappointing.
2
As two kids in the school yard. And that kind of people wants to run the more powerful country in the world.
1
Thank you NYT - Christie has stated Trump doesn't have the skill set to be president. Trump said Christie had to know about bridgegate. Can't wait to hear them explain these observations to the electorate.
12
Christie's endorsement took place in Texas, home of his BFF Jerry Jones, another nasty one who may be looking to jettison the hapless failure Roger Goodell. Connect those dots.
5
Looks like Trump just found a running mate for his ticket.
4
"Politics makes strange bed fellows."
3
You guys are so juvenile. Transportation secretary? Bridges? How cute. Perhaps Mrs Clinton can get hired by an email encryption firm when she returns to the private sector. Or maybe become a Wall Street lobbyist. Mr sanders can become a spokesman for S&M as he furthers his studies on women and sex. Mrs warren should get reacquainted with her Native American roots...all 1/32. Mr Obama (the US has 57 states and unsure of the difference between the Maldives and the Falklands) can find work as a geography teacher.
3
Out in Wyoming, you clearly don't understand not only Bridgegate - which goes way beyond a traffic jam - but the entire record of Christie's gubernatorial mismanagement. Make a deal with you: I won't comment on matters in Wyoming that I don't understand and know next to nothing about. In exchange, the obvious.
5
Dear old Dad:
My oh my, what is going on up there in Big Sky country? You seem to have acquired your entire knowledge of politics and world events from the talking points broadcast incessantly on FOX "News" and Right Wing radio. Other than being occupied with counting cattle, cleaning and clinging to your guns, and keeping your powder dry what else is there to do up there? One guesses not much.
Down here in civilization, we New Yorker's have a plethora of good fun, always something to inspire comedic relief. We've got Bernie from Brooklyn doing his Larry David impression, or is it vice versa? Then there's The Donald ensconced in his penthouse on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fifty-Seventh Street. Wild Bill Clinton has moved his offices in Harlem to Midtown, and Hillary of Westchester, has her HQ in very fashionable Brooklyn Heights.
But look who's joined our circus? The Donald's blowhard doppelganger from across the Hudson, via the original G.W. bridge, whose name sounds like a speech impediment. We have the convenience, more like inconvenience, of seeing these folks up close and personal. If the NYTimes which sits in the middle of all this comes across as too pedantic and juvenile to you perhaps you should come on down, and set a spell, visit with us and see what life is all about away from where the deer and antelope play.
It's politics, Dad, you're suppose to make fun of it. Cheer up, laugh a little. Life is too serious to be so serious.
DD
Manhattan
My oh my, what is going on up there in Big Sky country? You seem to have acquired your entire knowledge of politics and world events from the talking points broadcast incessantly on FOX "News" and Right Wing radio. Other than being occupied with counting cattle, cleaning and clinging to your guns, and keeping your powder dry what else is there to do up there? One guesses not much.
Down here in civilization, we New Yorker's have a plethora of good fun, always something to inspire comedic relief. We've got Bernie from Brooklyn doing his Larry David impression, or is it vice versa? Then there's The Donald ensconced in his penthouse on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fifty-Seventh Street. Wild Bill Clinton has moved his offices in Harlem to Midtown, and Hillary of Westchester, has her HQ in very fashionable Brooklyn Heights.
But look who's joined our circus? The Donald's blowhard doppelganger from across the Hudson, via the original G.W. bridge, whose name sounds like a speech impediment. We have the convenience, more like inconvenience, of seeing these folks up close and personal. If the NYTimes which sits in the middle of all this comes across as too pedantic and juvenile to you perhaps you should come on down, and set a spell, visit with us and see what life is all about away from where the deer and antelope play.
It's politics, Dad, you're suppose to make fun of it. Cheer up, laugh a little. Life is too serious to be so serious.
DD
Manhattan
2
This editorial accuses Governor Christie of having a national reputation for venality. That is an accusation of criminality; every dictionary defines "venal" as a disposition toward accepting bribes. Does the NY Times have any evidence at all for this charge - that's a rhetorical question, obviously - or is the writer so illiterate that he/she is unaware of the word's meaning.
As an across the Hudson observer of the political scene, I find there is much with which I disagree when it comes to Gov. Chrisite's actions and views. However, having served in a US Attorney's office (not his) years ago and maintaining contacts, I have never heard his integrity questioned, ever. His political judgments? Sure and often, no love lost in the NY-NJ divide. The example he may set for his subordinates - which resulted, among other things, in the continuing Bridgegate investigations? Yes, that too is fair game. However, baseless imputations of criminal propensity lands the Grey Lady in the very same nasty, name-calling play-book it pretends to decry in this editorial. Irony, anyone?
As an across the Hudson observer of the political scene, I find there is much with which I disagree when it comes to Gov. Chrisite's actions and views. However, having served in a US Attorney's office (not his) years ago and maintaining contacts, I have never heard his integrity questioned, ever. His political judgments? Sure and often, no love lost in the NY-NJ divide. The example he may set for his subordinates - which resulted, among other things, in the continuing Bridgegate investigations? Yes, that too is fair game. However, baseless imputations of criminal propensity lands the Grey Lady in the very same nasty, name-calling play-book it pretends to decry in this editorial. Irony, anyone?
6
Yes, the editorial board knows what venal means. And yes they meant it.
1
The literal definition also includes "open to corruption." You'd be hard pressed to find anyone, outside Christie's immediate family, who thinks the definition doesn't fit.
5
If you want to hear Christie's honesty questioned, Charlie, just cross the bridge ... if you can get across, that is.
I agree, to some extent, about the misuse of 'venal'. The writer was aiming for a more genera accusation of petty low-mindedness and questionable integrity, which, as a lifelong resident of this state next door to you, I can assure you fits Christie to a T.
I agree, to some extent, about the misuse of 'venal'. The writer was aiming for a more genera accusation of petty low-mindedness and questionable integrity, which, as a lifelong resident of this state next door to you, I can assure you fits Christie to a T.
3
One bully endorsing another bully!
12
So we know from everything he said during his campaign that Christie thinks Trump is a buffoon who would be disastrous for the country if he somehow managed to get to the White House. Yet now Christie endorses him. To me, that's the definition of throwing your country overboard. To call it treason is of course hyperbole, but it sure shows how little the almost pathologically craven Christie thinks of the USA. So much for patriotism and putting country first...
15
And if Trump doesn't win and Christie needs a career uplift, perhaps he should consider Russian politics or even better, a position as Putin's chief of staff. See, killing your opponents is so passe, exacting revenge Christie style is way more elegant.
2
So now we have two unethical, nasty loudmouths instead of one. Please don't say these guys have " In Your Face New York" style. We New Yorkers are a lot more ethical and decent than Trump. He doesn't represent us. My home town should be bowing its head in shame over Trump's ugly campaign. And now he has a skilled and willing new partner in his game of dirty twitter attacks.
8
Transportation secretary? Here is a scenario for your nightmare: Trump as president, and Christie as Secretary of State.
4
Allow me to add a third, but predominant, reason for this unholy alliance: Promised payoff diguised as power. Trump found what feeds Christie's inner self, and it's not just donuts.
12
Once it was 17 blind leading the blind now it is only 4 and a stand in.
6
I am so glad they will have to spend a lot of time together.
They deserve each other.
They deserve each other.
16
I hope Christie understands that all negative or untoward comments he made about Trump during his run at the nomination will weigh heavily in determining any hypothetical position he might receive in a Donald Trump administration. Trump's ability to provide specifics and details about his "plans" may be non-existent, but his memory for slights is like gum in a cashmere sweater.
8
Remember that George HW Bush went from denouncing Reagan's "voodoo economics" in the 1980 primaries to becoming his Vice-President and then one-term successor. So, politics makes for strange bedfellows given the right opportunities.
Charlie, Reagan's and Trump's personalities are hardly comparable. And Reagan knew politics was politics. Trump fails utterly at understanding this simple fact.
This years races to the party nominations is more fun to watch than any dull witted sitcom on cranked out by Hollywood.
Watching the inmates of the Republican insane asylum take over has been the ultimate treat.
Not much less funny but perhaps more disturbing is watching Hillary Clinton a screeching, arrogant, debased congenital liar of historic proportions pretend she is a warm hearted human being.
Watching the inmates of the Republican insane asylum take over has been the ultimate treat.
Not much less funny but perhaps more disturbing is watching Hillary Clinton a screeching, arrogant, debased congenital liar of historic proportions pretend she is a warm hearted human being.
1
If someone wrote a book about the 2016 republican race, no one would buy it. This is truly stranger than fiction. The sad thing is the GOP "leadership" is impotent, unable to do anything. The modern republican party has devolved into a do-nothing, know-nothing party incapable of controlling its members. The republicans have spent so many years pandering to the wealthy and deceiving the ignorant, they have become a shell of a party with no real platform (anti-Obamaism is not a platform), no ideas, no accomplishments, and no capable candidates. So while "Rome" burns, and the anti-Christ makes his move, the GOP leadership does what it does best; nothing!
10
I don't think I have ever agreed more with a NY Times editorial. My only quibble is that I don't see Christie having any ability to bring down Rubio at this point. Either Rubio will succeed in stopping the Trump juggernaut or it is already too late, but whatever the outcome it will not be driven by Christie. All that happened with this endorsement was to remove any lingering doubt in the public mind as to Christie's small-mindedness and petty narcissism.
6
Living proof that a politician will say anything to get what they want. So much for personal convictions.
5
There are millions of disaffected Americans, who feel abandoned by their politicians.
They feel abandoned by the establishment candidates.
The reasoning and cajoling of the conveniently candidates is wasted on these voters, because they simply don't believe them. That is why, the seemingly more reasonable Kasich and Bush, have struggled for any significant traction.
To a degree the same can be said for the Clintons, and that has fueled Bernie's campaign.
We live in the most transparent world that has ever existed. The internet has changed everything, including our politics.
Our candidates are laid bare, and for many that is not a pretty sight.
It is a conflict between the old way of doing things, and the new world of instantaneous, ubiquitous information that has thrown this political race into chaos.
They feel abandoned by the establishment candidates.
The reasoning and cajoling of the conveniently candidates is wasted on these voters, because they simply don't believe them. That is why, the seemingly more reasonable Kasich and Bush, have struggled for any significant traction.
To a degree the same can be said for the Clintons, and that has fueled Bernie's campaign.
We live in the most transparent world that has ever existed. The internet has changed everything, including our politics.
Our candidates are laid bare, and for many that is not a pretty sight.
It is a conflict between the old way of doing things, and the new world of instantaneous, ubiquitous information that has thrown this political race into chaos.
3
Politics, yes the oldest profession, is really to give false hopes to the voters, the losers of the world. Anybody who is doing well in life couldn't care less. Judging by constant newspaper and TV haranguing about the elections, what Trump is all about, or Clinton, Palin, Cruz, which State is voting for whom, etc., etc. tells us a lot about America: a poor and stupid society.
7
Were I Trump, I don't think I would want Christie's endorsement. He has a lot of negatives and virtually no positives. Christie's biggest negative is that he doesn't get along with people probably because he's a loud and arrogant bully.
I can't imagine Trump promised him anything should he become president. I can't think of a post in government that Christie would be well suited for. According to the Peter Principle, when someone exceeds their abilities, they rise to their level of incompetence. That's where he is now as Governor of New Jersey. That's also why he is looking for a new job.
I can't imagine Trump promised him anything should he become president. I can't think of a post in government that Christie would be well suited for. According to the Peter Principle, when someone exceeds their abilities, they rise to their level of incompetence. That's where he is now as Governor of New Jersey. That's also why he is looking for a new job.
4
Actually he can't run again. He inherited a bankrupt state, an overtaxed electorate and a disastrous state pension system from his 2 Democratic predecessors. What a short memory you Democrats have.
For Christie, the opportunist, this is just a new opportunity.
A second chance, for a man who has failed, but refuses to give it up.
It would be laughable, if our politicians didn't matter.
But they do.
Unfortunately it is a crime to steal a candy bar, but to try to inveigle your way to power, by any means, and then to abuse that power is no crime at all.
Why would it be, the politicians, and power brokers, control the system.
A second chance, for a man who has failed, but refuses to give it up.
It would be laughable, if our politicians didn't matter.
But they do.
Unfortunately it is a crime to steal a candy bar, but to try to inveigle your way to power, by any means, and then to abuse that power is no crime at all.
Why would it be, the politicians, and power brokers, control the system.
5
What is it about this match made in hell that makes me think that neither should turn his back on the other?
Which also makes me wonder who would want to be Trump's number two - literally and figuratively.
Indeed the GOP is setting up for a monumental orgy of backstabbing the likes of which ancient Rome never plotted. Something again tells me that mutual hatreds of this nature would force the "winner" to assume the classic twinning of outsized paranoia and cruel dictatorship if only as a means of survival.
With partners in government the likes of Cruz, McConnell and that punctured raft of reason known as the the Tea Party wing, who indeed would need enemies?
GOP 2016: Everybody loses. Everybody.
Which also makes me wonder who would want to be Trump's number two - literally and figuratively.
Indeed the GOP is setting up for a monumental orgy of backstabbing the likes of which ancient Rome never plotted. Something again tells me that mutual hatreds of this nature would force the "winner" to assume the classic twinning of outsized paranoia and cruel dictatorship if only as a means of survival.
With partners in government the likes of Cruz, McConnell and that punctured raft of reason known as the the Tea Party wing, who indeed would need enemies?
GOP 2016: Everybody loses. Everybody.
6
Two bullies beating up on the other candidates? Is this the schoolyard or the road to the Presidency? It is a national humiliation to have these two in the public eye, much less in consideration for the President of the United States.
5
I am 81 years old. In my life time I have seen my fill of malevolence, maliciousness, and viciousness. Now when I see my country with critical problems across all areas, I am presented with people like this to lead us and make our way into the future. I won't even mention lack of competence and ability.
11
There's that old political/electoral cliche about "people get the leaders they deserve". When I was young, it was used to explain Nazi Germany. Now, when I'm much older, it can be equally used to explain the current GOP traveling circus masquerading as a presidential campaign. Trump and Christie: "the giant watermelon doesn't fall far from the synthetic tree." I'm with Bill Maher all the way on this: the country's getting stupider by the tweet, let alone the day.
10
Just shows what an enlarged ego can do. Mr. Christie (won't call him Governor because he has neglected his responsibilities) just wouldn't let the limelight go. Suggestion for those who live in New Jersey: do what Trump does so well, start a Twitter campaign to show how Christie has neglected his governorship; be specific, like the urgency of a transportation bill; the gas tax; the tunnel he rejected; the education issues not addressed, etc. One specific a week for the rest of the campaign.
11
Let's be faire. I am no fun of any of them. But CC did expose Marco Rubio that he is nothing but an empty head, empty suit, an instrument of the Koch brothers. They are all nuts!
4
Trump and Christie are a perfect match. If Trump wins the presidency; like Bush and Cheney, Trump know doubt would pick a vice-president that he could delegate to run the White House. But Trump can't win in the general election. Equally, nominees Marco Rubio and Cruz would be disasters too. Rubio is not "seasoned" ready or prepared to lead this great nation. He is a "empty suit". And because of this, he will be lead like a "puppet" on a string, by more powerful GOP real statesmen pulling strings in the dark rooms. Ted Cruz, is a time bomb. He's the man that knows to much. He believes to much of what he thinks is right. A few years ago, the entire country was rattled by the extreme ideas and tactics of the New Tea Party. Most Americans felt they were bad for the country. Remember Sarah Palin was one of their most treasured spoke persons. Well, Ted Cruz is the heart and soul of that movement. The GOP establishment is afraid to back him; are afraid of Trump; feel they can control Rubio. We have three unelectable nominees in my view : Trump, Cruz and Rubio. Rubio is the beholden puppet on a string. Rubio is paid for. All three of these nominees have a antipathy for Civil Rights for minorities. And, the media never ask them campaign questions regarding minorities, crime, poverty, unemployment, policing, mass incarceration-domestic issues. Wonder why? And, the media never does fact check because all these nominees lie about President Obama's record.
69
"Mr. Christie had better hope that Mr. Trump ... can find a little something for his new apprentice to do". Does that make Trump the Emperor Palpatine? Christie will at least be able to hide behind his Darth Vader mask.
2
So now Chris Christie is going to barnstorm the US to promote Trump. Oh joy. Clearly this is a desperate ploy by Christie to find a job after his term as New Jersey's governor ends next year. Please spare us! Here's a thought: NJ legislature: do your job: impeach Christie. Hasn't he done enough to NJ to merit impeachment? And now he'll be awol pimping for Trump until November. Get to work NJ Democrats. My guess there will be more than a few Republicans in the state legislature who will lend a hand.
4
The "Bully Pulpit" takes on a new configuration!
3
Christie knows a lot about closing borders. His expertise should be helpful.
4
Oops. I meant Phoenix.
Clearly Christie is playing front runner favorite and looking ahead for his next job. These two deserve each other.
3
Yes, Rubio is such a fine young man is he not? Not! Give it a rest NY Times. Promoting Rubio is a transparent effort to pit the weakest most pathetic candidate against Times champion Hillary in the primary.
1
If it wasn't obvious before it is now, Christie doesn't give a hoot about NJ. He should resign now!
5
This was written with brilliance! I love this piece.
5
Two of the most mean politicians join forces.
So how does the NYT editorial board respond?
By writing a mean, mocking editorial, of course!
Department of Transportation you say?
Funny.
So how does the NYT editorial board respond?
By writing a mean, mocking editorial, of course!
Department of Transportation you say?
Funny.
Couldn't have said it better, so I won't try. Thank you for hitting those nails on the heads!
3
So, Christie's endorsed Trumpinnochio? They deserve each other and that is no compliment.
2-27-16@2:00 am
2-27-16@2:00 am
5
"Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds ever be in your favor!"
4
Donald will sue you for hurting is feelings!
1
Exactly what is the issue here? Clinton trashed Obama during their primary run yet endorsed him and Sanders will endorse Clinton even after blasting her (esp the other day)....this is politics and both parties do it....
The real issue is why endorse at all? Are there really people out there that change their vote or are swayed by an endorsement? Really? You cant make your mind up on your own? You need help and so you wait for an endorsement to make up your mind? Really?
All the more reason why the right to vote should be earned and not given...
The real issue is why endorse at all? Are there really people out there that change their vote or are swayed by an endorsement? Really? You cant make your mind up on your own? You need help and so you wait for an endorsement to make up your mind? Really?
All the more reason why the right to vote should be earned and not given...
1
Couldn't have said it better myself...
Is there no one who will call this guy out on not doing his job? He spent every day imposing himself on voters in New Hampshire long after it was clear they didn't want him. Then they dumped him at the polls and no one would fund him anymore so he had to come home. Two weeks later he contrives a new excuse to spend his time campaigning anywhere except Jersey.
You were elected to govern! I understand you're not very good at it and no one seems to like you, but at least gesture at making an effort!
You were elected to govern! I understand you're not very good at it and no one seems to like you, but at least gesture at making an effort!
3
Paraphrasing Thomas More in "A Man for All Seasons" speaking to the venal young turncoat Richard Roper: Why, Governor Christie, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world.... but for Trump's favors!
4
Christie has my vote for transportation secretary !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! just think he could perform stress tests and weight limits on bridges across america.. Wow !! I'm still laughing... Only in America...
4
“He’s a good friend. He’s a strong and resolute leader and he is someone who is going to lead the Republican Party to victory in November.”
Please- Doonesbury- work with "this" pronto: I can see it now: Balloon caption above Christie's head: "I'm gonna be VP". Balloon over Trump's head: "I'll make him Honorary Ambassador to Uganda"...
Please- Doonesbury- work with "this" pronto: I can see it now: Balloon caption above Christie's head: "I'm gonna be VP". Balloon over Trump's head: "I'll make him Honorary Ambassador to Uganda"...
13
Well, The Donald does need a driver for his clown bus......and Christie will soon need a job.......so it all makes perfect sense, especially to Trump supporters who now can applaud two loud-mouth members of the Know Nothing Party.
7
Christie needs to resign as governor of New Jersey.
7
They met a Trump Tower the night before. A deal was sealed. And so it goes.
Trump is not a politician.
Yeah, right!!!
Fools.
Trump is not a politician.
Yeah, right!!!
Fools.
THE VOTING BOOTH
The troll is there beneath the booth,
Trump, trump, trump he comes.
With him I say most awful things
And wave my magic wand!
Poof! There’s the wall! Poof! There’s my gun!
I’ll blow them all to bits!
It’s my fairy tale so I can believe
In every part of it.
He’ll dress it up and stuff it full!
We like the bully’s song.
So sick of partisan plaids and pinks,
Who cares if it looks wrong!?
But now the troll trumps trumps toward Christ
And tries to push Him in.
But unlike us, the Son of God
Is not deterred by sin.
Trump, trump away! Restore our soul!
Minds willing to see the truth!
And if you’re full of vitriol,
You’re not welcome in this booth!
Remember our call, like it or not,
We who have much must give
So cruise on out and clear the stage;
Let’s have no more of this!
©2016kelleyrenz
The troll is there beneath the booth,
Trump, trump, trump he comes.
With him I say most awful things
And wave my magic wand!
Poof! There’s the wall! Poof! There’s my gun!
I’ll blow them all to bits!
It’s my fairy tale so I can believe
In every part of it.
He’ll dress it up and stuff it full!
We like the bully’s song.
So sick of partisan plaids and pinks,
Who cares if it looks wrong!?
But now the troll trumps trumps toward Christ
And tries to push Him in.
But unlike us, the Son of God
Is not deterred by sin.
Trump, trump away! Restore our soul!
Minds willing to see the truth!
And if you’re full of vitriol,
You’re not welcome in this booth!
Remember our call, like it or not,
We who have much must give
So cruise on out and clear the stage;
Let’s have no more of this!
©2016kelleyrenz
Bromance? Hardly. Just another tale of a kid at the blackboard with a piece of chalk doing basic arithmetic. Christie is 53. He serves 4 years as Attorney General under (god forbid) a Trump admin - maybe 8 if the American right continues to come apart at the seams - and then runs again. He'll be 58 or 62, when he runs again for POTUS. The chalkboard couldn't be clearer.
Jeff, waiting for Scott Walker to sign up. Labor Secretary for sure. OMG! Christie, Palin, Walker. Formidable......
Exactly correct.
Christie knows Trump should not be POTUS and flew to Texas to endorse him, instead of doing anything for the people of New Jersey, because Trump promised him something.
Christie serves nobody but himself.
Christie knows Trump should not be POTUS and flew to Texas to endorse him, instead of doing anything for the people of New Jersey, because Trump promised him something.
Christie serves nobody but himself.
2
A new headline article from the NYT states that on February 20, Governor Paul LePage of Maine (R), "erupted in frustration," and urged his fellow governors to disavow Mr. Trump.
Mr. LePage has now endorsed Trump for President.
Can anybody speculate what caused this about-face?
Mr. LePage has now endorsed Trump for President.
Can anybody speculate what caused this about-face?
If you follow Paul's pronouncements, he is a mean, nasty bully. Fits right in with the Trump crowd.
One week ago he was frantically trying to get the GOP to distance itself from Trump. Today, he is a Trumpet.
Something is amiss.
Something is amiss.
From the perspective of the Midwest the merger of these two stereotypical bombastic bullying bloviating macho men confirms every thing that we know about New York City and Jersey from "The Godfather" to "Goodfellas" to "The Sopranos". This is the political nationalization of the world of New York City hip-hop moguls Sean Combs aka Puff Daddy and Shawn Carter aka Jay Z.
Indeed, when you add Brooklyn, New York born and bred Bernard Sanders to Queens, New York born and bred Donald Trump to Newark, New Jersey born and bred Christopher Christie to Chicago and Park Ridge born and bred Big Manhattan Apple wannabe Hillary Clinton "Forget about It!". New York streetwise style has even hijacked the Republican Presidential "debates".
Rafael Edward Cruz had it right when he spoke about the predominance of New York "values" as in verbal style and body language.
Indeed, when you add Brooklyn, New York born and bred Bernard Sanders to Queens, New York born and bred Donald Trump to Newark, New Jersey born and bred Christopher Christie to Chicago and Park Ridge born and bred Big Manhattan Apple wannabe Hillary Clinton "Forget about It!". New York streetwise style has even hijacked the Republican Presidential "debates".
Rafael Edward Cruz had it right when he spoke about the predominance of New York "values" as in verbal style and body language.
1
Except, of course, Cruz had neither "verbal style and body language" when he made his NY values comment. I also fail to understand your reference to Sanders, putting aside the faux formality of "Bernard." As far as I can tell, whatever the opposite of bullying, mean-spirited, insulting and personal may be, that's him. So he contrasts quite clearly with Trump and Christie, both in politics and public presentation. Clinton falls somewhere in between. Why lump them all together, they don't even share the same NY accent - not surprising since only Trump and Sanders are native New Yorkers?
1
Sorry, my first sentence should have read: "Except, of course, Cruz had neither "verbal style and body language" in mind when he made his NY values comment." Left out "in mind" - must have been out of mine when I missed it.
1
We drink "pop" instead of " soda" in Chicago. And any flamboyant hand gestures or verbal insults can get you a beating or worse in Chicago. Bernie went to the University of Chicago but did not become a cultural denizen of Chicago. We know New York in Chicago instead of New "Yawk". We know "tirty tree" instead of thirty three.
We know "dese" and "does" instead of these and those in Chicago. There is no Uptown nor East Side in Chicago. We know the CTA instead of the MTA in Chicago. We have Bronzeville in Chicago instead of Harlem. We have The Outfit in Chicago instead of the Five Families. We have the White Sox and Cubs instead of the Yankees and Mets. We have Bulls, Bears and Blackhawks and you do not. We have the Tribune and the Suntimes instead of the Times and the Post. We have Barack Obama, Jesse Jackson and Louis Farrakhan. We have EBONY/JET.
After Chicago, New York is by far my favorite American city. I love New York from the Bronx Zoo to Broadway to SOHO and the Village to Harlem to Bed-Sty to the MET and AMNH to MOMA to Guggenheim to MSG.
We know "dese" and "does" instead of these and those in Chicago. There is no Uptown nor East Side in Chicago. We know the CTA instead of the MTA in Chicago. We have Bronzeville in Chicago instead of Harlem. We have The Outfit in Chicago instead of the Five Families. We have the White Sox and Cubs instead of the Yankees and Mets. We have Bulls, Bears and Blackhawks and you do not. We have the Tribune and the Suntimes instead of the Times and the Post. We have Barack Obama, Jesse Jackson and Louis Farrakhan. We have EBONY/JET.
After Chicago, New York is by far my favorite American city. I love New York from the Bronx Zoo to Broadway to SOHO and the Village to Harlem to Bed-Sty to the MET and AMNH to MOMA to Guggenheim to MSG.
1
Two of the most mean politicians join forces.
So how does the NYT editorial board respond?
By writing a mean, mocking editorial, of course!
Personally, I think Christy should get the AG job.
So how does the NYT editorial board respond?
By writing a mean, mocking editorial, of course!
Personally, I think Christy should get the AG job.
2
Well, doth not the Bible in Sam. 2:30 say, "..... for them that honour me I will honour and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed" ?"
And doth not the Quran in Surah 2:216 say, "Fighting is obligatory for you, much as you dislike it."
What's a "man" to do ?
And doth not the Quran in Surah 2:216 say, "Fighting is obligatory for you, much as you dislike it."
What's a "man" to do ?
FRENEMY
Is the frenemy of my enemy my friend?
Or is the frenemy of my enemy my enemy?
We may look askance
At the Bully Bromance
But in politics, frenemy's the remedy.
(Recall Lyndon Baines Johnson and Kennedy.)
3
Dear New Jersey,
You have the collective sympathy today of everyone in this country who has witnessed the embarrassing fall from relative respectability of the man you elected as your governor. Hoodwinked like so many whose elected officials have had the mask torn from their faces, we don't hold any grudges against you for unleashing Chris Christie on the rest of us. We can see now that he is not you, and that you will do the right thing when the time comes.
You are probably relieved that he has vowed to spend all his remaining time as your governor helping to elect Donald Trump. He probably can't do you any more damage if he's out of state.
Our very best,
Your fellow Citizens
You have the collective sympathy today of everyone in this country who has witnessed the embarrassing fall from relative respectability of the man you elected as your governor. Hoodwinked like so many whose elected officials have had the mask torn from their faces, we don't hold any grudges against you for unleashing Chris Christie on the rest of us. We can see now that he is not you, and that you will do the right thing when the time comes.
You are probably relieved that he has vowed to spend all his remaining time as your governor helping to elect Donald Trump. He probably can't do you any more damage if he's out of state.
Our very best,
Your fellow Citizens
5
Donald Trump proves that he is a good politician.
BTW in the meantime the President, Mr. Barack Obama didn't help the cause of the democratic nominees by hurrying to finalize the trans-atlantic trade deal in his own term delivering an opportunity to beat Hillary Clinton on a golden plate to Donald Trump.
It is more and more likely, that the next president will be Trump, if he doesn't face Bernie Sanders.
Dear N.Y.T., I have no doubt that this message will be "moderated". But would you please support Sanders? That is, if you really don't want Trump.
BTW in the meantime the President, Mr. Barack Obama didn't help the cause of the democratic nominees by hurrying to finalize the trans-atlantic trade deal in his own term delivering an opportunity to beat Hillary Clinton on a golden plate to Donald Trump.
It is more and more likely, that the next president will be Trump, if he doesn't face Bernie Sanders.
Dear N.Y.T., I have no doubt that this message will be "moderated". But would you please support Sanders? That is, if you really don't want Trump.
2
It's just fine for the NYT to call Christie names and make fun of his girth, as in his " sweaty embrace of Donald Trump". Just so long as Christie is not called one of the things that the NYT and liberals at large constantly lecture is politically incorrect third rail stuff like being gay, black or transgendered. Or like being overweight and progressive.
6
No doubt that Christie wanted to be first in line for a job. Attorney General? Or maybe even the VP slot? Can't happen? You can't have two NY value types on the ticket? Yeah and six months ago you thought Trump would be out of the race by now.
NJ is falling apart Governor, time to come home and get things done around here.
NJ is falling apart Governor, time to come home and get things done around here.
4
Christie's endorsement of Trump is sort of like Bridgegate on a national scale—petty revenge on his own party to the detriment of the whole country, but this time Christie can take credit for the disaster.
11
So what the problem? This is politics.
The NYT finds yet another way to talk about and condemn Trump and all around him, his supporters, and now his endorser. This isn't news or analysis. It's more spoiled whining by the NYT.
The NYT finds yet another way to talk about and condemn Trump and all around him, his supporters, and now his endorser. This isn't news or analysis. It's more spoiled whining by the NYT.
7
Not sure how you'd have a different definition of an "Editorial"?
4
Actually the whining is coming from GOP candidates, especially the Trumpeter.
Now Christie. Laughable if it were not so pathetically sad.
Now Christie. Laughable if it were not so pathetically sad.
4
This is not politics as usual. These two bullies deserve each other but the country doesn't deserve either one of them. Several of my Republican friends have said they would have to hold their noses and vote for Hillary Clinton if Trump gets the nomination. Most of these people have never voted for a Democrat but they don't want their party tarnished by these two New York/New Jersey thugs.
3
OMG.These two sharp-tongued bullies together make for quite the duo and should take a look in the mirror: seriously ugly and seriously fat. Sorry to stoop to their level. Praying that someone trounces Trump and he is NOT the nominee. The sane among us need to GET OUT AND VOTE, especially if you live in a state with an open primary.
6
A new low for American politics.
18
It appears that our Grand Experiment with Democracy has come to an end; we now have a choice [ in November]. between Oligarchy and Socialism:
Cuba is beginning to look better and better- just hope that American Capitalism doesn't mess it up before I get there.
Cuba is beginning to look better and better- just hope that American Capitalism doesn't mess it up before I get there.
3
That is quite possibly the greatest closing line I have ever read in an NYT editorial....well played folks.
31
Amen to that. Will Christie be able to help Trump or end up hastening his end?
Christie is not well liked by many, he is an establishment politician, a rough talking Northeastern establishment politician, so many conservative, moderate republicans will be even more turned off. Plus the media will play tweedle dum tweedle dee with these two endlessly. Rubio now is David the giant killer, the scrappy underdog, and now its 2 against 1 and this is a country that loves underdogs and hates 2 against 1 bullying. Lets hope Rubio, who is a decent guy, can use this to his advantage.
Christie is not well liked by many, he is an establishment politician, a rough talking Northeastern establishment politician, so many conservative, moderate republicans will be even more turned off. Plus the media will play tweedle dum tweedle dee with these two endlessly. Rubio now is David the giant killer, the scrappy underdog, and now its 2 against 1 and this is a country that loves underdogs and hates 2 against 1 bullying. Lets hope Rubio, who is a decent guy, can use this to his advantage.
"...but it’s near certain that Mr. Christie will further cement his national reputation as a venal, vindictive political bully in the process."
Bingo!
Bingo!
3
CC working those cones in his orange-jump-suit and DT stooper-vising in his orange-hair would stop traffic anywhere...
1
Bravo to the New York Times. Thank you for your straight talk. Chris Christie is the worst thing to happen to New Jersey in decades and he just won't go away. He keeps on and on with his bombast and his bullying, his trashing of our state and his empty rhetoric. This editorial was a breath of fresh air. Thank you - again.
8
It was Jan 2014 when your David Brooks said on NPR about Gov Christie: "People want a bully to go to Washington". How soon we want to forget!
5
When you throw enough dung against the wall soon you are knee deep in it.
1
And you didn't Think the Nuclear Winter aftermath of Operation "Make Him a One Term President" hatched in Nov08; couldn't get any worse?
As in Pathetic:)
As in Pathetic:)
2
"“go into private life and make money like Trump.” -
Really Mr Christie ? Like Trump ? I don't think Trump has worked an honest day in his life to make his so called "Fortune". All gained through leverage & phony business dealings. Trump has been on "Bizz welfare" with borrowed for so long, everyone has forgotten how absolutely worthless his so called empire really is.
Really Mr Christie ? Like Trump ? I don't think Trump has worked an honest day in his life to make his so called "Fortune". All gained through leverage & phony business dealings. Trump has been on "Bizz welfare" with borrowed for so long, everyone has forgotten how absolutely worthless his so called empire really is.
9
Precisely, that is a model Mr. Christie would gladly emulate. That hard work stuff is for losers and suckers.
2
Gee...Did it count that he sold his donor list to Rubio? Really, which/whose side is this guy on?
1
Secretary of Transportation? Nobody can say the New York Times Editorial Board is stuffy or doesn't have a sense of humor.
2
Maybe Don Rickels will run as an independent.
1
Dear Donald Trump and Chris Christie: "The challenge of leadership is to be strong but not rude; be kind but not weak; be bold but not a bully; be humble but not timid; be proud but not arrogant; have humor but without folly."--jim Rohn
4
I love the last line----a zinger if ever there was one---I hope Christie spilled his coffee when he read it.
3
I agree completely with the entire editorial, but for the last line. The NY Times should be above "zingers," particularly those for which there is little evidence.
He wants to be vice president. N.J. is done with him.
1
For freedom from oppression vote Democrat!
To save us from oppression vote Democrat!
Trump and Christie are undoubtedly bullies!
To save us from oppression vote Democrat!
Trump and Christie are undoubtedly bullies!
5
A withering and well-deserved undressing of the former, albeit still-sitting governor of New Jersey. Governor Christie is no doubt fantasizing about the Attorney General's job in a Trump Administration. God help us.
7
And here I thought my opinion of Chris Christie couldn't get any lower.
5
Christie needs a job after the Governorship---the man who wants small government, as to the others, always end up in another government job. I know, Christie said he is headed to the private sector...right --- he wouldn't fit in--they expect performance.
8
It was just in Jan of 2014 that NYTimes' David Brooks opined in a conversation with Mark Shields that perhaps "people want a bully to go to Washington". That comment reflects what was thought to be a benign Faustian bully-bargain many "intellectual conservatives" did make with themselves and their party. How it panned out is described in this editorial. Childish un-informed bullying is OK for Democrats but not amongst themselves, thought those "intellectuals"?
1
Trump probably offered Christie a win/win proposition; Attorney General if Trump wins; legal business if he loses. For Christie's sake I hope he remembers the first day lesson from law school: get your fee paid upfront.
3
The Democratic candidates are in an election campaign;Republicans are in a food fight.The campaign behavior of the GOP is of a piece with their Congressional behavior: calling President Obama a liar,shutting down the government,refusing to even consider an as-yet-unnamed Supreme Court nominee.They don't want to be fit to govern;they are an embarrassment.
6
It is kind of depressing to see the Times sinking to Trump's level
4
I don't want nasty bullies for president. Every time these guys open their mouths they disqualify themselves for the job.
6
The Republican presidential primary campaign has reached such a level of degradation, it's virtually off the scope of rational, objective analysis or criticism. I mean, if someone dives into a sewer and reaches the bottom, there's really no further to go, right? Any description of his surroundings is simply variation on a theme. Barring a fistfight on national TV, all the descriptions of the campaign available to mankind have already been used.
The only possible novel analysis would be the public's reaction to this sorry spectacle. Could anyone except the truly mentally challenged not see the truth that the Republican Party is unfit to govern this nation? We can only hope that the presidential campaign itself will show that most Americans are level-headed, decent citizens who will send this burnt-out case to the dustbin of history, where it so obviously belongs. What pro-Republican case can be made, when even evangelicals rally behind a filth-spouting, loud-mouthed bully who not only tells serial lies, but when caught lying, doubles down on his lying? And calls women bimbos? This is the Republican standard of moral superiority? The most immediate threat here is mass nausea.
The only possible novel analysis would be the public's reaction to this sorry spectacle. Could anyone except the truly mentally challenged not see the truth that the Republican Party is unfit to govern this nation? We can only hope that the presidential campaign itself will show that most Americans are level-headed, decent citizens who will send this burnt-out case to the dustbin of history, where it so obviously belongs. What pro-Republican case can be made, when even evangelicals rally behind a filth-spouting, loud-mouthed bully who not only tells serial lies, but when caught lying, doubles down on his lying? And calls women bimbos? This is the Republican standard of moral superiority? The most immediate threat here is mass nausea.
6
The tale of two bullies, a disgrace of sorts the public has to tolerate as best it can. Not only are they vulgar and vain, they are too loud. Still, they may have found a receptive audience that is as confused as they are in finding relevance, in channeling their misplaced anger. Two demagogues, highly dangerous for our collective sanity. They certainly to do deserve all this attention...nor vote, as they would destroy our social fabric (the latter can be said of the far right G.O.P. guys as well, Rubio and Cruz, fanatically dogmatic as they are).
2
I thought Trump hated losers?
3
Was a registered Republican until Christie came along.
2
I'm a Bernie guy all the way. That said, it seems obvious to me that Hill and Bill are going to win the nomination, and then be eviscerated by Trump and Christie.
The Republicans face a much worse fate than being creamed up and down the ticket by the Clintons' defeat of Trump. Instead, Trump is going to kill the Clintons and the Republican Party, too. The Republican Establishment is hysterical about Trump, not because they think he will lose, but because they think he will win. And they know very well that if he does, the Republican jig is up, since Trump will be totally free to go his own way on any issue he chooses--not least Israel--and the party will have zero leverage over him. He doesn't care about the fat cats' money, and he cares even less about the minority of Republican voters who'll be against him by the time he walks off with the nomination in a few weeks. Grover Norquist is dead. Paul Ryan is dead. And so is Bibi Netanyahu. The Israel Lobby knows very well that if Obama was a problem, Trump would be an absolute catastrophe. Be afraid, Republicans and Clintons, be very afraid.
The Republicans face a much worse fate than being creamed up and down the ticket by the Clintons' defeat of Trump. Instead, Trump is going to kill the Clintons and the Republican Party, too. The Republican Establishment is hysterical about Trump, not because they think he will lose, but because they think he will win. And they know very well that if he does, the Republican jig is up, since Trump will be totally free to go his own way on any issue he chooses--not least Israel--and the party will have zero leverage over him. He doesn't care about the fat cats' money, and he cares even less about the minority of Republican voters who'll be against him by the time he walks off with the nomination in a few weeks. Grover Norquist is dead. Paul Ryan is dead. And so is Bibi Netanyahu. The Israel Lobby knows very well that if Obama was a problem, Trump would be an absolute catastrophe. Be afraid, Republicans and Clintons, be very afraid.
1
The growing and genuine panic among liberals is absolutely amazing. Hillary, the serial loser, is about to hand off the Presidency again. And this time not to the first African-American, but to a brash, in-your-face veteran of the ups and downs of business instead of to a social worker. Wow. What's the world coming to? The inside-the-Beltway crowd is scouring its Rolodexes to try to establish a linkage with the Trump. Good luck with that!
1
I'm not feeling any panic. I'm feeling confident that the right number of Americans are wise enough not to vote for anyone the Republicans are showcasing.
1
Is any of this a surprise? We've had years of bullies, liars, and carpetbaggers selling this nonsense to the American public without anyone taking them seriously. We've had ugly, hateful rhetoric spit at America for years by radio buffoons,(Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck), failed politicians (Palin), the Tea Party, the republican's in congress and the senate, and FOX News. We had a disastrous war with thousands killed and no consequences for the individuals who lied and put America there, and the ugly use of torture was ignored. Now it's down to middle-school bullies running the playground. This was, and is a storm on the horizon for years. Now it's here, and nobody has a plan, much less an umbrella.
15
Equally predictable is our beloved governor's (LePage) endorsement of Trump who has said, "I was Donald Trump before Donald Trump became popular... ."
It's hard to know how to characterize this group of worthies. The Three Stooges? A bizarre political menage a trois? Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail? Three horsemen of the apocalypse?
It's hard to know how to characterize this group of worthies. The Three Stooges? A bizarre political menage a trois? Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail? Three horsemen of the apocalypse?
2
Christie is no dummy. He's building bridges (he's had previous experience with bridges). There's no downside for Chris. Win or lose, Trump will remember who his friends are. And Mr. Christie is a man who is not afraid to kiss other things besides babies. And Mr. Trump is a man who desperately needs people to kiss his. Bromance? More like bottombuds.
2
Trump might be the outsider, not beholden to big money, that's his upside. Now, he's endorsed by Palin and Christie, this can't be good. Birds of a feather.
3
Wow! So well said I have nothing to add. Perhaps there is a place for Chris Christie on the " Biggest Loser"! Would be perfect part given his disastrous second term as governor, failed Presidential run in which he abandoned the State, and of course his failed lap band procedure. Twin brothers from another mother that's the two of them!
5
I have had this guy's number from day one and watched, amazed, as my fellow New Jerseyans fell for his "tell it like it is" shtick and voted for him - twice! He's always just looked like a schoolyard bully to me. But even I was surprised at how low Mr. Christie would sink to stay in the spotlight. Endorsing a fascistic buffoon to be President of the United States shows Mr. Christie's shameless need for attention mixed with a nasty dose of revenge for the rival his friends in the so-called "establishment" preferred. Guess the good of the country isn't near as important to Mr. Christie as his over-sized ego. The two of them deserve each other.
33
Bully 1 and Bully 2. Sounds like something from Dr. Seuss, without the humor.
3
Why do the remarkable states of NY/NJ produce such characters/guys as Donald and Chris on the one hand, and a sage/Saint like Bernie Sanders on the other? Could it be the gentle air in Brooklyn or the water? Brooklyn also gifted us Ruth Ginsburg and Chuck Schumer...thanks.
I hear he endorsed Christie in TX. As long as he stays away from NJ, the folks there will be happy .
1
To mitigate bullying in our schools, state lawmakers have enacted laws against it and the federal government has an educational program to educate people on the dangers of bullying. But the majority of Republican caucus voters approve of Trump's bullying? It's alarming and humiliating as an American.
5
This was very expected endorsement.
Christie has been looking for the next thing to do, and he made calculated bet to latch-on to Trump early on. This way he may have a role in Trump White House or Trump Inc.
Trump is showing what his team going to be. One can imagine how things will run with cousin Christie and aunt Palin working for papa Donnie. Whos's next?
Christie has been looking for the next thing to do, and he made calculated bet to latch-on to Trump early on. This way he may have a role in Trump White House or Trump Inc.
Trump is showing what his team going to be. One can imagine how things will run with cousin Christie and aunt Palin working for papa Donnie. Whos's next?
2
I am a republican, but this has all the making of a right wing dictatorship. A governor, the first of his kind, who had/has no problem on taking revenge against his constituencies disagreeing with him, and an unscrupulous charlatan that is running under a platform of insult-er-in-chief. They are employing an army of right-wing-nut trollers, ready to be turn militia as soon as they get to the white house.
Downright scary. Responsible citizens have to say something before is too late.
Downright scary. Responsible citizens have to say something before is too late.
11
How long before we see Christie, or one of the other creeps, choke on his own bile? Surely this would have been the perfect moment.
1
During a heated campaign, candidates hurl plenty of zingers at one another. It's unreasonable to hold them to every potshot they took at every competitor and label them hypocrites for supporting those they formerly attacked. Not every statement made during a campaign binds a candidate forever. If those who dropped out of the race couldn't endorse competitors they attacked, there would be a lot fewer endorsements. Attacking Christie for endorsing Trump after a garden variety insult makes you wonder whether whoever wrote this has ever lived through a Presidential campaign before.
1
I'm popping corn every day as I happily watch the Republican party drive itself off a cliff. And I assume there are a lot of folks rubber-necking with me on that road. It would almost be worth seeing Trump as POTUS, so as to ensure there are no survivors in that wreck. Almost, I say. I am laughing and terrified at the same time. Bernie Sanders for president!
6
Trump must be indicted for his illegal actions in Florida. He is therefore not eligible to run for president. If no action is taken against him our country is corrupt
7
ditto Hillary's and the email server. That leaves us Bernie and Cruz.
2
And the NJ taxpayers, in all probability, are paying Christie's airfare and hotel while he flies to Fort Worth to endorse Trump.
We should be reimbursed for this and his 200 days spent out of state while running for presidency. He was "hired" to be a governor.
If I were performing my job the way he performs his, I would not last in my company longer than a week.
We should be reimbursed for this and his 200 days spent out of state while running for presidency. He was "hired" to be a governor.
If I were performing my job the way he performs his, I would not last in my company longer than a week.
13
You are exactly right. Christie will be unemployed --and unemployable-- in a few months, unless he can insinuate his way into Trump's good graces. Now those last three words that don't just trip easily off the tongue. Oxymoron anyone?
Christie's angling for the number two spot, obviously, but emptying chamber pots is more in line with his experience. Or, more precisely, filling them.
Christie's angling for the number two spot, obviously, but emptying chamber pots is more in line with his experience. Or, more precisely, filling them.
7
When Governor Christie was first questioned about Bridgegate back in 2013 he sarcastically quipped that he was the guy working the cones. If Trump becomes Potus, he can then appoint Christie to the job he always desired - EOTCM Secretary - Emergency Office Of Traffic Cone Management.
3
The editorial's last line is a zinger. Add to that Christie's refusal to cooperate on building a much needed tunnel to Manhattan and yes--he would be an interesting, distinctive candidate for Department of Transportation
5
Chris Christie in hoping to rise to his ultimate level of incompetence has become the poster boy for proving the theory of the Peter Principle.
3
Not exactly the "Peter" Principle as much as it's the "Richard" Principle.
I know this is a sexist question, but where are the women in these men's lives? I thought that, In the world that these men inhabit, women were supposed to play the role of good counsel. Can the wives, daughters, sisters and mothers of Christie, Trump, and Rubio really approve of their behavior and tactics? Why are they allowing it?
4
Probably because they are as deluded and power hungry as their husbands, sons, brothers and fathers.
1
The last sentence ("If Trump should win the presidency...transportation secretary...") perhaps produced a chuckle among the members of the Editorial Board, but it was essentially just another (weak) playground insult.
3
" If Mr. Trump should win the presidency, he might want to consider Mr. Christie for transportation secretary, since he already knows so much about traffic patterns on commuter bridges."
Bravo, Times!
NJ's "gavonne in chief" has poll numbers in the toilet. He has always been a low-class act and now he finally reveals he has no soul. He is far more "absent" than Rubio and last August, in a interview, stated that "Trump does not have the temperament or experience to be President." I hope they replay the interview over and over.
Someone should ask Christie if he will look into the camera and accept accountability and apologize to the residents of New Jersey for Bridgegate. If he did not know about it, then his appointees and operatives felt they moved in a culture created by Christie to "payback" a local mayor by freezing traffic into Manhattan over the George Washington bridge.
As Trump's VP or attorney general, if Christie gets frustrated, will he shut down the DC beltway so people cannot get home to Maryland?
Birds of a feather flock together.
Donald Trump's acceptance of Christie's endorsement shows that Rubio's attacks hurt. Moreover, Christie's endorsement reveals the depth of mendacity of both men.
Stop stalling, and release those tax returns, Don.
Bravo, Times!
NJ's "gavonne in chief" has poll numbers in the toilet. He has always been a low-class act and now he finally reveals he has no soul. He is far more "absent" than Rubio and last August, in a interview, stated that "Trump does not have the temperament or experience to be President." I hope they replay the interview over and over.
Someone should ask Christie if he will look into the camera and accept accountability and apologize to the residents of New Jersey for Bridgegate. If he did not know about it, then his appointees and operatives felt they moved in a culture created by Christie to "payback" a local mayor by freezing traffic into Manhattan over the George Washington bridge.
As Trump's VP or attorney general, if Christie gets frustrated, will he shut down the DC beltway so people cannot get home to Maryland?
Birds of a feather flock together.
Donald Trump's acceptance of Christie's endorsement shows that Rubio's attacks hurt. Moreover, Christie's endorsement reveals the depth of mendacity of both men.
Stop stalling, and release those tax returns, Don.
3
My worst nightmare has become a reality. Stupid is that stupid does; tweet-le dee and tweet-le dumber.
2
Every time you think it can't get any loonier, the Republicans find a way to top themselves! This summer, the chaos at the Republican convention in Cleveland is going to make the 1968 Democratic convention look like a love-in.
Well, stick a fork in Christie, because his political career is done. The Republican old guard will see to that. He'll soon be joining Fox News as the latest raving lunatic of the month.
Well, stick a fork in Christie, because his political career is done. The Republican old guard will see to that. He'll soon be joining Fox News as the latest raving lunatic of the month.
3
Hey all you armchair holier-than-thou critics of Trump and Christie. Wake up and smell the coffee. The vast majority of politicians of both parties do the same things e. g. bully, intimidate, insult, marginalize, and ostracize. . .They just don't do it in public. This public aspect is only the tip of the iceberg. These tactics are unfortunately standard levers of power that are used with more and more regularity the higher the office and the more underlings one has to carry them out. The only way Trump can get to the top is by doing just what he's doing. I admire him for having the courage of his convictions and using whatever weapons he has, from verbal hand grenades to rhetorical nuclear bombs to stay there. How would all of you self-righteous smirks yelling from the sidelines feel if you were suddenly transferred down to the arena itself and forced to defend your own mud-slinging? You'd being to get a taste for what it feels like to either be destroyed by the brickbats or throw enough of your own to block the incoming and keep your enemies in their trenches.
2
I'm no fan of our governor. Quite the opposite. But your suggestion to install him as Transportation secretary was way beneath your standards. The Bridgegate reference was snarky. We in NJ feel his refusing a new commuter tunnel is a more substantial disqualifying example.
After the pundits have had their say we will see what the voters say. Will this be an election where the voters listen to their betters or will this be an election where they vote their own minds?
1
Christie wants Donald to invest more money in NJ casinos and maybe give him a job when he is done in NJ. Guess he knows he is washed up in politics.
1
If Trump wins the presidency our country is doomed.
Christie will do anything. When is he going to get indicted for closing down the GW bridge.
Christie will do anything. When is he going to get indicted for closing down the GW bridge.
3
It wasn't supposed to come to this. And yet, this is the price that "the party of Abraham Lincoln" is paying for its three-decades-plus courtship of a class of people that had historically been politically apathetic: the terminally insane. Today the chickens have come home to roost in the guise of Donald Trump. Before this gets any better for the panic-stricken heads of the Republican National Committee, it's going to get worse. Five months ago, the very idea of the Donald receiving the GOP nod at next summer's convention was about was about as fanciful as Eric Clapton recording an entire LP of covers by Freddie and the Dreamers. Today, I'm not so sure.
`
You've got to wonder exactly what is going on inside the minds of your average Republican primary voter - particularly in the South and Midwest. The more this guy steps in it, the higher his stock continues to rise among these people. From mocking a New York Times Reporter with a neurological disorder - to insisting that all Muslims be registered and monitored by Big Brother - to referring to Mexican immigrants as rapists and drug dealers - he seems unable to offend any of these people. Even when he proclaimed that Iowans were idiots because his poll numbers were somewhat lagging in that state, he appears not to have offended a soul. You gotta wonder. You really do.
http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com
Tom Degan
`
You've got to wonder exactly what is going on inside the minds of your average Republican primary voter - particularly in the South and Midwest. The more this guy steps in it, the higher his stock continues to rise among these people. From mocking a New York Times Reporter with a neurological disorder - to insisting that all Muslims be registered and monitored by Big Brother - to referring to Mexican immigrants as rapists and drug dealers - he seems unable to offend any of these people. Even when he proclaimed that Iowans were idiots because his poll numbers were somewhat lagging in that state, he appears not to have offended a soul. You gotta wonder. You really do.
http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com
Tom Degan
3
Destruction is all the tea party ever cared about so why wonder.
1
DELIGHT and no small surprise were mine ere I learned of Trump and Christie tussling--not with each other, but rather with rivals Cruz and Rubio. Indeed, the event held the joys of watching a mud wrestling match between two swine. A Bromance it may have been, with no lack of either mud or slinging. While the event may not qualify as the most distorted even in the long, filthy history of campaigning, the event gleams and glistens, its dripping slop shining in the sun. Which, by the way, will be the sole source of illumination shed on or by the matter. What more can I say? Between Trump's Fart of the Deal and Christie's Traffic Cone Roller Derby, played on the George Washington Bridge during rush hour, they have produced the ultimate oxymoron of low humor in high places. What a squishy predicament! I assure you that if you dig deeply enough, you may, indeed, test the veracity of my fatuousity. Now back to our two campaigners of derring-do, like Nancy Drew, girl detective of yore. I'm not trying to insinuate a gender-bender here. After all, I'd like to believe that Nancy had some integrity. If, however, I've channeled another Nancy. Reagan that is. So do like Peter Pan when he tries to save the life of the fading Tinkerbell. Just Say No!
2
The way you end your editorial on Governor Christie is a cheap shot and unbecoming of the nation's premier newspaper. It may be intended as a joke as another writer pointed out, but it does not come across that way. Do these two men have an axe to grind on Senator Rubio's head, certainly. However, having lived in Florida through all of Senator Rubio's political career, he is the consummate Washington politician and stands for everything Trump supporters despise. I just hope that your investigative reporters are going to delve into Senator Rubio's background in the same way you are going after Mr. Trump.
6
The reality is that there is a substantial portion of the American public which is unsophisticated politically, misinformed, bigoted, and faith based. Their faith isn't what they claim, deism in its many forms, but in people who have amassed a great deal of money. Their common put down goes, "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?" Perhaps this may explain the attraction to so many uneducated, underpaid White people who flock to the temple of Trump. Like Chris Christie, they want to “go into private life and make money like Trump.” What a pathetic ambition for a lawyer who wanted to lead the Free World only a few days ago. If we elect this Orange Clown, we deserve the economic and international devastation that he will surely bring. He's the man with no plan who thinks he can! He has no idea what he would be in for, he better hope he doesn't win the election. He can't do the job and he won't like the pressure, the lifestyle, or the environment of the White House.
3
Christie's credibility is so shot, that his move to Trump makes sense. He has left many Sandy victims still waiting for relief. He has done a poor
job as governor, run a poor presidential campaign; now he's mainly
useful to Trump as an attacking pit bull. They make a perfect couple.
Good editorial!
job as governor, run a poor presidential campaign; now he's mainly
useful to Trump as an attacking pit bull. They make a perfect couple.
Good editorial!
4
I'm a Republican and I absolutely loath both of them. Foul, grotesque, contemptible figures.
4
How is it that we have a national movement against schoolyard bullies - and yet two of the top Republicans are nothing more than schoolyard bullies?
5
Just to the left of this piece is an link for a video clip entitled "Demolition". I thought it was related to the editorial do I clicked on it. But alas, it was just a trailer for the forthcoming movie.
1
As a NJ resident, my first thought was he's already left the state again to chase the limelight after pledging to focus on state matters when he quit the race for president a week or two ago.
4
Christie probably sees a Trump presidency as his best chance to avoid indictment. If Rubio wins, he's headed for the slammer, not just for "Bridge-gate" but for extorting political favors in return for federal Hurricane Sandy funds.
3
The only thing lower and more craven than a bully is a kiss-up. At least the bully knows what he stands for. The kiss-up stands for nothing except the desire to be liked without having to do anything worthy of it in return.
The only Trump administration job Chris Christie deserves is cleaning the White House toilets and cleaning up after its ceremonial parade horses.
The only Trump administration job Chris Christie deserves is cleaning the White House toilets and cleaning up after its ceremonial parade horses.
4
Governor Christie, after returning to New Jersey and its voters who overwhelmingly disapprove of his management of the State, decided to resume his national political road tour, courtesy of the Trump campaign. Christie was hired just in the nick of time as Marco Rubio emerged from his solemnity shell with his new "Nastier Than Trump" show. With Marco doing standup comedy -- discovering his true inner self as a vindictive politician -- Donald needed verbal reinforcements. No one is better than Chris at delivering insulting narrative. And it's true that, despite attending the "Best College in the World," Trump has trouble saying a complete sentence of more than three words with more than two syllables.
7
It is morning in America - for jerks. Anyone that likes these two get unfriended by me in real life as well as on social media. I have lots of friends from the opposite side of the political spectrum but I have no tolerance for bullies and jerks of any kind.
12
Christie has been a disastrous governor of NJ since day one but he was the canary in the coalmine as far as signaling the kind of bullying, obnoxious, name-calling behavior that would play well for a certain kind of Republican "base." Trump picked up on that and doubled down on it (as have the rest of the plug ugly Repugs running for the WH) and he is riding that brand of boorishness to the GOP nomination. Now Christie doesn't want to be stuck in NJ where Pres. of the NJ Senate Steve Sweeney is already the de facto governor and will be the next governor. He's calling the shots on what is happening in Atlantic City (a takeover of the city government), he's deciding what will be on the ballot in November (a vote for casinos in north Jersey) and Christie is just pretending he still matters. Therefore, the best way for Christie to ride out the rest of this year is to hitch himself to Trumpet so that he can travel to various parts of the country tootling for Trump. He gains free plane rides, food, a crowd to "entertain," and it gets him out of NJ. Last week Christie showed up for a school dedication in NJ to no fanfare and then ran off the stage mid- ceremony in order to duck reporters. It's hard when you are no longer relevant and can't do your "rock star" thing to the music of Jon Bon Jovi because, frankly, no one gives a damn.
16
Thursday night's debate marked a new low in modern American politics - with Cruz and Rubio joined Trump in a huge insult fest. Watching the replays while running on a tread mill, with the sound off and reading the closed captions, I was struck by the sight of the three on the screen as hinting at a new movie called "The Three Stooges Run for Office." Cruz would be a dour Moe, Rubio the weaker more compliant Larry, and of course Trump would be the unpredictable Curly. Or is this comparison insulting to the dignity and artistic integrity of the Stooges.
11
Yes, the comparison of the three Republican front runners to the Three Stooges is insulting to the dignity and artistic integrity of the Stooges.
2
Had exactly the same thought--the three stooges. Even Ben Carson looked good in comparison. John Kasich was the ONLY one up there on stage with substance, if you actually focused and weren't reeling from what had just transpired right before he spoke!
Trump, anticipating himself that he might win, has recently been thinking about a running mate. He has observed that he will need someone with governmental experience to help him - the outsider will need an insider to govern.
Speculation has included Governor Scott from Florida and ex-Governor Palin from Alaska (yes).
Voila. Governor Christie rises like Pheonix from the ashes.
Speculation has included Governor Scott from Florida and ex-Governor Palin from Alaska (yes).
Voila. Governor Christie rises like Pheonix from the ashes.
6
Mr. Christie epitomizes a politician who cynically puts his personal ambitions over the interests of millions or tens of millions of citizens. He is a sorry and pathetic example of the very, very worst of our times.
19
There are governors fighting abortion, cutting education budgets to the bone, fighting organized labor at every turn, and gratuitously denying Medicaid to their citizens. If you think Christie is one of the very, very worst of our times, you ought to attend the Republican Governors Conference. Christie is a garden variety hack. The claim that he is driven by twin demons is rank hyperbole. Christie has rightfully lost the support of New Jersey voters by crass politicking. That doesn't make him a demon, Moreover, I take the reference to his sweaty embrace as a potshot as at potshot at his obesity. No class. No class.
1
I agree with the gentleman using the Mitt Romney name in commentary that past taxes serves the public interest -- we see the values of the candidate.
We don't need the current tax release protected by the "Audit."
We don't need the current tax release protected by the "Audit."
2
I'm not so sure that Mr. Trump would be a bad president.
He wouldn't start wars. Too costly. Trump is a skinflint. And a pragmatist that way.
His position on health care is moderate and center-left.
He's willing to cut deals, that means working with Congress.
He wouldn't be at work all the time, that means that he would delegate and not be a micromanager.
He would be forceful on illegals crossing the border (there never was going to a wall, people). Having millions of uncontrolled illegal migrants really is a destabilizing factor.
And above all, he would talk to the world like regular people would. Trump is a forklift operator trapped inside a businessman's outfit.
He wouldn't start wars. Too costly. Trump is a skinflint. And a pragmatist that way.
His position on health care is moderate and center-left.
He's willing to cut deals, that means working with Congress.
He wouldn't be at work all the time, that means that he would delegate and not be a micromanager.
He would be forceful on illegals crossing the border (there never was going to a wall, people). Having millions of uncontrolled illegal migrants really is a destabilizing factor.
And above all, he would talk to the world like regular people would. Trump is a forklift operator trapped inside a businessman's outfit.
4
"He wouldn't start wars. Too costly. Trump is a skinflint"
Your absurd assumptions might kill innocent people.
Your absurd assumptions might kill innocent people.
4
You are kidding yourself. Just look at the exorbitant buildings Trump puts up and his fragile (but huge) ego. The minute he feels America has been insulted, he will be spending, spending, spending on the military to crush his enemy. He has not been a good business man, and would be a terrible president. Even though he has some sound positions (e.g. the elimination of the carried interest tax rate), his ego will destroy him (and us).
4
You need to bone up on his track record. What he says and what he does are two different universes.
1
Just when you think that you have seen the nadir of gutter politics, two people who merrily wallow in it have joined hands. Be ready for few more weeks of bar brawls and the last man standing in the pigsty of political opportunism and hypocracy wins. Do not be surprised if at the end there is a group-hug of all Republicans from the establishment the right wings and the Teat Party stalwarts with a new found appreciation of Trump virtues. His biggest virtue being unburdened of any logical arguments, intellectual depth or policy perspective; and a complete un-mooring from decency. But that is a small price to pay for the GOP to defeat Hillary. Damn the principles on which the GOP took pride it, flush down the lofty claims of patriotism and just hang nothing but pure hatred of for the opposition. Even after all the acrimony and drama, if the GOP does not win the White House, then the same acronym would stand for Gone Old Party.
6
Well, when during one of the debates Gov Christie stood up aggressively against Trump, it was a great performance, but now that he stands with Trump he's a bully...This is exactly one of the main reasons why Donald Trump is winning: double standard from the media that even his detractors can see for what it is. The more you attack him, the better his prospects of being the next Republican. Also, it's pretty clear that if Hillary Clinton struggles to beat a fringe candidate like Bernie Sanders, she's largely beatable by Trump. I know it sounds scary to the establishment, and even a Bloomberg candidacy can't rescue this situation. So, maybe the media should try a new strategy: embrace Trump and his buffoonery, exaggerate it, to mimic the Britney ad J. Mc Cain's campaign used against B. Obama. The clownization of the Donald might yield better results than his victimization.
2
It would be refreshing if the Republican establishment, starting with Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell, would get behind John Kasich, the only remaining candidate who refuses to pander to the basest instincts of the voters. What would they have to lose? Any of the other four candidates would be a disaster for the country and the future of the party. But standing for principle takes courage, and few (if any) GOP party leaders seem to have it these days.
10
Refusal "to pander to the basest instincts of the voters" is not the same as having policies that serve the best interests of the country. Do we want someone competent who will be able to reverse the gains we've made in social equality, economic development and foreign relations, of do we want a blowhard who will make fools of himself and us, but do less damage? It's a hard choice, but they're the only choices Republicans will consider.
1
I am going to whine about this some more, so please bear with me, but by the time the Wisconsin primary occurs, the remaining candidates have already been "selected."
3
We need a National Primary.
1
Christie is the embodiment of what frustrates so many voters this year. A loudmouth who has accomplished less than nothing in his two terms as governor. He has a towering ego unmatched with skills or a sense of duty.
18
As the world spins in disbelief, America puts on a revolting raree that harkens
back to the old wild west snake salesmen that were visited upon the early
settlements. This is so ugly, so vile, one can only hope to wake up from this
bad dream. The low lifes who applaud, shout and acclaim the Trump horror
should commit themselves to the nearest loony bin. And Christie? I can only
hope he slips and slides on the George Washington Bridge. What an idiot.
back to the old wild west snake salesmen that were visited upon the early
settlements. This is so ugly, so vile, one can only hope to wake up from this
bad dream. The low lifes who applaud, shout and acclaim the Trump horror
should commit themselves to the nearest loony bin. And Christie? I can only
hope he slips and slides on the George Washington Bridge. What an idiot.
15
These candidates in particular and the Republican Party in general are simply vile on so many levels it is hard not to feel repulsed and a little nauseated. What anger and resentment from disappointed hopes must lie in the heart of a portion of the American electorate to support these awful people?
9
It makes me very sad to see this petty and adolescent behavior thrust on stage for the whole world to witness. I never imagined our election for president would sink to this level. I am a democrat and I can only imagine that there are a lot of republicans out there who are angry at these clowns for making a mockery of their right to cast a vote.
11
Mr. Christie is consistent. He's always needed a larger star around which he can orbit. This keeps him moving, ties him to perceived present power and serves his seemingly amoral and untethered ambition. He will always do this. His worst fear is being irrelevant and forgotten.
7
I like the editorial, and the suggestion on KK for traffic management was brilliant!
Best buddies, indeed. These two demonstrate key traits best described to those of us who grew up watching two of Jackie Gleason's and Norman Lear's greatest characters in this real-life mashup called the GOP, or Honeymooners all in the family: The stars:
Gov. Christie as Ralph Kramden: Power-chasing, broke, larger than life dreamer stuck due to his own limitations while constantly getting into trouble with his quick get-rich or trouble-making schemes.
Mr. Trump as Archie Bunker: Xenophobic, constantly stating things as truth based on tabloids or the wind, and constantly pining for the "old days" (Think of the All in the Family opening song, paraphrased: ...When girls were girls and men were men, .use..another Herbert Hoover around here. Didn't need the welfare state, everybody pulled their weight...)
Since this is a mash-up, in this edition Archie and Ralph are both bullies, neither are poor, but the similar traits of blaming others for the ills of the country while shouting down others who disagree.
America loves imperfect characters who reflect shared experiences. In this case, the "tell it like it is" (even when it is not) braggadocio seems to override accuracy and fairness.
Archie and Ralph were fictional, just like many of the talking points from these candidates, but will we see the candidates evolve and moderate like the characters did in their later years?
Best buddies, indeed. These two demonstrate key traits best described to those of us who grew up watching two of Jackie Gleason's and Norman Lear's greatest characters in this real-life mashup called the GOP, or Honeymooners all in the family: The stars:
Gov. Christie as Ralph Kramden: Power-chasing, broke, larger than life dreamer stuck due to his own limitations while constantly getting into trouble with his quick get-rich or trouble-making schemes.
Mr. Trump as Archie Bunker: Xenophobic, constantly stating things as truth based on tabloids or the wind, and constantly pining for the "old days" (Think of the All in the Family opening song, paraphrased: ...When girls were girls and men were men, .use..another Herbert Hoover around here. Didn't need the welfare state, everybody pulled their weight...)
Since this is a mash-up, in this edition Archie and Ralph are both bullies, neither are poor, but the similar traits of blaming others for the ills of the country while shouting down others who disagree.
America loves imperfect characters who reflect shared experiences. In this case, the "tell it like it is" (even when it is not) braggadocio seems to override accuracy and fairness.
Archie and Ralph were fictional, just like many of the talking points from these candidates, but will we see the candidates evolve and moderate like the characters did in their later years?
1
I'm not a fan of Christie and not much of a fan of Trump either, but if Christie is going to support someone, Trump is a far better choice than Cruz who is far "crazier" than Trump or Rubio who is a bought and paid for empty suit pandering to the donor class. I think Kasich is the best of the remaining candidates but unfortunately I don't see him winning the nomination. None of the candidates are putting forth realistic detailed plans, but at the end of the day only Trump has a record of being a tough negotiater, successful business man (granted not 100%), and getting deals done, which is who you want when things get tough, not someone who couldn't even handle getting a drink of water during a live speech only a year ago.
It's as if the two nastiest bullies at your high school had joined forces to demean and ridicule others day after day on national TV. And just like on the school bus back in the day, the rest of us are the captive audience. And one of the miscreants might actually become president?
How on earth did America devolve into this?
How on earth did America devolve into this?
3
"If the comments of the Republican leaders vying for the presidency correspond to the reality of the future White House, we should expect a real disaster, and that is: We ignore global warming, we tear up the nuclear agreements with Iran, we increase our military power, we act with greater aggressiveness and determination in the rest of the world despite the risks of unleashing a world war. If a country with the power of the United States endorses these policy strategies, the chances of survival of the human species are minimized. Today’s Republican Party, I would add, is one of the most dangerous organizations in human history."
Noam Chomsky.
Noam Chomsky.
2
It's a nauseating spectacle, this GOP primary race.
Nobody involved looks remotely presidential or suited to office.
There is not a shred of substance. No platforms are adopted, no policies are presented.
Instead, it is all insults and soundbites, vapid sloganeering, empty promises, making America great, building a wall, repealing Obamacare, and that guy is a liar.
Campaigning in a 150 characters or less.
We have entered the age of idiocracy.
How can Republican pundits and the educated minority of their voters not look upon all this and be embarrassed for their party? How can the likes of Douthat actually advocate for any of them as president?
It is hard to conceive the enormous, perhaps lethal damage one of these mean-spirited buffoons would do the country if actually installed in the White House.
We need a sharp change of direction, and we need it now.
As Brooks implied yesterday in this paper the agents of antipolitics are in fact agents of tyranny. That is where we will end up if we empower stupidity, bigotry, and sloganeering instead of policy in November.
The choice is ours.
Nobody involved looks remotely presidential or suited to office.
There is not a shred of substance. No platforms are adopted, no policies are presented.
Instead, it is all insults and soundbites, vapid sloganeering, empty promises, making America great, building a wall, repealing Obamacare, and that guy is a liar.
Campaigning in a 150 characters or less.
We have entered the age of idiocracy.
How can Republican pundits and the educated minority of their voters not look upon all this and be embarrassed for their party? How can the likes of Douthat actually advocate for any of them as president?
It is hard to conceive the enormous, perhaps lethal damage one of these mean-spirited buffoons would do the country if actually installed in the White House.
We need a sharp change of direction, and we need it now.
As Brooks implied yesterday in this paper the agents of antipolitics are in fact agents of tyranny. That is where we will end up if we empower stupidity, bigotry, and sloganeering instead of policy in November.
The choice is ours.
5
As a liberal my only direct interest in this sandbox brawl among equally unsavory characters is which one of the Republican Candidate's will be easiest to beat in a general election, but as an American I'm ashamed there is even one person in the nation that thinks any of them should be president. That one of them has a real possibility is a nightmare.
9
In response to zb in bc: You pretty much summed the whole situation with your comment. Well said. I agree with your interest in the Republican primary and share your embarrassment.
Tut, tut, tut, tut, tut
Are Chris Christie's motives venal?
Is the Pope Catholic?
Notice what the Editorial writer has done. By switching the discussion to motives, she has lost sight of what the political process should be about - though rarely is - substance.
We expect that of Fox News and similar Republican bullhorns. But the august Gray Lady?
For shame!
Of course I'm not a supporter of Christie - or Donald Trump. But not because I would think twice before I invited either of them to a dinner party.
When it comes to their proposed policies, as I understand them, both of them are outside the foul lines in right field.
But so is Rubio, not to mention Ted Cruz.
And on matters that could really matter for a POTUS, Rubio and Cruz are disastrously way more to the right than Trump.
Tax policy, for example.
Ted Cruz's idea for a VAT is not ridiculous as a pure concept. After all, it is the principal means of finance in most Western European states. Take them apples socialist basher Ted!
But the people who know, the economists in particular, have pointed out that Cruz has nothing in the way of a implementable path to the VAT for the US. So his is just a gimmick, like Herman Cain's 9-9-9.
Rubio's tax plan? You mean the one which puts inequality on steroids by repealing all capital gains taxes? So Mitt Romney, hedge fund managers, and their ilk would pay $0.00 in taxes?
In policy terms Rubio is a blowhard who simply lacks the blow that Trump, Christie, and Cruz have.
Are Chris Christie's motives venal?
Is the Pope Catholic?
Notice what the Editorial writer has done. By switching the discussion to motives, she has lost sight of what the political process should be about - though rarely is - substance.
We expect that of Fox News and similar Republican bullhorns. But the august Gray Lady?
For shame!
Of course I'm not a supporter of Christie - or Donald Trump. But not because I would think twice before I invited either of them to a dinner party.
When it comes to their proposed policies, as I understand them, both of them are outside the foul lines in right field.
But so is Rubio, not to mention Ted Cruz.
And on matters that could really matter for a POTUS, Rubio and Cruz are disastrously way more to the right than Trump.
Tax policy, for example.
Ted Cruz's idea for a VAT is not ridiculous as a pure concept. After all, it is the principal means of finance in most Western European states. Take them apples socialist basher Ted!
But the people who know, the economists in particular, have pointed out that Cruz has nothing in the way of a implementable path to the VAT for the US. So his is just a gimmick, like Herman Cain's 9-9-9.
Rubio's tax plan? You mean the one which puts inequality on steroids by repealing all capital gains taxes? So Mitt Romney, hedge fund managers, and their ilk would pay $0.00 in taxes?
In policy terms Rubio is a blowhard who simply lacks the blow that Trump, Christie, and Cruz have.
2
Governor Christie must resign. I was not surprised when I heard colleagues discussing Christie's endorsement of Trump; Christie would endorse whomever is the front runner ~ his ambition has not been tempered. I was furious to learn Christie had traveled to Texas to make the endorsement, and is now campaigning with Trump.
The governor has barely been in NJ two weeks (not that we really missed him). Christie's aspirations have cost New Jersey taxpayer's far too much - billions of dollars and damaging public policy. It's time for him to pursue them on his own time and his own dime.
The governor has barely been in NJ two weeks (not that we really missed him). Christie's aspirations have cost New Jersey taxpayer's far too much - billions of dollars and damaging public policy. It's time for him to pursue them on his own time and his own dime.
4
Bully is the operative word. Trump's and Christie's strategies and styles are so similar. Christie lost because Trump is a better, meaner version of Christie. They deserve one another. Instead of talking about where Christie might fit in a Trump administration, I would like to hear what Christie can offer Trump if he loses. Maybe a role in fixing Atlantic City to make up for the damage Trump did there? Trump could invest his energy, wealth, and celebrity starting right after the Republican convention.
For Christie, this makes sense. His political career was over. If Trump flames out, no loss; but if Trump is elected President, Christie is certain to be either the VP, the Attorney General, or Trump's new partner in that tower to be built on the Jersey side of the GW Bridge. And in the mean time, Christie gets to finish the job Trump started: skinning and boiling alive the last vestiges of the GOP establishment. Yes, it seems we have entered the full-on critical-mass detonation stage of the GOP implosion. Just what will emerge form the resulting black hole is anyone's guess. But I'm guessing it will not be the worthy successor to Teddy Roosevelt.
1
The most laughable comment in an other-worldly press conferefnce is Christie's assertion that Donald Trump has done so much for New Jersey. Huh? Built casinos for which his banker friends had to bail him out of bankruptcy. Tried to use eminent domain to evict an elderly woman from her home in Atlantic City so he could build a parking lot.
Meanwhile, our state continues to suffer. A bankrupt transportation fund. A reneged deal on pensions. A disastrous foreclosure rate. Cuts in rapid transit. Every time one of our bridges collapses, we will be reminded of the governor. He's Macbeth, but each of his constituents is Banquo.
Trump and Christie, the two bully-boys, deserve one another. The United States deserves better.
Meanwhile, our state continues to suffer. A bankrupt transportation fund. A reneged deal on pensions. A disastrous foreclosure rate. Cuts in rapid transit. Every time one of our bridges collapses, we will be reminded of the governor. He's Macbeth, but each of his constituents is Banquo.
Trump and Christie, the two bully-boys, deserve one another. The United States deserves better.
5
There are no spreadsheets big enough to keep track of who has bought who, with the exception of Sanders (the last honest man?). Christie performed a service to the electorate by pointing out Rubio's superficial focus-group-tested repeated lines when he simply asked the audience at the debate to watch what was going on. That was not mean-spirited. It was educational. If only the electorate would stop cheering and think in the face of Rubio's and others' misdirections, lies, half-truths, and simple pandering.
Perhaps the Times can help keep track of who supports who (political teams and where the money comes from) and then start a listing of what policies each candidate has endorsed (for this election, anyway), and who (and what) benefits most from these policies. And this should be fair -- for instance, who supports fracking and who benefits and who loses (oil companies benefit, some consumers get low priced gas, Russia and Middle East oil-dependent countries suffer due to this competition for markets, Americans get their water polluted and sometimes earthquakes; explain which financial giants support Hillary and which support the Republicans and why).
And leave the reporting of the name-calling to social media.
Perhaps the Times can help keep track of who supports who (political teams and where the money comes from) and then start a listing of what policies each candidate has endorsed (for this election, anyway), and who (and what) benefits most from these policies. And this should be fair -- for instance, who supports fracking and who benefits and who loses (oil companies benefit, some consumers get low priced gas, Russia and Middle East oil-dependent countries suffer due to this competition for markets, Americans get their water polluted and sometimes earthquakes; explain which financial giants support Hillary and which support the Republicans and why).
And leave the reporting of the name-calling to social media.
3
Good analysis. There was the oddest tone in Chris Christie's announcement which I saw. It wasn't true enthusiastic support despite the words, but a kind of fascinated horror that lacked true conviction. Demonic possession maybe?
Mr. Trump has voiced some of the most fascist doctrines of the past century -- excluding all Muslims from a country that is based on religious tolerance; rounding up, imprisoning and deporting 11 million men, women, and children; bizarre misogyny about women's bathroom breaks, "blood", and personal appearances; and frequent support for "roughing up" protesters, "punching" protesters, and fantasies about having protesters carried out on stretchers in total violation of the first amendment rights of Americans as well as criminal law codes.
Do not feed the monsters at the zoo, people!
Mr. Trump has voiced some of the most fascist doctrines of the past century -- excluding all Muslims from a country that is based on religious tolerance; rounding up, imprisoning and deporting 11 million men, women, and children; bizarre misogyny about women's bathroom breaks, "blood", and personal appearances; and frequent support for "roughing up" protesters, "punching" protesters, and fantasies about having protesters carried out on stretchers in total violation of the first amendment rights of Americans as well as criminal law codes.
Do not feed the monsters at the zoo, people!
7
"Do not feed the monsters at the zoo, people!"
This is much like driving by a car wreck, people know that slowing down to take a peek will only make traffic worse but for some reason they still do it.
And did you really mean "monsters at the zoo"? Given all the feces being tossed around "monkeys at the zoo" would have been a more apt description!
This is much like driving by a car wreck, people know that slowing down to take a peek will only make traffic worse but for some reason they still do it.
And did you really mean "monsters at the zoo"? Given all the feces being tossed around "monkeys at the zoo" would have been a more apt description!
C'mon America. Don't sell Chris Christie short. The GW Bridge horror is only the red nose on the face of this clown. Remember that the scandal also revealed that the guv was withholding Hurricane Sandy relief funds in order to blackmail Democratic mayors into supporting. He personally kept tabs on the turncoats. He may still get caught up in the federal prosecution, so nicely stalled during his campaign. Almost from day one of his term Chris threw New Jersey under the campaign bus. He nixed the tunnel project, already approved for $3 billion in federal funds for no actual reason but politics. How 'bout the eight billion dollar damages judgment just waiting to be collected and used to clean up the pollution, restore the area and btw put a lot of jobs in the economy? Settled for $300 million in a classic backroom deal. The chump change we got was used in Christie's budget. Misusing funds was a trademark. How about misappropriating Port Authority funds for local projects, like the Holland Tunnel approaches. Reneging on the pension deal because the economy tanked on his watch? And he blamed the Democrats. No, the Teacher's Union didn't do that. And I'll never forget him misusing his office as Federal Prosecutor to go after Senator Robert Menendez on a totally "Trumped-Up" charge. Trumped-Up! There's a joke here but it's on us.
14
I think cancelling the tunnel project was based on the same "logic" that Republicans use and believe about government spending, ie, if you cut taxes, government will have to cut spending. To wit, if New Jersey residents can't get to work in New York, they'll have to work in New Jersey. Never mind that none of his policies actually increases the size of the economy in New Jersey, but that's why I put "logic" in quotes.
1
I've never been so afraid for our country as I am with this election. A friend of mine said that she has now started including praying for our country in her nightly prayers. Hopefully that will help because I'm sure she's not the only one. Do the bullies win? or the haters? I can't ever remember seeing such poor candidates running for leader of our country on both sides.
6
C'mon. On both sides?
1
It's frightening to try to imagine this pair leading a White House cabinet meeting. But there are -- brace yourself -- worse things. A top Koch advisor has joined Rubio's team.
I don't know what Trump and Christie would do, but on their worst day they could not match the effect of the Kochs and Rubio's other demanding patron, Sheldon Adelson, controlling the White House.
The Kochs would control domestic policy and Adelson the only foreign policy that counts -- the Middle East.
I'm voting Demo, and sweating in fear that Hillary can pull it off. The crowd on the other side looks like a real life variant of the hordes Sauron was gathering in The Lord of the Rings.
I don't know what Trump and Christie would do, but on their worst day they could not match the effect of the Kochs and Rubio's other demanding patron, Sheldon Adelson, controlling the White House.
The Kochs would control domestic policy and Adelson the only foreign policy that counts -- the Middle East.
I'm voting Demo, and sweating in fear that Hillary can pull it off. The crowd on the other side looks like a real life variant of the hordes Sauron was gathering in The Lord of the Rings.
19
We're all familiar with childhood experiences centered around playground politics and lunchroom politics. How nice we have a chance to experience those politics once again as "adults!"
7
Akin to watching pigs rolling in mud, which would be preferable, then the disgusting display of the GOP candidates. Loser Christie ties his wagon to the Trump train, while Rubio's attempt to mimic Trump's style of attack by acting like Donald, looked so amateurish it was embarrassing to watch.
As the mud-fest continues, those who claim to be angry and frustrated at their condition, heartily cheer them on with gusto, thinking that somewhere in that pile of mud lies their salvation.
As the mud-fest continues, those who claim to be angry and frustrated at their condition, heartily cheer them on with gusto, thinking that somewhere in that pile of mud lies their salvation.
18
My half-brother is a Trump supporter. I once asked him why he supports Trump while we were both drunk and he laughed and said that he wanted to see how bad things can get. I can actually understand that rationale. Not that I respect it.
45
That is the most cynical, disturbing rationale I have heard, this is not a game or a television reality show. I sure don't understand it.
"If Mr. Trump should win the presidency, he might want to consider Mr. Christie for transportation secretary, since he already knows so much about traffic patterns on commuter bridges". This line is worthy of a republican candidate debate insult. Even my beloved New York Times has been infected by this new uncivil way of communicating disapproval of those who we find less than reasonable or genuine. It is an excellent line, and I am amused by it's sarcasm and irony, but do we all have to now learn the language of vindictive insult?
51
just as know the terrorists have already won by the loss of our civil liberties, by the changes their atrocities have necessitated in our daily life, by the vitriolic speech and racism they have raised to the mouths of even the most placid and forgiving of us- so, here we must likewise recognize that donald trump has already won. he has won because he has forced us all, even the least of us (i.e. politicians) to speak this language. it is impossible to contemplate a presidency of abraham lincoln just a mere 150 years from one of donald trump. the only way to explain it is - you get the government you deserve.
1
Good Lord. Chill out. It's a great and appropriate line. This isn't 1950....
1
At least the comment was smart. As well as excellent. Unlike most of the campaign mud-slinging I've heard and read. I think it was written as a gesture of hand-wringing.
All good sitcoms - Newhart, Honeymooners, Seinfeld - had a crazy or somewhat off neighbor and a sane lead. This is a new twist with both characters out there. I'm hoping this show gets renewed for another season.
1
Who to blame but Republicans themselves for the emergence of the Trump era? All the Republican candidates talk as if they were living in the Medieval era. They boast the depth (?) of their religious faith while they run for President. In other words, they do not even know that the church and the state were separated more than a century ago. So, I think it is basically the Tea Party which created Donald Trump, the weirdo Republican Presidential candidate. In short, Donald Trump is sent from God for the mission of reforming the archaic Republican party. God chose Donald Trump because nothing worked; nothing in the world could change the outdated Republican party of the U.S.A.
1
"If Mr. Trump should win the presidency, he might want to consider Mr. Christie for transportation secretary, since he already knows so much about traffic patterns on commuter bridges."
I cannot believe you guys stole my line :-) I've been saying that Christie couldn't possibly get the VP spot, the demographics are all wrong: two obnoxious, white, male bullies from New York and New Jersey, not nearly enough diversity of awfulness. But I have been suggesting Secretary of Transportation, in which post Christie could do for the country what he did for Fort Lee.
I cannot believe you guys stole my line :-) I've been saying that Christie couldn't possibly get the VP spot, the demographics are all wrong: two obnoxious, white, male bullies from New York and New Jersey, not nearly enough diversity of awfulness. But I have been suggesting Secretary of Transportation, in which post Christie could do for the country what he did for Fort Lee.
7
Although I share the Editorial Board's low opinion of both Christie and Trump, the snark and sarcasm in this editorial are undignified and unworthy of a great newspaper. You're beginning to sound like Trump yourselves.
8
Obama was endorsed by 23 governors. Not a one joined his administration to the best of my knowledge. Trump will likely get many endorsements along the way. Christie is a loser and surely Trump knows that. Whey the Editorial Board thinks Christie's endorsement will pay off in spades is hard to understand. What does the Editorial Board think will distinguish Christie's endorsement from dozens of others and lead to great benefit for him? Christie is the kind of guy who would have been fired as an apprentice.
Trump can use Christie's expertise. Christie needs Trumps followers. The disaffected, anti-establishment folks whose numbers have so skyrocketed that they are putting the Republican Party out of business.
They may not be pretty but they are a credible match, in the strange universe we now seem to inhabit.
Despite, our disdain, and like it or not, there are a lot of people who are justifiably angry because they get little to no help from the establishment.
But they still can vote!
They may not be pretty but they are a credible match, in the strange universe we now seem to inhabit.
Despite, our disdain, and like it or not, there are a lot of people who are justifiably angry because they get little to no help from the establishment.
But they still can vote!
5
These two do not even merit being called the "high-school" bullies. More like junior-high, or perhaps middle school.
America deserves much better than these clownish thugs.
Would a successful Trump-Christie ticket deploy the US military to blockade all states that do not support them in the electoral college in the upcoming election, if they win? Or would they just build a wall around those states, "rough up" or "punch" their citizens (Trump's admitted way to deal with dissenters), or handle them in the "New Jersey way", as Gov. Christie put it in his best unintended Tony Soprano impression?
These two are a throwback to a dangerous time - when hate and violence against anyone who was not on your side was acceptable.
To quote from "Game of Thrones", as Cersi Lannister said when asked who her enemies were, "Everyone but Us".
Welcome to the Lannisters of the Republican party.
America deserves much better than these clownish thugs.
Would a successful Trump-Christie ticket deploy the US military to blockade all states that do not support them in the electoral college in the upcoming election, if they win? Or would they just build a wall around those states, "rough up" or "punch" their citizens (Trump's admitted way to deal with dissenters), or handle them in the "New Jersey way", as Gov. Christie put it in his best unintended Tony Soprano impression?
These two are a throwback to a dangerous time - when hate and violence against anyone who was not on your side was acceptable.
To quote from "Game of Thrones", as Cersi Lannister said when asked who her enemies were, "Everyone but Us".
Welcome to the Lannisters of the Republican party.
3
The New York Times would be screeching about the dire threat to the nation that Bernie Sanders would embody, if he were a threat. I'd take Trump or Sanders over any of the New York Times establishment candidates. So, in this case that would mean Trump. Now the attack is that he really isn't rich, so if you're voting for him because he's a rich guy you're wrong. The Koch brothers, now they're REALLY rich. You should vote for their candidate.
The three biggest bullies in post war American politics were Nixon, LBJ, and Bobby Kennedy.....and not in that order. The Times is old enough to know better.
What's up with that Text "TRUMP" to 88022 ?
Sounds like another con job pulled by the "self funding" Donald.
Rubio is 100% right, Trump is a con artist.
Sounds like another con job pulled by the "self funding" Donald.
Rubio is 100% right, Trump is a con artist.
5
Data mining - it is how elections are done these days and yes it is another form of a con job!
I am a life-long Republican. That stated, perhaps in the next few months we can amend the constitution and allow Obama to run for a 3rd term?
50
I suggest just one edit to the NYT editorial: Change the word "playground" for "playpen." One of the big babies just got back in!
8
This is a good thing.
We now live in a transparent world, a world more revealed and open than ever before. The angry and voiceless people, and there are many of them, are sending a message. We are left out, ignored by the politicians, and we want someone different. That person is the strong guy,the one who will stand up to the ineffective, lying politicians.
Or it's the old timer, odd ball leftist, who is the guy actually on our side.
It all sounds crazy, but it is, what it is.
Lots of people simply don't like any one in the establishment. That is why Bernie is surprising establishment Hillary. That is why Trump, who appears totally unqualified, is clobbering career politicians, like Bush.
Exactly how far this will go is anyone's guess, but a small snowball rolling down hill can end up crushing you.
We now live in a transparent world, a world more revealed and open than ever before. The angry and voiceless people, and there are many of them, are sending a message. We are left out, ignored by the politicians, and we want someone different. That person is the strong guy,the one who will stand up to the ineffective, lying politicians.
Or it's the old timer, odd ball leftist, who is the guy actually on our side.
It all sounds crazy, but it is, what it is.
Lots of people simply don't like any one in the establishment. That is why Bernie is surprising establishment Hillary. That is why Trump, who appears totally unqualified, is clobbering career politicians, like Bush.
Exactly how far this will go is anyone's guess, but a small snowball rolling down hill can end up crushing you.
6
Thursday night's debate decided that in October the NYT editorial board will endorse Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will be the President designate in November.
The right wing has employed Newspeak from the time George Orwell wrote 1984 back in 1948.
Many of the people writing comments expressing concerns that the failure to address the perversion of language by the USA's newspaper of record would lead to a Donald J. Trump or worse a Marco Rubio or Ted Cruz Presidency.
Real conservatives are not anarchists. Real conservatives believe in government. Real conservatives can be fascists, they can believe in democracy, they can be communists they can be monarchists but they believe in effective government.
The problem is that after Reagan, in the executive, Scalia on the Bench , Boehner in the House and McConnell in the Senate a real conservative Donald J. Trump came to the fore after the anarchists have almost destroyed the country.
America needed its newspaper of record there to say when Scalia talked about his being an originalist that is not what the 18th century Dictionary of record Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language says about what is a militia or what are arms.
America needed the NYT to proclaim that it would do its best to prevent the right wing's perversion of language to destroy the country.
The USA needs an effective competent government. Trump will be the answer for most Americans unless they can be convinced someone else can govern effectively.
The right wing has employed Newspeak from the time George Orwell wrote 1984 back in 1948.
Many of the people writing comments expressing concerns that the failure to address the perversion of language by the USA's newspaper of record would lead to a Donald J. Trump or worse a Marco Rubio or Ted Cruz Presidency.
Real conservatives are not anarchists. Real conservatives believe in government. Real conservatives can be fascists, they can believe in democracy, they can be communists they can be monarchists but they believe in effective government.
The problem is that after Reagan, in the executive, Scalia on the Bench , Boehner in the House and McConnell in the Senate a real conservative Donald J. Trump came to the fore after the anarchists have almost destroyed the country.
America needed its newspaper of record there to say when Scalia talked about his being an originalist that is not what the 18th century Dictionary of record Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language says about what is a militia or what are arms.
America needed the NYT to proclaim that it would do its best to prevent the right wing's perversion of language to destroy the country.
The USA needs an effective competent government. Trump will be the answer for most Americans unless they can be convinced someone else can govern effectively.
4
Have you heard the latest breakthrough news from astronomy?
The scientists have discovered the enormous black hole within the Republican Party.
There is no light coming from it. There is no sound coming from it. There is no news coming from it. There are no events that happened during that period.
There is just a gigantic black hole.
Of course, we are talking about the presidency of George W. Bush that was pared with the Republican control of the Congress.
One would think that during that period the Islamic radical terrorism had been exterminated because we waged two foreign wars and spent several trillion dollars to accomplish this objective, that the national debt was paid off, that the budget deficits went extinct, that the corruption in Washington D.C. was eradicated, that the US economy was reinvigorated due to the miraculous power of the tax cuts, that the spotless financial responsibility ruled our business transactions, that we had the trade surpluses, that the federal government didn’t bail out the reckless bankers, that the North Korean dictator was kicked out of office and that Russian president Putin had the good soul detected by the x-ray vision of our president…
Of course, there is no such a black hole because we know exactly what happened. That’s why the GOP is using the black president to blame him for all their aforementioned failures.
The scientists have discovered the enormous black hole within the Republican Party.
There is no light coming from it. There is no sound coming from it. There is no news coming from it. There are no events that happened during that period.
There is just a gigantic black hole.
Of course, we are talking about the presidency of George W. Bush that was pared with the Republican control of the Congress.
One would think that during that period the Islamic radical terrorism had been exterminated because we waged two foreign wars and spent several trillion dollars to accomplish this objective, that the national debt was paid off, that the budget deficits went extinct, that the corruption in Washington D.C. was eradicated, that the US economy was reinvigorated due to the miraculous power of the tax cuts, that the spotless financial responsibility ruled our business transactions, that we had the trade surpluses, that the federal government didn’t bail out the reckless bankers, that the North Korean dictator was kicked out of office and that Russian president Putin had the good soul detected by the x-ray vision of our president…
Of course, there is no such a black hole because we know exactly what happened. That’s why the GOP is using the black president to blame him for all their aforementioned failures.
7
As a Floridian, I can say that Marco Rubio is an empty suit. Ask yourself this question:
If his name was Mark Rubin and he wasn't Cuban, would he be where he is today? Conservatives say that they are against affirmative action and we should take a note from Dr. King and judge people by their character and not their skin color.
Yet, they don't mind giving a free pass to a Cuban American. If Mr. Rubio (no need to call him "Senator Rubio" since he doesn't do the job people elected him to do) was Polish American or even African American, do you really think the Republican Party of Florida would have embraced him and gave him a leg up in politics?
He's like a little kid playing grown-up by putting on his father's suit and shoes.
If his name was Mark Rubin and he wasn't Cuban, would he be where he is today? Conservatives say that they are against affirmative action and we should take a note from Dr. King and judge people by their character and not their skin color.
Yet, they don't mind giving a free pass to a Cuban American. If Mr. Rubio (no need to call him "Senator Rubio" since he doesn't do the job people elected him to do) was Polish American or even African American, do you really think the Republican Party of Florida would have embraced him and gave him a leg up in politics?
He's like a little kid playing grown-up by putting on his father's suit and shoes.
9
And this is really the 'stuff' of American Presidential contenders? Petulant insult hurlers who reveal their barefaced, shameless opportunism when opportunity slips away.
Not a single effective conservative intellectual among them. The GOP deserve an ignominious loss at the hands of voters who will hopefully show these candidates they simply lack 'the right stuff'.
Not a single effective conservative intellectual among them. The GOP deserve an ignominious loss at the hands of voters who will hopefully show these candidates they simply lack 'the right stuff'.
14
I think this is delicious. Christie, who has a reputation for holding a grudge...bridgegate, endorses Trump to get back at Rubio and Cruz.
It goes to show what lengths he will go to get some sense of revenge.,,how big the crow he is willing to eat...how large a place in Christie's craw Rubio and Cruz inhabit. He has cast off the mask and stopped pretending to be anything other than, to quote others, "venal and vindictive".
It goes to show what lengths he will go to get some sense of revenge.,,how big the crow he is willing to eat...how large a place in Christie's craw Rubio and Cruz inhabit. He has cast off the mask and stopped pretending to be anything other than, to quote others, "venal and vindictive".
9
I wonder if Christie wants to be Secretary of Transportation in charge of the nation's bridges.
4
Said fact is that in NJ the transportation fund is broke so NJ's roads are the worst in the country and our bridges are in dire need of repair. Of course the governor won't take the step that needs to be taken -- raise the gas tax in NJ to fill replenish the transportation fund. NJ has the lowest gas prices in the country. I was just in FL paying forty cents more per gallon than I pay in NJ and it was the same story down the entire East Coast -- NJ has the cheapest gas. Just a two cent increase in NJ's gas tax would solve our issues and fix the infrastructure but being a "no tax increase" Republican -- Christie won't do it. Thus -- let's hope there is no Trump presidency and no Christie anywhere near any cabinet post particularly transportation.
1
"If Mr. Trump should win the presidency, he might want to consider Mr. Christie for transportation secretary, since he already knows so much about traffic patterns on commuter bridges."
I see what you did there. The New York Times Editorial Board made a joke!
Good to see you all lightening up, it must be hard having to deal with all that madness on a day-to-day basis.
"Each and everyone of those people had dreamt of the terrible things to come... nightmares of fire and war and insanity."
http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/049.png
The good news is that all we need to triumph over evil is for good Democratic men and women to come out and vote!
Bernie Sanders for President / Hillary Clinton for Vice President
I see what you did there. The New York Times Editorial Board made a joke!
Good to see you all lightening up, it must be hard having to deal with all that madness on a day-to-day basis.
"Each and everyone of those people had dreamt of the terrible things to come... nightmares of fire and war and insanity."
http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/049.png
The good news is that all we need to triumph over evil is for good Democratic men and women to come out and vote!
Bernie Sanders for President / Hillary Clinton for Vice President
5
As a lifelong Democrat I'm prepared to vote for a Republican. Sorry about what happened to Bush. Would have voted for him. If Hillary is nominated, I'll vote for a Republican, whoever the nominee of that party.
11
I have to wonder - which of the three GOP candidates most closely embodies principles close to the heart of most democrats? Is it the Dominionist bent of Cruz? The pledge to undo everything done by Obama from Rubio? Do you tend towards the misogyny and bigotry of Trump? Of course, any of the three will make two or three lifetime appointments to the supreme court. What could possibly go wrong with that?
I'm not a fan of either of the Democrat candidates but I have no desire to go back to 1950 either.
I'm not a fan of either of the Democrat candidates but I have no desire to go back to 1950 either.
4
What Trump has shown us is that the GOP establishment is worried that they'll lose their reins on power and the money that comes with it. The Democrats are worse, they've sold their souls to keep HC in front so bucket loads of money will keep raining down on their corrupt establishment leaders...'Follow the money!!!!'
I'll take my chances with Trump too, he's not perfect, but he is not bought and sold like both party leaders in power that watch their own backs and overlook the people who make things happen in society (firemen, cooks, etal.)
I'll take my chances with Trump too, he's not perfect, but he is not bought and sold like both party leaders in power that watch their own backs and overlook the people who make things happen in society (firemen, cooks, etal.)
You are seriously in need of help if you would be willing to vote for any one of the three clowns leading the Republican parade. And Jeb Bush is a toady who finally met the fate that his entire family deserves -- utter rejection by the party that put them in power in the first place.
1
Mourning in America.
24
It's puzzling why the Editorial Board of the NY Times would waste this space to discuss Christie. His endorsement of Trump is inconsequential, and only adds slightly to the WWF level spectacle that the GOP has become. Maybe it's a quaint local news story deserving of mention in that section of the paper, but couldn't you have spared the rest of us?
4
I think that is would be very difficult not to comment on the mind-blowing hypocrisy of the situation. Christie's turnaround is so complete, so self-serving, that it now sets the standard. It will probably get its own name "doing a christie"
1
If only you were right – – if only it were in fact just "quaint local news."
Watching Trump and Christie side by side I understood the current day definition of the "bully pulpit".
29
Pathetic.
While I agree with the substance, the tone of this editorial is strangely nasty.
I guess we're all descending now.
I guess we're all descending now.
24
Trump recently went after the Times, calling it a failing newspaper run by incompetents and promising that if he is elected President, both the Times and Washington Post are going to have big "problems." That may explain the tone of this editorial, but certainly does not excuse it.
21
Nasty? Would you prefer a white wash?
6
Birds of a feather ...
3
Two bullies, one pulpit, great picture. This and other pictures show the other side common to bullies, the cringe side. Other pictures show Christie in an attitude of pleading and subservience. Reminds me that he's a Dallas Cowboys fan who love a hug.
3
Idiocracy is no longer a funny movie, it's mainstream theory for America. It's over.
6
Any why can't Christie endorse who he wants when every other candidate is receiving endorsements? This is America.
1
He can and he did. And now let the ridicule continue.
Was somebody suggesting that Christie be legally silenced?
Christie said the only people in the race that are qualified to be President are governors. He said Trump had zero experience. Why would you endorse someone that you said was not qualified. Those of us, who live in New Jersey, know there is something in it for Christie. This is typical Christie. He will need another government paycheck in less than two years. He is hated in New Jersey so I think be needs a way out of N.J.
We can all look and laugh at a Trump-Christie bromance, but take a moment to consider their voters....then we simply cry. America! What have you been drinking?
23
What is America drinking? A lot of lead in corroded pipes. It's not just Flint, it's in many places that our drinking water is not safe. Maybe it's all lead poisoning that is causing this Trump possibility. It dropped America's IQ by a lot I think.
2
This far in, and getting this much closer to the election, and does anyone really know what each candidates substantive domestic/international policy agenda is? They've spent so much time bashing and insulting each other it seems they've forgotten that they're applying for the job of representing us on those (agenda) stages. Jeeezus....can we ask for a whole new slate of candidates to apply, because these are ridiculously under qualified for the job.
John~
American Net'Zen
John~
American Net'Zen
14
Seeing Christie go after Rubio like this makes me think he would also close a bridge if someone didn't give him the endorsement he was looking for.
Nah, he had nothing to do with that.
Nah, he had nothing to do with that.
7
Trump and Christie. Yes: "Mr. Christie will say anything in service of his ambition. Asked what he hopes to get in return, Mr. Christie played coy, saying that after his term ends in 2018, he wants to “go into private life and make money like Trump.”
Is this what their - common - real 'agenda' really is? Enriching themselves? And using the offices of President (and Vice Presidendt) of the United States, to this end?
Probably. There can be no other explanation. For what other reason would Mr Trump run for President? And Mr Christie? His performance and bared him, it is as if he is now standing totally undressed, naked, on the podium. For all the world to see who he really is.
I don't think the United States have had worse potential presidential candidate(s) ever in its history.
Will the voters still be fooled?? If so its voters will no better than when the Russian people voted Putin and his cronies into power. It is a sad reality that nations tend to get the politicians - and leaders - they deserve.
Come on, wake up !!!
Is this what their - common - real 'agenda' really is? Enriching themselves? And using the offices of President (and Vice Presidendt) of the United States, to this end?
Probably. There can be no other explanation. For what other reason would Mr Trump run for President? And Mr Christie? His performance and bared him, it is as if he is now standing totally undressed, naked, on the podium. For all the world to see who he really is.
I don't think the United States have had worse potential presidential candidate(s) ever in its history.
Will the voters still be fooled?? If so its voters will no better than when the Russian people voted Putin and his cronies into power. It is a sad reality that nations tend to get the politicians - and leaders - they deserve.
Come on, wake up !!!
18
I had to scroll back to the top of this one to make sure that it was written by the Editorial Board and not a garden variety op-ed columnist.
This is by two standard deviations the snarkiest editorial I have run across in my 55 years as a Times reader. But it is oh so very much on target. Thank you for telling it like it is. Just be careful crossing the GW Bridge.
This is by two standard deviations the snarkiest editorial I have run across in my 55 years as a Times reader. But it is oh so very much on target. Thank you for telling it like it is. Just be careful crossing the GW Bridge.
26
They're lining up to be considered for Trump's VP pick: Palin, Christie, .... Who's next? Netanyahu?
7
...Putin?
Perhaps David Dukes, the former KKK leader who has just endorsed Trump.
The only certainty in this race is uncertainty and the pundits, media and political hacks have been continuously wrong as they flail around with anxiety because they all look like fools.
Karma is nasty when it comes full circle. The manipulators are being manipulated.
Karma is nasty when it comes full circle. The manipulators are being manipulated.
4
I can't wait to hear Trump respond to the question: if he still believes Christie knew what his staff was up to when they planned and executed a Federal crime.
5
wow - the Times gets feisty with Christie - good!
6
Shorter NYT Editorial.
Anything Donald Trump does: Bad.
Everything everyone else does to Trump: Good.
*Repeat until brainwashed*
No wonder 6 in 10 Americans are done with Barack Obama and no longer trust traditional print media.
Anything Donald Trump does: Bad.
Everything everyone else does to Trump: Good.
*Repeat until brainwashed*
No wonder 6 in 10 Americans are done with Barack Obama and no longer trust traditional print media.
5
The Editorial Board has to make everyone else seem worse than its own pick for the presidency. These two are like altar boys compared to Hillary Clinton.
1
"No wonder 6 in 10 Americans are done with Barack Obama"
If Obama could run for a 3rd term, he'd win.
If Obama could run for a 3rd term, he'd win.
1
Please explain what Barack Obama has to do with this particular NYT editorial comment???? Oh, wait -- you just are a Republican who hates the black man in the WH so have a need to insert his name into a discussion of anything.
How fitting that the governor of New Jersey, who has become known for talking about problems more than how to solve them, throws his support behind the one candidate that exemplifies those qualities the most. I for one am hoping that that the sight of flashlights flitting about in the darkness of the offices of political rivals becomes a common sight. Shouldn’t plumbers be allowed to have their fun too ?
2
Well, well, the two biggest blowhards have built a bridge to bullydom. That bridge of course is named after the original GW, that infamous structure which continues to haunt Christie. He has seen his favorable numbers tumble in his own state. There is no way out of Jersey unless Christie can hitch a ride on the Trump bandwagon.
The GW leads from Fort Lee to Washington Heights, connecting New Jersey to New York. It also connects the towering Chris Christie with the Trump Tower. Their combined heft and weight will be an even greater powerful force to the deal with against Rubio and Cruz, the "choke artist" and the "liar' respectively, in a GOP already in disarray and crumbling. Both seem cut from the same cloth, two mouthy, bad boys, two blunderbusses who take no guff from nobody.
This Dynamic Duo from across the Hudson, The Sit Down and Shut Up Twins, have arrived. Tough and Tougher. Loud and Louder. Vocal hurricanes emanating from these two men of substance are just another woeful addition to the haphazard GOP 2016 style. This debacle will only lead further to the devolution of the Republican party, and increase the reputation as the laughingstock they have already become.
Indeed, Happy Days Are Here Again.
DD
Manhattan
The GW leads from Fort Lee to Washington Heights, connecting New Jersey to New York. It also connects the towering Chris Christie with the Trump Tower. Their combined heft and weight will be an even greater powerful force to the deal with against Rubio and Cruz, the "choke artist" and the "liar' respectively, in a GOP already in disarray and crumbling. Both seem cut from the same cloth, two mouthy, bad boys, two blunderbusses who take no guff from nobody.
This Dynamic Duo from across the Hudson, The Sit Down and Shut Up Twins, have arrived. Tough and Tougher. Loud and Louder. Vocal hurricanes emanating from these two men of substance are just another woeful addition to the haphazard GOP 2016 style. This debacle will only lead further to the devolution of the Republican party, and increase the reputation as the laughingstock they have already become.
Indeed, Happy Days Are Here Again.
DD
Manhattan
15
Why should anyone be surprised by this and why should anyone care?
1
Donald Trump and Chris Christie: Bullies.
Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz: Feisty.
Yeah NYT, we hear you.
Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz: Feisty.
Yeah NYT, we hear you.
2
I wonder how many $$$ Trump paid Christie (and Palon) for their "endorsements."
7
Who actually wrote this? Lead editorials are usu. earnest but mild. This hard-hitting stuff can't be from any of the usual editorial writers!
4
The sad thing for America is that this "hard-hitting stuff" didn't co me years ago. The charlatans and bullies were given free-rein.
4
Although I agree with the Editorial board, they have crossed over the line into the type of biting schoolyard taunting that they claim to be denouncing. It's a shame they couldn't make their salient points while remaining of the fray.
7
In none of this do I read anything that suggests these clowns care anything about their country. Revenge and self-promotion are clearly more important.
28
Yeah, the Trump administration is really starting to shape up ... an all-star line-up eh ... like Lincoln's Team of Rivals, eh?
Pretty soon we'll see Rubio and Cruz on board too.
Pretty soon we'll see Rubio and Cruz on board too.
2
That the entire GOP presidential campaign has degenerated to taunts about sweating and pant-wetting tells the world that we are a country to be taken as seriously as the clowns purporting to lead us take themselves.
I sometimes cringe when I recall my own middle and high-school comportment, but it was more mature and intellectually substantive than the bombardment of coarseness the GOP is now raining upon the electorate and the democratic process.
To quote the alpha-insulter, the spectacle is "like you wouldn't believe!" I cannot for the life of me believe it.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
I sometimes cringe when I recall my own middle and high-school comportment, but it was more mature and intellectually substantive than the bombardment of coarseness the GOP is now raining upon the electorate and the democratic process.
To quote the alpha-insulter, the spectacle is "like you wouldn't believe!" I cannot for the life of me believe it.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
16
Indeed, considering what these candidates have been saying about each other, it is really going to sound ridiculous when they all jump on the Trump bandwagon, if that's what the party and its reality show end up with. The Republican nomination process this year has had absolutely nothing to do with policy, though the candidates are occasionally forced in debates to give some vague notion about what they would try to do as president, without ever being forced to explain how. (To be fair, I still don't know how Sen. Sanders would get the things he promises done either. We've elected an African-American president and that did not transform the country, much less the Congress. Electing an old, Jewish and firmly left-wing president for the first time will automatically do so?) The GOP election so far has been based purely on personality. If you like X because he's brash and crude or young and handsome or claims to be pious, you vote for him, as if young and handsome or brash and crude or even outwardly pious people always make the best choices for 320 million other people. This development should not be surprising. It's been coming on for a while. Remember the many comments of average Americans about how they didn't want to have to listen to Al Gore on TV every day, somehow forgetting that if they didn't, they could switch to Golden Girl reruns with a click of their remote, while the president does his/her job.
7
So much for "It's good to be home again." Is this a compulsive attention disorder or merely the irresistible urge to insinuate himself further on the GOP campaign to nowhere? Like the rest of the clown car, Christie is basically against everything except power itself - hopefully my good friends in New Jersey have seen the dust he's leaving behind in education, infrastructure and labor relations and call their friends in Ohio and Florida when this paragon of the plutocrats starts ranting and blaming everything on the Democratic nominee.
4
And we thought it was terrible when Christie shut down the GWB? That was child's play compared to today's political revenge.
13
I just lost the little remaining respect i had for Chris Christie.
Not a complete surprise and the old saying says it all, "Politics makes strange bedfellows"
Not a complete surprise and the old saying says it all, "Politics makes strange bedfellows"
5
The language and tone of this NYT editorial is not much better than those of the people it seeks to disparage.
5
A laugh-out-loud funny editorial! No dog in this hunt, but anyone who jumps ecstatically into the arms of Jerry Jones deserves all the scorn and vitriol the NY Times editorial board can muster. All they left out was "At long last Chris Christie, have you no decency?"
10
And David Duke, former Grand Poobah of the KKK, endorsed the Donald today as well, telling listeners to his radio show to attend a Trump rally because they will find people there who will share their "mindset".
Every time you think it can't get any worse, it does.
Every time you think it can't get any worse, it does.
41
While the bridge was classic Christie, I'll never forget him whimpering about a roller-coaster after Hurricane Sandy, while people in his state were drowning. Trump, Palin and Christie? Glad I live overseas.
5
Don't be modest. The NYT is also no amateur at revenge and flinging mud. E.g. take the front-page's article insinuating that European-Americans didn't earn their positions of in politics, business, and academics.
3
"European-Americans"
Go ahead and say it, you mean White.
Spain is in Europe, Mexicans are Hispanic by way of Spain thus we have some "European" in us.
But you don't see us running the show, do you?
Go ahead and say it, you mean White.
Spain is in Europe, Mexicans are Hispanic by way of Spain thus we have some "European" in us.
But you don't see us running the show, do you?
I wonder if this changes George Will's opinion of Chris Christie. Doing anything to aid Donald Trump's nomination is simply disgusting, unforgivable, and verges on the treasonous. Mr. Christie has always seemed tremendously vindictive, and this just confirms that impression.
Christie loves to brandish his machismo, much like Trump does, but he's never struck me as someone who trafficked in Islamophobia and xenophobia -- the opposite, actually -- and certainly never seemed to be one to dabble (in Trump's case, it's more than dabbling) in conspiracy theories, other than perhaps those of his own making, viz. Bridgegate.
How can you look at yourself in the mirror after endorsing someone so thoroughly vile as the Coiffed Creature? Revenge before party, even before country? Chris Christie should be ashamed of himself.
Christie loves to brandish his machismo, much like Trump does, but he's never struck me as someone who trafficked in Islamophobia and xenophobia -- the opposite, actually -- and certainly never seemed to be one to dabble (in Trump's case, it's more than dabbling) in conspiracy theories, other than perhaps those of his own making, viz. Bridgegate.
How can you look at yourself in the mirror after endorsing someone so thoroughly vile as the Coiffed Creature? Revenge before party, even before country? Chris Christie should be ashamed of himself.
4
Seriously -- you have zero clue about who Christie is. First he has no shame or conscience so rid yourself of that false premise. He's been all about him from day. Lied his way into the NJ governorship promising to fix the fact that NJ has the highest property taxes in the country and then promptly ignored that situation and turned his attention to demeaning and beating down the state's public employees including the cops, firemen, and teachers over their pension and benefit plans. He beat them until they agreed to increase their contributions to their plans while he agreed that the state would finally make it's fair contribution to the pension plan fund. The public employees kept their end of the bargain, the governor didn't. That's Christie -- a lying toad who will do and say anything and then pretend he didn't say it or do it. Take off your rose-colored glasses in MS and see the governor of NJ for what he is -- a sleazy politician whose only "concern" is his own ambition.
1
He has no shame. He is so completely embarrassing and I have lost any iota of respect I had left for him.
An endorsement from Chris Christie is like the kiss of death. No thanks.
And anyone who follows politics knows this is because Christie is angry Rubio beat him back in New Hampshire - badly.
And anyone who follows politics knows this is because Christie is angry Rubio beat him back in New Hampshire - badly.
4
On the positive side Christie is not a climate change denier. Maybe he can convince his friend to embrace the global warming science and become an advocate for proactive actions to minimize the harm to America that could result from global warming. Chop up and reallocate the Rio Grande "wall" to provide protective seawalls for the threatened coasts and harbors. (Let's Mexico off the hook , too.) Thinking politically, about 40 percent of the population lives within the threatened coastal areas.
These two guys are going off on there own. Trump has proven that his followers have little loyalty to conservative dogma that he chooses to abandon. Leaving the deniers behind will in one fell swoop bring the Trump/Christie wing of the GOP into the 21st century, and leave the the rest shivering (actually sweating) in their fig leaves.
For Trump the builder the jobs prospects couldn't be better. We already have the crumbling infrastructure that needs immediate attention, and add to that the infrastructure additions and changes to specifically protects us from the effects of global warming. Trump's new GOP will find little mainstream opposition to stealing some wealth from the rich to make the US a more habitable place.
Yeah, maybe through the looking glass, but it make more sense than building bombers, new nukes, missiles, aircraft carriers, etc to go after skinny guys in sandals that can move like the wind.
These two guys are going off on there own. Trump has proven that his followers have little loyalty to conservative dogma that he chooses to abandon. Leaving the deniers behind will in one fell swoop bring the Trump/Christie wing of the GOP into the 21st century, and leave the the rest shivering (actually sweating) in their fig leaves.
For Trump the builder the jobs prospects couldn't be better. We already have the crumbling infrastructure that needs immediate attention, and add to that the infrastructure additions and changes to specifically protects us from the effects of global warming. Trump's new GOP will find little mainstream opposition to stealing some wealth from the rich to make the US a more habitable place.
Yeah, maybe through the looking glass, but it make more sense than building bombers, new nukes, missiles, aircraft carriers, etc to go after skinny guys in sandals that can move like the wind.
1
This is no surprise to NJ citizens who can't be shocked any more by the shameless self-promoting bully tactics of our Gov. This endorsement of Trump was inevitable. They are kindred spirits. Bully bros.
I'm surprised Christie waited this long, but then again, he is anxious to nail down his next job. He's clearly bored with his current one.
The best thing about this for us is that he'll head right back out on the road to campaign for Trump. The more he is out of NJ, the better for us!
I'm surprised Christie waited this long, but then again, he is anxious to nail down his next job. He's clearly bored with his current one.
The best thing about this for us is that he'll head right back out on the road to campaign for Trump. The more he is out of NJ, the better for us!
13
Lol.....well said! Could we be any more embarrassed by this man??
The absentee NJ governor is job hunting & doesn't want to burn any more bridges
10
You knew the fix was in when Christie focussed on taking down Rubio, instead of Trump, knowing that he was soon going to be bowing out of the race. I wonder what cabinet position Trump promised him before that debate.
5
Maine's bullyboy governor LePage, who previously endorsed his kindred Christie, has now endorsed the bigger bullyboy Trump. For those not familiar with LePage, who is in his second term as a non-majority governor, has been a classic failure of governance. He has excelled in mean-spirited incivility. I believe that he has high hopes of being the Sarah Palin of 2016. Show me your friends and I"ll tell you what you are.
6
The race will be close and Hillary will win. And there will be huge anger and divisiveness in the country lasting her entire term.
Or Trump will win, and talk of impeachment will rise up almost immediately and whether that succeeds or fails, there will be huge anger and divisiveness in the country lasting four years.
And the war between the parties and the stalemate in government will continue,
That is our choice. That is our fate. So we fall back on the old hope that G-d takes
care of drunk people and the USA.
Beyond that it is hard to say. Sanders will be 78 in 2020. But ….
Or Trump will win, and talk of impeachment will rise up almost immediately and whether that succeeds or fails, there will be huge anger and divisiveness in the country lasting four years.
And the war between the parties and the stalemate in government will continue,
That is our choice. That is our fate. So we fall back on the old hope that G-d takes
care of drunk people and the USA.
Beyond that it is hard to say. Sanders will be 78 in 2020. But ….
1
Christie and Trump now get to play "bad cop, worse cop" together on the campaign trail.
78
Transportation secretary, how rich! Nice going editorial board.
The bullies of New York metro--what a team. As soon as the endorsement came I thought to myself, is he aiming for a cabinet position or what? Then I started reading about other motives like the great Rubio revenge, or the need to be in the public spotlight, or whatever elsemight be going through Christie's head.
You really can't make this stuff up. The timing for example. Now that Rubio finally had a good performance in attacking Trump – if you could call memorizing attacked lines and grinning while you do it--a great performance, the Christie endorsement stole Rubio's thunder on the Texas campaign trail. Now whenever Marco mocks Trump, he's going to get it from the terrible twins. Bullying squared, so to speak.
They say politics makes strange bed fellows, and the New York New Jersey bully express has left the station. Christie's endorsement hardly elevates the Donald as much as it is a desperate attempt by Christie to remain viable. But as a former prosecutor, Christie should know that the wheels of justice spin ever so slowly. We still haven't heard from Bridget Kelly about Bridge Gate, meaning Christie's problems with that are hardly over.
So if Trump is really aiming for the presidency, and wants to reward his Oh so loyal pal, should Christie himself get indicted, maybe the Donald can pay his bail in order to let this ever so noble campaign continue.
The bullies of New York metro--what a team. As soon as the endorsement came I thought to myself, is he aiming for a cabinet position or what? Then I started reading about other motives like the great Rubio revenge, or the need to be in the public spotlight, or whatever elsemight be going through Christie's head.
You really can't make this stuff up. The timing for example. Now that Rubio finally had a good performance in attacking Trump – if you could call memorizing attacked lines and grinning while you do it--a great performance, the Christie endorsement stole Rubio's thunder on the Texas campaign trail. Now whenever Marco mocks Trump, he's going to get it from the terrible twins. Bullying squared, so to speak.
They say politics makes strange bed fellows, and the New York New Jersey bully express has left the station. Christie's endorsement hardly elevates the Donald as much as it is a desperate attempt by Christie to remain viable. But as a former prosecutor, Christie should know that the wheels of justice spin ever so slowly. We still haven't heard from Bridget Kelly about Bridge Gate, meaning Christie's problems with that are hardly over.
So if Trump is really aiming for the presidency, and wants to reward his Oh so loyal pal, should Christie himself get indicted, maybe the Donald can pay his bail in order to let this ever so noble campaign continue.
13
Cementing himself as “a venal, vindictive political bully” certainly hasn’t hurt Donald Trump; so one might ask why it should meaningfully harm Chris Christie, either. But I know what you mean. I voted twice for Chris Christie and, like a lot of New Jerseyans, wouldn’t vote for him a third time if you paid me serious bucks to do it. Since BridgeGate, what was a mildly entertaining personality emblematic of in-your-face New Jersey has been shown to be downright childish, dangerous and either incompetent and inattentive with subordinates or an actively evil proponent of political mischief. I predicted in 2012, after Mitt Romney’s defeat and when Christie was being lionized as the next challenger to the Republican crown, that there wasn’t a chance – and that was BEFORE I voted for him as NJ governor the second time (largely, like a lot of New Jerseyans, because the alternative was pretty lame).
No doubt, Christie, an energetic go-getter, will find success in the private sector after his term ends, unless Trump wins the nomination and names him Veep. But forget about Transportation Secretary: Trump actually does know how to name competent subordinates, and Christie is manifestly a POLITICAL tool, not a bureaucratic one.
No doubt, Christie, an energetic go-getter, will find success in the private sector after his term ends, unless Trump wins the nomination and names him Veep. But forget about Transportation Secretary: Trump actually does know how to name competent subordinates, and Christie is manifestly a POLITICAL tool, not a bureaucratic one.
4
We lefties here love to hate @Richard.
But we are locked in a mariage de convenance with him. Rather than kick the cat, we can take out our frustrations on Richard by posting replies to his comments, and try in various ways to suggest that Richard does not live on the same planet as we do.
But now Richard has come down to earth and landed smack dab in the middle of "You-got-a-problem-with-that-land?"
And has presented as his bona fides that he voted for Chris Christie twice but wouldn't do it again even if you paid him.
Richard, um, how to say this? You struck out in our estimation the first time around. No second, let alone fantasized third tries in this game.
Not that you may personally need another tunnel into Manhattan. But the region needs it. And Christie's first statesmanlike act was to balance his Republican pledge of tax cuts on the back of a sorely needed piece of regional infrastructure.
That's exactly what suboptimizing Republicans always do, with transportation, health care, tax equity, education, indeed, everything except making it easier to put up more gated communities and ratify institutionalized bribery in the political system.
But thank you, Richard, for not voting for someone whom you already voted for twice, to disastrous effect (even in the parceling out of Sandy relief funds), but who wasn't going to run anyway.
What incredible political astuteness.
But we are locked in a mariage de convenance with him. Rather than kick the cat, we can take out our frustrations on Richard by posting replies to his comments, and try in various ways to suggest that Richard does not live on the same planet as we do.
But now Richard has come down to earth and landed smack dab in the middle of "You-got-a-problem-with-that-land?"
And has presented as his bona fides that he voted for Chris Christie twice but wouldn't do it again even if you paid him.
Richard, um, how to say this? You struck out in our estimation the first time around. No second, let alone fantasized third tries in this game.
Not that you may personally need another tunnel into Manhattan. But the region needs it. And Christie's first statesmanlike act was to balance his Republican pledge of tax cuts on the back of a sorely needed piece of regional infrastructure.
That's exactly what suboptimizing Republicans always do, with transportation, health care, tax equity, education, indeed, everything except making it easier to put up more gated communities and ratify institutionalized bribery in the political system.
But thank you, Richard, for not voting for someone whom you already voted for twice, to disastrous effect (even in the parceling out of Sandy relief funds), but who wasn't going to run anyway.
What incredible political astuteness.
3
You voted for Christie twice -- that says it all about your inability to smell a rat when he comes dressed in GOP clothing.
arbitrot:
Say hello to Paris: I'm still bankrupt from the last time my wife passed through rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. I think what finally did it was Hermés.
Those running in NJ against Christie were total losers, so a lot of people voted for him even recognizing him for a psychotic for fear of the alternative in office.
But I'm happy that I provide you with the basis for a confused rant.
Say hello to Paris: I'm still bankrupt from the last time my wife passed through rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. I think what finally did it was Hermés.
Those running in NJ against Christie were total losers, so a lot of people voted for him even recognizing him for a psychotic for fear of the alternative in office.
But I'm happy that I provide you with the basis for a confused rant.
While Donald Trump represents a significant portion of the Republican party, and the Republican party leadership is simply unwilling to stand up to that significant portion and say 'you're not who we represent,' at least one of the serious, honorable Republican candidates have finally said ‘game on’ and have started to hit back at this guy in a relentless, well aimed, forceful manner.
Kudos to Gov. Kasich - his ad saying Donald Trump isn’t worthy of the presidency was a strong message to the party. The Republican party should embrace and applaud this leadership by Gov. Kasich.
Gov. Kasich is such an honest, straightforward candidate. He speaks his mind on what he believes on all issues, and is also trying to stay above the negativism that the other leading candidate has been doing. He is a true leader. He’s smart as a whip, and has a super record of cutting taxes and costs while working well with both sides of the aisle in both the House and as Governor of Ohio.
Here’s hoping that the nation embraces Gov. Kasich. The nation would be well served if he were elected in 2016. And wouldn't it be fun seeing him in debates with Hillary...
Kudos to Gov. Kasich - his ad saying Donald Trump isn’t worthy of the presidency was a strong message to the party. The Republican party should embrace and applaud this leadership by Gov. Kasich.
Gov. Kasich is such an honest, straightforward candidate. He speaks his mind on what he believes on all issues, and is also trying to stay above the negativism that the other leading candidate has been doing. He is a true leader. He’s smart as a whip, and has a super record of cutting taxes and costs while working well with both sides of the aisle in both the House and as Governor of Ohio.
Here’s hoping that the nation embraces Gov. Kasich. The nation would be well served if he were elected in 2016. And wouldn't it be fun seeing him in debates with Hillary...
18
Why is the call to action always: CUT TAXES. Who doesn't know that when taxes are cut, so to are services. And middle class and poor people down benefit from cutting taxes, rich people do, and they are not sharing the wealth anytime soon with the rest of us. This country continues to sink under the weight of mean-spirited, know-nothing, blabbermouths who simply want to "WIN." This country is finished.
Democrats need to be prepared to not vote for Clinton. Kasich would be a good choice.
1
2
With Christie throwing his weight to Trump to hitch a ride, it truly is two puerile bullies on the playground.
The citizens of New Jersey should certainly initiate a recall if there is not the will or votes to impeach him.
The citizens of New Jersey should certainly initiate a recall if there is not the will or votes to impeach him.
56
"With Christie throwing his weight to Trump to hitch a ride..."
That's a low blow, just because Christie shops in the "husky-boys" department at Macy's, no need to comment on his weight.
That's a low blow, just because Christie shops in the "husky-boys" department at Macy's, no need to comment on his weight.
1
I note the last line of the editorial to be, uncharacteristically, dripping with sarcasm—but rightfully so in this case.
90
Eh. To me it sounded too much like the Trump, Christie and Rubio schoolyard taunts.
I noticed that too. It was inappropriate and will necessarily blunt the force of future New York Times editorials.
1
yeah, I thought that too - the snide kind of comment they were seeming to be opposed to. I sort of hoped it was said with a bit of a giggle to themselves but i would rather do without that from the Editorial Board
Funny, I didn't think Trump would embrace Christie. He must think Chris shook off the cooties he got when he hugged President Obama. Remember that? It was like a second grade boy being teased because he was seen kissing a girl. "Trump and Chris, sitting in a tree. K-I-s-s-I-n-g." I really believe these two morons can get even more immature as the election grows near. Toilet paper Rubio's house? Whoopie cushion on Chris Matthews' seat? I guess it is possible to have all the money and absolutely no class.
77
Trump is the least loyal person in politics.
He sucked up and bribed every politician except Rubio. Every last one of them.
He probably wrote Christie a check to show up. Not his own money however, he used the vets money he stole when he skipped out on the Fox debate.
He sucked up and bribed every politician except Rubio. Every last one of them.
He probably wrote Christie a check to show up. Not his own money however, he used the vets money he stole when he skipped out on the Fox debate.
1
That and his arms aren't long enough.
If Mr. Trump should win the presidency, he might want to consider Mr. Christie for transportation secretary, since he already knows so much about traffic patterns on commuter bridges.
----------------------------------------
Well said, editors, well said. Maybe, Christie is hoping against hope that Trump would make him the chairman of the notorious Trump University and show him how to make millions by cheating the banks and investors in his projects.
It was about time someone called Trump the naked conman he is. I am not a fan of Rubio but I liked his spunk on that debate stage last night. Smooth performance, Elian Gonzalez, smooth.
----------------------------------------
Well said, editors, well said. Maybe, Christie is hoping against hope that Trump would make him the chairman of the notorious Trump University and show him how to make millions by cheating the banks and investors in his projects.
It was about time someone called Trump the naked conman he is. I am not a fan of Rubio but I liked his spunk on that debate stage last night. Smooth performance, Elian Gonzalez, smooth.
22
Your letter is delicious.
Rubio ended his 2016 campaign today in Dallas.
So much for the GOP establishment "anti-Trump" candidate.
The hilarious irony of Rubio's childish tirade?
His mentor Jeb! flamed out the exact same way, and Rubio is following Jeb right over the cliff.
So much for the GOP establishment "anti-Trump" candidate.
The hilarious irony of Rubio's childish tirade?
His mentor Jeb! flamed out the exact same way, and Rubio is following Jeb right over the cliff.
1
Perhaps some of us are feeling passionate about these presidential elections, worried, concerned, confused or neutral? Perhaps I should always read the comments of my fellow Americans first, before inserting my own opinion? Unless I go Irish and believe my late father is haunting me with his indignation for this State of Affairs that is tearing our Country apart, I have to wonder why I do not shrug my shoulders and walk away.
What if I were to say that we are not ready for a new President? This has been my thought before the beginning but unfortunately this does not suit the Constitution and we are now in scrambled eggs. There are tons of Americans out on the street, unemployed, homeless and suffering.
Make American Great Again? How about 'Save America Now' while we continue these so-called presidential elections?
What if I were to say that we are not ready for a new President? This has been my thought before the beginning but unfortunately this does not suit the Constitution and we are now in scrambled eggs. There are tons of Americans out on the street, unemployed, homeless and suffering.
Make American Great Again? How about 'Save America Now' while we continue these so-called presidential elections?
20
The two-term limitation is not quite "Constitutional." Certainly, the Founding Fathers never contemplated such a limitation. Justice Scalia must be spinning in his grave at such a thought.
Chris Christie is done in Jersey; I don't think anyone can successfully claim otherwise. He's been mostly an absentee governor (bathing in the soiled waters he splashes on Marco Rubio) and his denials about the GWB cannot be taken seriously. So, by putting his shoulder and the prestige (I know, I know) of his office behind Donald Trump now, Christie Bogarts the inside track for attorney general in a (gulp!) Trump administration. It's a clever move; Christie plays the front-runner and holds Rubio to continued ridicule on the trail. The unsavory Christie is, at any rate, street savvy and has more chips that he can cash; all Rubio has is billionaire sugar daddy Norman Braman. But if Rubio is nice and Trump wins in November, The Donald might toss Rubio a bone and post him to Outer Mongolia's capital, Ulan Bator. That'll do.
9
Or we could use a new Ambassador to Cuba, to negotiate with the Castros....
One more bone to toss for the Donald: Sen. Cruz as ambassador to Iran or special ambassador to North Korea, Cuba, or any place halfway around the world where we need to send a representative to a "Truth and reconciliation" effort. He is not absent from the Senate as much as many of us in Texas wish, and it is the only faint benefit to his continued great CC revival and snake-oil testimonial tour.
Trumps ability to "make great deals" is a perfect match for Chris Christie's governing style. Rant, rave, insult and bully, until the other person can't stand to listen to you any longer. Turn up the volume until your opponent's ear drums dissolve to dust. I've never heard so many lifelong republican friends and relatives tell me they may not even bother voting this fall. Does Christie's endorsement of "The Donald" really expand support from traditional party loyalists or will it only cement a significant degree of conscious opposition come November? A short term master of misdirection, Trump's Chris Christie bromance has certainly succeed in hijacking the "Republican Express" back from a brief moment of establishment media control. Win or loose come November, it will still all likely result in the greatest political train-wreck ever.
22
Now I'm being serious...................
I take great offense at Trumps slogan; "Make America Great Again".
That insults us all.
America always was not only great, but the greatest, and anyone who thinks it will be made great again, inferring that it was not is a very poor leader.
To infer America is not now great is to see the man for what he is; a blowhard.
I take great offense at Trumps slogan; "Make America Great Again".
That insults us all.
America always was not only great, but the greatest, and anyone who thinks it will be made great again, inferring that it was not is a very poor leader.
To infer America is not now great is to see the man for what he is; a blowhard.
26
Imply
Yes, but it's a supersonic dog whistle to the base. What they hear is "Make America White Again".
It's a call to the America of "Father Knows Best" and "Leave it to Beaver. You know, a country that never existed but somehow we lost.
It's a call to the America of "Father Knows Best" and "Leave it to Beaver. You know, a country that never existed but somehow we lost.
1
Christie's endorsement is so transparent. He's cozying up to Trump because he wants to be his VP or AG. He must have a short memory because there is abundant recent video of Christie clearly denouncing the man he's now endorsing as being totally unfit to be president. Christie knows he has worn out his welcome in NJ, but does he really think he has credibility in endorsing a man he recently trashed?
14
You are assuming that politicians have memories; or worse, that the American public has memories of what politicians are promising or saying.
Beautiful! So many choice lines that it's hard to pick out best ones, but I love how y'all note that Christie's endorsement will cement his reputation as "a venal, vindictive political bully"! I also liked "sweaty embrace." Slashing, indeed! Thank you. Too many journalists have watched this campaign as if it is entertaining. It isn't. It's scary. Thank you for keeping the heat on.
35
What a circus.............a ringleader and a stout clown.
Oh, is there a camera there?
Oh, is there a camera there?
16
And living here in Maine, it's no surprise that Governor LePage has joined in.
My money's on Scott Walker next.
My money's on Scott Walker next.
18
Look at that picture. Life imitates art - in this case, caricature.
I can't wait for all this to be history. One day my kid(s) (I'm still a kid myself) will look back on this race and its republican hopefuls and marvel at the unapologetic lack of substance, the showmanship, bullying, fear-mongering, ignorance and bigotry - and, above all, the futility.
The Trump's and Christie's and Rubio's and GOP Congressmen of the political world - along with the angry, aging, spiritually- and civilly-misled constituents to which they endlessly pander - represent the last dying, desperate gasps of a ideologically-stretched, splintered and about-to-burst political ethos: American conservatism. The ongoing show (of which this endorsement is another joyful, wacky scene) is the last, hateful symptom of a terminally ill patient.
So when my kid(s) read their history books (tablets?), they'll note the toxicity and insanity, but they'll be comforted by its finality. And they'll rejoice at the years of Democratic leadership that followed.
I can't wait for all this to be history. One day my kid(s) (I'm still a kid myself) will look back on this race and its republican hopefuls and marvel at the unapologetic lack of substance, the showmanship, bullying, fear-mongering, ignorance and bigotry - and, above all, the futility.
The Trump's and Christie's and Rubio's and GOP Congressmen of the political world - along with the angry, aging, spiritually- and civilly-misled constituents to which they endlessly pander - represent the last dying, desperate gasps of a ideologically-stretched, splintered and about-to-burst political ethos: American conservatism. The ongoing show (of which this endorsement is another joyful, wacky scene) is the last, hateful symptom of a terminally ill patient.
So when my kid(s) read their history books (tablets?), they'll note the toxicity and insanity, but they'll be comforted by its finality. And they'll rejoice at the years of Democratic leadership that followed.
78
One can only hope and more importantly vote. A small Democratic/Independent turnout in November in response to this freak show would be a huge dereliction of civil duty. KA
I would agree completely except for one disturbing little item; George W. Bush
I was raised in a politically attuned family, and as a 12 year old, I was terribly upset when Richard Nixon was elected president. As a third year, 24 year old law student in 1980, I was similarly upset when Ronald Reagan was elected president. As a 44 year old married father of two boys and a practicing attorney, I was aghast when George W. Bush was "appointed" president by the Supreme Court in 2000. But these past presidents, one forced to resign, one seemingly out of touch during his second term, and one who fabricated WMD in order to invade Iraq thereby unleashing 13 years of horror across the Middle East while presiding over a financial meltdown in 2008, are "titans" when compared to Donald Trump, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz. As a soon to be 60 year old by the time of the November election, I may well be on my way out of the USA. It will be that bad. I'm no fan of Hillary Clinton, and prefer Bernie Sanders, but she may be our only hope to keep the presidency from totally irresponsible and incapable charlatans.
396
That's assuming that Hillary is not a totally irresponsible and incapable charlatan. So far, she has all the earmarks of being one. Bernie is our only hope (and it's fading fast.)
1
I'm to going to Ushuia, Argentina, all aboard!
1
Yes, Marty, I agree except I'm a staunch supporter of the first woman in 240 years who is the most qualified candidate with the most political capital to be OUR next President of the United States - Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton. We should be grateful she is willing to take all the garbage that is being thrown at her to serve us. She is a true woman of courage and power.
1
Anyone who's taken 30 minutes to research Christie's trajectory over the last decade and a half- from his dubious "lobbying" days to his expulsion from the Morris County Republican party in 1998 for his slanderous lies and disgraceful public behavior to his days as a bagman for Karl Rove knows full well that Christie is "a venal, vindictive political bully." He's also the most corrupt and incompetent governor in New Jersey's history and has been since the day he took office. Even the most casual observer of his behavior has known that since day one.
The disturbing fact is that it's taken the NYT almost over a decade to figure out what's been "hiding" in plain sight right under its collective nose.
Year after year after year, all you'd see in the pages of the NYT regarding Christie was one puff piece after another: Christie the bipartisan compromiser, Christie the model father and husband, Christie the Jersey Shore enthusiast, Christie the Springsteen fan, Christie the Dallas Cowboy fan, Christie the heroic warrior against unions, Christie the no-nonsense straight talker, Christie the compassionate, Christie the celebrity mixer, Christie the TV personality and on and on and on....
Please spare us your long overdue righteous indignation, NYT, you're a little late to the party.
The disturbing fact is that it's taken the NYT almost over a decade to figure out what's been "hiding" in plain sight right under its collective nose.
Year after year after year, all you'd see in the pages of the NYT regarding Christie was one puff piece after another: Christie the bipartisan compromiser, Christie the model father and husband, Christie the Jersey Shore enthusiast, Christie the Springsteen fan, Christie the Dallas Cowboy fan, Christie the heroic warrior against unions, Christie the no-nonsense straight talker, Christie the compassionate, Christie the celebrity mixer, Christie the TV personality and on and on and on....
Please spare us your long overdue righteous indignation, NYT, you're a little late to the party.
201
All countries have their share of buffoons in office. But that someone like Christie has made it as far as he has, having the enormous responsibility he has, suggests the system is iredeemably corrupt. I feel sorry for the thoughtful and good Americans who suffer these types of politicians. It's a tragedy!
Truer words have not been written, now Trump is getting another version of press amnesia/personality worship/avoidance/dare I say, cowardice. Trump, the moralizer, is aghast that Vicente Fox (former president of Mexico) used the f word when responding to the his plan to have Mexico pay for a fence between our countries. Why poor Maria Bartoromo of Fox Business was shocked, I tell you shocked at such language. Perhaps Maria should have watched the Bill Mayer Show last night which had numerous clips of "the Donald" using that word and worse repeatedly at his rallies.
Absolutely true. Christie has been a nightmare for our state well before he took office and chose as his first action to berate our teachers, those fine hardworking women and men who, year after year, make our public schools among the finest in the nation. All for his own political gain, now and always.
I write this as the standing room only NJTransit train that I am on inches toward NYC, as the one track in the tunnel switches back and forth between a long line of trains. Had Christie not cancelled our ARCtunnel, once again to advance his political career, our commuting nightmares would have been over in a year or two. Now? Who knows?
I'm hoping that his former colleagues in the GWBridge case sing luke canaries...
I write this as the standing room only NJTransit train that I am on inches toward NYC, as the one track in the tunnel switches back and forth between a long line of trains. Had Christie not cancelled our ARCtunnel, once again to advance his political career, our commuting nightmares would have been over in a year or two. Now? Who knows?
I'm hoping that his former colleagues in the GWBridge case sing luke canaries...
"Say anything in the service of his ambition"
Is the New York Times bashing him for this?
Could we not say the same She will say anything in the service of her ambition.
Is this a double standard?
Also why is the New York Times the only paper that did not run the story about the black protester calling out Hillary Clinton on her horrible remarks toward African American youth. If that had been Bernie saying those things it would've been a front-page story.
Hillary Clinton uses black people the way the right-wingers use evangelicals. I hope they wake up in time.
Is the New York Times bashing him for this?
Could we not say the same She will say anything in the service of her ambition.
Is this a double standard?
Also why is the New York Times the only paper that did not run the story about the black protester calling out Hillary Clinton on her horrible remarks toward African American youth. If that had been Bernie saying those things it would've been a front-page story.
Hillary Clinton uses black people the way the right-wingers use evangelicals. I hope they wake up in time.
22
So look at it this way.
Trump has gained endorsements from ex-governor Sarah Palin of Alaska and now from Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey.
Will ex-governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana be next?
Or ex-governor Rick Perry of Texas?
Or ex-Congresswoman Michelle Bachman of Minnesota?
Or ex-mayor of NYC -- and renounced presidential aspirant left over from prior election cycles -- Rudolph Giuliani?
Palin and Christie should not inspire much confidence.
The former resigned before completing her term.
The latter bolted from New Jersey for the bright lights of presidential nominating politics until his campaign failed. Even after returning home to Trenton, we suddenly find Governor Christie showing up in Texas.
(BTW, citizens of New Jersey may feel themselves relieved -- however briefly -- to find Governor Christie has escaped its borders once again.)
I wonder how genuine "mainstream" Republicans view these ersatz endorsements.
What would Senator Rob Portman of Ohio or Senator Susan Collins of Maine or Senator Jeff Flake would have to say? (BTW, have I exhausted my "mainstream" roster?)
Would the Palin and Christie endorsements -- perish the very thought -- ultimately translate into Cabinet nominations by a President-elect Trump?
Could they gain confirmation by the Senate?
Perhaps Palin as Health and Human Services (a disaster) or Christie at Homeland Security (loathsome)?
What will happen next in the Trump campaign?
Fastening your seatbelts is advised.
Trump has gained endorsements from ex-governor Sarah Palin of Alaska and now from Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey.
Will ex-governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana be next?
Or ex-governor Rick Perry of Texas?
Or ex-Congresswoman Michelle Bachman of Minnesota?
Or ex-mayor of NYC -- and renounced presidential aspirant left over from prior election cycles -- Rudolph Giuliani?
Palin and Christie should not inspire much confidence.
The former resigned before completing her term.
The latter bolted from New Jersey for the bright lights of presidential nominating politics until his campaign failed. Even after returning home to Trenton, we suddenly find Governor Christie showing up in Texas.
(BTW, citizens of New Jersey may feel themselves relieved -- however briefly -- to find Governor Christie has escaped its borders once again.)
I wonder how genuine "mainstream" Republicans view these ersatz endorsements.
What would Senator Rob Portman of Ohio or Senator Susan Collins of Maine or Senator Jeff Flake would have to say? (BTW, have I exhausted my "mainstream" roster?)
Would the Palin and Christie endorsements -- perish the very thought -- ultimately translate into Cabinet nominations by a President-elect Trump?
Could they gain confirmation by the Senate?
Perhaps Palin as Health and Human Services (a disaster) or Christie at Homeland Security (loathsome)?
What will happen next in the Trump campaign?
Fastening your seatbelts is advised.
14
Yes, Trump has certainly latched on to endorsements from the Intellectuals within the Republican Party.
1
Very well said.
I'm waiting for some prominent Republican figure to save his or her personal dignity and respect, come out of the closet and deny this mortifying charade. How long will they let this go on??? I know they have not blinked at the immense damage they have done to this country up to this point, but surely, surely there must be someone who will put country first and do the honorable thing. Is there anyone in that group who has the courage to stand up and say this is not who we are???
Anyone?
I'm waiting for some prominent Republican figure to save his or her personal dignity and respect, come out of the closet and deny this mortifying charade. How long will they let this go on??? I know they have not blinked at the immense damage they have done to this country up to this point, but surely, surely there must be someone who will put country first and do the honorable thing. Is there anyone in that group who has the courage to stand up and say this is not who we are???
Anyone?
From Christie's point of view, what's not to like. Both have big guts that hang over their belts, both bully and ridicule at the drop of a hat, both scapegoat, both have very little regard for the intelligence of that portion of the electorate that can't easily be bowled over. Both would collapse in a sweaty heap of self regard if they were to confront each other in a bar fight. After all, bar fights are how real men govern, none of this weak. namby pamby understanding of the human needs of a populace bologna. It's 24/7 shut 'em down and show 'em who's the boss!
8
Memo to Donald Trump:
If you should win the nomination, it might not be a good idea to ask Christie to put your name before the convention. Romney asked Christie to place his name in nomination in 2012, and the big guy used the speech to praise himself, barely mentioning the official nominee. I know you're modest and don't like to see your name plastered everywhere, but it might be a good idea, just the same, to ask Marco Rubio to do the honors. He'll know just what to say.
If you should win the nomination, it might not be a good idea to ask Christie to put your name before the convention. Romney asked Christie to place his name in nomination in 2012, and the big guy used the speech to praise himself, barely mentioning the official nominee. I know you're modest and don't like to see your name plastered everywhere, but it might be a good idea, just the same, to ask Marco Rubio to do the honors. He'll know just what to say.
5
It was reported that several otherwise supportive GOP state legislators voted against same sex marriage, because they were afraid of offending Gov Christie. So now, a man well known for being unforgiving in breaches in party discipline, endorses the anti-establishment candidate?
It would be nice if the boss would hold himself to the same standard.
It would be nice if the boss would hold himself to the same standard.
4
Careful there, NYT. He's after our freedom of speech now. Oh, America.
3
So Chris Christie is putting his full weight behind the Trump presidential bid in the hope of becoming Transportation Secretary and in the light of Republican pledges to cut government spending shutting down all bridges and tunnels in Blue states?
13
It has been 7 years since GWB left office. Now we are told Mr. Rubio is the Republican Party's "establishment" candidate and they are doing everything they can to prop him up. I guess they haven't learned much. Rubio would be worse than GWB, a lot worse. Can you imagine him with Putin? Negotiating with the Arabs and Iranians? And God forbid as Commander-in-Chief in a major crisis? If you think he sweats a lot in these debate mock contests, how do think he'll do when the big show starts for real? No, don't think about it. Either Trump or Christie would be a better choice.
7
Anybody would be a better choice. Even (shudder) another Clinton.
Oh yeah, Trump would be HUGE, since he has sooo much foreign policy experience. And his love for Putin~makes him that much more credible.
GWB, George W. Bush or George Washington bridge?
I think you're a bit late in suggesting that Chris Christie hasn't already cemented a "national reputation as a venal, vindictive political bully." What he's really doing is auditioning for either Vice-President or perhaps Attorney General in a Trump administration. Or maybe just a pardon if the feds ever catch him in the "bridgegate"or other shenanigans. In the meantime, Christie clearly has Marco Rubio's "I, Robot" number and is the perfect capo for Trump to take him down without having to play the bully himself.
1
Trump & Christi: What a dream team! NYC & NJ. This brings together the biggest "Bailout Queens." (Bail me out because I had a storm, because I was attacked, because I mismanaged NYC finances, because I had another storm, etc,etc.) Now with the "Master of Bankruptcy" running for Prez, What more could go wrong? (Sorrry New Yorkers & NJ, but that is the way it looks from the other end of the country!)
1
Please ignore the reference to the attack bailout. I stand behind the rest. Thx
1
Hey NYTimes, stay above the fray, please. Your lame obvious joke about Christie as transportation secretary was dipping too far down to the playground-taunt level.
1
Hey, it's the Republican primary. Playground taunts are what it's all about.
How appropriate that Christie, whose personal ambitions have always “trumped” the well-being of the people of NJ, would leech himself to the front-runner in his obsessive quest for power.
3
Hasn't broken 45% yet. Mostly in 30s, even with 12 opponents dropping out. Landslide? Where?
The landslide is the number of competitors giving up. Soon there will be none left. Rubio or Cruz? Next to them, Trump looks like George Washington. The only sane one of the lot is Kasich, and the Republican electorate doesn't want to vote for him.
Sad to see even the Ed Board of the Grey Lady brimming with vitriol and insults. I completely agree with the sentiments, but would have preferred a more civil tone.
4
Trump is supported by Christie and the head of the Ku Klux Klan. That says it all.
2
I see why they both want to cut Rubio down to size, but Trump partnering with Christie is a bridge too far.
5
Christie obviously is looking for a job; most likely apartment sales manager in Nevada.
3
And it's marvelous to see that Rubio has taken a page from the playbook of Trump and is now reducing his own campaign to cheap shots and discussions of Trump peeing his pants. THIS is the GOP?
16
To quote Frank Zappa, "Do you love it? Do you hate it? There it is the way you made it. Wow!"
How utterly despicable and hateful the Republican Party has become. This is no longer a party, it's a horror show. It's gotten so bad you can't let your children watch these "debates" for fear of the damage it will cause them, something that is suppose to be an important and cherished cornerstone of our democracy. What type of government shall they inherit? How much longer will we allow this scary gang of bullys threaten our core principles? When will the American people turn their backs in disgust, and finally reach back out to each and begin to repair the grevious damage done?
25
How exceptional this side show makes America look, indeed.
17
You do not want to know.
Christie for AG? Yes- Makes sense. Christie for SCOTUS? Oh Please! The last thing that guy needs is to be sitting on a judicial bench all day!
1
spot ON
2
After hearing them debate, frankly I don't care, who among these 3, gets GOP nomination.
I don't know a lot about GOP manifesto or about conservatism but I can guess it will all converge to "Good guys finish last"! John Kasich looks to be, by far, the most genuine and able person on GOP stage but he is in GOP, he will finish last!
I don't know a lot about GOP manifesto or about conservatism but I can guess it will all converge to "Good guys finish last"! John Kasich looks to be, by far, the most genuine and able person on GOP stage but he is in GOP, he will finish last!
Classless and clueless.
8
Which is which?
Hey! Just for fun. Did you notice in the photo that Trump appears to have a tanned face with raccoon eyes and a white hand? Must be a budget tanning salon.
5
This is the Republican version of the Odd Couple's Oscar and Felix.
3
Christie wants to be the Attorney General in Trump administration. LOL.
9
Secretary of Transportation ... for sure.
Welcome to "National Lampoon's Republican Primary", playing at a theater near you.
18
Excellent editorial Christie's comments today ring hollow and I think anyone would take it with a very large grain of salt. Considering his girth it would have to be big
To mock Trump and then suddenly call him a good friend? Really? What a metamorphosis. Almost overnight. And I can't believe anyone sees one sincere word being uttered by either one. That's asking far too much
Christie is not an ideologue in the strictest sense. He is an opportunist. He's sees a change to get revenge at Rubio and in turn angle himself for a possible Attorney General appointment or something similar in nature, like White House counsel.
Christie's childish comments about Rubio smack of being a sore loser. Instead fo being gracious in defeat he throws brarbs. I just hope Rubio returns the favor when Christie runs for reelection. There is nothing so sweet as revenge
To mock Trump and then suddenly call him a good friend? Really? What a metamorphosis. Almost overnight. And I can't believe anyone sees one sincere word being uttered by either one. That's asking far too much
Christie is not an ideologue in the strictest sense. He is an opportunist. He's sees a change to get revenge at Rubio and in turn angle himself for a possible Attorney General appointment or something similar in nature, like White House counsel.
Christie's childish comments about Rubio smack of being a sore loser. Instead fo being gracious in defeat he throws brarbs. I just hope Rubio returns the favor when Christie runs for reelection. There is nothing so sweet as revenge
3
Thank heavens that he can't run for reelection! He's done enough damage already.
4
Amazing what the love of power and money will breed.
4
Ya' know what? I don't want us attacked and if any of this crop of Republican bullies wins the Presidency, I anticipate we will be.
10
Oh, please, NYT. Stop acting surprised and shocked. This was predicted and foreseen. It's not any less horrible but it's not exactly newsworthy.
1
Heinous politics and deviant personalities aside, how could anyone consider voting for an obese or pancaked comb-over for president! What a disgusting alliance of truly horrible men.
16
And you haven't even got around to mentioning the two Cuban amigos....
What a circus. I'm a Republican but I'll vote for Hillary before I vote for these clowns.
278
Good. I hope more and more Republicans come to the same conclusion.
1
Why vote at all?
1
Congratulations Michael, your one of the first (a few) with the courage to admit it.
Just wait til Rubio and Cruz team up together and we can have tennis doubles.
10
It is not out of the question that Christie, limited by his two-term governorship, is looking for another job, perhaps a position in a Trump White House cabinet. Insider deal-making is what these two guys live for, and one good turn deserves another.
Given Christie's proved talent for sabotaging and subverting funds for a desperately needed new tunnel between NYC and New Jersey not to mention that little George Washington Bridge caper, I suggest he be appointed as Secretary of Transportation.
Given Christie's proved talent for sabotaging and subverting funds for a desperately needed new tunnel between NYC and New Jersey not to mention that little George Washington Bridge caper, I suggest he be appointed as Secretary of Transportation.
3
Very, very disturbing that the governor of a racially and ethnically diverse state like New Jersey is supporting a candidate endorsed by the KKK. Am I the only one who is scared?
14
There is no point in being scared of that you can't control. The peasants are out with their torches and pitchforks, and there's nobody left to counter them. Relax and enjoy the bonfire.
Some people think Gov. Christie is hoping to be Mr. Trump's vice president. What a balanced ticket that would be! About as balanced as an overturned lifeboat in the middle of the ocean.
But then everybody is admiring how clever Trump is not to play by the conventional political rules. He certainly is playing a "different game." But some people play chess and other people play Calvinball.
But then everybody is admiring how clever Trump is not to play by the conventional political rules. He certainly is playing a "different game." But some people play chess and other people play Calvinball.
2
Or Wiffleball!
what does Christie bring? A NYC area presence -- just like Donald. Nasty vicious attack dog skills == just like Trump. Despised by a majority of Americans -- just like Trump. A Down and Chris ticket would be like twins -- one aging with dyed hair and too much bronzer, one fat and jowly.
Creepy.
and for everyone raving over Trump -- he has totally undying support from . . . . , .A third of GOP who represent about a third of the U.S. voters. That's NOT momentum or a winner. So now he pairs with CHRISTIE who staked it all on New Hampshire, where he got beat by Kasich and had to quit.
what a pair of losers pretending to matter.
Creepy.
and for everyone raving over Trump -- he has totally undying support from . . . . , .A third of GOP who represent about a third of the U.S. voters. That's NOT momentum or a winner. So now he pairs with CHRISTIE who staked it all on New Hampshire, where he got beat by Kasich and had to quit.
what a pair of losers pretending to matter.
10
Anyone notice that New York, with Trump, Clinton and Sanders (of the Brooklyn Sanders's) has taken over American politics?
Nothing new about that, in case you haven't noticed.
This event prompts a couple of thoughts. One, Gov. Christie really, really wants to keep his name in the headlines; and, B) Does this mean Christie can look forward to a Cabinet spot in the event Trump becomes president? OK, one more thought, a kind of experiment: imagine Chris Christie as our new secretary of state.
9
When asked if he were seeking a position in Trump's administration, Christie replied " I'll close that bridge when I get to it'.
231
Chris Christie: The incredible shrinking man.
1
Mr. Christy can't be Transportation Secretary. Mr. Trump will most likely eliminate the Dept. of Transportation, no?
3
My father once said, "When you argue with a fool, you have 2 fools arguing."
Unfortunately, that debate showed us 3 fools arguing with another named Christie added today.
Any damage done to America's image worldwide has come from this republican clown act. Would love to know what ISIS thinks of it all.
Unfortunately, that debate showed us 3 fools arguing with another named Christie added today.
Any damage done to America's image worldwide has come from this republican clown act. Would love to know what ISIS thinks of it all.
8
Like all sane people, they are laughing their butts off.
Trump/Christie 2016: Tweedledee and Tweedledum afflicted with 'roid rage, making America Great Again!
14
Trump keeps telling us about "deals."
Well, a deal was just made.
We don't yet know what he gave Christie, but we see what Christie gave Trump. I doubt VP, because of ticket balance issues, but he's got something much like Obama gave Hillary. Remember the boasted of Team of Rivals? Something like that is this deal.
Well, a deal was just made.
We don't yet know what he gave Christie, but we see what Christie gave Trump. I doubt VP, because of ticket balance issues, but he's got something much like Obama gave Hillary. Remember the boasted of Team of Rivals? Something like that is this deal.
5
Mark,
Just you watch... This'll turn into a double deal. Christie isn't even vaguely in Trump's league. He's just a convenient tool, for now.
Just you watch... This'll turn into a double deal. Christie isn't even vaguely in Trump's league. He's just a convenient tool, for now.
3
Trump never went bankrupt himself, despite stories. He put his business partners into bankruptcy, and walked away with the money himself. If Christie gets the same treatment, I wouldn't be surprised nor displeased.
I've been surprised that the attacks on Trump have been so lame. They don't point out what he actually did, just a lazy label of something that didn't exactly happen. He hasn't gone bankrupt four times, he's wiped out the people who trusted him four times, and kept the money. Why isn't that the story?
I've been surprised that the attacks on Trump have been so lame. They don't point out what he actually did, just a lazy label of something that didn't exactly happen. He hasn't gone bankrupt four times, he's wiped out the people who trusted him four times, and kept the money. Why isn't that the story?
18
Mark,
Why? Because some people are too cowardly to go after someone they *know* will sue them. I've been watching the air-headed coverage of Trump with amazement. He's not crazy. He knows exactly what he's doing. It makes me really sad that the public's attention isn't being drawn to what the other plutocrats may do and what the consequences may well be.
See my new piece. Please, since you are an attorney, do tell me what you think. http://www.rimaregas.com/2016/02/finding-sobriety-in-2016-sanders-clinto...
Why? Because some people are too cowardly to go after someone they *know* will sue them. I've been watching the air-headed coverage of Trump with amazement. He's not crazy. He knows exactly what he's doing. It makes me really sad that the public's attention isn't being drawn to what the other plutocrats may do and what the consequences may well be.
See my new piece. Please, since you are an attorney, do tell me what you think. http://www.rimaregas.com/2016/02/finding-sobriety-in-2016-sanders-clinto...
3
And you thought Christi couldn't embarrass himself more
18
On a scale of 100, my respect for Christie went from 0 to 2 after he exposed Rubio, but after this glowing endorsement of Trump, it's gone back to where it always belonged: zero.
30
What a pair. Do they play Monopoly at night and trade Atlantic City back and forth?
9
It's great that Christie thinks so much of his responsibilities as the Governor of New Jersey that he couldn't wait to get back on the campaign trail, albeit as a shill for Trump rather than a candidate. He's essentially abdicated. It would be decent of him to resign - it's abundantly clear that he thinks his present job is beneath him, which may explain in part why he's such an abject failure as a governor. Decency, however, is not an attribute that Christie possesses. Neither does Trump. Nor are they possessed of a sense of irony; Trump referred to Christie as a "spectacular" governor. Please, Mr. Trump: give me some examples of the spectacular-ness of Chris Christie. I've got one: his hubris. Now there's a common trait.
This is becoming more surreal by the minute.
This is becoming more surreal by the minute.
36
yes, he should do a sarah palin.
Why would Chrystie resign? He's still being paid while doing nothing as governor.
No, Christie is just bored with life in New Jersey after being "on stage" for such a long time.
He wants a reason to get back on the campaign trail and travel -- luxuriously -- on someone else's dime.
He wants a reason to get back on the campaign trail and travel -- luxuriously -- on someone else's dime.
14
Clowns galore! What a circus. On the world stage americans are starting to look really stupid.
19
What do you mean, "look"?
1
"Starting"?
1
Fear this: Chris Christie, appointed by The President Donald, as the successor to Antonin Scalia on SCOTUS.
One would have thought it'd be a long slog to continue the disgraceful Scalia legacy into the next generation ... but voila! there he was, CC, right there on a bridge in Jersey.
This couldn't happen in America in the 21st century ... It's a bad dream. Wake me up. right? right?
One would have thought it'd be a long slog to continue the disgraceful Scalia legacy into the next generation ... but voila! there he was, CC, right there on a bridge in Jersey.
This couldn't happen in America in the 21st century ... It's a bad dream. Wake me up. right? right?
14
I didn't think the GOP circus this year could get any better than 2012 but it already has and yuuuuugely!
5
Donald sure did Duck a lot of questions at the debate - e.g., his health care plan et al.
2
When asked if he was interested in becoming a member of Trump's cabinet, possibly as Attorney General ,Governor Christie replied, "I'll close that bridge when I come to it."
25
I thought my opinion of Mr. Christie couldn't get any lower. I stand corrected.
15
Well, it seems appropriate that the master of bridge gridlock joins forces with the presumptive head of the party of political gridlock.
4
This could be helpful, Christie would roll on the floor for Trump.
1
Pretty simple really. Christie wants to be Trump's VP pick.
3
I think it's AG or Homeland Security. Christie as VP candidate doesn't help the ticket.
Ouch! It seems that the Times editorial writers have channeled the bully boys...
2
I thought my worries about Christie were over, but now it seems he might be appointed US Attorney General. If this happens, he'll go after all states that have legalized marijuana, recreational and medical. He fought against MM to the point that parents of children who suffered horrible, life-threatening epileptic seizures hundreds of times a day, had to travel out of NJ to obtain it. Hopefully, Trump has more compassion than his new bro and will be able to rein him in completely.
4
Sad evil little men. In the fullness of time "much ado about nothing."
3
Christie would make a deal with the devil if he thought it would benefit him. Actually, he probably did. Let's hope it is the coup de grace for both.
15
I hear that Christie extracted the promise from Trump that he would be named the President of Trump University on day one.
6
I was all prepared to come into this thread to kick a little dirt and sell a little snark.
But, low and behold, The Times Editorial Board beat me to it.
Stop stealing our material! You're supposed to the straight men!
But, seriously, I guess that it's too hard to resist a little snark when talking about these two. If only the American people were of the same mind - for I fear that we're looking a plausible Republican ticket in 2016, and given the American mood, perhaps even a winning ticket.
Even though Christie's stock has clearly fallen in the Jersey that knows him best, I fear that the American people have yet to catch on - and that Christie could confer on Trump an undeserved respectability come November. And what a combative pair they would make. Imagine electing Spiro Agnew as both President and Vice President. And that parallel could prove more prescient than anyone imagines - inasmuch as Agnew ended up serving time, and if Trump is elected and carries through with his threat to violate the Geneva Convention, he will more than deserve to land in prison once the American people come to their senses, and tell him "he's fired".
But, low and behold, The Times Editorial Board beat me to it.
Stop stealing our material! You're supposed to the straight men!
But, seriously, I guess that it's too hard to resist a little snark when talking about these two. If only the American people were of the same mind - for I fear that we're looking a plausible Republican ticket in 2016, and given the American mood, perhaps even a winning ticket.
Even though Christie's stock has clearly fallen in the Jersey that knows him best, I fear that the American people have yet to catch on - and that Christie could confer on Trump an undeserved respectability come November. And what a combative pair they would make. Imagine electing Spiro Agnew as both President and Vice President. And that parallel could prove more prescient than anyone imagines - inasmuch as Agnew ended up serving time, and if Trump is elected and carries through with his threat to violate the Geneva Convention, he will more than deserve to land in prison once the American people come to their senses, and tell him "he's fired".
19
Land in prison for violating the Geneva Convention? Has Bush or anyone in his administration done that?
1
Mr. Trump will have one important factor in his favor when he becomes President.
No reasonable person is expecting anything good to emanate from him. So if and when he ever does succeed in doing something good and important, it will come as an altogether unexpected surprise to most everyone in the world. Not that I’m predicting it will happen.
No reasonable person is expecting anything good to emanate from him. So if and when he ever does succeed in doing something good and important, it will come as an altogether unexpected surprise to most everyone in the world. Not that I’m predicting it will happen.
2
Not in his DNA.
How can a sitting governor take up the mantle of attack dog for a political candidate? The people of New Jersey should demand he step down.
29
Listening to the candidates this year is auditory cruel and unusual punishment. Trump and Clinton will both leave me no other option than to mute them when they speak. I won't be missing anything because they are both predictable as a replay of a song you have heard a thousand times before. Did I say boring?
7
As a NJ voter I wish we could send Christie into private life now and not wait 2 years. Much of the state wishes the same.
21
It is time for the Republican establishment to get a court restraint order against these duo bullies otherwise they will tear down not just Republican party but the country also. On the second thought, forget about it because there is no difference between the Trump duo and establishment. God bless America.
Kindly explain why God should bless America.
birds of a feather, eh, lads
They could make a fortune by re-doing the Bob Hope-Bing Crosby Road to Morocco, Rio, etc. movies.
Sarah Palin could play the Dorothy Lamour role.
Sarah Palin could play the Dorothy Lamour role.
2
Ulterior motive? Vice President on Trump ticket. With these two campaigning together the Dandelion seeds will reach Mars!!!!
1
Don't think it will carry much weight.
14
The Times editorial board makes no bones about being anti-Trump, and Christie for that matter, but the polls indicate this political juggernaut is on a tear no matter what the Times says.
This juggernaut is off to Super Tuesday leading in enough polls to pretty much wrap up the nomination. As we continue down the rabbit hole, we are about to see just how flexible our republic can be. "President Trump" is a distinct possibility.
This juggernaut is off to Super Tuesday leading in enough polls to pretty much wrap up the nomination. As we continue down the rabbit hole, we are about to see just how flexible our republic can be. "President Trump" is a distinct possibility.
5
The one thing I am looking forward to in this unholy alliance is the exposé of Marco Rubio. From the recent debate in Texas it's obvious that, although a thug, Trump is not quick-witted enough to deal with the yapping poodle that is Rubio. Christie, as he did in New Hamshire, will bring his steely, prosecutorial calm to the undressing of cardboard cut-out Rubio. It's going to be glorious.
9
"They [Trump and Christie} lost no time about it on Friday, spinning up a medley of playground insults toward the Florida senator."
Not even. Kids in the playground have more dignity than these two. At least the kids I know.
Not even. Kids in the playground have more dignity than these two. At least the kids I know.
3
These editorials are sometimes way too self-satisfied for their own good, but this one...? Touche!
1
When it comes time to vote in a primary election, the hard-core of the Republican party, witch is now, and always will be, primarily w.a.s.p., will look ---for good or ill -- at the ballot, and see their choice as either one of two Cubans, or one w.a.s.p.
Trump in growing landslides to the convention.
Trump in growing landslides to the convention.
2
Drumph is half german.
"Drumph is half german."
WASP -White Anglo Saxon Protestant
Saxony is a German state:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxony
And your point is?
WASP -White Anglo Saxon Protestant
Saxony is a German state:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxony
And your point is?
Chris Christie's endorsement seems almost spiteful and childish, which is his way of dealing with rejection. It's as if he is sending a defiant message to the Republican establishment of "take that!"
3
These two guys really appear as if they were made for each other, so this hardly comes as any surprise. I'm just grinning from ear to ear at the thought of how interesting what an otherwise intolerably long and insufferably pandering campaign is now going to become. This feels like what they Romans must of felt when the went to the Colosseum to watch gladiators fight each other.
7
The NY Times Editorial Board has become code for "attack dogs for the Democratic Party".
When is the NY Times Editorial Board going to recognize that possibly, perhaps. maybe the supporters of Donald Trump are numerous? For the NY Times to continuously presume that all these numerous supporters are fools is foolish.
They are not all angry, they are not all bigoted, they are not all shallow. And perhaps Mr. Christie noticed. Nothing more, nothing less.
When is the NY Times Editorial Board going to recognize that possibly, perhaps. maybe the supporters of Donald Trump are numerous? For the NY Times to continuously presume that all these numerous supporters are fools is foolish.
They are not all angry, they are not all bigoted, they are not all shallow. And perhaps Mr. Christie noticed. Nothing more, nothing less.
2
Oh they are numerous alright. But still a minority. And those who say they are not bigoted are just deluding themselves. But then I consider the entire bunch of Republicans to be a few pennies short of a full bigoted dollar.
4
Preaching to the choir is a solid business model.
The Trump/Christy bromance began in the school yard and will probably end with both of them in jail. There is a beauty in the symmetry. Rejoice!!!
4
The idea of this pair is totally nauseating.
9
Interesting commentary but the last line could have been written by Mr. Christie or Trump themselves - funny? Maybe, Accurate or informative, not really.
Start the impeachment proceedings. Get Christie out of New Jersey.
20
And let the indictment go forward for Hillary Clinton who has clearly broken laws of national security.
1
Christie's move is not much more politically expedient than Hillary's in 2008 when she first endorsed Obama, lobbied heavily behind-the-scenes for a VP role and finally settled down to take a sabbatical from politics for four years as Secretary of State. These things happen, folks. It is why the game is called politics.
3
A TRAFFIC JAM Seems to hover not far above he dark cloud that follows Christie around these days, no matter where he goes and no matter what he does. He is, to put it mildly, his own worst enemy. Christie, who has chronic foot-in-mouth-itis only takes his foot out of his mouth long enough to put the other one in. He reminds me of the Clown in I Pagliacci who, upon learning if his wife's unfaithfulness, sings bitterly, ragefully, vindictivly, Laugh clown, laugh! Though your heart breaks. Except in Christie's case, when the clown cries, the audience laughs. That's the cost of going on Saturday Night Live and giving away free Krispy Kreme doughnuts. I've been scratching my head trying to figure out how he kept them in his pockets without getting greasy and sticky. Who knows? Maybe he's invented a doughnut condom. But I digress. Now to Christie and Trumptie who remind me of Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber. But the question is, Who's who? Since Trump wants to be first at everything, I guess he'll demand that honor--being dumber. I like the idea that Christie should be nominated by Trump to be the transportation secretary. If he were put in charge of highway construction and maintenance, there's no telling what devilish schemes he could dream up to keep the highways jammed coast to coast to punish his political enemies. With friends like Christie, who needs enemas--oops--enemies? All I can wish for is that the bigger jerk lose = Christie. Though Trump is the biggest!
4
Birds of a feather.
1
Oh, dear Editorial Board, lighten up. Christie's ridiculous endorsement of a ridiculous candidate in a ridiculous campaign is, well, ridiculous. The planets have obviously aligned in such fashion as to provide for the breath-taking crashing and burning of the GOP this election cycle. Stand back and behold the wonder of it all.
22
The sooner the better. The GOP is a party of morons.
The Times is the bully. Some day, probably pretty soon; you guys will figure out that arming your multicultural diversity agenda down everyones throat and keeping racism a central issue to literally every aspect of society has given birth to trump. The diversity speech police have now given rise to stormtroopers on the other side and they have a big comb-over.
2
Yeah, I guess if The Times and its readers would have just awakened to the fact that all Mexican immigrants really ARE rapists and to the fact that all Muslim immigrants really ARE terrorists people like The Donald and Krispiecreme would never have gotten as far as they have on their march to Washington.
9
Christie was promised either the vice presidential nomination or all the doughnuts in the world.
20
Or perhaps a Presidential pardon if needed.
3
A superb and proper takedown! I often think about what it must be like to be the children of these self-interested blowhards (yes, you too Cruz & Boobio). It must be an empty, lonely existence, in service to a self-aggrandizing persona. These are some of the worst people I have ever seen.
42
Didn't you see the video of the reaction of Cruz's daughter when he tried to hug her after the Iowa primary?
So Mr. "Sit down and shut up" now backs Mr. "I'd like to punch him in the face". These two bloviating bullies deserve each other. But we deserve better than having to listen.
213
Yes, the "sit down & shut up or I'll punch you in the mouth" will work so well on Putin and Assad and ISIS.
Mr. Christie played coy, saying that after his term ends in 2018, he wants to “go into private life and make money like Trump.”
Why not resign and expedite the process of making that money? It seems clear NJ and Christie are tired of each other.
Why not resign and expedite the process of making that money? It seems clear NJ and Christie are tired of each other.
43
>>
It's over for Rubio and Cruz with these two hyenas on their tails.
The Republicans are really taking a beat down.
It's over for Rubio and Cruz with these two hyenas on their tails.
The Republicans are really taking a beat down.
5
Hopefully, The Donald will name Krispiecreme as his VEEP-designate. In which case the Republican ticket will match its predecessor in going down to ignominious defeat in the home states of both members of the ticket. Look for the Governor to compete on Celebrity Apprentice as soon as his hero is back on NBC where he belongs.
5
Indeed, they are laughing and reliving the bullying of the inept Rubio at the debate. They are reveling in it.
Seriously, America is going to swing this way?
I refuse to believe it.
But Hills and the Bern better get their game on a grow some thicker skin. They
need to start planning now how to address and speak of/to Trump. They seem ill equipped at this point. Saying 'That's not acceptable!' while looking side to side around the room with an indignant look on the face while gently tapping the palm of one hand with the back of the other will not work.
Seriously, America is going to swing this way?
I refuse to believe it.
But Hills and the Bern better get their game on a grow some thicker skin. They
need to start planning now how to address and speak of/to Trump. They seem ill equipped at this point. Saying 'That's not acceptable!' while looking side to side around the room with an indignant look on the face while gently tapping the palm of one hand with the back of the other will not work.
4
A Trump/Christie ticket -- the death of civility is at hand!
2
Wow, CC, all that's missing is that you didn't give DT the Jerry Jones hug. Bring on the Kardashians.
2
Delighted to watch Chris Christie saving Trump's bacon today by endorsing the hair-challenged bloviator for President! The ramifications of Christie's unselfish (sic) move is as intricate and interconnected as Indra's web. Is there a wilier politician? Meanwhile, Christie saved The Donald from the depradations of Rubio and Cruz, the two most evangelical candidates running for the Presidency on the much holier than thou ticket.
Nan, you have a point. Both Cruz and Mario have the whiff of the Inquisitor about them. You nicely point out just how bad the whole GOPer ticket actually is. None of them should ever have their hands near the levers of power, with the possible exception of Kasich, and he stands a snowballs chance in hell. Can I say that?
He is unacceptable in any case due to his conservative positions, but he at least wouldn't destroy the separation of church and state and may avoid WWIII.
He is unacceptable in any case due to his conservative positions, but he at least wouldn't destroy the separation of church and state and may avoid WWIII.
2
Let's be clear, let's make this "Terrific" Bully # 2 wants to be Vice President to Bully #1. So its all Bully Bully.
2
Is Christie going to go on the road with Trump or something? How else would he help bring down Rubio?
Here's what I hope really happens: Trump, Rubio and Cruz continue their charades all the way to the convention, none with enough delegates to be declared the outright winner, but with Trump or Cruz ahead of Rubio. At the convention, the GOP Establishment pulls one of its trademark power grabs and attempts to install Rubio as the nominee. Trump and Cruz, rightfully miffed, lead a walkout of their delegates and take their supporters with them. The GOP then splits in two, with the one-percenters on Rubio's side and everyone else with Trump and Cruz. The deadlock can't be resolved, and the GOP splits, ending the thirty-year conservative grip on government.
That would be great.
Here's what I hope really happens: Trump, Rubio and Cruz continue their charades all the way to the convention, none with enough delegates to be declared the outright winner, but with Trump or Cruz ahead of Rubio. At the convention, the GOP Establishment pulls one of its trademark power grabs and attempts to install Rubio as the nominee. Trump and Cruz, rightfully miffed, lead a walkout of their delegates and take their supporters with them. The GOP then splits in two, with the one-percenters on Rubio's side and everyone else with Trump and Cruz. The deadlock can't be resolved, and the GOP splits, ending the thirty-year conservative grip on government.
That would be great.
22
Did they feed this bull extra antibiotics - he's acting like he's king of the barnyard.
Ha! His actions may show he is venal and vindictive, but I doubt that the masses even know the definitions of such words, so his reputation won't be damaged with the masses. That is a sad social commentary, but that's how it looks to me. How else to explain this ridiculous field of candidates?
2
I'm not a fan of Trump or Christie, but if they can tag team to get Rubio and Cruz out, it won't be such a bad thing. Hopefully, that'll give the least offensive of the lot, Kasich, half a chance.
6
There goes a pair of Jersey Shore jokers.
2
It gives new meaning to B2B ...bully to bully.
The only (relatively) decent human being running for President on the Republican ticket this cycle is John Kasich. The rest are beneath contempt. And those who support them are beneath feeling any pity for their fear-filled, pathetic ignorance.
104
Katich just cut funding for Planned Parenthood. He's not a decent human being.
8
No. There is not one decent human being running for president. Ask anyone in Ohio about Kasich. He is wearing the mantle of straight-up guy because it's the only one that hadn't been taken by any of the other candidates. He espouses the exact same set of values as Cruz and Rubio, mark my words. He is a rat.
Give them time. They'll have an epic falling-out over something. Two egos that big can't coexist for long.
34
I Love the title, Bully Bromance could not be more appropriate, only because dumb, and dumber was already taken. Trump was clearly rattled by Rubio at the debate, and this is his reaction, bring Christie on board to remind people of the meltdown of Rubio a month ago. Now we see the fresh offensive with a litany of childish remarks, and insults, that reminds you of a high school election, not a nominating process for the biggest job in the world. People are cheering for walls, and trade wars, the talk of Liberty, Constitutional Government, and Justice, are nowhere to be found. A republic needs to elect statesman with principles aligned with our national law, a serious discussion needs to begin about the role of government in our lives. Leaving things up to the politicians is a fatal mistake we can no longer afford to keep making.
It is going to take all of us, so we may as well quit fighting with each other, and get to work.
It is going to take all of us, so we may as well quit fighting with each other, and get to work.
3
As far as Trump is concerned, Christie's qualities would be best employed as "human shield".
2
Has even my revered New York Times sunk to the level of this despicable Republican campaign, and now feels compelled to end an otherwise fine editorial with a snide and almost sophomoric taunt? It is bad enough coming from candidates who aspire to be president, but the New York Times too?
2
The NY Times should not be allowed to use "bromance" and "frenemy" in the editorial pages. This is supposed to be a serious newspaper. LOL. I guess I ought to roll with the ridiculousness.
Santa Claus ain't real either, Thomas.
It 's about time that the NYT Editorial took the white gloves off and spoke the unvarnished truth. These clowns deserve it and I applaud it. It was edgy and clever--and TRUE!
This is surreal. We are witnessing more than just the damaging of a political party, we are witnessing the degradation of our politics, our culture and America itself. If this is a revolution, man the barricades.
437
Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!
les Miserables
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!
les Miserables
1
The degradation of politics happened a long time ago. Trump has just put a spotlight on it.
2
I guess an open border to the north of you is looking pretty good now. It would not be the first time that Americans escaped to Canada.
1
Does Christie want to be VP? Could the bully pulpit hold two bullies at the same time.
2
A pragmatic, forward thinking move from Trump. Christie not only knows how to close bridges, but has shown he can also build bridges across the political aisle. Trump lacks political and governing skills. Christie can fill that void if Trump chooses him as his running mate.
Oh, please. Spare me the righteous indignation over how Christie, a former rival of Trump's who criticized him, could now endorse him. This happens every day in politics. Chris Christie is nothing other than what many other American politicians are, a shamelessly ambitious climber. Yes he is soon out of a job and wants another, higher one. This also happens every day in politics.
It's also clear how the Repubs hope to throw the nomination to Cruz or Rubio at the convention. If they stick out the remaining primaries, together they may cobble together enough delegates to outnumber Trump's. And Trump is working hard to make that impossible. This is war by other means and the NY Times editorial board should know it.
It's also clear how the Repubs hope to throw the nomination to Cruz or Rubio at the convention. If they stick out the remaining primaries, together they may cobble together enough delegates to outnumber Trump's. And Trump is working hard to make that impossible. This is war by other means and the NY Times editorial board should know it.
114
Absolutely spot on. Forgive the NYT, this is their first rough primary season. Or so it would seem.
1
Oh pish posh. I'm glad to see the Old Grey Lady throw back a whole bottle of red and rant like my mother-in-law for once.
2
This is a Republican campaign of who can be the meanest and most hateful and it's working to their base. It's scary that we will witness millions of people voting for them in the general election. At lease half our population has lost its grip on realty and its sensibility. We can thank the corporate media for destroying our country.
1
I used to really, really admire Mr. Christie. He was one of the sanest and potentially most talented Republicans in office. But with this move, it's all about naked ambition. Having lost his chance at the presidency, Christie is clearly hoping to grab onto the coattails of Trump's ascendancy to score a spot as Veep or in the cabinet. It's sad to see this once promising man complete his transmogrification into just another politician.
2
I bet Christie made a deal with Trump that if he is elected, Christie gets to be Secretary of the Department of Transportation, what with all his experience in traffic management.
4
This is the most personal editorial I've seen in my lifetime. What are you holding back from your readers, Editorial Board? Apparently not much.
The Trumpster has just made a deal
He just stamped it with his seal
His eyes got all misty
His VP will be Christie
Too much traffic on the bridge
Will push them both off the ridge!
He just stamped it with his seal
His eyes got all misty
His VP will be Christie
Too much traffic on the bridge
Will push them both off the ridge!