He is lucky not getting impeached
2
Christie is trash; always has been, always will be. He belongs under a Jersey bridge, although bums wouldn't tolerate his mouth. His current plight is proof of karmic justice.
5
It's a shame he was never prosecuted. His extremely close and troubled relationship with Community Education Centers, a for-profit prison corporation, should have provided grounds. CEC has recently been sold to GEO Group, an even more questionable operator.
5
He allowed his national ambitions to get in the way of being a good governor. NJ residents pay more in taxes and they want to get something for it----good schools, good teachers who look after our kids every day, police services, garbage services, fire protection and a good infrastructure. He had only one goal as governor---try to keep taxes low and bash everything and everyone who gets in his way. He played the political game better than any governor in recent memory, solidifying deals with Democrats to get what he wanted. And he never truly "got" what the residents of the state want. That's why he polls so low.
4
I have no sympathies for Christie, but do have a question for the people of NJ - when are you going to admit that your state is corrupt to the core, long before Christie, and that it's the Dems that have enabled such corruption. Seriously, between the gangster run unions and the taxes you pay, I cannot understand why you don't change the elected officials and jail the administrators. You might start with Christie, especially if he ordered the bridge closing, but the tunnel you all scream that you want? A multi-billion dollar bamboozle.
Of course New Jersey is corrupt to the core. So is New York. So is Illinois. So is Florida. So is Louisiana. And these aren't necessarily the worst states for corruption, just the ones that come immediately to everyone's mind.
For starters, Christie is a Republican. Secondly, those taxes we pay are high--but we get a lot of helpful social services, including very good schools. Thirdly, since you are from Atlanta, it might be a little hard for you to understand NJ commuting issues but here goes: the tunnel was needed because the number of people going into the city has gone up exponentially over the last fifteen years. As well, it would have relieved strain on our current tunnels, which like most infrastructure in this country needs repair/upgrading--and is becoming a serious safety issue. The recent Penn Station mess is one of many reasons why that tunnel should have been built--and it was financially covered. But because Christie wanted to appeal to the mindless "every public works jobs is a ripoff no matter how badly it's needed" Republican types, he pulled the plug--and we get to suffer for it. Hope that helps.
7
"For the early part of his final year, Mr. Christie seemed intent on lying low — saying he wanted to dedicate his efforts to ...counseling Mr. Trump..."
Well, they're both low and they both lie, so "lying low" sounds like appropriate counseling.
Well, they're both low and they both lie, so "lying low" sounds like appropriate counseling.
8
Sorely disappointed. Saw the first photo and thought this guy was finally off to prison. Then I read, “My obit will be fine; I’m not worried about that,” Mr. Christie said. Is he dying, I thought? I didn't wish that. Prison would be adequate.
"If I’m not going to be in public service, then I want to make money.” My lord, Governor, do you suddenly think that there's a conflict here?
"Indeed, Mr. Christie still boasts of a close relationship with Mr. Trump, one that... involves at least one extended phone conversation with the president each week...." So this is what Trump does in his spare time? And Governor, if you do think there's a conflict between making money and public service, in one of these hour-long chats, could you please convince our President to release his tax returns?
“I absolutely believe that, in part, that’s the hand of God redeeming lives, and if you can be a part of that, it’s a great thing,” he said. By getting Trump's tax returns made public, even less devout citizens than yourself might see the hand of God working in its mysterious way.
“If you’re in your last year, you’ve got to decide if you want to be uniting or divisive,” Mr. Christie said. “I want to be uniting on the way out.” That would be nice...as long as you're really on the way out.
"If I’m not going to be in public service, then I want to make money.” My lord, Governor, do you suddenly think that there's a conflict here?
"Indeed, Mr. Christie still boasts of a close relationship with Mr. Trump, one that... involves at least one extended phone conversation with the president each week...." So this is what Trump does in his spare time? And Governor, if you do think there's a conflict between making money and public service, in one of these hour-long chats, could you please convince our President to release his tax returns?
“I absolutely believe that, in part, that’s the hand of God redeeming lives, and if you can be a part of that, it’s a great thing,” he said. By getting Trump's tax returns made public, even less devout citizens than yourself might see the hand of God working in its mysterious way.
“If you’re in your last year, you’ve got to decide if you want to be uniting or divisive,” Mr. Christie said. “I want to be uniting on the way out.” That would be nice...as long as you're really on the way out.
2
Strange that Christie mentioned his "obit." But since he started the discussion, how about this for an epitaph -- "All things considered, I would rather be in Hudson County." My apologies to the great philosopher, W.C. Fields.
1
We are in an awful state as Americans. We the voters have allowed fast talking, tongue wagging bullies into positions of power simply because their obnoxious and mostly untruthful rants are entertaining? Or worse, some say "they talk like us"?? Is this really how we talk? Mr. Christie has repeatedly disgraced himself and by extension, his family. Coming out for the biggest bully in last years election was the most obviously self serving display we have seen in many years. The shadenfreude of seeing it not pay off has been sweet.
6
Christie cannot leave soon enough. It's no secret he's been only using the state to further his own political ambitions. The fact that that fell flat because of his lack of hubris is no coincidence. The little good he's done in PR management has largely been overshadowed by all the failings of his administration in coordinating any bipartisan plans and the poor condition he's leaving the state in. Good luck making all that $$ you want!!
2
It sure seems as though republicans have worn out their welcome in our poor tax starved country . . .and it's easy to see why. All our states governed by republicans are test tubes for the conservative give-it-all to the rich via whatever means are necessary and starve the rest, centerpiece of the far right, while making themselves part of the 1# . . .how did we end up in this mess? The only answer is the gop legislated it while being "lead" by the likes of Chris Christie.
Christies not our problem though, although the nation is looking more and more like N.J., it's worse . . .we now have King Trump with his own personal treasury. Do you really think we'll see a trillion dollar infrastructure bill, or will the coffers be the disaster everything else is to Trump by the time he gifts his friends the promised tax relief.
Christie or Trump, all hat, no cattle
Christies not our problem though, although the nation is looking more and more like N.J., it's worse . . .we now have King Trump with his own personal treasury. Do you really think we'll see a trillion dollar infrastructure bill, or will the coffers be the disaster everything else is to Trump by the time he gifts his friends the promised tax relief.
Christie or Trump, all hat, no cattle
3
"A life of consequence"?? As Oscar Wilde said, "Notoriety is better than no fame at all."
He must be kicking himself for his decision to prosecute Jared Kushner's dad resulting in time in prison. But who knew this at the time since it was a viable political move since the Kushner's were Democrats. The good news for Mr. Bridgegate is that he will soon have more time to visit his former top aides in jail.
1
Chris Christie abandoned NJ as soon as he was elected.
Any effort that required funding or budget was put on indefinite hold and held hostage to
Christies presidential ambitions because republicans don't govern, they just vote no
Chris Christie used NJ and the rest of the US should well remember this lesson.
Any effort that required funding or budget was put on indefinite hold and held hostage to
Christies presidential ambitions because republicans don't govern, they just vote no
Chris Christie used NJ and the rest of the US should well remember this lesson.
8
What goes around comes around and it is so great when you get to see it happen.
5
A thug with no moral compass or ethics. That he could be elected for two terms speaks volumes about the NJ electorate. The same stupidity voiced by George Bush voters..."seems like the kind of guy I can have a beer with."
2
The headline of this article in today's Times included the quote "My obit will be fine." One should add, "and none too soon!"
One should also remember that Christie vociferously prevented New Jersey from setting up its own insurance exchange under the ACA. He also basically took $190 million in federal development funds for a third tunnel into Penn Station (the existing ones opened with the station in 1910--107 years ago!) and somehow succeeded in NOT returning it.
The first words of Christie's obit would be "bully and grifter."
One should also remember that Christie vociferously prevented New Jersey from setting up its own insurance exchange under the ACA. He also basically took $190 million in federal development funds for a third tunnel into Penn Station (the existing ones opened with the station in 1910--107 years ago!) and somehow succeeded in NOT returning it.
The first words of Christie's obit would be "bully and grifter."
5
G Christie simply - and sadly imo - a current example of the Cassandra - Santayana - Churchill synthesis: humans throughout history know - but forget, disbelieve, overlook, accept even - the evil that their leaders have done and, so, are likely to do in future. But, so far, they've come up with no better tool than democracy for exacting from would-be leaders enforceable assurances they will, at least, do no harm. Overly dour? So far, not overly.
1
“I knew I was never going to run in New Jersey again.” Meaning in Christie's mouth, he no longer cared about the people of New Jersey. And, of course, the tunnel, the tunnel, the tunnel....
6
It's so sad this is what passes for a Republican today. Please Republicans. Get your house in order. These people don't live up to anyone's standards.
8
When I think of Chris Christie I think of a man devoid of compassion. He refused to lend his support to ban the horrible gestation crates in New Jersey which keep pregnant sows in total misery. He refused to lend his support to outlawing the horrible leg hold traps which cause great pain and suffering to any animal- wild or not caught in it. I have no feelings of sympathy for such a man when he suffers political reverses.
5
Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.
9
Wherever he goes, whatever he does, it will be Christie's problem, not ours. Do I hear an amen?
5
He can become Ambassador at Large. Or anything at Large actually.
6
I'm glad he's not worried about the first paragraph of his obit: "He was a governor of consequence: he was governor and New Jersey was left with the consequences..."
3
His arrogance took special form with the closing of the GWB, planned on the first day of school for maximum damage to parents and children. All for revenge for a political payback. CC barely escaped legal responsibility but this was an act of a sick man.
He has brought nothing but shame to the good people of NJ.
He has brought nothing but shame to the good people of NJ.
7
“I was doing what I thought was best for the country,” he said of his endorsement of Mr. Trump. “And for me.”
Certainly believe the "And for me" part...it's the "was best for the country" part that rings hollow.
Certainly believe the "And for me" part...it's the "was best for the country" part that rings hollow.
6
This desire of making money!
He wants to be a representative of the people but only if he makes money at it. There are people, in the sphere of religion, who have exactly the same mantra.
In other words they want to be in the "middle of things" to be on the look out for deals AND so that they can take a cut in the flow of money. They promise not do it on Sundays.
With friends like these, America does not need enemies.
Many people close their eyes to this corruption and think that the "liberals" are the root cause of this country not "being on the right track".
If gregarious men and women of good will do not unite and rise up, this country is toast!
He wants to be a representative of the people but only if he makes money at it. There are people, in the sphere of religion, who have exactly the same mantra.
In other words they want to be in the "middle of things" to be on the look out for deals AND so that they can take a cut in the flow of money. They promise not do it on Sundays.
With friends like these, America does not need enemies.
Many people close their eyes to this corruption and think that the "liberals" are the root cause of this country not "being on the right track".
If gregarious men and women of good will do not unite and rise up, this country is toast!
Sane Citizen said it precisely. This man is a chronic and habitual liar, as documented by the Star-Ledger repeatedly over the years. Bully? No question. Incompetent leadership of New Jersey and the tri-state region? Absolutely. Just another ineffective, self centered, dishonest hack who got a lot further along in his political career than he deserved. Odd, though, the article didn't speculate on how Christie's direct role in sending Jared Kushner's father to prison just might have weighed heavily on Trump's decision to ice him out of the administration. As my mother used to say: "here's your hat, what's your hurry?"
Gee. I wonder if Jerry Jones will invite him to any more Cowboy's games?
5
His greatest accomplishment was avoiding going to jail. Some record.
11
For Christy to not be good enough to serve the Trump cabinet seems to be what's most embarrassing considering that the standards for that cabinet seem to be pulse/conscious optional.
8
"....that's the hand of God redeeming lives...".
Like many a failed and shameless politician before him, he invokes the name of God. To paraphrase Samuel Johnson, "Religion, the last refuge of scoundrels".
Like many a failed and shameless politician before him, he invokes the name of God. To paraphrase Samuel Johnson, "Religion, the last refuge of scoundrels".
6
It's ironic that Christie's poll numbers are lower than Trump's. Christie's public rudeness paved the way for Trump's even greater rudeness. Christie was less ignorant than Trump, equally opportunistic, and more obviously a thug. You can fool some of the people all of the time; and all of the people some of the time; but let us hope that Christie's trajectory shows that you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.
6
Christie is a (political) bully.
We doubt he's much different as a neighbor or regular person on the street.
His tirade about Hillary at the Republican National Convention was laughable and demonstrated his disgusting personal character.
Considering his Bridge-Gate scandal, he should be smart enough to known the adage... "People in glass houses should not throw rocks."
We doubt he's much different as a neighbor or regular person on the street.
His tirade about Hillary at the Republican National Convention was laughable and demonstrated his disgusting personal character.
Considering his Bridge-Gate scandal, he should be smart enough to known the adage... "People in glass houses should not throw rocks."
4
Christie is a self-hating bully with no scruples, who thinks he is smarter than he is. He has had an act that was transparent from the very first time he parlayed his previous government job to the statehouse. The voters of NJ have no one to blame but themselves for putting this "do nothing, but blow hot air" in charge of the states disgraceful transportation and school systems. His total failures in property tax reform, job growth / retention and Atlantic City are all his legacies. Good riddance to the departure of the true face of what's wrong with this country.....politicians who think nothing of the common good, but only how they can climb a ladder to enrich themselves and their families. A sad and petty person riding off to cash in and claim "victory". "Sad" as his mentor says.
5
Chris Christie was never anything more than a political opportunist, a bully who excelled in shutting down anyone who disagreed with him. His obit will no doubt include that his political career sunk to new lows as he became Trump's lap dog, always on the fringe of presidential power, but never in the inner circle despite his cravings to be there.
When Trump allegedly asks him how he is doing, I can only imagine the honest and straightforward answer Christie gives him: "Great, Mr. President. You're doing great. Now about that Cabinet post that's still open. . ."
When Trump allegedly asks him how he is doing, I can only imagine the honest and straightforward answer Christie gives him: "Great, Mr. President. You're doing great. Now about that Cabinet post that's still open. . ."
4
Crooked, rotten CC needs to go to jail.
4
Great first photo - is Christie picking his cell for when he is convicted for the Bridgegate scandal? The type of people with which he surrounded himself is indicative of the type of person he is - mean and vindictive.
You really have to work at lowering your approval ratings in the manner that Christie did.
His legacy will be as a belligerent, arrogant person. He stopped a new transportation tunnel connecting to Manhattan. He lied about the budget.
Just think if he had become our President!
You really have to work at lowering your approval ratings in the manner that Christie did.
His legacy will be as a belligerent, arrogant person. He stopped a new transportation tunnel connecting to Manhattan. He lied about the budget.
Just think if he had become our President!
Don't be fooled. Chris Christie cares about no one except Chris Christie.
5
He is indicative of our reality show culture which we are still rich enough to survive.
2
I was talking to a man at the pharmacy the other day. Due to Christie's new drug policy, he was "fired" by his doctor for NOT testing positive for opiates. He has a chronic disease and was using his narcotic pain pills for "breakthrough" pain aka bad days. He had felt well the week before his check up and "failed" the surprise urine test now required by Christie's new policies. He had been able to get by on his non-narcotic pain pills and hadn't needed his narcotic pain pill for the week and his urine tested clean. That means he's obviously selling his pills /s. The doctor doesn't want to have to deal with Christie's new regulations and fired this elderly ill man as a patient. Now my current specialist has an 18 month wait for new patients...a not unusual wait for certain specialties. I wonder how long this man will have to go without a doctor to treat his serious illness. The other rules that make patients have to visit their doctors every month for a new prescription means that chronically ill people will miss even more days of work, doctors will not be able to see as many new patients due to having to see the ones they already have again and again though they aren't in need of anything but a prescription. People with a new or acute injury due to accident or surgery only get a 5 day prescription for pain relief. The hysteria over the illegal use of pain medicine has ruined the lives of many who are not abusing it but need it to live a semi-normal life.
5
if christie were on american bandstand rating a sprinsteen song
"it has a great beat and i can dance to it, but i don't understand any of the words"
"it has a great beat and i can dance to it, but i don't understand any of the words"
1
I remember when he went to Iowa and lied and pandered to the people there when he wanted to run for President. And after that he vetoed a bill in NJ that would cease and desist the abuse of animals for slaughter being kept in small crates. The majority of the people in NJ wanted him to sign the bill that would stop this blatant cruelty to these animals. So much for the pandering and lying. He got no where during the election. He's just another lying sycophant of Trump's. I'd like to stuff this man in a crate and leave him there to rot.
4
“Could I be involved to be on corporate boards? Sure, that’s a possibility,” he said, adding an important caveat: “I want to have fun, and I want to make money. If I’m not going to be in public service, then I want to make money."
The fat "Rich Pigs" keep getting fatter! Disgusting!
The fat "Rich Pigs" keep getting fatter! Disgusting!
3
Christie's legacy will be that he significantly and negatively impacted the basic infrastructure of the tri-state area just because he could. At least he's honest enough to say he did it so now he can make money. Of course, when HRC took speaking engagements he felt she should be locked up. Well I'd like him locked up for utter incompetence.
3
Would s/one have him explain why NJ roads are such an unmitigated disaster?
I have a few tires I'd like him to refund my money on since it would seem reasonable to think you can drive down NJ roads w/o going through potholes like Iraq.
What a waste.
I have a few tires I'd like him to refund my money on since it would seem reasonable to think you can drive down NJ roads w/o going through potholes like Iraq.
What a waste.
1
Maybe someone will figure out how to strap him to a tunnel boring machine so he can use his bark and sharp tongue to finish cutting those new tunnels.
Given how few, how very, very few nice things people can think to say about him I think it's awfully kind of them to repeatedly hope he's not struck by his office door when he darkens it for the last time.
Given how few, how very, very few nice things people can think to say about him I think it's awfully kind of them to repeatedly hope he's not struck by his office door when he darkens it for the last time.
A state that produced great Republican governors such as ms. Whitman and mr. Kean - this guy was a total disaster for the party.
I knew he was a RINO when he stood behind then president Obama and then running again gov. Romney and nodded like a donkey.
It was to many a seal of approval from the powerful, pre Bridgegate and may be a future president - an endorsement the Democrat president was seeking for the Republicans. And it could have been a close election.
Finally, not that there is anything wrong - how can you trust anybody who goes through diets - like new change of clothes - yet fails.
NJ is better off without this unprincipled RINO.
I knew he was a RINO when he stood behind then president Obama and then running again gov. Romney and nodded like a donkey.
It was to many a seal of approval from the powerful, pre Bridgegate and may be a future president - an endorsement the Democrat president was seeking for the Republicans. And it could have been a close election.
Finally, not that there is anything wrong - how can you trust anybody who goes through diets - like new change of clothes - yet fails.
NJ is better off without this unprincipled RINO.
1
He came in in false beliefs and added his own crooked ways to the mixture. Government need les like like him. He set back the state and the people finally caught on. He's a paper fat-cat.
Amazingly sad that one person could nix a vital tunnel between NY and NJ which was supposed to be ready by 2018 but its delay (assuming Trump will not delay it even longer) is causing needless suffering for millions of people for years to come.
2
There is nothing that happened to Christie that he didn't bring upon himself. He's shown himself to be a thoroughly petty and vindictive politician of the same ilk as Nixon, and America should be very thankful this became obvious before more damage was done to our political system. Now if we could just cure the Trump problem.
7
Among the many reasons to revile Chris Christie, a number of commenters have highlighted the fact that not even Trump wants him in his inner circle. To that I'd say: Donald Trump is not a benchmark for anything. He can't be part of any rational perspective-taking. In fact, rejection by him is usually a positive indicator.
Christie will be known as the Governor who cost New Jersey nearly $9 billion dollars in an unsuccessful bid to become President.
In settling the Exxon Mobil lawsuit for $225 million rather than allowing the probable award of nearly $9 billion (BP payout in same year was $20 billion for Gulf incident) he placed his ambition ahead of his constituent's interest.
There is the cancellation of the ARC tunnel construction, which will cost NJ several billion and a decade more as the region is crippled by failing tunnels. The $24 million special Senate election scheduled 3 weeks before general election in 2013. The inconveniences and $10 millions in legal fees after Bridgegate. $2 million of travel expenses in campaigning mainly in New Hampshire - where he quit after receiving not a single delegate. Eleven credit downgrades by Moody's / Standard and Poor. The only benefit tough talking/tell-it-like-it-is Christie had left to offer was a cautionary tale against Trump - and even that failed.
The photo of Christie taken at a correctional facility is quite fitting and hopefully prescient.
In settling the Exxon Mobil lawsuit for $225 million rather than allowing the probable award of nearly $9 billion (BP payout in same year was $20 billion for Gulf incident) he placed his ambition ahead of his constituent's interest.
There is the cancellation of the ARC tunnel construction, which will cost NJ several billion and a decade more as the region is crippled by failing tunnels. The $24 million special Senate election scheduled 3 weeks before general election in 2013. The inconveniences and $10 millions in legal fees after Bridgegate. $2 million of travel expenses in campaigning mainly in New Hampshire - where he quit after receiving not a single delegate. Eleven credit downgrades by Moody's / Standard and Poor. The only benefit tough talking/tell-it-like-it-is Christie had left to offer was a cautionary tale against Trump - and even that failed.
The photo of Christie taken at a correctional facility is quite fitting and hopefully prescient.
24
"The photo of Christie taken at a correctional facility is quite fitting and hopefully prescient." Love that.
Christie has been humbled by the turn of events including Trump's decision not to include him in his administration. However, Christie has been a loyal compadre of Trump since the outset of his presidential run and Trump believes in loyalty. I think there was a tacit agreement betweenTrump and Christie to finish out his governorship. There will be a future role for Christie; the question is when and what?
Christie continues to delude himself about a "legacy" of sorts. I remember when people said he was smart, and I wondered if I was the only person who thought he sounded stupid (but self-promoting some sense of intelligence ala Newt Gingrich). His arrogance has always derailed him as has his transparent and desperate need to be relevant. His "legacy" will be that whatever potential to be a thoughtful public servant he may have had was obstructed by greed. Even now he just wants to make money. I can see why he and Trump get along. They share a pathological indifference to the effects of their words and actions on the people they are supposed to serve.
6
When you sacrifice your principles for expediency, or for ratings, or for attention by those above you...
you have nothing to fall back on when it all goes south.
I shed no tears for Chris Christie.
you have nothing to fall back on when it all goes south.
I shed no tears for Chris Christie.
26
He got elected and reelected. Have the voters of New Jersey learned anything about making better political choices?
12
I really don't know how it is that people like this can sleep at night.
18
I am sickened by this leach. I despise his bully tactic from day one while everyone around me cheered his tough bull mantra.
I am appalled by his exit interview, how he flippantly reveals what employment desires he believes are worthy of his 'expertise'. I think best he retire from service, public or private, and collect his state pension.
Oh wait, he left that bankrupt.
Godspeed, Mr. Christie. May you be humbled to live as an average joe. Then, people might like you. NOT.
I am appalled by his exit interview, how he flippantly reveals what employment desires he believes are worthy of his 'expertise'. I think best he retire from service, public or private, and collect his state pension.
Oh wait, he left that bankrupt.
Godspeed, Mr. Christie. May you be humbled to live as an average joe. Then, people might like you. NOT.
27
Christie has left the building....but, is it still standing?
10
It's so delicious to see the egotistical schoolyard bully reviled, but even more tasty is the fact that this article is probably the last one he'll ever get as we all collectively ignore him and his accomplishments of nothing.
28
Christie will make a lot of money in private practice. Politically, he sleeps with the fishes.
11
He is easiy the worst governor I've seen in my entire life, and that includes some doozies. He left wealthy New Jersey in financial shambles. Two of his associates are going to jail and he gets off without even a slap on the wrist. He has passed almost no legislation of note since getting reelected. And because of him, both New York and New Jersey will have to wait years for a Hudson tunnel that would nearly be done now had he not been playing stupid political games and trying to stymie President Obama!
He should have done New Jersey a favor and resigned after his debacle of a campaign for the GOP presidential nomination, but instead he has lingered on, toadying up to Trump, doing zilch for this state, and leaving New Jersey leaderless. Absolutely disgusting, and he has tainted the Republican brand for years to come. He should all of the Garden State a favor and move to Alaska or Hawaii or someplace far, very far away!
He should have done New Jersey a favor and resigned after his debacle of a campaign for the GOP presidential nomination, but instead he has lingered on, toadying up to Trump, doing zilch for this state, and leaving New Jersey leaderless. Absolutely disgusting, and he has tainted the Republican brand for years to come. He should all of the Garden State a favor and move to Alaska or Hawaii or someplace far, very far away!
30
What's with all the fat comments? Seriously people, the guy may be a loser but picking on his weight is low. There is more than enough to dislike about the guy without going there.
11
He looked at a reporter who'd asked a question during a press conference and said, "People like you are stupid enough..." No wonder the president finds him simpatico enough for weekly, extended bull sessions.
That sort of thuggish behavior is more than just a sloppy cultural idiom. It reveals a weakness of character and of mind. It's what we'd expect from someone who doesn't have the wherewithal either to come up with sound arguments or to hold in check the impulse to hurt another person needlessly. Good for New Jersey for abhorring such a person but I still don't understand how, nationwide, so many (albeit a minority of) voters voted to make such a person the President.
That sort of thuggish behavior is more than just a sloppy cultural idiom. It reveals a weakness of character and of mind. It's what we'd expect from someone who doesn't have the wherewithal either to come up with sound arguments or to hold in check the impulse to hurt another person needlessly. Good for New Jersey for abhorring such a person but I still don't understand how, nationwide, so many (albeit a minority of) voters voted to make such a person the President.
29
Well, they did. They elected Trump, didn't they?
Another arrogant and venal person who will not be missed.
20
Few realize that prior to being named a US Attorney, Christi had not been a prosecutor. He was a lobbyist who raised some $300,000 in donations for the
Bush campaign.
Bush campaign.
10
Deeply touched that our despicable governor admits that he wants to make money. He will be forever cursed for doing whatever he could to destroy the state. He should pay back the millions he wasted on a bogus whitewashing "review" of his Bridgegate role by a law firm that took no notes and his endless escapades using state-tax-paid security staff when he thought he could be president and then (and now) when he thinks he may have a role in the current administration. Sorry, CC, Trump is done thanking you for the $25 million tax break. I hope a good reporter is busily writing the book I want to read about his efforts to force Democratic mayors to support him for governor and the way the Democrats made sure no one would even recognize Barbara Buono's name. Shameful shenanigans all.
12
That book has already been written! It's "American Governor: Chris Christie's Bridge to Redemption " by NYC reporter Matt Katz.
That was a while ago. More has come out since then.
Were Governor Christie to look beyond New Jersey he would see that here in the west he would never have won primaries much less a general election because he looks unhealthy and undisciplined. You cannot look as if you weigh close to 400 pounds and evoke a sense of focus and self discipline. Both of which are needed when running a super power.
6
Then why did the West overwhelmingly support Trump who is only marginally "healthier" looking.
1
As the crashing of the train into the terminal station showed, there is a massive need to improve the maintenance of the infrastructure in New Jersey, but funding has hampered that.
That said, the kindly Governor Christi let former casino owner Donald Trump, who had delinquent taxes due to the State of New Jersey in the amount of $30 million, get off the hook for a payment of $5 million.
The WSJ reports that Mr. Trump pulled out $160 million in cash from the bankrupt carcasses of his casinos during the workout period of his bankruptcy.
That said, the kindly Governor Christi let former casino owner Donald Trump, who had delinquent taxes due to the State of New Jersey in the amount of $30 million, get off the hook for a payment of $5 million.
The WSJ reports that Mr. Trump pulled out $160 million in cash from the bankrupt carcasses of his casinos during the workout period of his bankruptcy.
18
And Christie still didn't get a position in the Trump administration?
As a New Jersey native, I wish Christie would just leave and do so quietly. We've heard enough from him.
15
I don't see how much left there is to analyze with Christie. Say what you want, he earned that 20% approval rating.
13
He could have been a contender. He covered his tracks with the bridge closure and made Marco Rubio look like a punk instead of a statesman. But my recollection of New Jersey is tolls every few feet and the highest property taxes in the country. Hopefully, voters in the Garden State are through with compassionate conservatism but don't bet on it.
8
Christie should be in jail for Bridgegate. I have no doubt he knew about it, it has his bullying fingerprints all over it. It also shows what a petty, small minded man he is. He was nasty to the people of New Jersey, in full view of the press at times. Just amazing to me. And he loves the rich life. Even when he was a federal prosecutor, he wouldn't stay in the recommended hotels that the government wanted employees to stay in. He always stayed in something more upscale, and made the taxpayer pick up the tab. He was a disaster for New Jersey just waiting to happen. Thank God his Presidential bid failed. I can't wait until he's gone, and I hope we never have to see him again.
22
Chris Christie attacked teachers, arrogantly, crudely, and relentlessly bullied citizens at Town Hall Meetings, Down the Shore, from Ocean to Hudson Counties with an ice cream cone or a microphone in his hand -- The range of his exploitation of NJ is staggering: from the canceling of the much needed Arc Tunnel (years in the making, and a job-creator in a time of high unemployment) to his shamelessly pandering to Big Oil/Exxon neglecting Jerseys environmental needs, blatantly ignoring NJ infrastructure needs; Out of State more than In State (New Hampshire wasn't fooled by this fool); a Vengeful, Petty, Nasty Political Brand that brought you the colossal traffic jam on The GW Bridge (how DID he escape indictment..) How did he fool the state twice. This Little Man, Chris Christie, belongs in an Orange Jump Suit Behind Bars.
29
I think New Hampshire was a bit fooled. The Union Leader gaving him a ringing endorsement. Had it not been for the very loud and persistent calls from New Jerseyans, basically asking New Hamshirites if they realized how Christie had behaved as governor, I believe Mr. Christie would have pulled the wool over their eyes. After all, unlike Mr. Spicer, Mr. Christie knows how to "talk good." But that's about all he can do.
I don't know why, but this quote seems somehow... apropos.
Its a quote from the Dean Wormer character from the film Animal House:
"Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son"
Its a quote from the Dean Wormer character from the film Animal House:
"Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son"
21
Perfection!
Enjoy the doughnuts, Chris!
11
Chris Christie was a flash in the pan. Any one can impress right out of the gate, but to have staying power requires integrity, smarts, and class. Christie has none of these qualities.
Christie is a showboater. He clung to Trump's coat tails and Trump kicked him to the curb. He somehow has Jerry Jones buffaloed into thinking he has something to offer the billionaire. Those days of Owner's Box seats are over. Look for Christie on the sidelines holding water bottles in Timeouts.
Lap-Band Christie woofed down too many donuts. And all the trans-fat landed between his ears.
Christie is a showboater. He clung to Trump's coat tails and Trump kicked him to the curb. He somehow has Jerry Jones buffaloed into thinking he has something to offer the billionaire. Those days of Owner's Box seats are over. Look for Christie on the sidelines holding water bottles in Timeouts.
Lap-Band Christie woofed down too many donuts. And all the trans-fat landed between his ears.
7
Someone like this has the arrogance, and the impertinence to speak of God?
8
He was a major reason why my wife and I decided to leave Montclair and move to Vermont.
There was no doubt in our minds that he would turn the state into an even worse mess than it already was. It didn't take a genius to figure that out.
Now, as we are approaching retirement, we are planning to leave the country. There is no doubt in our minds that Trump will be even worse than Christie for the entire nation, with the difference that this time the consequences will be felt for decades.
There was no doubt in our minds that he would turn the state into an even worse mess than it already was. It didn't take a genius to figure that out.
Now, as we are approaching retirement, we are planning to leave the country. There is no doubt in our minds that Trump will be even worse than Christie for the entire nation, with the difference that this time the consequences will be felt for decades.
23
We're leaving too. The rich have this country and won't let go. We're headed for either Toronto or Montreal. Perhaps Quebec. I know Canada isn't perfect, but there's a sane man who runs the government who seems to understand that treating people with respect is important.
2
Who conducted this interview, the last remaining member of the Chris Christie fan club? " A man keenly aware of his legacy ", what are you kidding? This guy is as delusional as they come. The last survey he was rated the worst governor in the nation. He is by far the worst governor here in NJ in my lifetime, and I am getting up there. He is corrupt, a total low life, and still Trump's lap dog. The reason he's so concerned about opioid addiction is he and his pals have money in halfway houses and treatment centers. Christie only cares about himself and that hasn't changed one bit. Everyone else commenting has covered it and so have I in the past. He should be in jail for any number of things even beside Bridgegate. And what does it say about these guys on the sports show that have him on all the time? Three hours in one sitting? I can't stand him now or then. A complete embarrassment for this state. Good riddance !!!
Orange, NJ
Orange, NJ
36
Yes
6
How he'll be remembered will depend to a significant extent on whether or not one or both of the rail tunnels between NJ and Penn Station fails before a new tunnel is in service. The resulting transit catastrophe will define his legacy should it occur.
10
Bridgegate--someone innocent died because of your desire to get even. That's your legacy.
18
Never forget Christie's chant at the GOP Convention. "Guilty or Not Guilty.
GUILTY!"
No, Hillary was never guilty of anything but a life of public service. Christie has been proven guilty of gross misconduct while occupying the highest office of public service to the citizens of New Jersey.
Chris, don't let the door hit you in your vast rear end, and pray that the door does not lead to a jail cell.
GUILTY!"
No, Hillary was never guilty of anything but a life of public service. Christie has been proven guilty of gross misconduct while occupying the highest office of public service to the citizens of New Jersey.
Chris, don't let the door hit you in your vast rear end, and pray that the door does not lead to a jail cell.
20
If only Chris had not sent Jared Kushner's dad to jail........
9
Goodbye and good riddance, Chris.
8
He was still the best governor we've had in generations. Certainly the only one willing to face the economic facts and tell it like it is.
1
Illegally (court ruling) refused to make the pension payments he promised
Wasted millions (billions?) on "Xanadu"
Great financial mind. I suppose you think Trump is too.
And does anyone believe he was innocent of Bridgegate?
Wasted millions (billions?) on "Xanadu"
Great financial mind. I suppose you think Trump is too.
And does anyone believe he was innocent of Bridgegate?
9
Let Kris Krispie-Kreme take all the money he earns cashing in on his short-lived fame and give it to drug users. Better yet, give it to other fat people like him to subsidize their massive consumption our perverse, dysfunctional disease care system. The irony is that this arrogant know-it-all was probably the only direct threat to Trump, hence his ostracism. Krispie did eat the meat loaf, though--hope he enjoyed his 1 minute of fame.
4
No silver bullets, wooden stake, he'll return.
3
Good riddance to bad rubbish
8
Wasn't the main reason Gray Davis was recalled largely caused by Enron and their shenanigans with rolling blackouts that weren't needed, but done to make the Gov. look bad?
2
@ahughes798
Actually ENRON did that to make a pile of money. Embarrassing Gray Davis was merely the cherry on top for the GOP who supported ENRON's illegal actions.
Their blackmail and the cooperation of the Bush administration's friends on the FERC commission cost the people of California about $70 BILLION, much of which came out of our public education system to cover the costs. Ahnold persuaded the gullible it was Gray's fault, but that's yet another lousy GOP governor story....
I was sitting in the Federal Court building one day during the FERC hearings and dropped in to nod my head as they reeled of proof of the deceit.
Actually ENRON did that to make a pile of money. Embarrassing Gray Davis was merely the cherry on top for the GOP who supported ENRON's illegal actions.
Their blackmail and the cooperation of the Bush administration's friends on the FERC commission cost the people of California about $70 BILLION, much of which came out of our public education system to cover the costs. Ahnold persuaded the gullible it was Gray's fault, but that's yet another lousy GOP governor story....
I was sitting in the Federal Court building one day during the FERC hearings and dropped in to nod my head as they reeled of proof of the deceit.
3
798** Gray Davis had nothing to do with Enron ... that was George Bush and Cheney's doing through their pay Ken Lay, who supposedly committed suicide rather than go to jail.
1
Dead man walking.
7
In a convenience store off of I-70 in Illinois, I saw a tee-shirt on which was printed "Illinois -- Where Our Governors Make Our License Plates."
It is good to know that our political culture in New Jersey is not unique.
It is good to know that our political culture in New Jersey is not unique.
5
I originally liked Christie and his willingness to tackle many of the most difficult issues: pensions, unions, bloated budgets, etc.
Then, he made some grievous errors. The Hudson River Tunnel project - it may have needed change but to kill it will plague NJ for a generation. Believing he was all powerful and running a team of sycophant thugs that ultimately ended in Bridgegate. Although no one mistook him for an intellectual, he actually bought into the fraud that is now in the White House.
If only he could have ridden his approval ratings into meaningful change for NJ. To quote his idol...Sad!
Then, he made some grievous errors. The Hudson River Tunnel project - it may have needed change but to kill it will plague NJ for a generation. Believing he was all powerful and running a team of sycophant thugs that ultimately ended in Bridgegate. Although no one mistook him for an intellectual, he actually bought into the fraud that is now in the White House.
If only he could have ridden his approval ratings into meaningful change for NJ. To quote his idol...Sad!
7
What can you say about someone so desperately hungry for attention that he was eagerly willing to be Trump's lap dog? Pathetic.
And we all paid and will continue to pay the price for years to come.
And we all paid and will continue to pay the price for years to come.
11
I never could understand how this guy avoided being indicted over Bridgegate.
Doesn't make any sense.
Other than that, I guess I'll always remember his a sure first ballot inductee into the Political Blowhard Hall of Fame.
Doesn't make any sense.
Other than that, I guess I'll always remember his a sure first ballot inductee into the Political Blowhard Hall of Fame.
7
We've stopped trusting our instincts. If we'd listened to them, Mr. Christie would never have been elected dog catcher, let alone appointed as a U.S. Attorney or elected as governor.
His countenance and his eyes reveal him to be selfish, amoral, greedy, gluttonous, and vindictive. He is loud (empty cans make the most noise), and he is rude. He is also a showboat.
How did it come to pass in America that an oaf like this ever got elected to be governor of any state, let alone NJ?
His countenance and his eyes reveal him to be selfish, amoral, greedy, gluttonous, and vindictive. He is loud (empty cans make the most noise), and he is rude. He is also a showboat.
How did it come to pass in America that an oaf like this ever got elected to be governor of any state, let alone NJ?
17
“I was doing what I thought was best for the country,” he said of his endorsement of Mr. Trump. “And for me.”
A narcissist gasbag undone by his own fumes with additional help from a bigger narcissist blimp. 'For Me' will be carved on his tombstone...
A narcissist gasbag undone by his own fumes with additional help from a bigger narcissist blimp. 'For Me' will be carved on his tombstone...
14
Yes Gov. Christie you kids will be able to say your career had consequences. Severe consequences.
Look up in the night sky Chris and stare. Even a large body like yours, with a very little mind, can realize that none of us really matter much. Especially a "man" who thinks he matters to future generations.
Given your policies you won't matter much to anyone let alone your grand-kids.
Get use to it Chris and enjoy your retirement even if it's in jail.
Look up in the night sky Chris and stare. Even a large body like yours, with a very little mind, can realize that none of us really matter much. Especially a "man" who thinks he matters to future generations.
Given your policies you won't matter much to anyone let alone your grand-kids.
Get use to it Chris and enjoy your retirement even if it's in jail.
2
Trump is a buffoon and Christie tried to suck up to that buffoon and was rejected. If you are too big a loser for Trump then you have real problems. Look up loser in the dictionary and you will see a picture of Christie.
7
Governor Christie is finished. He is not going to be heading up any college nor will he be invited to sit on a corporate board. He says, ""I want to make money."
Too bad. Nobody is going to throw important money his way to hire him. Even Trump has not found a job for him that he wants.
Chris has carried a lot of weight around NJ, but it's over. Lying about his role in Bridgegate ended any future for him. Just read the comments below to see what a loser he turned out to be.
Too bad. Nobody is going to throw important money his way to hire him. Even Trump has not found a job for him that he wants.
Chris has carried a lot of weight around NJ, but it's over. Lying about his role in Bridgegate ended any future for him. Just read the comments below to see what a loser he turned out to be.
6
I have always maintained that what he really wants, and will probably get, is a spot as a talking head on Faux News. There he can rant and rave, call people names, generally behave in his kindergarten-baby-way to his heart's content. Oh, yeah, and make a lot of dough 'cause Faux News viewers love this blustery Frump mini-me. By the way, how did this bit of fluff article get in this paper, anyway? The NYT used to have more class.
Christie gave the impression that he was determined and smart. I remember when he was criticized for thanking then President Obama publicly for providing federal assistance so quickly for victims of Hurricane Sandy. He showed humility and fairness. It ended up being mostly smoke and mirrors. Bridge gate and Trump undid all the rest.
5
What might have been? He might have developed a sense of empathy for the voters. He might not have been so arrogant. He might have been hailed as a leader who had the foresight to champion a new Hudson River rail tunnel. He might not have conveyed a sense of pettiness and petulance to his (convicted) underlings. He might have spent most of his time in New Jersey. Yeah...what might have been!
11
"Mr. Christie enters the final nine months of his administration, which began in 2010, as a governor in a dimming twilight."
Yes, well, twilights generally will do that. How I wish I could arrange for you to spend ten minutes in a room with Max Frankel in his prime.
Yes, well, twilights generally will do that. How I wish I could arrange for you to spend ten minutes in a room with Max Frankel in his prime.
2
Political graveyard is full of politicians and he's one of them. He finished politically. Welcome to the club, Mr. Christie, Anthony Weiner, John Edwards....are waiting for you!
5
You can't win 'em all!
New Jersey will have to go back to raising taxes. I understand there are still some houses in New Jersey where the property tax is less than $1000 a month. I'm sure the Democrats can fix this problem.....
New Jersey will have to go back to raising taxes. I understand there are still some houses in New Jersey where the property tax is less than $1000 a month. I'm sure the Democrats can fix this problem.....
1
He knew.
6
Fat and stupid is no way to go through life
9
Christie didn't give you darn about New Jersey. Withholding Sandy relief money, promising to fund state pensions then doing nothing, Bridgegate, kissing up to the NRA with his support of concealed weapons, allowing Exxon to pollute the state with no financial consequences, taking money to fund the Hudson River tunnels and spending it on other less important projects, not standing up for a new Port Authority Bus Terminal, taking education money from poor school districts and sending it to rich ones, destroyed the state's credit rating, and produced fewer jobs than most states during the recovery.
The only thing he did right, if you can call it that, was that he put all his chips on Trump. Then look what happened. Trump read all my comments above and then put Christie out to the curb like garbage about to be picked up.
The new Governor can't be elected soon enough.
The only thing he did right, if you can call it that, was that he put all his chips on Trump. Then look what happened. Trump read all my comments above and then put Christie out to the curb like garbage about to be picked up.
The new Governor can't be elected soon enough.
6
He could have done a lot better if he'd lost the pounds. Seriously. You're looking at a guy who basically can't control himself, and nobody needs that.
1
Christie will be remembered, for only a short time, after a decent human being becomes governor, in spite of the fact it'll be another politician, but do we have a choice.
I'm a democrat, but if another Keane comes along, then there is hope for NJ.
I'm a democrat, but if another Keane comes along, then there is hope for NJ.
Nixon colluded with communist Vietnam, Reagan with our arch enemy the mullahs of Iran, Trump with the evil KGB. Christy only colluded with food.
3
Let us poke fun at Christie like he used poke fun at others : An obese guy with a slim brain.
9
I will never forget Christie, at the very beginning of his first term, beating up on a school teacher who had the temerity to stand up to him at a meeting and insist on union rights for teachers. Good riddance to a vile, reactionary bully.
17
We're lucky he never made it to the Oval Office. Look at Bridgegate, which was him enacting retribution against Fort Lee commuters because the mayor wouldn't pledge fealty. After he won by a landslide, it still wasn't enough! He was going to make everybody who didn't support him pay! Nixonian.
9
Trumpian
4
Satanic.
4
That slob should be in jail. The fact that he is not, indicates how corrupt our system has become.
11
"his tenure in Trenton wind down"
Sure I am going to miss him!!!
After all, he was an easy pickin's to kick around.
Maybe Drumpf will use him to send JK a message; fire tainted Sessions and put him @ DoJ!
Sure I am going to miss him!!!
After all, he was an easy pickin's to kick around.
Maybe Drumpf will use him to send JK a message; fire tainted Sessions and put him @ DoJ!
1
After the "wind" (long "I") there will still be the "wind" (short "I").
2
His obscurity can't come fast enough.
11
"Grandpa lived a life of consequences," is more like it. No one will be discussing Christie's "life of consequence," trust.
4
Christie has alway been a joke and gives N.J. a bad name. He seemed to operate like the Mafia.
5
This guy was always a fraud. An absurd individual, blinded by unfounded yet irresistible ambition. Very loud, willing to say blatantly false things like "the government has been stealing your Social Security" in his appeal to voters. Thank goodness he also ran afoul of Trump and has no significant role in the national party. Good riddance!
9
Nick Corasanti: "With a 20 percent approval rating that secures his place among the most unliked governors in New Jersey history..." "
It sounds as if NYTimes journalism has descended to Facebook standards. On FB you can "unlike" , in the real world the correct word is "dislike".
I question the analysis of someone in capable of mastering the art of diction.
It sounds as if NYTimes journalism has descended to Facebook standards. On FB you can "unlike" , in the real world the correct word is "dislike".
I question the analysis of someone in capable of mastering the art of diction.
1
So, in your view, is he "in capable" or "incapable" of analysis?
1
Bridge and Tunnel. That's the very "New Jersey" legacy that Christie will be remembered for. The Bridge he or his cronies shut down and the tunnel that would have secured New Jersey's future that he torpedoed. Sorry Chris. It ain't gonna get better than that!
11
Christie's seeds of destruction were sown early in his career. He learned that he could gain notoriety, publicity and political clout from taking down public officials as attorney general. Then he crossed the line. After prosecuting authentic criminals he went after honest noble public servants. The unfortunate lesson he learned was that he could gain political momentum even if he was wrong and the individuals he targeted were honest brokers working to promote the public good. Ultimately, political gain founded on falsehood crumbles into dust- but it takes time and accumulates enormous collateral damage along the way. Good riddance Christie- you should never have existed in the first place.
4
It ain't over til the fat man's in jail.
13
A bully and a disgusting human being.
7
His "tough guy" Jersey attitude was divisive, nasty and alienating. He's a total opportunist of the worst kind. It's kind of his calling to join the Trump administration!
4
I cant forget the image of Christie walking toward the door of 10 Downing St in London - early in the campaign. I thought then - and now - what a phony!
We the people have the power - NOT cronies like this creep. Do you hear this Mr. C. Trump didn't want you.
Sadly, some unscrupulous law firm will take him in.
Americans love a comeback - sure. Hopefully, that is not the case with this buffoon. Good riddance!
We the people have the power - NOT cronies like this creep. Do you hear this Mr. C. Trump didn't want you.
Sadly, some unscrupulous law firm will take him in.
Americans love a comeback - sure. Hopefully, that is not the case with this buffoon. Good riddance!
8
It happens again and again. Disgraced politician displays confidence that history will be kind to him. He's "focused" on doing the right thing for his state in the final months of his tenure. Just like Trump. Saying it does not make it true. Christie will go down in history as one of the worst governors in history. Someone willing to say or do anything for power.
3
CC will be back. He is a political animal and folks, voters included, have short memories. I Richard Nixon and Herbert Hoover could be redeemed its small potatoes for what he has done, TrafficGate too.
5
Christie is wholly venal. His total lack of concern for the well-being of the citizens of New Jersey was obvious when he cancelled the tunnel at a time when interest rates were at an all-time low and people were desperate for jobs.
And yet the national Democratic organization did next to nothing to help Barbara Buono when she ran against him in 2013. Speculation at the time was that the Democrats wanted to keep Christie alive as a possible contender in the 2016 presidential race. So they too were willing to throw the people of New Jersey under the bus.
And yet the national Democratic organization did next to nothing to help Barbara Buono when she ran against him in 2013. Speculation at the time was that the Democrats wanted to keep Christie alive as a possible contender in the 2016 presidential race. So they too were willing to throw the people of New Jersey under the bus.
12
After 28 years working in the federal government I have learned one thing. You can get anything done as long as you don't care who gets credit for it. Any politician who talks about their obit never learned that. My obit will probably say "Wonder why he never thought of that?"
7
He has many faults but there is one thing he got very right--he's one of the first Republican politicians on the national stage to frame the opioid situation as a pro-life concern, making the point that we should care about the imperfect born people around us and not just innocent, easy-to-side-with fetuses.
4
I agree. Shockingly.
2
During the Republican debates and primaries to name their presidential candidate, I actually thought that Chris Christie was more of a sleaze and a bully than Donald Trump. However, not quite as great a prevaricator!
5
When will people wake up to the fact that it's not Christie's flaws but our own that allow someone of his ilk in the position of power.
As long as voters remain in the throes of ignorance I would say Christie is just about the best we can get no matter where we live.
As long as voters remain in the throes of ignorance I would say Christie is just about the best we can get no matter where we live.
9
Just like trump, Christie is an unabashed self promoter and a loud mouth bully. I hope he crawls back into the cave he came out of.
7
The most disappointing thing Christie did was come out of the closet as a Cowboy fan. I am willing to bet he would have never have won if that fact was known when he ran for office. There not much the unites Giants and Eagle fans, but a strong dislike of the Cowboys might be the only thing.
3
Is there a place for Christie in Trump's administration?
Christie's mean, sneering, dishonest, obnoxious, and unconcerned with anyone but himself.
He'll fit right in.
My most powerful memory of Christie is still his disgusting take down of the school teacher he chided for becoming a teacher because it doesn't pay very much. A close second was his sarcastic piggish take down of journalist Jonathan Capehart on "Morning Joe" for Capehart's homosexuality. Capehart was a model of dignity under Christie's nasty assault.
I can't think of 10 things Christie has done that outweigh even one of his worst moments. He lives about 20 minutes from his lifelong hero Bruce Springsteen and never seems to understand why Bruce wants nothing to do with him. Springsteen is progressive, compassionate, modest, and decent. Bruce fans think we know exactly why he's avoided Christie.
Christie's mean, sneering, dishonest, obnoxious, and unconcerned with anyone but himself.
He'll fit right in.
My most powerful memory of Christie is still his disgusting take down of the school teacher he chided for becoming a teacher because it doesn't pay very much. A close second was his sarcastic piggish take down of journalist Jonathan Capehart on "Morning Joe" for Capehart's homosexuality. Capehart was a model of dignity under Christie's nasty assault.
I can't think of 10 things Christie has done that outweigh even one of his worst moments. He lives about 20 minutes from his lifelong hero Bruce Springsteen and never seems to understand why Bruce wants nothing to do with him. Springsteen is progressive, compassionate, modest, and decent. Bruce fans think we know exactly why he's avoided Christie.
24
The irony of Christie chastising Amtrak after starving NJ infrastructure for his entire tenure would be comic were it not so tragic. People need to really think before they elect these tightfisted Republican Governors. Nikki Haley in my home state of SC left billions of dollars on the table because she refused Medicaid expansion. Brownback is ruining Brownbackistan, and Pat McCrory (who did not get reelected in NC) made the state a national laughingstock by signing HB2 (and doing everything possible to disenfranchise black voters).
15
You forgot to mention that CC prosecuted Kushner's father.
The Trump people used him. (Remenber his terrific put down of Rubio?)
Then they dumped him.
The Trump people used him. (Remenber his terrific put down of Rubio?)
Then they dumped him.
9
I'm still hoping to see him locked-up with David Samson as his cellmate. There's no one chanting, "lock him up" when he speaks in public; there should be, but that's the Trump supporters' style, like Michael T Flynn's. I am also tempted to use the term, "dirtbag" to describe this former prosecutor. Maybe his friend, another dirtbag, and former fame-seeking U.S. prosecutor, Rudy Giuliani will have a job for him in his security company where both of them can scare and bully people into hooking up with them and giving them their money. These are scary, dangerous people, who along with their friend, Donald J Trump remind me of the Nazi High Command. Is that analogy too over the top? Am I being unfair? When will this nightmare be over and people like these, and little Jeff Sessions go back into obscurity where they should have always remained?
10
It is difficult to believe that anyone, ever, took this blowhard seriously.
The fact that anyone did is a serious indictment of the intellectual depravity of a good many of my fellow citizens.
He's still a blowhard. Who brags about gabbing with Trump once a week, an assertion I seriously doubt.
If he was kicked to the curb any harder and more openly by Trump he'd need brain surgery to stop the internal bleeding.
Good riddance!
The fact that anyone did is a serious indictment of the intellectual depravity of a good many of my fellow citizens.
He's still a blowhard. Who brags about gabbing with Trump once a week, an assertion I seriously doubt.
If he was kicked to the curb any harder and more openly by Trump he'd need brain surgery to stop the internal bleeding.
Good riddance!
13
I did not vote for him. To add insult to my injury, he nixed the proposed new Hudson tunnel, a vital infrastructure in the region. A lapse of good judgement I suppose. But he redeemed himself in his waning days as a proponent to curb the issue of opioid epidemic in New Jersey and to fund the pension coffer through lottery revenues. He should move on perhaps to be a lawyer again and dump Trump who cares only about himself with others expendable.
I would say leopards don't change their spots but that's insulting to leopards who are lithe and adept at their task. This man is a python. Just because he's still hungry doesn't mean he should be fed. Just ignore him and he'll slither away.
8
The best, the very best thing about Chris Christie? Soon he'll be gone, long gone.
10
Gov. Christie, you are, in a person, as a metaphor, as a barometer of the political culture of the United States in the early 21st century, why after law school and every other indication to the contrary, I did not go into politics.
It's all about you, isn't it, Chris Christie.
11
I placed a few beer bets on Christie to be the Republican presidential nominee - because I had never seen a potential candidate so willing to both lie and pretend to be tough. Unfortunately for him, and the rest of us, another candidate was even more craven.
17
OK, I'm not a citizen of New Jersey. But I cannot understand why Mr. Christie is not in jail, and failing that, why the citizens have not impeached him.
And on top of everything else he did to hurt the people of the state, he made New Jersey the laughingstock of America, and proved to almost everybody that corrupt and incompetent politicians can thumb their noses at the public.
And on top of everything else he did to hurt the people of the state, he made New Jersey the laughingstock of America, and proved to almost everybody that corrupt and incompetent politicians can thumb their noses at the public.
8
What is truly amazing is that he does not seem to realize what a pitiful job he has done.
9
Christies ambitions for higher office meant that he had to starve NJ of investment, repair and improvement. The sweetheart deal he gave Exxon was an insult to every resident. We have paid dearly for his follies
Chris Christie has no accomplishments.
He belongs in jail.
Chris Christie has no accomplishments.
He belongs in jail.
147
One commenter noted how Christie has worked at building his "Conservative Cred." On that note, perhaps investigative journalists should be examining his record as a Prosecutor, to see if perhaps that job might have been compromised by an excess of enthusiasm resulting in wrongful convictions.
4
Still a bully and a festering wound on the body politic. His ambush-style bullying opened a door for the cancer that is Mr. Trump. Sad legacy.
7
Maybe the people of NJ have learned something and will vote for a Democrat next time.
10
Why would they be smart enough to vote in their own self-interest?
2
Just how great was Christie for the Great State of NJ....
- The highest property taxes in the US
- The highest foreclosure rate in the US
- One of the highest unemployment rates in the US
- Four members of his administration are now convicted felons
Great Job.
- The highest property taxes in the US
- The highest foreclosure rate in the US
- One of the highest unemployment rates in the US
- Four members of his administration are now convicted felons
Great Job.
17
As a former lifelong resident of N.J., I would like to add another distinction of my home state: the number one state for people leaving. I am one of those people and I am happier now than I have ever been.
7
The FOR Sale sign has been on my front lawn for two months and cant wait. My job is transferring me to Sarasota, FL.
Im saving almost 8k a year in property taxes alone never mind the fact that there is no state or city tax.
Im saving almost 8k a year in property taxes alone never mind the fact that there is no state or city tax.
2
Christie still needs to repay the NJ Treasury the $12 million that it cost to have a one-item-only special Senate election (after Frank Lautenberg passed away) to be held in October 2013 less than 3 weeks before the general election in order to plump up his numbers for his second term to show the country how well he could do in a democrat state. He stole that money from us plus inconvenienced us by having to vote twice in 3 weeks. Brazen, shameful, and pathetic. Oh, and yeah, right, he knew nothing about Bridgegate. Give me a break.
19
Lock him UP!
Bridgegate was all the machination of a couple of aides and a stooge from high school.
Right, he knew nothing. There's gambling in Atlantic City?
Bridgegate was all the machination of a couple of aides and a stooge from high school.
Right, he knew nothing. There's gambling in Atlantic City?
9
He also cast teachers as leeches and public enemies, for expecting that their contracted benefits--pensions agreed to in lieu of salary increments--be honored. How dare they expect the state to negotiated in good faith? So while Christie was giving Exxon a free pass to contaminate our state's soil and water and air, it's teachers who are the parasites.
So Christie says “I was doing what I thought was best for the country,” he said of his endorsement of Mr. Trump. “And for me.” I think he's got that in the wrong order. Just as with Trump, Christie is all about 'Christie First'. The con that he's trying to do here is a miniature of what Trump has sold his supporters nationwide -- that this politician is concerned with something, anything at all, ahead of their own personal success. This is just plain falsehood. Nothing Christie has done has ever been any other than first and foremost "What's in it for me"? Like Trump, if there's something beneficial for the country that's just sheerest coincidence. Christie had the unfortunate misfortune to have his aides caught at the 'Bridgegate' scandal, and then he picked Trump to back, without realizing that Trump would never do anything for him but use him and dump him. Sycophants are cheap and easy for Trump, and Christie doesn't distinguish himself merely by being just another yes-man. See you Chris, don't let the door hit your... on your way out of office.
7
Maybe he can go back to "working the cones" on the George Washington bridge.
10
Say what you will, I still think he would be a less odious Attorney General than Sessions.
37
Faint praise/
1
Well, yes. I suppose it is better to have hepatitis than syphilis.
4
Sure. The Elf or the Troll.
3
My admiration for Chris Christie ended with Bridgegate but I especially abhorred when he took up with Trump.
I'm definitely liberal, progressive, definitely on the left. However, I was a big fan of Chris Christie's. I love that Jersey brashness, that "get the hell off the beach" bluster. My relatives in New Jersey dissuaded me but I admired him from afar.
In fact, I remember writing in a NY Times comment that the Democrats better nominate someone good in 2016 or I'd consider voting for Christie. This would have been before Bridgegate, maybe around early 2013 or so, after Obama was safely re-elected.
How the mighty have fallen.
I'm definitely liberal, progressive, definitely on the left. However, I was a big fan of Chris Christie's. I love that Jersey brashness, that "get the hell off the beach" bluster. My relatives in New Jersey dissuaded me but I admired him from afar.
In fact, I remember writing in a NY Times comment that the Democrats better nominate someone good in 2016 or I'd consider voting for Christie. This would have been before Bridgegate, maybe around early 2013 or so, after Obama was safely re-elected.
How the mighty have fallen.
3
Chris Christie is a lying blowhard. Poor New Jersey. They trusted him enough to elect him.
And for him to think he almost could have run for President - twice. He never was a serious candidate in the minds of most voters. He's fooling himself again.
And for him to think he almost could have run for President - twice. He never was a serious candidate in the minds of most voters. He's fooling himself again.
9
Why doesn't Christie reflect on how he might repent for all of his selfish greed?
4
You've got to love that he hitched his star to our demagogue in chief. And he was kicked to the curb like an unloved dog.
6
Yep. And after "being a good friend" of Fat Donnie for over 15 years....he never had any idea of Donnie's behavior...
2
I give him just one credit for an attempt - An attempt to deal with Opioid crisis in his state. He could have used his connections in the Republic party to get more funds for his states. He could still. That would be somewhat of a redemption for him.
5
Do you really think the good people of New Jersey learned anything from electing this guy TWICE? I don't think so. They'll do it again as soon as the next tough-talking bully come around promising they'll get everything for nothing.
83
There is only one person in the 2017 race that fits that bill, the consummate bully, Lt. Governor Kin Guadagno. She is the one who threatened The Mayor of Hoboken and she is a crass and meaner version of Chris Christie. I doubt she'll get anywhere against Phil Murphy who is the likely Democratic candidate.
The only possibility left is Joe Piscopo who has announced he will run but didn't file in time to get on the primary ballot. Wouldn't that be horrendous?
The only possibility left is Joe Piscopo who has announced he will run but didn't file in time to get on the primary ballot. Wouldn't that be horrendous?
3
Exactly! It's not about self absorbed buffoon Christie.
It's all about the dopes that vote completely unqualified fools like Trump and Christie into positions that depend on smarts and humble leadership to constructively deal with the people's business.
It's all about the dopes that vote completely unqualified fools like Trump and Christie into positions that depend on smarts and humble leadership to constructively deal with the people's business.
3
That's what America loves. We conflate bullying with strength of character. Strength of character is far more complex, and far more interesting. But we still want the guy in the white hat coming into town to straighten everything out. We are such a young country.
Perhaps the most despicable thing about Chris Christie is that he endorsed Trump even though Trump aggressively promoted his lie of having seen thousands of Arabs in Jersey City celebrating the 9/11 attacks.
79
Chris Christie is leaving office in disgrace. His biggest failure was his turning down the Federal and New York money which would have paid 75% of the cost of a dedicated NJ Transit Gateway tunnel. Now he has the unmitigated gaul to criticize Amtrak for his lack of interest in the betterment of the transportation system for all his constituents. For all the bowing and scrapping Christie did to National Politics, his interest in representing NJ has been minimal. The man is know to be vindictive but I guess Jarrod Kushner had the last laugh
23
The list of Chris Christie's failures as our Governor would seem untoppable, if there weren't Sam Brownback in Kansas and, of course, Donald Trump in Washington, DC.
Christie started right in on failures, just like Trump. He managed to be out of the country (not just the state) during a MAJOR blizzard and on county couldn't get cleared at all. Like Trump, he refused blame or responsibility for failing to act.
He then lost a $250 million education aid package from DC, because it sat on his desk too long, but, again, he scape-goated Bret Schundler and fired him, who had been a loyal follower. I've never cared for Schundler but he got a rotten deal.
Christie's list of making things worse for NJ goes on and on, and others have covered it.
In 7 years and 3 months he's had 2 weeks where he performed superbly: During the catastrophic Super Storm Sandy. He faced the emergency head one, got the gas-lines moving by the simple expediency of odd/even license plates for odd/even days of the month. 2 good, properly governing weeks. That's all.
Of course, he blew that apart by later using Sandy money to extort endorsements from Democratic mayors for his re-election campaign in 2013. And when ONE Democratic mayor of Fort Lee refused to endorse him: Bridgegate!
Christie has caused havoc with school & town budgets, forcing all kinds of draconian ways to raise revenue, like building permit fees that run as high as 10% of the construction costs! $10k for a $100k project!
Bye, Chris!
Christie started right in on failures, just like Trump. He managed to be out of the country (not just the state) during a MAJOR blizzard and on county couldn't get cleared at all. Like Trump, he refused blame or responsibility for failing to act.
He then lost a $250 million education aid package from DC, because it sat on his desk too long, but, again, he scape-goated Bret Schundler and fired him, who had been a loyal follower. I've never cared for Schundler but he got a rotten deal.
Christie's list of making things worse for NJ goes on and on, and others have covered it.
In 7 years and 3 months he's had 2 weeks where he performed superbly: During the catastrophic Super Storm Sandy. He faced the emergency head one, got the gas-lines moving by the simple expediency of odd/even license plates for odd/even days of the month. 2 good, properly governing weeks. That's all.
Of course, he blew that apart by later using Sandy money to extort endorsements from Democratic mayors for his re-election campaign in 2013. And when ONE Democratic mayor of Fort Lee refused to endorse him: Bridgegate!
Christie has caused havoc with school & town budgets, forcing all kinds of draconian ways to raise revenue, like building permit fees that run as high as 10% of the construction costs! $10k for a $100k project!
Bye, Chris!
12
A bully, and cheat, a fraud, dishonest, self-involved. All these words are used here to describe a politician...and the results are likewise described as "disaster". Are we talking about Christie or Trump? And why don't we learn?
Gorge Santayana was right; and we are repeating the past.
Gorge Santayana was right; and we are repeating the past.
10
Gov. Christie, like all good Republicans, spent a lot of time bashing Pres. Obama, yet he had no problem flying around in a helicopter with the President after SuperStorm/Hurricane Sandy expecting FEMA money to be paid out for the damage. Hypocrite.
7
He wants to make $$$ and I am quite sure that he is already connected. What a loser!
8
Who suffered from Bridgegate? New Jersey residents were the majority, in particular, residents of North Jersey, a majority of whom are Republicans. A majority of New Jersey residents had voted for Christie. It made no sense to trap them in tie-ups at the George Washington Bridge. Bridgegate was not only pointless but very stupid.
4
I think the photo caption should read "The unindicted Governor of New Jersey visiting his future home".
11
Christie managed to (further) tarnish NJ's reputation for corruption -- not an easy feat.
12
Exxon will hire him for something. Anything. He is worth his weight in gold to Exxon with all the money he saved for Exxon with a single sign-off.
No pun was intended. It is what it is.
No pun was intended. It is what it is.
9
After reading the legions of criticisms leveled at Christie, and if all of them are true, the perfect job for him has already been established and smoothed to fit - well, maybe not his contours - but is at least a fit for his level of incompetent sleaze. The Governorship in Tallahassee is finally term limited. Christie could campaign on the slogan "You Could Do Worse - And Clearly Have...!"
4
Christie didn't care how he hurt constituents when he was trying to increase his conservative cred by blocking the Hudson river rail connection.
"Mr. Christie seemed intent on lying low." Previously, he was just intent on lying, although some of the lies were pretty low.
"Mr. Christie seemed intent on lying low." Previously, he was just intent on lying, although some of the lies were pretty low.
13
New job suggestion: stunt double for the Michelin Man.
10
Worst . . . Governor. . . . Ever!
23
America's failure to check corruption has put their democracy down for the count. Christie is just another shameless parasite taking advantage of the situation. Time to stand up America.
5
I despise this man because he violated the unwritten rule about people with status, authority, and power. You always treat people of lower social status with respect. He berated and abused public servants in his state in a manner I consider unforgivable. He's an old fashioned schoolyard bully. Nothing more. And I believe David Wildstein when he says he informed Christie of the Bridge matter on the Thursday 9/11 commemoration in NYC. After being informed Christie did nothing, and that makes him a full member of a criminal conspirator to commit a federal crime. Yes, I believe he knew.
222
Yes, I believe he knew too. And his past behavior of always passing the buck (remember the application for education funds from the Obama administration?) to people who have no leverage, is a terrible character flaw which should never be present in a true leader.
But it appears that whether he knew or not, just like whether there's something to see in Trump's tax returns or not, the public will never know. That's how our justice system works - or doesn't. No wonder so many people have lost faith.
But it appears that whether he knew or not, just like whether there's something to see in Trump's tax returns or not, the public will never know. That's how our justice system works - or doesn't. No wonder so many people have lost faith.
Christie inherited a problem with the NJ public employees' pension system.
He could have acted to fix the system but his actions made the problem worse.
When Christine Todd Whitman ran for governor of NJ against Jim Florio she argued it was possible to cut taxes but increase revenues.
Although Whitman won the election her tax cuts produced huge deficits.
To pay for these deficits she underfunded the pension funds by assuming unrealistic gains for the pension funds' investments.
Instead of addressing this problem of underfunding, Christie chose to attack the unions and continue the underfunding.
Hot air and bluster do not address the underfunding problem.
Maybe I'm cynical but it is very hard to believe Christie did not know about and in fact approve the Bridgegate action.
What kind of flawed individual lets his subordinates take the blame.
He could have acted to fix the system but his actions made the problem worse.
When Christine Todd Whitman ran for governor of NJ against Jim Florio she argued it was possible to cut taxes but increase revenues.
Although Whitman won the election her tax cuts produced huge deficits.
To pay for these deficits she underfunded the pension funds by assuming unrealistic gains for the pension funds' investments.
Instead of addressing this problem of underfunding, Christie chose to attack the unions and continue the underfunding.
Hot air and bluster do not address the underfunding problem.
Maybe I'm cynical but it is very hard to believe Christie did not know about and in fact approve the Bridgegate action.
What kind of flawed individual lets his subordinates take the blame.
16
At best he's another John Sununu ... with dirtier baggage. And that's debatable.
5
Chris Christie--yet another establishment Republican fed-up voters rejected.
The way he jumped on the teacher-bashing bandwagon when it was all the rage and then blocked traffic as revenge was disgusting.
Christie is one example of why conservative voters refused to nominate any of the usual Republicans, choosing what seemed like a certain presidential loss by nominating a non-politician instead. Those voters put country ahead of party; they would rather have had Clinton than Christie, Jeb, or Cruz.
The way he jumped on the teacher-bashing bandwagon when it was all the rage and then blocked traffic as revenge was disgusting.
Christie is one example of why conservative voters refused to nominate any of the usual Republicans, choosing what seemed like a certain presidential loss by nominating a non-politician instead. Those voters put country ahead of party; they would rather have had Clinton than Christie, Jeb, or Cruz.
4
Empty vessels make the loudest noise
11
This interview is an attempt by Christie for his own re-set. He wants to show voters he is still the same guy they liked 2009 and 2013.
Well, he is the same guy, but voters have wised up to his antics. Christie has no notion of public service as his Trump endorsement comment proved. Every decision was calculated to help politically and personally. His bluster and bombast paved the way for Trump and it seems Christie still does not realize how corrosive and destructive his big mouth is such when he exploded at the reporter for asking a question about Samson.
Governor, here's the facts: you appointed Samson, Wildstein, Baroni, and Bridget Kelly and now they are convicted felons. Given your style of governance, many find impossible to believe that you didn't know about Bridgegate. It's more plausible that you were the leader of the conspiracy rather its victim. However, if your story is true, then for hiring and failing to supervise these felons, you're only recourse was to resign. That's what honorable and accountable public servants do. But you're a phony and hypocrite.
Yes, you should continue to serve the public. I'm sure your talents, such as they are, could help people in Newark and Camden. Some might call that penance for your numerous faults as a person and a politician. Some would call it merciful, but no one should call it justice. Not when Bridget Kelly is scapegoated and doing time and Christie is free man with all the perks and arrogance of high office.
Well, he is the same guy, but voters have wised up to his antics. Christie has no notion of public service as his Trump endorsement comment proved. Every decision was calculated to help politically and personally. His bluster and bombast paved the way for Trump and it seems Christie still does not realize how corrosive and destructive his big mouth is such when he exploded at the reporter for asking a question about Samson.
Governor, here's the facts: you appointed Samson, Wildstein, Baroni, and Bridget Kelly and now they are convicted felons. Given your style of governance, many find impossible to believe that you didn't know about Bridgegate. It's more plausible that you were the leader of the conspiracy rather its victim. However, if your story is true, then for hiring and failing to supervise these felons, you're only recourse was to resign. That's what honorable and accountable public servants do. But you're a phony and hypocrite.
Yes, you should continue to serve the public. I'm sure your talents, such as they are, could help people in Newark and Camden. Some might call that penance for your numerous faults as a person and a politician. Some would call it merciful, but no one should call it justice. Not when Bridget Kelly is scapegoated and doing time and Christie is free man with all the perks and arrogance of high office.
16
Good riddance.
11
His legacy will be his cancellation of the new Hudson River train tunnel. How severe a disaster that is will depend on how long it takes to build a new tunnel and how many and severe problems there are with the two existing tunnels. If the problems are limited Christie's legacy will be that of a political hack who used infrastructure money to hold down the gas tax. If the Northeast Corridor plugs into chaos he will be the worst governor New Jersey every had.
14
These days government is transactional instead of strategic.
Amtrak runs far, far fewer trains than NJ Transit on the Amtrak line through New Jersey into New York City. NJ Transit trains produce most of the problems and maintenance issues. Amtrak trains would be running fine without the stresses that NJ Transit places on the system. And the new ARC train tunnel under the Hudson, which would have been completed next year and alleviated a whole host of these problems, was cancelled by Governor Christie in 2010.
When Mr. Christie threatened the chairman of the Amtrak board, Anthony R. Coscia, to withhold payments after the recent Penn Station derailment, Mr. Coscia should have replied that Amtrak was getting a bad deal from New Jersey. He should have said that if New Jersey wanted to withhold payment, Amtrak would abide by that decision and cancel the bad deal. New Jersey could then just go and find a new, better way to get their trains into New York City. See simple – problem solved.
Amtrak runs far, far fewer trains than NJ Transit on the Amtrak line through New Jersey into New York City. NJ Transit trains produce most of the problems and maintenance issues. Amtrak trains would be running fine without the stresses that NJ Transit places on the system. And the new ARC train tunnel under the Hudson, which would have been completed next year and alleviated a whole host of these problems, was cancelled by Governor Christie in 2010.
When Mr. Christie threatened the chairman of the Amtrak board, Anthony R. Coscia, to withhold payments after the recent Penn Station derailment, Mr. Coscia should have replied that Amtrak was getting a bad deal from New Jersey. He should have said that if New Jersey wanted to withhold payment, Amtrak would abide by that decision and cancel the bad deal. New Jersey could then just go and find a new, better way to get their trains into New York City. See simple – problem solved.
1
This was the first politician to support Trump. History will not be kind.
10
As he leaves office, he is pushing the State into a $300 million renovation of the New Jersey State Capitol building.
Why is it I think of Boss Tweed and the Court House built on his watch?
Why is it I think of Boss Tweed and the Court House built on his watch?
9
I am not a partisan. I was always ambivalent toward Christie. Although I agreed with many of his policies, I have always found it distasteful to support any politician of any party who was previously a prosecutor. And Christie let no opportunity go by that gave him the chance to remind us that he was a big shot prosecutor.
But Christie alienated himself from many of the people who previously supported him. He sealed his fate when he made the crass, supremely selfish, personal physical embrace of Obama during the 2012 election. It was obvious that his intent was to help Obama defeat Romney so that Christie could run 4 years later rather than Romney be then seeking a second term.
But Christie alienated himself from many of the people who previously supported him. He sealed his fate when he made the crass, supremely selfish, personal physical embrace of Obama during the 2012 election. It was obvious that his intent was to help Obama defeat Romney so that Christie could run 4 years later rather than Romney be then seeking a second term.
13
You're not partisan? Methinks you ought revisit the dictionary concerning the motives you ascribe to a single unscripted hug over a handshake.
8
I disagree. His embrace of Obama humanized him and showed me a man working across party lines to help his constituents. Unfortunately, he showed himself for who he really was in his embrace of Trump, his rudeness toward those who disagreed with him, and, of course, "Bridgegate." The citizens of New Jersey deserved better; next time, I hope they choose more carefully.
77
Your governor is in the same mold as Christie.
1
He is a selfish bully, a cheat, a fraud, a con, and treasonous against the State of New Jersey, same as Don the Con is on an international scale.
25
Chris Christie's obituary: schemer, liar, perverter of justice, opponent of the public good. His only accomplishments were in puffing up his own ego.
17
The real losers are the citizens of New Jersey.
Politicians like Christie come and go but the damage to the state because of his malfeasance lingers long after the fact.
Politicians like Christie come and go but the damage to the state because of his malfeasance lingers long after the fact.
16
“I absolutely believe that, in part, that’s the hand of God redeeming lives, and if you can be a part of that (drug treatment policy enhancement), it’s a great thing,” Chris Christie said.
-----
The lunatic still thinks he's 'God'.
Abandoning school buses full of schoolchildren and tens of thousands of motorists for days on end to to satisfy his own Machiavellian evil and lust for power, the deranged, sadistic governor stands proudly and magnanimously like a giant buttocks in the New Jersey sky.
A wretched and contemptible human being, a fake Christian and an unindicted criminal - quite a record, Chris Christie.
-----
The lunatic still thinks he's 'God'.
Abandoning school buses full of schoolchildren and tens of thousands of motorists for days on end to to satisfy his own Machiavellian evil and lust for power, the deranged, sadistic governor stands proudly and magnanimously like a giant buttocks in the New Jersey sky.
A wretched and contemptible human being, a fake Christian and an unindicted criminal - quite a record, Chris Christie.
57
Another example of a politician who had the right instincts when he took office and who sold his soul to feed his ambition. He should have concentrated on being a great governor. Instead he sold out to a political ideology in hopes of being President. John McCain did something similar in his failed Presidential run with Sarah Palin.
These guys never seem t get it that people are either going to accept you or not and if you try to be something you are not, it usually results in punishment. Get elected, do your job for the people, don't lie, cheat or steal, remember who you work for, the rest will take care of itself.
These guys never seem t get it that people are either going to accept you or not and if you try to be something you are not, it usually results in punishment. Get elected, do your job for the people, don't lie, cheat or steal, remember who you work for, the rest will take care of itself.
5
Christy should have studied some classic lit. He was just plain used! Dumb and dumbest. Trump treated him like a last minute prom date. Christie should have read a little of James Dickey's work before he wandered too far in the wilderness. Once he saw Trey Gowdy on the bridge playing the banjo he just should have run! Joseph Conrad could have warned you Chris, avoid the heart of darkness, too late I think.
3
In a couple of years, when the NJ Transit Tunnels collapse without a ready replacement, northern New Jersey will became a wasteland and property values will hit rock bottom. People will remember that Christie canceled the ARC project after digging had already begun, and that he destroyed northern Jersey by doing so. He will then go from being unpopular to being the most hated man in America.
16
Maybe Yale could hire him as a professor just to aggravate the political correct totalitarian students.
5
A man who could have accomplished more. But the good he did accomplish is now buried beneath a personality of malice--bent on destroying others; vindictiveness and willingness to degrade himself for hoped-for power and a few pieces of Filthy Lucre.
16
The vitriol in comments always astounds. Love him, hate him, love him, hate him. Mock, shame, cajole. No one ever thinks before they want to condemn all. Mean spirited world. I don't even know the guy but boy am I sick of the negativity on all fronts. This is no way to build humanity.
With respect, you did not have to endure him as governor.
10
I don't want to hear his name unless he's reporting for jail.
14
Christie's legacy will remain his pugnacious put-down of a school teacher in a town hall; overseeing a state pension system which has not provided a cost of living increase in his 8 years; endless time away from his job for which any lesser employee would have been penalized; the bridge gate scandal and his blithe spending of $1 million state money for a report exonerating himself for deeds employees in offices next to him allegedly did by themselves without his knowledge; $25 million for a special election one month before a statewide one for which the candidates could have been on the same ballot; and turning down federal funds for a third railroad tunnel that could have been several years away from completion rather than non-existent and creating the almost regularly recurring NY-NJ transit mess. One can write type out his deplorable actions in one quick statement almost as fast as he spews out rancorous hyperbole.
23
Character is destiny.
9
Check the sign behind you, Chris - Caution Sliding Gate, Keep Off - too late. That is a sign to the end of your political career.
8
Christie, instead of being just a loser, is a malevolent loser! The GWB episode best summarizes who and what he is, his disavowals notwithstanding! The buck stops with him!
But the buck also stops with all the voters in New Jersey who voted for him twice, and that includes the Democrat legislators like Sweeney who sold out their own constituencies for their self-aggrandizement. I may live in NY but from what I have read and observed, the state and its voters are the sewer of American politics. However, they were the prognosticators, not clearly understood, of the Trump presidency. What a country!
But the buck also stops with all the voters in New Jersey who voted for him twice, and that includes the Democrat legislators like Sweeney who sold out their own constituencies for their self-aggrandizement. I may live in NY but from what I have read and observed, the state and its voters are the sewer of American politics. However, they were the prognosticators, not clearly understood, of the Trump presidency. What a country!
7
An interesting (presumably not accidental?) choice of a feature photo for this story -- Christie on his way into jail! -- and the caption:
"Gov. Chris Christie during a visit to Mid-State Correctional Facility at Fort Dix..."
Residents of NJ, and many others, hope that that Christie will soon be making another, longer "visit" to a correctional facility! Maybe 18 mos-5 years?
Perhaps Christie's next "visit" will see him housed in a cell next to the likes of Bill Baroni and Bridget Kelly, only two of many Christie underlings involved in some of the worst, utterly illegal abuses of political power in recent memory.
After all, Christie was clearly the ring-leader of the conspiracy to "punish" Ft Lee so his sentence should be longer than those meted out to Baroni and Kelly.
"Gov. Chris Christie during a visit to Mid-State Correctional Facility at Fort Dix..."
Residents of NJ, and many others, hope that that Christie will soon be making another, longer "visit" to a correctional facility! Maybe 18 mos-5 years?
Perhaps Christie's next "visit" will see him housed in a cell next to the likes of Bill Baroni and Bridget Kelly, only two of many Christie underlings involved in some of the worst, utterly illegal abuses of political power in recent memory.
After all, Christie was clearly the ring-leader of the conspiracy to "punish" Ft Lee so his sentence should be longer than those meted out to Baroni and Kelly.
8
“If you’re in your last year, you’ve got to decide if you want to be uniting or divisive,” Mr. Christie said. “I want to be uniting on the way out.”
That's the kind of choices he has to face. For some of us it is a continuing struggle to unite people. For others a political ploy to be used opportunistically.
That's the kind of choices he has to face. For some of us it is a continuing struggle to unite people. For others a political ploy to be used opportunistically.
8
I remember wishing that Christie were a liberal Democrat rather than the looney whatever-his-governing-philosophy is.
I liked that he is quite articulate and a tough debater. He delivers his ideas in excellent language and forcefully. In my dreams, he would fight for equality for all, and treat the Wall St. banksters and other capitalist unindicted criminals with the effective contempt they deserve.
In sum, he had the style and the tools to be great. Sadly, his head was clearly in a very wrong place, as is obvious from where he now is.
I liked that he is quite articulate and a tough debater. He delivers his ideas in excellent language and forcefully. In my dreams, he would fight for equality for all, and treat the Wall St. banksters and other capitalist unindicted criminals with the effective contempt they deserve.
In sum, he had the style and the tools to be great. Sadly, his head was clearly in a very wrong place, as is obvious from where he now is.
45
If you are not constrained by logic or actual facts, you can be very persuasive. - Donald Trump.
Does anybody in politics remember that they work for the people and not the other way around? Such arrogance.
20
A whole lotta failed Republican presidential candidate just got taught that lesson in 2016.
Nominating Trump was literally the only way to get rid of those parasites.
Nominating Trump was literally the only way to get rid of those parasites.
Yeccch. I only read as far as a quote in which Christie sounded like Trump.
4
I don't think much of him but as a fellow NJ native I remind you all of the wise words of Mr Yogi Berra, "It aint over til its over".
He has another act in some capacity it may not be political but an ego like that is not going to go quietly into the night.
He has another act in some capacity it may not be political but an ego like that is not going to go quietly into the night.
Christie turns out to be just another con artist. I left NJ 35 years ago, and considered returning after retirement until I realized that the only things that have changed since I left is that it is even more corrupt and the tax rates are even higher. I have finally figured out why retirees flee to Florida, and why students attend college in other states and do not return!
4
A fumbler and bumbler with poor decision-making skills. One would think he'd be a perfect fit for the Trump administration.
9
As a former office holder you can usually spot a flawed politico. And this guy is flawed. If anyone had died because of his 'traffic jam' then he would be in jail. that might get mentioned in his obit.
7
He just doesn't get it: You have to choose if you want to unify or be divisive. Really? The fact that he even considers purposeful divisiveness as a political tactic speaks volumes about his character. The writer is off, too. Trump's brand of populism isn't anti-corporation, it's anti government. Trump loves big business and wants to tear down ever regulation or obstacle in the way of them making as much and keeping as money as possible -- so they can continue to provide crappy jobs to workers. He's falsely positioning every cut to the EPA and the FDA as a victory for the little guy, when it's really all about making life better for big business. I think the author is confusing Trump with Sanders.
8
If you were elected to serve the voters of NJ and at the end, 80% disapproved of your performance and you find nothing alarming about that, it speaks poorly of your character.
16
In some ways, Christie was the Trump prototype. Back when he was running for governor, I remember seeing ads that questioned his ethics as a prosecutor. But no one seemed to mind. Later, he showed an offensive and sometimes scary demeanor around news reporters (remember the "none of your business" response to a question about where his kids went to school?) He publicly scorned teachers and government workers, and threw some trusted staffers under the bus during Bridgegate. Are we seeing a pattern here? Had he not had the audacity lock up Jared K's father he might well have been a Trump insider.
12
He started by blocking the Hudson River rail connection plan that would have been funded mostly by federal funds, and now that there is a mess with the rail system under the Hudson, everyone realizes that it was something that was desperately needed by commuters to New York. Speaking about commuters to New York, his administration's George Washington Bridge trick seems to be the start of his downward trajectory which ended with him standing behind Trump, looking like a big, lost child. Good riddance to this blowhard, egomaniac and hopefully, his president will be following close behind.
18
That obituary may not be as good as he thinks. After the demagoguery involved in supporting a criminal-minded president, perhaps his role in a "Lock her up!" campaign will find Christie having to answer for his actions. We, the people, do not always get the justice we deserve. But sometimes we do ...
7
I paid no attention to Christie as Governor in general but I did pay attention to the Bridgegate scandal. Can anyone explain why his assistant, a mother of four young children is going to jail, and Christie hasn't even been indicted...when there is clear evidence (via texts) that he knew and lied about it? Hopefully they're waiting for his last day as Governor before arresting him.
36
The US atty for NJ - Fishman, used to work with CC and just didn't have the resolve of the US atty for the East. district of NY - or the nerve to go after the truly powerful and not just their lackeys.
7
Gov. Christie's ambition continues to get the better of him. If he can't be the POTUS, he wants to be rich.
No wonder the U.S. electorate doesn't trust its politicians; folks who used to be known as, and actually were, public servants.
No wonder the U.S. electorate doesn't trust its politicians; folks who used to be known as, and actually were, public servants.
17
This phony still can't face the truth. What an arrogant blowhard.
27
Good Riddance! Now he can quietly exit stage right and recede from view.
For all of the lobbyist firms and the PACs, who might be thinking of hiring Christie, "Fuggetaboutit!"
He's completely polluted, just like that stinky petrochemical refining corridor along the NJ Turnpike.
For all of the lobbyist firms and the PACs, who might be thinking of hiring Christie, "Fuggetaboutit!"
He's completely polluted, just like that stinky petrochemical refining corridor along the NJ Turnpike.
20
What job will he get, when he leaves office? What crazy company would want to admit to employing him? Bottom of the barrel. Don't let the door hit you in the rear on your way out.
14
This guy has been MIA for most of the last 2 or 3 years, I'm surprised he has the nerve to even show his face in the state, does anyone even remember if he is still governor.....this is proof positive that Christie has no shame!
17
He's a cheesy sleazebag, or a sleazy cheesbag. Can't make up my mind but it's definitely one or the other. He can't go soon enough.
24
Had Christie behaved like a real resident of the greater NY-NJ area, and ensured the construction of the new hudson tunnel(s) as well as not abused his power, as at Bridgegate when he held Jersey children , citizens and even accident vehicles in ambulances hostage to his sick desire for partisan revenge, he might have ended up in the white House. I doubt it, but his creepy personal sucking up to the DT and then firing his own people like Nixon did, made him persona non grata in the entire Boswash corridor.
3
Trump writ large. Maybe a couple of sizes too large. He started by misrepresenting financial issues in shutting down the trans-Hudson rail tunnel, and now yaks away at Amtrak, which desperately needs it. As does NJ Transit, which he has let fall into disrepair. When I grew up and lived in New Jersey we all knew our pols could be pretty big of mouth (much of Jersey culture can be enjoyable that way), and that was ok so long as not caught with their pants falling down. Christie broke the rules and will pay the price. While his staff pays the price and he Trump dreams.
I initially misread the headline, thinking it referred to thongs rather than throngs. I hope to god that I will soon get that image out of my head.
4
Another blustering bully outdone by one more skilled.
4
He is yesterday's ham. Throw it in the garbage.
11
Mr. Christie is a case study in the consequences of self-interest and double-dealing. Instead of working for the people of New Jersey, he shamelessly sought to use this important office as a stepping stone to the presidency before he completed his term. Such crass opportunism is the lot of every politician, but Christie's "in your face" approach was just embarrassing. Add to his poor record of service is his atrocious judgment in selecting staff and his heavy-handed political payback to those who refused to support him. Gov. Christie's legacy amounts to one thing: Bridgegate and the closing of the George Washington Bridge which inconvenienced thousands of commuters and put nearly as many lives at risk. He will rank him among the worst governors in Garden State history.
10
WHY this ongoing elegy for Christie?
One of the worst NJ governors in history, who did HUGE harm to the state!
A partial list of his "Accomplishments":
"Political payback via obstruction of traffic in GWB? Check
Slashing funding for NJ transit by 90%? Check!
Personally killing the ARC tunnel project to add capacity for NJ-NY trains? Check!
Using this money to plug holes in his budget (because of his 'no new taxes' obeisance)? Check!
Refusing to raise taxes (until 2017!) to fix potholes in the state's collapsing highway system? Check!
Demonizing teachers and state workers? Check!
Aiding and abeting the looting of Altantic City
Signing an agreement with NJ state workers to fully fund state pensions (which he had reneged on once before) and then personally trashing the deal he himself signed? Check!
Not even being in the state of NJ for MONTHS at a time last year? Check!
Using state monies for travel and "security" while campaigning for president out of state? Check!
Toadying up to Trump and his gang? Check!
The list goes on and on...
Good riddance!!!
One of the worst NJ governors in history, who did HUGE harm to the state!
A partial list of his "Accomplishments":
"Political payback via obstruction of traffic in GWB? Check
Slashing funding for NJ transit by 90%? Check!
Personally killing the ARC tunnel project to add capacity for NJ-NY trains? Check!
Using this money to plug holes in his budget (because of his 'no new taxes' obeisance)? Check!
Refusing to raise taxes (until 2017!) to fix potholes in the state's collapsing highway system? Check!
Demonizing teachers and state workers? Check!
Aiding and abeting the looting of Altantic City
Signing an agreement with NJ state workers to fully fund state pensions (which he had reneged on once before) and then personally trashing the deal he himself signed? Check!
Not even being in the state of NJ for MONTHS at a time last year? Check!
Using state monies for travel and "security" while campaigning for president out of state? Check!
Toadying up to Trump and his gang? Check!
The list goes on and on...
Good riddance!!!
32
Add to the list: reducing trump's tax debt to New Jersey from $30 million to a paltry $5 million.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/17/us/politics/trump-chris-christie-casi...
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/17/us/politics/trump-chris-christie-casi...
3
seems like a very unlikable man. actually had some mojo when he was a straight shooting sort of guy, but lost that as he morphed his positions to more closely match the national republican (ie stupid right) positions in preparation for a presidential run. In the end, the straight shooter became a sellout, and once he was that, he was just another unlikable politician. as for bridge gate, it confirmed the public's opinion that politicians care more about their careers than the people they serve. Imagine if he had remained just a center right kind of guy, how good he would have looked getting ready to run against Hlllary in 2018. Instead he helped give us Trump. Wouldn't want my obit to read that way.
2
2018? You wish the election was that soon!
yes my bad. i do but i should have said 2020
It is fatal (and should be) to display contempt for common people. Bridgegate was fatal, as was the "deplorables" speech by Hillary. We the people are not too fond of politicians who not only feel that way but who let us find out about it.
2
If the governor thinks trump will bring him to his cabinet, he must have smoked something that makes his brain to believe trump will forget that he successfully prosecuted Charles Kushner, the father of Jared Kushner for blackmail and tax evasion. Jared and his wife are the most influential and trusted trump’s confidants, and Jared will never forget what the governor did to his father. Governor, your political career is over; you have not political future neither in the trump’s administration or the near future; stop begging, bullying, and move on!
12
Christie presided over 10 successive bond ratings downgrades in NJ - that, in and of itself, is a truly abysmal track record, and has heavily penalized our very densely-populated state economically. He has resorted to doing TV ads for his new opiate addiction initiative in the state - one would think that he had better things to do than to be the spokesperson for this program, laudable though it may be. The guy cost the state billions of dollars by pulling out of the interstate transportation compact early in his first term, thus ignoring the needs of thousands of NJ residents regularly commuting through our antiquated system of tunnels and bridges between NJ and NY. He lied his way through Bridgegate, and it is truly an abomination that he wasn't indicted and prosecuted for his role in this fiasco. The man forced NJ taxpayers to ante up $24 million for a "special election" 2 weeks before the general, so that he wouldn't be adversely impacted by Cory Booker's Senate run. He cost NJ taxpayers millions in order to feature his family in "Stronger than the Storm" TV ads, when there was a much lower bid from an ad agency not including them. He is a bombastic, mendacious, arrogant bully, who became the laughingstock when he morphed into Drumpf's burger-waiter. Good riddance to him - and a pox upon the idiots in the national Democratic leadership, who ignored Christie's challenger in the last election - leaving us with him for another term. 4/17, 4:29 PM
50
He was not nasty ENOUGH. See: the Donald. Seriously.
3
Poor Chris Christie. Couldn't even get a job with Donald Trump, another world class loser. (Throwing old man Kushner in the slammer didn't help much I guess, since the fair-haired-do-no-wrong Jarad has Donald's ear.) It's all so unfair. Poor Chris.
Maybe he'll decide to write one of those kiss and tell books with all the juicy bits in it about all of Trump's shenanigans and under the table dealings in New Jersey and New York.
Failing that, maybe Chris could host an afternoon TV show called "An Hour With The Governor", or he could become "Judge Chris". Hey, it's worked for others. Poor Chris. We knew him when.
Maybe he'll decide to write one of those kiss and tell books with all the juicy bits in it about all of Trump's shenanigans and under the table dealings in New Jersey and New York.
Failing that, maybe Chris could host an afternoon TV show called "An Hour With The Governor", or he could become "Judge Chris". Hey, it's worked for others. Poor Chris. We knew him when.
2
Christie's moment to shine was Hurricane Sandy. As a resident who was affected by the floods, it was so encouraging to hear him on the radio keeping people up to date on his contact with President Obama and the federal agencies which could help. If there was any conflict with an agency, Christie was told by Obama to call him directly, and he would personally intercede on his behalf. To me, that was true partisanship which had been missing and could easily have furthered his career. Sadly, Christie returned to his partisan ways with the GOP and ultimately paid the price.
4
I never voter for Christie, knew he was a lying, gasbag from the get-go, but our stupid media was moonstruck over his bombastic and bullying tactics. The 4th estate let us down big time in Jersey.
After his incompetent first term, I thought he had no chance of being re-elected, but again, our media gobbled up his nonsense and lies like candy. Another fact worth noting. Barbara Buono, his democratic opponent for the 2013 governorship didn't get one thin dime from the DNC. Nice going Debbie Wasserman Schultz. How I miss Governor Howard Dean's DNC chairmanship. The DNC since his departure has been nothing short of ineffectual.
After his incompetent first term, I thought he had no chance of being re-elected, but again, our media gobbled up his nonsense and lies like candy. Another fact worth noting. Barbara Buono, his democratic opponent for the 2013 governorship didn't get one thin dime from the DNC. Nice going Debbie Wasserman Schultz. How I miss Governor Howard Dean's DNC chairmanship. The DNC since his departure has been nothing short of ineffectual.
23
Can't you just see the pain and longing in Christie's face in that photo in the Oval Office with Trump surrounded up front by Peter King, some other withered Congressman, Paul Ryan with Spicy taking a photo on the floor, Christie turning away as if to say, "oh, the humiliation" just like Newman on Seinfeld?
And the great irony is that he brought it all on by himself with his uninformed eruptions and tirades, his abuse of the Governor's power, his public loathing of anyone who disagreed with him, his self-loathing projected onto others with his bullying and demonstrations of contempt toward the powerless and poor.
He never realized that the higher up the ladder you go and the more public you become, the more nuanced you must be, the kinder you must appear. Now, he says, he wants to make money because he's destroyed any opportunity he's had for public service. Such an idealistic chap, wouldn't you say, hoisted on his own petard and reduced to finally earning a living where hopefully the only person he can harm or stall in traffic is himself.
And the great irony is that he brought it all on by himself with his uninformed eruptions and tirades, his abuse of the Governor's power, his public loathing of anyone who disagreed with him, his self-loathing projected onto others with his bullying and demonstrations of contempt toward the powerless and poor.
He never realized that the higher up the ladder you go and the more public you become, the more nuanced you must be, the kinder you must appear. Now, he says, he wants to make money because he's destroyed any opportunity he's had for public service. Such an idealistic chap, wouldn't you say, hoisted on his own petard and reduced to finally earning a living where hopefully the only person he can harm or stall in traffic is himself.
14
It's hard (if not downright impossible) to believe now, but:
1. Gov. Christie was THE most sought-after Republican among the did-not-runs to seek the 2012 presidential nomination. It's not at all difficult to envision him beating out Mitt Romney for that nomination, in which case President Obama would have had a tough road to re-election that year. Gov. Christie has steadfastly maintained that he just wasn't ready to be President at the time, but nowadays he must be re-playing that "What If?" in his mind, A LOT.
2. Gov. Christie was probably the #1 Republican presidential contender in November 2013 after winning re-election with more than 60% of the vote. (The Democrats, whether in or out of NJ, basically sat out that election, so convinced were they that he would win and that his opponent, Barbara Buono, had no chance.)
For a while he was quite effective in getting his message across and getting a significant portion of it passed into law, esp. when it came to teacher tenure. His message on that issue in particular really resonated for a while, and I always felt that teachers should look in the mirror and honestly ask themselves why that was the case. His fall has been a really hard fall from what was once a very high perch.
1. Gov. Christie was THE most sought-after Republican among the did-not-runs to seek the 2012 presidential nomination. It's not at all difficult to envision him beating out Mitt Romney for that nomination, in which case President Obama would have had a tough road to re-election that year. Gov. Christie has steadfastly maintained that he just wasn't ready to be President at the time, but nowadays he must be re-playing that "What If?" in his mind, A LOT.
2. Gov. Christie was probably the #1 Republican presidential contender in November 2013 after winning re-election with more than 60% of the vote. (The Democrats, whether in or out of NJ, basically sat out that election, so convinced were they that he would win and that his opponent, Barbara Buono, had no chance.)
For a while he was quite effective in getting his message across and getting a significant portion of it passed into law, esp. when it came to teacher tenure. His message on that issue in particular really resonated for a while, and I always felt that teachers should look in the mirror and honestly ask themselves why that was the case. His fall has been a really hard fall from what was once a very high perch.
In a true democratic society, if your rating drops below 30%, you should automatically step down.
As for NJ and his "accomplishments". Just take a ride across north jersey and you gonna be amazed at the amount of trash alone the highways, uncut grass, broken roads, rusty outdated constructions and bridges. More like a third world place. I am not even getting into the highest rate of foreclosures, ubiquitous corruption ( a cop makes $150K and up ), debts, numerous credit downgrades, one of the worst business climates in the country, the largest number of leaving for out of state, etc. The recent gas tax hike ( overnight ) substantially added to already high cost of living in the state with the highest property taxes in the nation ( where is the money governor??? ).
Our US government system is completely dysfunctional, and it is tailored to the needs of the elites, oligarchs. Unless its fixed, it will always be same old, same old...
As for NJ and his "accomplishments". Just take a ride across north jersey and you gonna be amazed at the amount of trash alone the highways, uncut grass, broken roads, rusty outdated constructions and bridges. More like a third world place. I am not even getting into the highest rate of foreclosures, ubiquitous corruption ( a cop makes $150K and up ), debts, numerous credit downgrades, one of the worst business climates in the country, the largest number of leaving for out of state, etc. The recent gas tax hike ( overnight ) substantially added to already high cost of living in the state with the highest property taxes in the nation ( where is the money governor??? ).
Our US government system is completely dysfunctional, and it is tailored to the needs of the elites, oligarchs. Unless its fixed, it will always be same old, same old...
6
Christie gave up about 18 months into his term. The various dem/left constituencies outmaneuverd and outlasted him. Bombast can only take you so far....
Now the next governor will be a left Democrat who will raise our taxes as far as possible. With a democrat legislature, that's not going to be difficult. It will increase the pace of out-migration and the bills will be paid by those of us, for whatever personal/family reasons, who cannot currently move out of state.
Now the next governor will be a left Democrat who will raise our taxes as far as possible. With a democrat legislature, that's not going to be difficult. It will increase the pace of out-migration and the bills will be paid by those of us, for whatever personal/family reasons, who cannot currently move out of state.
Are you seriously blaming Democrats for Christie's fall from grace?
Had Christie been a better governor, Bridgegate may not have taken him down.
Nevertheless, when you make as many enemies as he did, and go out of your way to publicly berate opponents, no one is going to cut you any slack.
Christie is/was a bully. No one really likes a bully.
If the next Governor repairs the roads and upgrades public transportation, that Governor will be guaranteed two terms.
Had Christie been a better governor, Bridgegate may not have taken him down.
Nevertheless, when you make as many enemies as he did, and go out of your way to publicly berate opponents, no one is going to cut you any slack.
Christie is/was a bully. No one really likes a bully.
If the next Governor repairs the roads and upgrades public transportation, that Governor will be guaranteed two terms.
8
Mr. Christie's unpopularity is rather reassuring in respect to the tastes of the electorate. Reassurance is needed these days.
3
Christie's abrasive style only seemed fresh and invigorating so long as it appeared to be backed by blunt honesty and ruthless efficiency. Those assumptions were of course purely illusory, as Bridgegate so painfully demonstrated. After that he simply became a rudely opportunistic bully.
6
Christie can sugarcoat his accomplishments all he wants; but he will be remembered as a pugilist punk who abused his authority to cause the Bridgegate scandal. He thought he could bully others who would not support him but found out that people do fight back. He should be locked up along with his aides who carried out the order to create traffic delays on the on the George Washington Bridge.
Christie will continue to bark at reporters for the remainder of his time in office, but once his term ends, he will fade into the political abyss to never be heard from again.
Christie will continue to bark at reporters for the remainder of his time in office, but once his term ends, he will fade into the political abyss to never be heard from again.
11
To win NH (key to his presidential), Christie sought endorsement of NH's main newspaper. They endorsed him after he _explicitly promised_ them that, if he drops drops out, he'll _never_ endorse Donald Trump. Of course, he broke that pledge shortly afterwards. Maybe this'll be a note of caution to anyone planning to deal with Christie.
6
Psychiatrists say approximately 4% of the population are sociopaths (sociopaths are not necessarily serials killers, just extreme narcissists). This means out of every 100 politicians, at least 4 are sociopaths (extreme narcissists).
Chris Christie makes these statistics very easy to believe.
Chris Christie makes these statistics very easy to believe.
16
Elected officials (1) should have single-term limits and (2) shouldn't be allowed to run for president during their tenure. Even a guy as self-serving as Christie seems to be making efforts to improve his state - because he's got no race left to lose.
1
Christy didn't get a job in the trump swamp because he had jailed Jerod's father and it was payback time. They would have appointed him otherwise, and don't care about some bridge-gate deal (unless it was also arranged by the Russians). Payback, self-aggrandizement and ego is the mantra for trump sycophants.
Russia hires well to undo our experiment in democracy.
Russia hires well to undo our experiment in democracy.
7
With his nastiness and bloated waist line, Christie that thought he could be the face of the GOP. He forgot that to win over the Southerners who form the base of the party it is not enough to be obese like them, You also have to be openly racist. Trump realized this and that's why he, rather than Christie, is running the GOP.
7
How smug, superior, and simple-minded. Thinking like this is what cost the Dems the election. We have people like you to thank for Trump!
1
A good way for him to make money? Start a PR Counseling company advising losers on how to SUCCEED in life!:) /;O), NJ Gujarati Indian-Americans: What do you think? ( કેમ લાગે છે? )
3
No legacy and no future.
18
Chirs Christie was a gifted politician: smart, quick, a good public speaker, a good lawyer and prosecutor. (He successfully prosecuted Jared Kushner's father, Charles for tax evasion and blackmail.)
Unfortunately, he let his ego come between him and his job, a vice of so many otherwise successful politicians, including the current president, to the detriment of their constituents.
Although his political career is nearing its end, his talents and connections should enable him to pursue other useful activities and opportunities for self-fulfillment.
Unfortunately, he let his ego come between him and his job, a vice of so many otherwise successful politicians, including the current president, to the detriment of their constituents.
Although his political career is nearing its end, his talents and connections should enable him to pursue other useful activities and opportunities for self-fulfillment.
I'm sorry but Christie is not a good public speaker. His public speaking consisted of harangues, humiliation, name-calling, and lying. As for smart, how "smart" is someone who launches a shutdown of a major bridge to NY and thinks that he's going to get away with it? Also how "smart" is a guy who puts the father of Trump's son-in-law in prison and doesn't think that the son-in-law is going to hate his guts and assure he never gets even the role of dog walker in his father-in-law's administration.
Christie was and is a bullying, loudmouthed, jerk who finally crashed and burned.
Christie was and is a bullying, loudmouthed, jerk who finally crashed and burned.
14
with luck and a few time zones i never had to be governed by this man. my first impression of him is him yelling at school teachers. then i thought what a clown. teachers are a good thing. maybe he has a secret rage towards teachers. not fit as governing material. hey out here we have our own issues regarding choices believe me. but yelling at teachers. bye bye christie.
9
To those who voted twice for Christie: What did you think you were getting? (Surely *some* of them must be reading this article, but as of 15:09 none of the 119 commenters have explicitly admitted it. )
7
Opinions differ, but what we were not getting was more Florio, McGreevey and their ilk. What we got, admittedly, was not good.
4
It's still baffling how two of Christie's underlings are facing time behind bars while the big marshmallow walks. It's already clear that he is beyond unprincipled. If anyone in his administration past or present is keeping quiet in the hope of protecting this sociopath, I hope it's for a life or death reason.
25
My impressions have been that this guy started out as a crusading attorney but devolved into a bully with poor judgment. Almost nobody seemed to like him. I eventually saw him as a combative, defensive, immature politician - sort of like Trump without money.
11
Chris is counseling Donnie,and Donnie wants to know how he is doing.Word can not express how sad this is.
22
Yet another failed governor for New Jersey is the legacy of Chris Christie.
Governor Christie's problem is best attributed to a hyper-active political ego.
He could have been an effective governor -- in the company of Thomas Kean (R), William Cahill (R) Brendan Byrne (D), Richard J. Hughes (D), Robert Meyner (D), and Alfred Driscoll (R)-- who concentrated on the well being of New Jersey rather than their own aspirations for attaining higher reaches of advancement.
Instead Governor Christie will be remembered, among other things, on three counts:
#1: Creating a political culture within his inner circle that culminated in Bridgegate. Think of a emboldened letter B at his scarlet letter
#2: for trashing the plans for the much-needed gateway commuter rail tunnel linking NJ to Manhattan.
#3: Another act of his has to do with relentlessly -- and mendaciously -- seeking to undermine New Jersey's Mount Laurel Doctrine for Affordable Housing.
Instead Christie caught the presidential bug and never recovered his political equilibrium. His presidential aspirations, I would venture to say, were an embarrassment to the people of New Jersey.
How could Christie aspire to the White House when he was burdened by unwanted baggage?
His reputation is indelibly marked by his lack of self awareness.
Only a politician who is one-hundred percent tone deaf would have the temerity to launch a campaign for the presidency with these high-visibility liabilities.
Christie failed!
Governor Christie's problem is best attributed to a hyper-active political ego.
He could have been an effective governor -- in the company of Thomas Kean (R), William Cahill (R) Brendan Byrne (D), Richard J. Hughes (D), Robert Meyner (D), and Alfred Driscoll (R)-- who concentrated on the well being of New Jersey rather than their own aspirations for attaining higher reaches of advancement.
Instead Governor Christie will be remembered, among other things, on three counts:
#1: Creating a political culture within his inner circle that culminated in Bridgegate. Think of a emboldened letter B at his scarlet letter
#2: for trashing the plans for the much-needed gateway commuter rail tunnel linking NJ to Manhattan.
#3: Another act of his has to do with relentlessly -- and mendaciously -- seeking to undermine New Jersey's Mount Laurel Doctrine for Affordable Housing.
Instead Christie caught the presidential bug and never recovered his political equilibrium. His presidential aspirations, I would venture to say, were an embarrassment to the people of New Jersey.
How could Christie aspire to the White House when he was burdened by unwanted baggage?
His reputation is indelibly marked by his lack of self awareness.
Only a politician who is one-hundred percent tone deaf would have the temerity to launch a campaign for the presidency with these high-visibility liabilities.
Christie failed!
10
Governor Christie wants to leave the public sector to "make money"?? Really? I am sure that the individuals who he gave big paying jobs to in Trenton don't think they have to leave to "make money"! Why one of them actually said that "he didn't want to accept such a large salary but they made him take it"!! Christie ruined New Jersey.
6
Christie's Obituary will read " The Fat Bully is No more " He has shown himself to be just that with his antics, he got caught with bridge- gate, Im sure there are other things.... his personality like Trump makes them very unlovable as humans.... 2 human beings are going to jail because of him.....that is the last line for his obit!!
7
He should write a guide book to diners, bars, and lodge halls in New Hampshire. He should know them well. Much better than New Jersey.
I lived in Morris County NJ when he started his despicable career by, on the eve of the primary election, slandering his opponents by falsely stating that they were all under investigation. They weren't.
I was born in NJ and moved out at age 55. Almost nobody I know there intends to remain for the rest of their lives. As a result, NJ voters always figure who would be best for them in the short run. Long term consequences don't matter, as they do not plan to hang around.
I lived in Morris County NJ when he started his despicable career by, on the eve of the primary election, slandering his opponents by falsely stating that they were all under investigation. They weren't.
I was born in NJ and moved out at age 55. Almost nobody I know there intends to remain for the rest of their lives. As a result, NJ voters always figure who would be best for them in the short run. Long term consequences don't matter, as they do not plan to hang around.
20
Day one after leaving office, a corner suite in an EXXON building. With some sort of Environmental in his title. Possibly a board seat or special consultancy.
3
His ''legacy'' should be one within an orange jumpsuit.
32
Not an ounce of humanity or competence in this lying fraud.
Roads, infrastructure, sensible taxation, mass transit, schools, pensions, you name it, he's been a total failure. And he should be in jail like his bridgegate stooges.
Why any law firm would hire him or corporation place him on their board is beyond me. He has no integrity or decency. He should disappear for everyone's sake. He's also deluded regarding his desire to be viewed as a governor of consequence. He's a disgraced gov of incompetence.
Roads, infrastructure, sensible taxation, mass transit, schools, pensions, you name it, he's been a total failure. And he should be in jail like his bridgegate stooges.
Why any law firm would hire him or corporation place him on their board is beyond me. He has no integrity or decency. He should disappear for everyone's sake. He's also deluded regarding his desire to be viewed as a governor of consequence. He's a disgraced gov of incompetence.
19
Chris Christie is a man of questionable ethics and character. His early political career included an invalid petition to run for office and a defamation suit he settled out of court with a public apology. Fast forward to Bridgegate and we see a man who seems to believe that winning at any cost is more important than being a good person with a solid moral compass. This will be the legacy he leaves behind to his children and grandchildren. It is not too late to change your ways Gov. Christie. Think about your grandchildren.
6
Christie's "legacy" (if you choose to call it that) will outlive him by generations. It *is* too late to avoid the embarrassment that he's caused for his grandchildren, before they even experience that emotion.
3
Can't we in NJ not only just be rid of him at long last, but also be free of media coverage of wherein he continues to try to convince us he was/will be " a man of consequence?" The true history of Governor Loud Mouth is that he always was/will be a self-aggrandizing "man of con jobs".
15
I was always surprised that Christie has not gone father in the national GOP. His nastiness, mean-spiritedness and bloated waistline are the epitome of today's GOP. If Christie was Southern and more openly racist
18
I'm sure the good people of New Jersey will miss him and have just as great things to say about him as we Louisianans have to say about former governor Bobby Jindal. He should get used to not getting invited to return to any state-related events.
12
Let me tell you something about Chris Christie.
We have a home in Margate, NJ. It's an adorable little town in southern NJ. One of the things we like about Margate was its proactive approach to flooding. So much so that years ago the town invested in a system of bulkheads that essentially ensured that NO flooding ever came in from the ocean. In fact, during Sandy, any of the flooding that came in at all, came in from the bay.
Well. Enter Christ Christie.
After Sandy, he and a few of his contractor buddies decided that the entire NJ coastline should have dunes. It was a profitable little deal for some of those contractors and en expensive project to undertake.
Margate balked and Christie went to war against us. He used class division to make the argument about "views" when no one there ever thought that was th issue. In fact, nearby Ventnor has dunes and the views are fine. He called us "selfish" and other superlatives. There were court battles and unthinkably, we lost.
So now we are having dunes put in front of our bulkheads.
When is the work being done, you ask?
Right. Over. The. Summer.
That's right. The last little FU to Margate that Christie gave us on his way out was to ensure that this next coming summer, our beaches will not be usable for periods of time as they bring in sand to solve a problem we solved long ago.
So long Christie. Thanks for absolutely nothing.
We have a home in Margate, NJ. It's an adorable little town in southern NJ. One of the things we like about Margate was its proactive approach to flooding. So much so that years ago the town invested in a system of bulkheads that essentially ensured that NO flooding ever came in from the ocean. In fact, during Sandy, any of the flooding that came in at all, came in from the bay.
Well. Enter Christ Christie.
After Sandy, he and a few of his contractor buddies decided that the entire NJ coastline should have dunes. It was a profitable little deal for some of those contractors and en expensive project to undertake.
Margate balked and Christie went to war against us. He used class division to make the argument about "views" when no one there ever thought that was th issue. In fact, nearby Ventnor has dunes and the views are fine. He called us "selfish" and other superlatives. There were court battles and unthinkably, we lost.
So now we are having dunes put in front of our bulkheads.
When is the work being done, you ask?
Right. Over. The. Summer.
That's right. The last little FU to Margate that Christie gave us on his way out was to ensure that this next coming summer, our beaches will not be usable for periods of time as they bring in sand to solve a problem we solved long ago.
So long Christie. Thanks for absolutely nothing.
83
Get that dune project blocked, that's ridiculous.
7
He gave you a lot worse than "nothing," he gave you damage. "Nothing" would have been preferable.
7
A politician in the worst sense of the word.
He is out of the Giulliani mold-- a crusader turned megalomaniac.
He espouses high and mighty principles but only in service to his ambitions (which are naked.)
The people of NJ have seen through him (obviously not an easy task) and have rendered a verdict which is immutable at this point: Charlatan and a phony.
He is out of the Giulliani mold-- a crusader turned megalomaniac.
He espouses high and mighty principles but only in service to his ambitions (which are naked.)
The people of NJ have seen through him (obviously not an easy task) and have rendered a verdict which is immutable at this point: Charlatan and a phony.
28
this man is the poster boy for why most folks want nothing and I mean nothing do with politics. he has no morals and his fling with trump confirms he as shallow as your bozo president.
17
The one thing Trump was right about during the campaign is that this big slob new all about the bridge traffic scheme, and he should have been given jail time just like his two aides.
20
He was a failure from day one. A blowhard. From the lies used to cancel beyond urgent infrastructure needs to Bridgegate to how many NJ state credit downgrades? Ten? Twelve? A Fraud and a Failure. Nothing other than a fat bag of hot, self-absorbed wind. Go. Away.
30
20% that much?
30
Given that nationally, 25% is rock-bottom for any conservative pol -- these are the voters who care about guns, God and gays, and nothing else -- 20% is unimaginably bad.
3
Although I can't really disagree with any of the negative comments about Mr. Christie, I must say I always kinda liked him, liked his style. Whereas most politicians are masters of hypocrisy and mendacity, Mr. Christie was, I believe, forthright -- blunt without being crude or particularly offensive; self-serving and ambitious, and not pretending otherwise; and perhaps even a little bit Churchillian, as he led the state in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. He wasn't all bad, and New Jersey will be okay.
15
I notice you don't live in New Jersey.
9
Yes, what this country needs is more honest con men. Let's see how that Trump fellow works out.
8
To William,
Not mendacious? You're kidding, right? Not crude? Let's go to the video tape on that one. And self-serving and ambitious to the point of failing his state miserably. Remember, we wouldn't even know who he is if his brother wasn't a GOP mega-doner/fundraiser, who bought the US Atty's job for him. So unqualified that when nominated, he had to commit to keeping career prosecutors on board to make sure things were done right.
Not mendacious? You're kidding, right? Not crude? Let's go to the video tape on that one. And self-serving and ambitious to the point of failing his state miserably. Remember, we wouldn't even know who he is if his brother wasn't a GOP mega-doner/fundraiser, who bought the US Atty's job for him. So unqualified that when nominated, he had to commit to keeping career prosecutors on board to make sure things were done right.
9
NJ should sue Christie to reclaim the wasted salary and associated expenses
26
Why hasn't he been charged.
Could some author enlighten us please.
Could some author enlighten us please.
14
I think it's because the corruption is widespread in NJ. It is very obvious to me he should be charged.
.......and the fact he hasn't been charged is what most frightens me about Donald Trump. This is no longer the era of Nixon where lawmakers were honest enough to uphold our laws.
I thought it outrageous that Nixon didn't get jail time---but now it's just the way things are.
.......and the fact he hasn't been charged is what most frightens me about Donald Trump. This is no longer the era of Nixon where lawmakers were honest enough to uphold our laws.
I thought it outrageous that Nixon didn't get jail time---but now it's just the way things are.
7
Good riddance.Another greedy bully feeding off of taxpayer money for his own profit.Happy for all in NJ.Hopefully,we will hear nothing more about, or from him.
37
Are you kidding?? Ambassadorship, stat! Say, oh, I don't know, how about North Korea! Or South, or whatever.
2
When Christie was first elected, I decided to keep an open mind about him. But he lost me early on when he single-handedly cancelled the badly needed Arc tunnel project (predecessor to the current Gateway proposal). I didn't understand this flat out refusal to invest in our infrastructure. Worse, he did it at a time when the state had about the highest unemployment rate in the country. The stimulus of the Arc project would have been a great boon in itself.
The Times later ran a piece suggesting that Christie cancelled the tunnel project so as to be able to use the funds raised for it to dispense patronage. Very likely, and right in character, don't you think?
And then came Bridgegate. Even if you accept his incredible story that he knew nothing about it, it was his very own office that oversaw it. He has carried on as though it had nothing at all to do with him. Four of his leading personnel picks -- Baroni, Kelly, Wildstein and Samson -- are convicted. But from Christie, we get not even an apology, much less evidence of any humbling.
Good riddance!
The Times later ran a piece suggesting that Christie cancelled the tunnel project so as to be able to use the funds raised for it to dispense patronage. Very likely, and right in character, don't you think?
And then came Bridgegate. Even if you accept his incredible story that he knew nothing about it, it was his very own office that oversaw it. He has carried on as though it had nothing at all to do with him. Four of his leading personnel picks -- Baroni, Kelly, Wildstein and Samson -- are convicted. But from Christie, we get not even an apology, much less evidence of any humbling.
Good riddance!
59
One thing bout Chris Chritie I never forgot was that initial press conference after Bridgegate.
He had so much scorn for Bridget Kelly---but none for other people that should have warranted it even more. I think he was madden at the fact she got caught; but it was very clear he was in full CYA mode, It bears watching now, especially in light of the facts that have come out.
His blatant lack of "intellectual curiosity" about some of the players, his "so and so told me and i believe him" are really freaking telling.
He had so much scorn for Bridget Kelly---but none for other people that should have warranted it even more. I think he was madden at the fact she got caught; but it was very clear he was in full CYA mode, It bears watching now, especially in light of the facts that have come out.
His blatant lack of "intellectual curiosity" about some of the players, his "so and so told me and i believe him" are really freaking telling.
5
If Governor Christie wants to make a contribution to New Jersey -- something that he has yet to do -- I suggest he go stand on the beach at Atlantic City and speak until the end of his term. The hot air can power the wind turbines that help to provide New Jersey residents with clean power options.
47
Throngs
Throngs
I saw Thongs.....
The Round Mound of Dishonesty can be the Cone Guy for a road crew.
An Orange vest suits him well.
An orange jumpsuit even better.
Crooked.
Bully.
Trumpian
Throngs
I saw Thongs.....
The Round Mound of Dishonesty can be the Cone Guy for a road crew.
An Orange vest suits him well.
An orange jumpsuit even better.
Crooked.
Bully.
Trumpian
15
Christie belongs in jail for his domestic terrorist activities at the George Washington Bridge.
63
Minus his thongs, a frightening thought. Oops, misread "throngs".
7
"Throng"? Christie is now such a an icon of local and national humiliation that it might be much more appropriate to his humble exiting if he wore a thong.
7
Minus the earlier thongs?!? OMG, you have to be kidding m----oh, oops, sorry, never mind.
7
but he'll always have his friend, angel food cake
3
Why does this interview feel like Christie's heaving a big sigh of relief? For escaping Bridgegate prison? Or is it a smirk? Goodbye anyways, good riddance.
15
Christie is spending a ton of state money to advertise his opiate addiction recovery program. He evidently doesn't want us to forget his handsome visage.
5
Maybe his only legacy will be bringing attention to drug rehabilitation. He has certainly made a lot of mistakes in the past, Bridgegate and pandering to Trump. What he does last will be how people will remember him. I see the TV ads for drug addiction and where to get help in NJ. This is a problem which has always been of little concern because it was those lowlife addicts over there. Now people realize that is can start with having wisdom teeth removed or an accident that puts an addictive person on the slippery slope to hell. If this program helps some of his citizens and prevents some deaths, his administration will not be all bad.
3
Correction--it was of little concern because it was those non-white addicts over there.
1
Christie is still the narcissistic, bullying gasbag that he was before Bridgegate -- the difference now is that no one is paying any attention to him and we taxpayers in NJ can't wait to see him out the door. He did nothing for NJ. He cancelled the rail tunnel to NYearly in his first term that would now be up and running having provided hundreds of construction jobs and making the commute to NY easier than it is today. His lousy appointment to head NJ Transit allowed over $100 million worth of rail equipment to "drown" in Sandy because he was too stupid to move the rolling stock to higher ground before the storm surge hit the rail yards. NJ's financial rating was reduced NINE times during his time in office. Christie berated and demeaned the NJ public school teachers along with the other public employees. He lied to them that if they'd give more toward their own pensions and benefits, he'd make the state's contribution --- then he reneged on that promise after the public workers did what he requested. He and his awful minions planned and executed Bridgegate -- two of them are going to prison, meanwhile, Governor Fatboy dodged that bullet. He spent more time out of NJ than in the state while trying to run for president and the NJ taxpayer footed the bill for his travel and security. He never fulfilled even ONE promise including the big one == finding a way to reduce prop. taxes in NJ for homeowners. He's a lying bum -- good riddance to him.
95
I heard this guy on TV the other day saying "let's not jump to conclusions about guilt or innocence". The guy who chanted Lock her up! He should be locked up. I can't stand him. The biggest hypocrite in politics. Actually heard him say he doesn't always say what he is really thinking. He basically said you can't believe anything he says. It was on WFAN one morning. He disgusts me. When he appears on the WFAN I turn it off.
31
"I was doing what I thought was best for the country ... and for me"
Boy if he'd thought about NJ citizens more than Oklahoma ones he might not have killed the tunnel under the Hudson. But NJ citizens for him were only ever sources of leverage, not a public to be served. If he couldn't trap them in traffic on the GW bridge to pressure a recalcitrant mayor they were of no use to him.
Boy if he'd thought about NJ citizens more than Oklahoma ones he might not have killed the tunnel under the Hudson. But NJ citizens for him were only ever sources of leverage, not a public to be served. If he couldn't trap them in traffic on the GW bridge to pressure a recalcitrant mayor they were of no use to him.
17
Nothing commended him so much in his political life as his leaving of it.
Actually, nothing commended him at all.
Christie's true test will be fleeing to the current last refuge of scoundrels, a lobbying position on K Street. It's proving to be an almost sure-fire way into a cabinet or near-cabinet level position. When that fails, he'll become a consultant.
Actually, nothing commended him at all.
Christie's true test will be fleeing to the current last refuge of scoundrels, a lobbying position on K Street. It's proving to be an almost sure-fire way into a cabinet or near-cabinet level position. When that fails, he'll become a consultant.
12
I've been a resident of NJ for quite some time and I can remember back as far as the Cahill administration. To my recollection there hasn't been a more self serving governor of this state. He's earned this low approval rating and owes the state money for his white washing investigation and all the months he spent away from the state campaigning for himself and then Trump. His last day in office can't come soon enough.
40
Trump and Christie share at least one characteristic with vampires: they're both incapable of self-reflection.
18
NJ should sue Christie to recoup the wasted salary and expenses.
Having left his state far worse than when he inherited it. Having been unable to use the state merely as a springboard for his own ambitions, he's left without the power his ego craved. And so in a rare moment of honesty he simply says 'give me money'. He's a crass, craven thug and history will remember him for that.
27
Chris Christie could not have done half the damage he did without the complicity of the corporate media, including this newspaper. For years after his election, the media actively encouraged people to view Christie's thuggish bullying as a much needed breath of fresh air, never mind that his victims were mostly respectful tax paying citizens who had the audacity to ask him questions.
When Christie (frequently) traveled out of state to campaign for dangerously extremist right wing candidates he could depend on the media to ignore it and highlight the absurd notion that he was somehow a bipartisan pragmatist. Week after week, the media and the New York Times ran puff piece after puff piece: Christie the sentimental Springsteen fan, Christie the plain-speaking presidential hopeful, Christie the Cowboy fan, Christie the model father, Christie the law and order advocate, Christie the honest, fiscally responsible knight in armor. Little of it had any bearing in truth. When he ran for re-election in 2013, his opponent, Barbara Buono was virtually banished from the pages of the Times.
In many ways the media's handling of Christie paved the way for Trump by redefining a corrupt, loathsome and repellant public figure into a new sense of "normal."
When Christie (frequently) traveled out of state to campaign for dangerously extremist right wing candidates he could depend on the media to ignore it and highlight the absurd notion that he was somehow a bipartisan pragmatist. Week after week, the media and the New York Times ran puff piece after puff piece: Christie the sentimental Springsteen fan, Christie the plain-speaking presidential hopeful, Christie the Cowboy fan, Christie the model father, Christie the law and order advocate, Christie the honest, fiscally responsible knight in armor. Little of it had any bearing in truth. When he ran for re-election in 2013, his opponent, Barbara Buono was virtually banished from the pages of the Times.
In many ways the media's handling of Christie paved the way for Trump by redefining a corrupt, loathsome and repellant public figure into a new sense of "normal."
38
Absolutely true.
2
I think he's wrong about his obit. History won't be kind to a corrupt, spiteful and arrogant politician who crashed, burned and ended up fetching Trump's Big Macs.
27
Christie initially showed some promise as a bridge builder between conservatives and liberals, but his disgraceful true colors as a bridge (and tunnel) destroyed eventually came out. By defunding the Hudson River tunnel he showed he was willing to sacrifice the future welfare of his constituents for his (perceived) political future in a more conservative national Republican Party. With Bridgegate he showed he was willing to actively endanger and injure his constituents for petty political revenge. For a governor, there is nothing lower than that And, c'mon Chris, everyone knows you knew at the time it was going on. You are incredibly lucky you aren't in prison.
Three hours on a sports talks now. That is really acting as governor!
5
Christie never learned the first lesson of state politics: be nice to people, be kind when you lead. Now, years later, at 20 percent approval, he's trying to grow up, sort of. Quite sad.
6
The one good thing he ever did was destroy the GOP in the state. We look forward to joining to NY, CA, WA and the other normal, 21st century, states come November.
I think his legacy will be most damaged by his pandering flip-flop regarding Trump. From fighting it out and attacking him during the primaries, to sucking up to him for a senior post in his cabinet revealed the true character of the man - attention, power and careerism above integrity and principles. Sad.
Pettiness and vengeance have never been considered good attributes for governance.
6
It will be quite karmic if the pedestrian walkway on the GWB was named "Governor Chris Christie Walkway" in his everlasting honor and as a departing gift.
It will serve to be a rather sobering reminder to politicians - now and in the future.
It will serve to be a rather sobering reminder to politicians - now and in the future.
2
Christie's final months in office have been an unqualified success.
After all, he managed to avoid any jail time.
After all, he managed to avoid any jail time.
6
“If you’re in your last year you’ve got to decide if you want to be uniting or divisive,” Mr. Christie said. “I want to be uniting on the way out.”
Sounds like he's admitting he was okay with being divisive on the way in.
Sounds like he's admitting he was okay with being divisive on the way in.
6
Everything that's wrong with politics wrapped up in one man. A man with gifts that could have done legitimately good things if pubic service - and the governorship -really were his goal, but his ego and his need for attention and higher office flushed it all down the Delaware River.
6
He's still counting on replacing Priebus as Trump's chief of staff.
1
I wish the NY Times would better explain why Christie is not behind bars for Bridgegate. Is this something that is merely being postponed until he is out of office? Once incarcerated, perhaps he could get himself assigned to a prison chain-gang to dig another train tunnel under the Henry Hudson River. That would be one way, at least, he could correct one of his mistakes.
8
Christie only began to feel compassion for drug addicts when it hit one of his friends. Typical Republican response to the suffering of their constituents. And his funding for that initiative is sticking his hand in the cookie jar belonging to Horizon subscribers. This has nothing to do with the Lord working through him...more like Machievelli. Just using other people's money to subsidize a high profile job interview.
7
A fitting end for a blowhard bully. The adult equivalent of standing in the middle of the schoolyard after everyone has walked away because you don't matter anymore. Just keep ranting and raving to the audience of one which has always been his favorite.
8
How does Christie sleep at night knowing that he is as culpable in the GW Bridge fiasco as his employees who will serve time?
7
Moral bankruptcy and the absence of a personal ethical code?????
6
Aside from other issues, I thought it was particularly obnoxious that while he was yukking it up with Trump recently, his aides were bring sentenced to prison. Loyalty to employees is soooooo overrated. Just throw them overboard when they've lost their usefulness.
71
He is a bad person that should go to jail for bridgegate.
118
"He has signaled three main goals for his final year: getting Horizon — the state’s largest health insurance carrier — to subsidize his drug program, shifting lottery revenue to shore up the heavily underfunded pension system and “cementing” the changes he’s brought to drug and alcohol treatment and punishment."
Presumably his top goal actually is staying out of jail.
Presumably his top goal actually is staying out of jail.
15
Stupid, and rude, is as stupid and rude does - and in his obituary, it will say that's all he ever was.
43
=1
"For years, Mr. Christie carved an agenda from which he could build a path toward the White House."
This says it all. Christie never was concerned about improving the lives of the citizens of NJ, especially those who foolishly elected and reelected him as the leader of their state. He is cut from the same cloth as Trump--ego-driven, paranoid, insecure, and obsessed with destroying anyone who thwarts his singular goal of becoming president. How ironic that he essentially has been
dumped by Trump.
This says it all. Christie never was concerned about improving the lives of the citizens of NJ, especially those who foolishly elected and reelected him as the leader of their state. He is cut from the same cloth as Trump--ego-driven, paranoid, insecure, and obsessed with destroying anyone who thwarts his singular goal of becoming president. How ironic that he essentially has been
dumped by Trump.
58
Even worse than Bridgegate or his pathetic pandering to Trump was his killing of the Hudson tunnel project, condemning NJ residents to a hellish commute because of his short-sighted ideology.
Good Riddance Chris Christie, you bum.
Good Riddance Chris Christie, you bum.
91
When will New Jersey get a competent governor?
The last few have been unmitigated disasters no matter what their party affiliation, but Christie has been absolutely the worst. Killing the Gateway tunnel, settling with Exxon for a fraction of what the state deserved, and of course using Fort Lee and millions of commuters as his personal political punching bag. A despicable human being. Good riddance.
The last few have been unmitigated disasters no matter what their party affiliation, but Christie has been absolutely the worst. Killing the Gateway tunnel, settling with Exxon for a fraction of what the state deserved, and of course using Fort Lee and millions of commuters as his personal political punching bag. A despicable human being. Good riddance.
43
Christie was an early supporter of Trump which helped give Trump an air of legitimacy at a critical moment that ultimately led to the Whitehouse. For that alone Christie should go down in American history right along with Benedict Arnold as one of the worst betrayers of the nation.
62
ZB - and the fact that he got nothing out of Trump in the end shows what a fool Christie is too.
55
Well, that's one horror show which will soon be gone from the political landscape. Let's hope Christie's is just the first of many exits like this.
It's too bad that New Jersey voters must now endure months with an ineffectual governor instead of someone who can work on the state's problems with some gusto and motivation. Of course, these same voters put him in office so they have only themselves to blame.
P.S.: I am still chuckling over his line that he thought he would be President by now. Someone pick me up from the floor.
It's too bad that New Jersey voters must now endure months with an ineffectual governor instead of someone who can work on the state's problems with some gusto and motivation. Of course, these same voters put him in office so they have only themselves to blame.
P.S.: I am still chuckling over his line that he thought he would be President by now. Someone pick me up from the floor.
57
Its simple: Lock him up.
50
Christie, like Trump, is a legend in his own mind. He lost whatever respect he had by becoming Trump's lap dog, and didn't even get a doggie-treat from Trump in return. Oh, wait -- I forgot the meatloaf on which he "dined" with Trump at the White House. And he didn't even have a choice -- Trump informed him that "we" are going to order the meatloaf.
Did I just compare Christie's role in the Trump campaign to that of a "lap dog"? His subsequent treatment by Trump reminds me of the lapdog incident in "The Brothers Karamazov" by Dostoyevsky. Talk about being thrown under the bus! But "lapdog" is perhaps not the best figure of speech. How about the servant who followed behind Louis XIV lugging a large container of some sort, in the Mel Brooks movie "History of the World, Part I"?
Christie, of course, has not had an easy time during his tenure as governor. But hey, we all have our bridge to bear.
Did I just compare Christie's role in the Trump campaign to that of a "lap dog"? His subsequent treatment by Trump reminds me of the lapdog incident in "The Brothers Karamazov" by Dostoyevsky. Talk about being thrown under the bus! But "lapdog" is perhaps not the best figure of speech. How about the servant who followed behind Louis XIV lugging a large container of some sort, in the Mel Brooks movie "History of the World, Part I"?
Christie, of course, has not had an easy time during his tenure as governor. But hey, we all have our bridge to bear.
29
"I was doing what I thought was best for the country. And for me." The 'and for me' part pretty much sums up Chris Christie. Notice he never mentions the people that voted him into office - the citizens of New Jersey. Mostly because he never really thought about them, it was the egotistical 'me' that was always on his mind.
Pretty sad to live your life worrying about your epitaph.
Pretty sad to live your life worrying about your epitaph.
441
And truly ironic when you consider what his is going to be.
2
In those late-night conversations with Donald when he asks you how he's doing are you honest with him Governor? Do you tell him he's doing worse than you were at the beginning of your term? that he's not the second coming of Ronald Reagan? that he needs to lose weight?
I didn't think so.
I didn't think so.
11
Two things ultimately were fatal for Christie in NJ: (1) his incredible hubris; and (2) running for president within months of winning the governorship. He abandoned New Jersey, both literally and politically, in order to position himself for the presidential run, and there is only so much of that enormous ego that people can tolerate, particularly when there are so few accomplishments to back it up. Think about it, what has he done? Yes, he may have nicked the underfunded pension problem a tiny bit when he first took office, but that problem remains as large as ever. Can he honestly point to anything of consequence that he accomplished for this state?
26
He can't leave soon enough. He has done nothing for NJ. Nada.
46
An arrogant, nasty small-minded man. Good riddance to him. The door can't hit him fast enough.
I can't think of one thing he did while governor other than bully those with opinions that differed from his. Good riddance, and hopefully our next governor will actually do something to help the citizens of New Jersey instead of padding their own resume and wallet!
Chris Christie's legacy is a repeated history of fiscal irresponsibility -- of shuffling funds earmarked for one endeavor to fill shortfalls in another. He and his insatiable appetite for higher office have been devastating for NJ. His settlement with Exxon Mobil unilaterally overrode years of hard-fought litigation and is nothing short of a betrayal of the citizens of his state, and the attorneys who worked that case. His inattention to our roads and infrastructure has been unconscionable.
One of the most satisfying (for me) moments during his tenure came when the state legislature successfully opposed his efforts to change legislation that prohibited him from signing a book deal while still "serving" (word used loosely) as governor. Looks like his budding literary talents will have to wait...
Who are the 20% percent who, inexplicably, still approve of him?
As they say, good riddance to bad rubbish.
One of the most satisfying (for me) moments during his tenure came when the state legislature successfully opposed his efforts to change legislation that prohibited him from signing a book deal while still "serving" (word used loosely) as governor. Looks like his budding literary talents will have to wait...
Who are the 20% percent who, inexplicably, still approve of him?
As they say, good riddance to bad rubbish.
64
He ran for a very important job, governor of a state with several million people, then immediately decided that this job was just a stepping stone to his next ambition. Then he spent all his time and effort working toward that next goal, forgoing his commitment to NJ.
Why kind of person does that?
Why kind of person does that?
331
An ambitious amoral politician, enabled by a credulous, fearful, stupid, or thuggish electorate.
4
A lawyer?
Answer: Sarah Palin.
Of all the states that NEED transportation infrastructure the most New Jersey has got to be #1. It's so obvious to me, it's astounding that Christie de-prioritized infrastructure thinking this would aid his White House bid. ???? This does not bode well for infrastructure improvements under a Republican administration.
And even better, this lack of common sense is now in charge of the opiod problem. So I guess we can expect that to also get worse. Great.
And even better, this lack of common sense is now in charge of the opiod problem. So I guess we can expect that to also get worse. Great.
[[“People like you are stupid enough to go and cover it,” he snarled in response to a question about Mr. Samson. “Just because you’re dumb enough to cover it doesn’t mean I’m going to be just as stupid and answer a question about it.”]]
What an embarrassment.
Is a federal indictment still a possibility?
What an embarrassment.
Is a federal indictment still a possibility?
Chris Christie knows now what we all know -- that he is never, ever, EVER going to win another election. For anything. Anywhere.
52
+1
2
Way past time, no?
1
It's most appropriate that the lead photo for this article showed Christie at a correctional facility. The next time you write about him it's very possible the image will show him on the other side of the bars. Lock him up! Still, Exxon/Mobil will probably use the billions Christie took from us and returned to them to bail the creep out. Good riddance.
26
No state should have a governor who inherently mistrusts government and does not believe in its mission and purpose.
44
I would think such an ideology should disqualify one from any and all positions including but not limited to congress, the White House and SCOTUS!
3
"'Well, one, I thought I might be president,' he said in an extended interview in his office earlier this month, 'so that’s a fairly material change.'”
Another hilarious entry from the "Annals of Self Delusion: The Christie Years," now available in bookstores everywhere. Well, at some bookstores, somewhere. At the risk of depressing sales, here's another charming excerpt:
“'I absolutely believe that, in part, that’s the hand of God redeeming lives, and if you can be a part of that, it’s a great thing,' he said."
Ah yes, a humble Man of God, this Chris Christie, as he showed us recently on national television, shamelessly debasing himself at the Shrine of Trump. One would be hard-pressed to find a more noble pursuit.
Another hilarious entry from the "Annals of Self Delusion: The Christie Years," now available in bookstores everywhere. Well, at some bookstores, somewhere. At the risk of depressing sales, here's another charming excerpt:
“'I absolutely believe that, in part, that’s the hand of God redeeming lives, and if you can be a part of that, it’s a great thing,' he said."
Ah yes, a humble Man of God, this Chris Christie, as he showed us recently on national television, shamelessly debasing himself at the Shrine of Trump. One would be hard-pressed to find a more noble pursuit.
15
People in New Jersey voted for this man twice. There were no surprises to Chris Christie's character, but the voters of New Jersey are constantly surprised and shocked by his behavior and decisions, yet 20% are in favor of their governor. Are the voters in New Jersey running a con on the rest of America?
11
Uptown Guy -- the kind of stooges who voted for Christie are the people who "enjoyed" a bullying loudmouth who threatened people and harangued and belittled people at political events and his "town halls" also are the same kind of people who voted for Trump, another bullying jerk with only one thing on his mind -- himself. Many of us in NJ saw Christie for what he is when he ran in 2010 but there are always some people who are too dumb to come in out of the rain or recognize a con when it's right in front of their faces.
7
20% is most likely the accurate percentage of people in this country who would vote for the current (temporary) occupant of the WH. We should all be disgusted that number is double digits!
4
Christie got in the first time because voters wanted to stick it to the departing governor Jon Corzine and the supposedly "tax-happy" Dems. He rode his bullying tactics all the way to another term because voters wanted to see him continue to stick it to all those "losers" not like them. Eventually, he stuck it to said voters and everyone else.
1
To say Chris Christie stands humbled is very much an understatement. He was an outsized figure that who leaves office without much in the way of accomplishment as governor, and as reviled figure, both in New Jersey and nationally. Notwithstanding his failures and evident character flaws, some law firm or corporation will find some reason to associate with him in the future, but I would be far less sanguine than Christie that his biography will present him as anything other than an ethically compromised figure who placed his own political advancement ahead of the best interests of his constituents.
254
The best thing he can do is to move as far away as he can from NJ.
.....and the best thing his children can do is change their last name if they want to live here.
.....and the best thing his children can do is change their last name if they want to live here.
3
Maybe his good friend Jerry Jones will come through with something...we have all these elected officials using brass and bluster as the currency with which to attain and fill positions of public service. What ever happened to dignity and integrity?
i think we'll see him on Fox News, don't you? He's very good at conducting discussions, and I think he fits their mind set.
Well, Gov, you thought you would be President. I thought you would be in jail. Turns out , we were both wrong. My advise to you: Do not go gently into that dark good night. Just go.
16
As his close friend, whom he speaks to every week, would say "...sad."
Now go.
Now go.
14
Christie squandered a chance to be a true GOP maverick--pragmatic, honest, down-to-earth - by adopting opportunistic, cynical positions. Those include Bridgegate dirty tricks (needlessly painful to average New jersey folks), inane tax cuts & foolish pro-business/anti-infrastructure maneuvers.
He embraced Obama fighting Hurricane Sandy and stood up for addiction care, but could not keep his footing on the podium vs Trump....why?
The base was rabid, but he failed to realize that Trump would never allow a very fat man with a legal cloud into his circle.
Neither Rudy G. nor Christie fit the shallow, show biz ideals that dominate Trump's hiring. Apart from deference to real generals, Trump seems to want to run the executive branch like reality TV poseurs.
Strangely- Trump allowed both Kellyanne, Bannon, Stephen Miller - media ghouls to represent him.... for awhile. Maybe he needed their rigid postures since his main strategies are:
- strut & brag no matter what mess you've made
- counterattack double hard if criticized
- hope the People have a short attention span, change channels, get distracted
He embraced Obama fighting Hurricane Sandy and stood up for addiction care, but could not keep his footing on the podium vs Trump....why?
The base was rabid, but he failed to realize that Trump would never allow a very fat man with a legal cloud into his circle.
Neither Rudy G. nor Christie fit the shallow, show biz ideals that dominate Trump's hiring. Apart from deference to real generals, Trump seems to want to run the executive branch like reality TV poseurs.
Strangely- Trump allowed both Kellyanne, Bannon, Stephen Miller - media ghouls to represent him.... for awhile. Maybe he needed their rigid postures since his main strategies are:
- strut & brag no matter what mess you've made
- counterattack double hard if criticized
- hope the People have a short attention span, change channels, get distracted
8
So, what did it all get you Governor? All the planning, plotting, hard work, hard ball,sacrifice, bargaining, scheming, glad handing, back scratching, lobbying, negotiating, late nights, early mornings, emergency meetings, strategy sessions, all so you can leave with a 20% approval rating and worse to come in the history books. You were a young man, you could have ridden out this angry wave but, instead, you got caught in the political undertow. I could have forgiven the GWB incident but with the "Lock her up" speech you made all bipartisan goodwill disappear for good. You're impressive rise was built on bipartisan support. You will, now, have to rely on a third of that support going forward. You like to claim you're a self made man and that's gonna come in handy because you have no one to blame but yourself.
9
Christie by his actions revealed that he is a bloating failure. He got outgunned by Trump, and destroyed by Trump's son in law. That is the good part. The bad part is that he left his state and the greater northeastern part of the nation a victim to his political ambitions.
11
This story fails to answer the question of whether Christie could still face charges, as he should, for Bridgegate. I will hold out hope. The arc of history may be slow, but I'm told it does bend toward justice. We need a smoking gun to surface from some batch of e-mails somewhere. Please, God . . . . .
12
Underfund Amtrak then blame it when something goes wrong. Classic. Don't let the door hit you on the way out...
22
". . . vice president, a position he does not fail to mention he was considered for. “Twice.”
And for which he was summarily rejected. Twice.
And for which he was summarily rejected. Twice.
157
Goodbye to a rudderless, political sycophant who's best described as a 'quisling. Hope the door doesn't hit him on the way out.
162
His obituary will lead with his role in making Donald J. Trump the President of the United States. As much damage as he's done at home, his actions in helping Trump will have catastrophic impact nationally and globally.
155
It seems as if Mr. Christie has reaped what he sowed!
74
Have driven all over the northeast and I can say with reasonable certainty that New Jersey has by far the worst potholes and generally bad road conditions. Does this reflect on Christie? I think so.
73
When I started driving 40 years ago, New Jersey had the best roads in the northeast, if not necessarily the drivers. I remember driving down 1&9 (to avoid the Turnpike tolls) from the Holland Tunnel to visit a friend in Perth Amboy, and not getting stopped at a single red light. Now? That couldn't ever happen, so a reflection on Christie? Absolutely.
5
Remember Question 2 on the November 2016 ballot? That was the "NJ Dedication of All Gas Tax Revenue to Transportation Amendment." You know, the one that raised the gas tax by 10.5¢ per gallon and was supposed to pay for rebuilding bridges and road in the state.
Christie has never been for NJ--he has been only for Christie. Good riddance!
Christie has never been for NJ--he has been only for Christie. Good riddance!
11
Someone's mom, there never was any money generated by the gas tax. It was refunded to the wealthy in the form of a reduced inheritance tax.
1
as always:
"I'm sorry" = "I'm sorry I got caught"
"I'm sorry" = "I'm sorry I got caught"
109
Should Mr. Christie end up working in the WH he will be just one more (as yet) unindicted co-conspirator, among the many.
The only thing Mr. Trump has done is to change the water in the swamp and then he set about re-populating it immediately. Mr. Christie would be just another undistinguished addition.
The only thing Mr. Trump has done is to change the water in the swamp and then he set about re-populating it immediately. Mr. Christie would be just another undistinguished addition.
27
I hope when he hits his knees each night he gives thanks for not being behind bars, at least not yet.
36
Christie is the worst infection that has sickened the state of NJ in decades. Go away and stay away.
Even in New Jersey, I cannot imagine any reputable, legitimate law firm having anything to do with him.
Exxon/Mobil, however, should probably give him Red (intentional spelling) Tillerson's old job. Tillerson did, of course, divest himself of all his financial interest in Exxon, right? Right? Or, to bring the entire corruption full circle, perhaps Trump could make Christie the Ambassador To Russia.
Go away Chris Christie and, as you admitted you do, just look after yourself. Leave the rest of this country alone. Thank you.
Exxon/Mobil, however, should probably give him Red (intentional spelling) Tillerson's old job. Tillerson did, of course, divest himself of all his financial interest in Exxon, right? Right? Or, to bring the entire corruption full circle, perhaps Trump could make Christie the Ambassador To Russia.
Go away Chris Christie and, as you admitted you do, just look after yourself. Leave the rest of this country alone. Thank you.
45
It's Rexxon Tillerson -- just a reminder. :-)
2
One can't help but contrast Mr. Christie with former President Jimmy Carter. Christie's prime ambition after leaving public office is to make money, President Carter has dedicated his post-political life to making the world a better, more humane place.
460
When someone says you're just as bad as Carter, thank them for the compliment—especially if the GOPer so mis-slandering you didn't intend it.
2
Christie and Carter in the same sentence is insulting to President Carter, even though their comparison is explained.
1
Jimmy Carter's a hero. Presidential historian Michael Bechloss recently described Carter as the smartest man ever to be President.
Carter's choices about what to do with his post-presidential years prove he's smarter than the Bushes and Bill Clinton. River blindness was a tough opponent and Jimmy Carter eradicated it. I can't praise Carter enough.
Carter's choices about what to do with his post-presidential years prove he's smarter than the Bushes and Bill Clinton. River blindness was a tough opponent and Jimmy Carter eradicated it. I can't praise Carter enough.
2
Bridgegate was the blood test of what he was and what kind of people he hired. Sadly enough, it also illustrates what America as a whole has become.
114
Anyone who was paying attention knew, before the election that Christie was neck deep in Bridgegate, yet he was re-elected in a landslide. Chris Christie ids more the symptom of what America as a whole has become, than the cause.
5
Early on I had hope he'd be an old-school, cloth coat Republican who would work to build consensus across parties. He quickly put that to bed when he cancelled the much needed train tunnels under the Hudson on the excuse that NJ would be hit with cost overruns even though Frank Lautenberg (a true public servant) secured commitment from the Feds NJ would not pay for any overruns - basically, he flat lied. The Sandy Funds for rebuilding have not be deployed efficiently (much still needs to be done and the funds sit there) and he has demonized our public employee unions while not addressing the pension debacle. Throw on top "Bridgegate" and we can call it a wrap.
When he embraced the help of the Feds and Obama after Sandy, we were all behind him. If, as suspected, he threw that all away in pursuit of the GOP nomination for President, then he's getting what he deserves - infamy in the eyes of his constituents.
He can't be gone soon enough.
When he embraced the help of the Feds and Obama after Sandy, we were all behind him. If, as suspected, he threw that all away in pursuit of the GOP nomination for President, then he's getting what he deserves - infamy in the eyes of his constituents.
He can't be gone soon enough.
552
Cancelling the desperately needed Hudson tunnel project in 2010 and using the Billion for road repair, was the single worst misuse of public funds in his term. It dwarfs "Bridgegate"
3
Christie is a disgrace. From his incompetence as a governor, to bridgegate to his shameless behavior during the 2016 campaign. And now watching him brown nose Trump makes me sick.
I look forward to seeing this dreadful man kicked to the curve, hopefully on the GWB.
I look forward to seeing this dreadful man kicked to the curve, hopefully on the GWB.
205
'Curb'... 'kicked to the curb'.
1
What a dimwit. Like Bobby Jindal, he was deluded enough to think he could be President.
136
Yes, so was the Donald.
Why waste space on this criminal? All he craves is attention.
32
It's no waste if it helps us prevent similar mistakes.
4
He will be remembered for his colossal arrogance and ultimately his support of Trump. In the long run he maybe very lucky that he did not get a position in the Trump administration .. it will give him cover when the Trump side show runs it course.
13
How is it possible that he is not in court over Bridgegate? It's hard to believe, nobody believes that he had nothing to do with it and no knowledge of it. Do they?
Instead he's willing to let a few subordinates take the fall...what a piece of work...Oh Brave new world that has such people in it...
Instead he's willing to let a few subordinates take the fall...what a piece of work...Oh Brave new world that has such people in it...
102
How does this guy sleep at nite
Christie, I'll say it: you weren't NASTY enough. Donald was. So sad.
Unindicted is the word that best describes him. Gawd, Jersey is just a corrupt swamp. Time for a new crop.
29
and just a couple of short years ago, christie was being lathered up by the political media as the great new savoir of the republicon party.
it's incredibly satisfying to see how far his collapse has taken him. too bad it just wasn't in the jail cell next to his former compatriots.
it's incredibly satisfying to see how far his collapse has taken him. too bad it just wasn't in the jail cell next to his former compatriots.
33
Legacy,shmegacy, he will still end up as a gazillionaire.Which law firm will he work for?
3
His high point was walking the beach with Obama. His low points: giving up billions in Federal infrastructure money to look Republican hard; bridgegate; Trumpgate; educationgate. In the end, he's what he seemed like in the beginning: a bully, a cheat, a fraud.
255
"his initiative against the opioid epidemic.." HIS initiative? I thought that came from the WH ("uh, Chrisite wants to know what he can do to get some visibility"). It would seem the country is, indeed , in an opioid crisis, but, aside from the barrage of news about ODs, the administration has been largely silent and invisible. There hasn't been much out of the Health services departments(where the focus of drugs and drug abuse should be), nor even from law enforcement (who derive so much of their revenue from their supposed "war on drugs"), Since the "president's" meeting with some Big Pharma CEOs, where he came away with nothing, after promising to bring down the outrageously high cost of prescription drugs, the silence has been deafening.
No plan, no action, no nothing. And putting Christie in front to f the nation as someone to lead against this problem is beyond laughable. It's more than obvious he has no clue, little interest, and would rather be doing anything else. Talking about it for 60 minutes, in a farewell state address, is not action.
There is, of course, a solution, and multiple avenues of action available to the government, but we'll never see them materialize with the current crew. Sad.
No plan, no action, no nothing. And putting Christie in front to f the nation as someone to lead against this problem is beyond laughable. It's more than obvious he has no clue, little interest, and would rather be doing anything else. Talking about it for 60 minutes, in a farewell state address, is not action.
There is, of course, a solution, and multiple avenues of action available to the government, but we'll never see them materialize with the current crew. Sad.
15
A governor whose policies set back the development of New Jersey while bullying residents who questioned the policies. Bullying is not governance, but for a time foolish political analysts took bullying for governance.
352
His carbon copy is now Potus. There is one difference I think, Christie may have a brain Potus does not. Too bad he has never used it for anyone but himself. He was New Jersey's mistake.
3
Clearly, American voters did not learn any lessons from watching Christie bully his constituents to further his own interests. They just put an even bigger bully in the White House.
1
Right. As with Trump, people translated his bullying into "no nonsense" behavior, "he tells it like it is," sort of guy. So now we've got a no-nonsense bully in the White House too. What a great reason to vote for someone.
2
How do guys like Christie (Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld...TRUMP) escape prosecution for their criminal activity??? Money, power, position, other criminal enablers? This is why America is in big trouble & going down the drain.
162
The most disgusting thing Christie did was take an $8 billion judgment against Exxon Mobil and turn it into a $225 settlement. But surely that means job security for him -- whether he knows anything about the oil business or not.
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/26/nyregion/new-jerseys-225-million-sett...
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/26/nyregion/new-jerseys-225-million-sett...
343
In the Republican presidential debates, Christie's most impressive moment was in his takedown of Marco Rubio - at last he was picking on someone his own size - fair enough. During the aftermath of Hurrican Sandy, he was particularly effective - maybe not long-term - but he choose his words well and did not diminish anyone's pain at their loss. Contrast this with the videos of him berating a public school teacher at a town hall; challenging a constituent on the the boardwalk "down the shore" with an ice-cream cone in his hand surrounded by security. Although bright, he has no judgement and the bullying gets old. The Fort Lee bridge tieup was totally plausible and something he would likely have done or wanted done. Either way, his personality got in his own way.
335
"The Fort Lee bridge tieup was totally plausible and something he would likely have done or wanted done."
At the very least, he chose and tolerated a staff that was capable of doing this, and led them in such a way that they thought it would be acceptable. Completely disqualifying.
At the very least, he chose and tolerated a staff that was capable of doing this, and led them in such a way that they thought it would be acceptable. Completely disqualifying.
33
Much like a certain US President we are aware of.
1
He used his home state in every which way---all bad.
He remains a few steps ahead of the sheriff.
He remains a few steps ahead of the sheriff.
166
Christie left NJ and the NY metro area an unmitigated disaster:
He delayed Gateway tunnel at least 5 yrs; he destroyed NJ's roads and bridges by starving the state hway trust fund to keep the gas tax un realisticly low; he illegally spent PANYNJ funds for NJ road repair (to avoid raising the gas tax), and he loaded the port with cronies, several of whom have been convicted of crimes at the port; he bled NJTransit so badly that he cant find anyone willing to run the sorry operation; He's done nothing to fix the state's ticking pension time bomb; He let Exxon off the hook for billions of environmental damage.... shall I go on?
He was so bad that even Trump didnt want him!!
Best thing for NJ? Get rid of the bum... or at least keep him caged so he cant do any more damage till his term runs out.
He delayed Gateway tunnel at least 5 yrs; he destroyed NJ's roads and bridges by starving the state hway trust fund to keep the gas tax un realisticly low; he illegally spent PANYNJ funds for NJ road repair (to avoid raising the gas tax), and he loaded the port with cronies, several of whom have been convicted of crimes at the port; he bled NJTransit so badly that he cant find anyone willing to run the sorry operation; He's done nothing to fix the state's ticking pension time bomb; He let Exxon off the hook for billions of environmental damage.... shall I go on?
He was so bad that even Trump didnt want him!!
Best thing for NJ? Get rid of the bum... or at least keep him caged so he cant do any more damage till his term runs out.
943
Re: NJ road repairs and the gas tax
Calif Gov Gray Davis tacked on an extra fee for car license renewal to help pay for road repairs that cost him his governorship. Arnold S, who replaced him, repealed the fee, would not increase the gas tax and then used it to balance budget after budget during his 8 years. The gas tax was intended to pay for road repairs and transit projects. Transit groups sued Arnold, he lost all the way up to the state Supreme Court, was ordered to pay back $3billion - and never did. The Calif State legislature recently passed a $58billion bill which was signed by Jerry Brown for highway and transit infrastructure. $58billion!
Calif Gov Gray Davis tacked on an extra fee for car license renewal to help pay for road repairs that cost him his governorship. Arnold S, who replaced him, repealed the fee, would not increase the gas tax and then used it to balance budget after budget during his 8 years. The gas tax was intended to pay for road repairs and transit projects. Transit groups sued Arnold, he lost all the way up to the state Supreme Court, was ordered to pay back $3billion - and never did. The Calif State legislature recently passed a $58billion bill which was signed by Jerry Brown for highway and transit infrastructure. $58billion!
25
Most of which will be diverted to pay for unfunded public pension liabilities.
1
Hey - this is "Jersey" -
Pay to play?
No problem.
Cronyism?
No problem.
You got a problem?
Forgedabtoutit -
We got the shore, we got the casinos, we got the bands.
Next up to lead the mafia here?
Pay to play?
No problem.
Cronyism?
No problem.
You got a problem?
Forgedabtoutit -
We got the shore, we got the casinos, we got the bands.
Next up to lead the mafia here?
1
A larger than life figure with no internal moral compass; fade way if you can and please don't come back.
427
Fading away is not quick enough. Still could be dangerously toxic. Cut to black fast.
3
Considering Christie's tainted legacy, no reputable law firm should touch him. But, hey!, law is becoming a form of bullying, as seems to have been pioneered by the likes of Roy Cohn. As they say in the lottery biz, you never know.
95
send him home with his crew...a bully, liar and perhaps a criminal as well, i.e., Bridgegate...maybe Trump and his freshman staff and family can all leave as well? The mistaken president who got "in"..elected by accident!
118
Don't be naive, it was no accident
6
But it IS a disgrace.
8