I’m just about done hearing bout Christie.... and then..the man turns up at a Springsteen concert. He closes the beaches... and then sits in the sun. We can’t escape him. He’s like a nagging mosquito that just won’t fly away! Ewww .. just go!
3
Born and raised in NJ and proud of it. But, come on! Enough about the former Gov. Through the years NJ has been depicted as a place of bad air, clogged roads, and high taxes. All true. Why continue to give the former Gov space. He was a disaster as a Gov. Let him be. Other good things to talk about. Like the piece on Hackensack.
1
ha ha, and the car door slammed....perfect
2
It is unfortunate that the horrors that this governor put on the backs of minorities and employees in New Jersey should of been mentioned. When he became governor he was the pre Trump, nasty, ignorant , hateful. Eight years he did a great deal of damage and people once again wanted change. Well the change they received is just like the change America is receiving with this president. A path downward vs, upward.
2
Funny how he is lauded as a working man's hero and he admits he's never had a real job. I have never understood his popularity. I think he is the most overrated guy in Rock and Roll. People forget about Bruce and his alleged affair with a married woman who happens to still go to my gym. He used to attend the gym for a brief period and the only time. I have never run into him having lived in the same area my entire life, when I was wearing a T-shirt right after the John Kerry failed bid for President that said Hey Kerry why the long face and he saw me and I never was happier than being a Republican in my life. Not so happy about it now but that's a whole other story.
2
Chris Christie should have been charged $250,000 for his seat - same as his buddy Trump is charging this weekend for a photo with the POTUS. Better still, just leave us music fans a place we can escape for a few hours.
Christie who?
Rightfully unpopular bully goes to a show, sits insecurely up front in second row. Takes up all the inches there. Like any of us should really care.
Why give more inches to the bully here, will bully will begin a new campaign of fear?
Better forget him stuck in a traffic jam funnel, right outside the Lincoln tunnel. We can claim it's a traffic study, and tell him hey, don't mess with them cones there buddy.
No more helicopter rides or private beach home.
1
Remember when Christie was the GOP shining star? Talk about a lifetime ago. I just love seeing people get what they deserve.
1
When I saw him at an Italian restaurant a couple of months ago ( day after election day to be precise ) in Morrisville,Pa he had 2 or 3 black SUVs with troopers along for the ride. Guess times have changed.
1
Kai Ryssdal (Marketplace, NPR), told the tale of Chris Christie standing on the VIP line at the Springsteen show and was asked to get off and go to the regular line. Thanks to Kai - I almost fell off my chair with laughter!
4
One of the worst governors ever and yet whenever he does an interview for the rest of his life he will be referred to as Governor Christie. For some reason that rubs me the wrong way.
2
For those grousing about how the Times might dare to even mention Governor Christie ever again—lighten up! This column is fantastic, both because of how it marks the Governor's departure and also because of the cleverness of how it ties in his love of The Boss.
I don't agree with the Governor's politics, and I understand why New Jersey is so glad to see him go. But I've always had a weird admiration for the guy, especially with how he can be such a forceful straight shooter—most of the time.
Note that his falling out with the Trump administration was payback for how he had honorably done his job as U.S. Attorney when he successfully prosecuted Jared Kushner’s crooked father. In the fall of 2016 Governor Christie had worked to set up a great start to President Trump’s transition. But Trump allowed the little weasel Jared to undercut the Governor and have him fired as the transition director. Vintage Trump! Had Trump kept the Governor his administration might have become less of the disaster that it has.
I think Governor Christie is a great talent with tragic flaws. Many Springsteen songs end on a down note. But is this down note the end for the Governor? I’m a great believer in the power of redemption, and I hope we haven’t seen the last of this guy. As the Boss said, “Mister I ain't a boy, no I'm a man, and I believe in a promised land.”
Fantastic, thank you for writing this. Sounds like you enjoyed putting this together!
1
I would have made sure that that seat, that night, had an obstructed view.
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It is true that in his politics Chris Christie does not exemplify the working class people that Springsteen sings about. Neither, however, does Bruce Springsteen who is now a millionaire many times over. At base, however, I think they share working class roots and perhaps a soul. Each, however, escaped their origins in different ways. Bruce through songs that celebrate working class values and Christie by embracing politics which seeks to draw on those roots for public appeal as his policies served the 1 %. The modern fate of the working class is not fostered through contemporary politics and culture. The Democrats seek to celebrate diversity rather than the core economic issues battering the working class. The Republicans wholeheartedly support the 1 % which seeks to extract further riches at the expense of working class. No one seems to have a solution to keep the working class from slipping further on the economic ladder. All that seems to remain for the working class is the sad nostalgic ballads of Bruce Springsteen.........
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jlab, you have used this interesting article to absolutely put your finger on how our country got into our current mess. The Republicans support the 1%. The Democrats support tribal issues and ignore the economic problems of the working class. So in the 2016 election when forced to make a choice between two unattractive alternatives enough of the working class flips the coin for President Trump that we wind up with this terrible president, and at a very bad time.
2
Someone voted for Chris Christie to make him a two term governor. Who were those people? As an outsider he appeared to be a con man and a fool like Trump. I witnessed his silly presidential ads for the New Hampshire primary on Boston TV. He looked like twiddle dee. A fat round man in a suit wearing slippers talking about his views on America and the world while his own state was slipping down hill. Was his vision to make America like New Jersey under his administration. What's the fascination with this overweight obnoxious individual. The NYT should let him ride into the sunset in his large overweight S.U.V. Enough already.
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To HRW: Christie gamed his second election by holding at tax payer expense a special Senatorial election one month before the general election where he Christie was running. Cory Booker was the Democratic candidate in the special election and, by having it early, Chris was able to suppress minority voting on his big day. Second, he seemed to have worked out a deal with the political bosses of South Jersey, an area which has more in common with a Red State than the more populous northern half of the state, generally more liberal. South Jersey historically feels resentment that they don't get their fair share of "things". Christie promised the Norcross Brothers and the Democratic majority leader in the Assembly (forget his name now) that he would do some things for South Jersey, help Atlantic City by legalizing on-line gambling and put money in the State Pension fund which was causing the State to get its credit scores lowered repeatedly. So he got South Jersey votes. After his election Chris double-crossed everyone and failed with the pension funding, making his Democratic friends look like the fools they were. So the question is "why", not "who" voted for him. He's gone but the harm he did remains.
2
What good did Christie do for NJ? I live in the state and cannot list one thing....
8
Apparently Christie yesterday got turned away from the VIP entry of the NJ airport because he is not VIP anymore. For folks who crave status, this must be mortifying.
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Please get it straight. Christie’s allies did NOT shut down the George Washington Bridge. They reconfigured toll lanes.
1
Two most diametrically opposed people if ever there was. I wonder whether Christie has ever listened to any of the lyrics!
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When you stand diametrically opposed to everything the other person stands for, I am not sure how much of an “idol”that person really is. Mr. Christie may “listen”to Bruce Springsteen but he neither hears or understands Springsteen
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Christie must be living the following lyrics from the Boss.
Glory days, well they’ll pass you by,
Glory days, in the wink of a young girl’s eye
Glory days, glory days
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I hope he paid the full street price for the ticket.
8
Kind of like hedgefunders or tech millionaires going to Dead shows. AArrggh!
13
Springsteen, most over rated rocker of all times. Giime some Ramones or Voidoids!
5
Ironic that you'd call Bruce "overrated" and then mention the Ramones.As if they were mutually exclusive,and that like Joe Strummer/Clash you didn't realize that the Ramones were friends of Bruce.Do you even know that Bruce wrote Hungry Heart FOR the Ramones,but ended up keeping it because he needed a "hit" for The River.
And I always love it when folks throw out the "overrated" meme-as if somehow you're "right" and the MILLIONS of us that attend shows and are fans are somehow less intelligent than you.Exactly how is Bruce overrated?
What superstars that play for 3.5 hrs and give their all to the fans are you saying Bruce doesn't measure up to?Who else are folks all over the world going to pay $130 or so to see,even sitting in nosebleeds in Euro soccer stadiums?
We get that YOU don't like Bruce,but that hardly equates to overrated.People wouldn't still be willing to pony up and camp out for ESB shows if Bruce didn't deliver.
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Too funny!
1
I’ve followed Mr. Springsteen since the summer of 74. He always spoken to me and still does to this day; it’s why I’ve traveled far and wide to see him and the band for over 4O years. Truth be told, I never understood Christie’s affinity with E Street Nation. Everything he is, we’re not. Everything Bruce sings about is the opposite of what Chris Christie espouses. I’m personally insulted every time he’s in the same audience I am and I’m sorry to say it’s happened too many times; most memorably on the Wrecking Ball tour during a stop in Newark. Then Governor, he was sitting just below me in a box surrounded by security guards. ‘Death to my Hometown’ came up on the set list and that was too much for me. Yelling the 10 or 12 feet just below me I said ‘Hey Chris, he’s singing to you, try listening’. My admittedly bad behavior got worse through ‘Jack of All Trades’ and culminated with a glare from him and menacing looks from security during ‘Shackled and Drawn’. I decided that I wanted to see the rest of the show rather than be escorted out so my Civics lesson for Chris ended peacefully. That said, the ignorance (arrogance) this man has shown being a fan of someone who speaks volumes for all he despises is astounding. Reading this, I’m forever thankful that my trip to Broadway did not coincide with his; there might have been a scene.
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"I’m personally insulted every time he’s in the same audience" Its said you have a hard time accepting people who have a different point of view than yourself or what you consider Mr. Springsteen's.
1
Glad to hear Bruce Springsteen is Chris Christie's idol. Maybe he listened to his music while sitting on a closed beach. I'm sure he will be listening to Springsteen tunes if he ever gets caught on the GW bridge in traffic, whatever the cause.
7
Why on earth should anyone, least of all, those of us here in New York City even care what Chris Christie is up to these days?
His time has come and gone, and he should go with it.
27
Not sure what Christie was doing at the concert - doesn't he have other more important things to do like blocking a bridge, not governing, toadying up to Trump, etc. . . .
20
As a New Jersey born boomer all I can say is that we from the Garden State are happy when any local son or daughter makes good, no matter how fleeting. We are definitely the yeast that makes America rise and pound-for-pound (muscle not fat) we can hold our own with any other state and are superior to about 49 other. I moved because I hate the NY sport's teams, but that's another story.
O PLU-EEZE! Can't we let this old blow-hard simply fade away?
31
Not a nice way to refer to Springsteen! JK :)
2
So, this Christie character, he was some sort of politician or something?
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Yes, he's a gubernatorial record holder. No, not for anything distinguished. He had the lowest favorability rating by his constituents in the history of modern day polling of American governors. There will be an awards ceremony, on that private beach of his, in Jersey next summer.
3
Like healthcare workers, entertainment workers should be able to deny service to immoral persons like Christie.
14
You make an interesting point. Where will thins catering to individual's religious, moral, ethical, and religious beliefs end? What happens when hospitals start asking patients about their religious affiliation or political beliefs before they are admitted? What is to stop "Dignity Health", a Catholic health care chain, from refusing to treat anyone who uses birth control or who won't swear they are anti-abortion (and pro Pope?). What happens when a restaurant chain says that they won't serve gays, or women, or single parents, or blacks, because the owner's religious beliefs prohibit it?
4
What's with all these gushy, sentimental pieces about Chris Christie? Springsteen and Christie had only a brief détente, and Springsteen has stood by Democrat after Democrat in elections, firmly opposed to the Republican agenda. And yet here's the NYT almost panting like a sad-eyed puppy over the Boss and Christie, the way the NJ governor did, standing behind Trump with the longing of VP hopes in his beady eyes. How about some coverage about his broken promises, investigations into his nefarious dealings, and something with teeth? Someone once called Politico 'Tiger Beat on the Potomac', but at this rate the NYT is going to become 'Tiger Beat on the Hudson'. And please, don't publish a Christie centerfold!
7
New Jersey's version of Rudy Giuliani. Started out as Federal prosecutors. Jumped into politics. Saw their political mojo fizzle.
I would like very much not to have to hear from either of them ever again.
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Really enjoyed this - nice piece of entertainment writing. Not sure why others feel the need to make this one last shot at Christie - he's gone, kids. Relax.
17
Enough already.
5
Hope Christie encountered massive delays coming into Manhattan due to tunnel overcrowding and/or lane closures on the George Washington Bridge.
His veto of funding for a new tunnel and political payback bridge lane closures should haunt him forever!
46
Not quite as awful as that fake Springsteen musical the Times published several months ago. But still pretty poor. Sorry.
4
"Glory Days...Oh they'll pass you by..."
10
Can we stop putting the spotlight on this man? It is not deserved, nor are we interested.
21
Lucky him, to be able to get super premium priced tickets.
Chris Christie is a bully....his words and actions as governor of New Jersey show that never understood the beauty and generosity of Springsteen's songs. Since he is unemployed now, I suggest that he listen to the lyrics.
13
You have to give Christie credit for at least one thing. He did make something in a Springsteen song come true.
When his minions shut down access to the GW bridge and ambulances couldn't get through, he succeeded in making Jersey, like the town in "Born to Run," into a death trap. And no doubt he drove many Jerseyites at least to the brink of suicide.
1
If you want want to feel sorry for someone, how about the guy who paid $1,000 for his ticket and had to sit next to this train wreck?
100
Those seats are tight too !
9
Or the folks that had to sit behind him...
3
It would be great if the NY Times did not waste its time and the readers time reporting on Christie. The guy likes attention but does not deserve it.
32
Oh come on guys. No one cares about Christie anymore and that's the whole point of this article. 2 terms, then done. Fork is in place. From a Springsteen fan, I can say I loved the cute poem. Thanks Nick!
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I thought I was to never hear this awful man's name again. Why are you shoving him down my throat?
Go Away and do not come back. Whenever I see his picture all I see is a man willing to let people die as he ordered the streets blocked so ambulances were unable to get through. How many lives were endangered? He nauseates me!
17
Meh, who cares!
8
Seriously? Haven't we had enough of this guy. So, he rewards himself with a treat, but the people of NJ don't feel the same. Please, retire the PR on this traffic jam.
13
What don’t you understand about the phrase: dustbin of history. Christie is no longer news.
26
Hate him or love him, I'm personally sick and tired of the lazy and inaccurate "throw away" comments made mostly by those in the media and @ the NY Times about Christie "shutting down the George Washington Bridge". Because that did not happen. The guy (or his "allies", depending on who you believe) shut down 3 or 4 NYC-bound, toll booth lanes of traffic that was mostly used by locals driving thru Ft Lee. The other dozen or so toll lanes on the upper level and the entire lower level were open, as were all lanes heading both east and west, from and to NJ and NYC. So the bridge was not "shut down". FACTS MATTER.
13
Sure, tell that to those he left stranded in those closed lanes to attack a political rival and suit his own political ambitions. Your reasoning does not excuse his immoral and illegal actions and uh..facts matter (you got that right)
17
O. K., not “shut down.” But, if you’re really interested in accuracy, you should point out that the bridge was so congested, emergency vehicles were delayed, and those delays impacted real people. All because of a petty, cruel and egotistical Republican. And that’s not over—we’ve got way too many of them holding elective office.
How about you google what happened instead of claiming this was no big deal? "Two of three access lanes to the George Washington Bridge are closed, causing traffic chaos, especially in Fort Lee, at the mouth of the bridge in New Jersey."
"deputy chief of staff to Gov. Chris Christie, Bridget Anne Kelly, emails David Wildstein, then an appointee of Christie at the Port Authority: "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee." He writes back, "Got it."
"Wildstein emails Kelly: "I will call you Monday AM to let you know how Fort Lee goes."
So I guess your ok with elected officials messing with the citizens they represent? I guess FAKE NEWS needs to be spammed on here as well right
I'm a 'yuge' fan of Bruce, ever since 1985, when I attended a concert in NJ at Giant's Stadium (I came late to being a fan). I am no fan of Christie, but respected his skills, no matter my contempt for some of his methods BUT
But this article isn't worth reading. What a waste of time I will never get back. And the writing style? Please, spare me a failed 'creative' reporter
11
Just another sad tale of how the mighty eventually fall- hubris, excess and just plain dumb-
3
Two totally ethically different men in one room. Amazing the contrast. One has sang and espoused plight of Americans for decades. The other- an embarrassment of a politician, whose goal to better his personal life has become more clear to this country lately.
8
Did one of CC's former donor-friends (e.g., Jerry Jones) spring for the second row seats at $700+ face or likely double that scalped? After all, this is a guy who always had a 5-star appetite on a sub sandwich state salary. What a working-class hero.
5
I'm sure Christie is more intelligent than me, yet how does he reconcile the lyrics of Springsteen with his behavior as governor? Is it some East coast thing? Here in the West it's like friends of mine who are Deadheads, yet voted for Trump?
21
Deadheads voted for Trump, take away their tie-dye!
2
This article is borderline stalking. "The lights dimmed at 8 p.m., and Mr. Christie bought a drink and found a seat in a corner off in the dark."..? He's a private citizen now and can't go to a show without this kind of intrusive nonsense? Come on.
8
One's a hero. One's a zero. Can't we all just ignore Christie now for the rest of his life.
65
But they're both recovering addicts. They've got that in common.
If there were any justice in this world Christie would be in prison
68
Good riddance, you loathsome, self-serving misnamed fake Christian of a wretched ex-governor.
It's a miracle you're not in prison for racketeering and endangering public safety.
You have a bright future in the right-wing circus as a juggler, a magician and master of legerdemain.
Get off the stage before you fall through it.
114
Bitter much?
9
Pathetic fat-shaming.
Seems that part of your "wokeness" hasn't been opened yet.
7
Can’t the NYT quit him? We’re tired of hearing about this boorish jerk, and thought the end of his term might bring relief. Please no more.
53
I read this article only because I'm a lifelong fan of The Boss. Chris Christie was always a wanna be boss. I hope the screen door didn't slam on him on his way out, although many from Jersey hope that it did. BRUUUUUUUCE - you deserve fans like my brother and me in the audience!
14
These are two opposite people with completely different outlooks for the American middle class.
One sings and champions the lives and dreams of the working, they other slays them.
33
If you've read Springsteen's autobiography you might remember a chapter where Bruce is so broke but on the brink of stardom where he has to head into Manhattan to meet an old friend to borrow $50? so that he can make that month's rent. He forgets that he must pay the toll to get through the Holland Tunnel before he can meet his banker.
The whole Christie lane-closure, toll-booth debacle brings this story to mind.
42
I thought the New York Times giving its editorial page to Trump voters today was bad enough. (Gee, we need to hear more from the people we have been hearing all about for 14 months!) But this is embarrassing. As a 45 year Springsteen fan and a New Jersey resident for 30, my last few under Christie, I have never seen a worse idea or execution of an article about the Boss. So many more important New Jersey Springsteen fans, people who really understand his work, that you could have written about.
53
Ummm....I think this was an article about Christie.
4
Now that Christie is out maybe we can look forward to better days:
Now a life of leisure and a pirate's treasure
Don't make much for tragedy
But it's a sad man my friend who can barely fit in his own skin
And can't stand the company
Every fool's got a reason for feelin' sorry for himself
Oh sure I was the one working the cones
Tonight this fool's halfway to heaven and just a mile outta Trenton
And who closed that bridge to me is unknown
4
I don't get the media's fascination with Christie. He's eminently unfascinating. And now he's a failed ex-politician. Just stop it.
72
I’m not sure if this is supposed to be an article or a poem, or really horribly crafted song lyrics, blech!!
10
Blinded by the light.
6
Loved it! Thank you Nick.
9
At least he can afford the ticket price.
9
Great article and re-write of "Atlantic City" and I loved the references to Springsteen songs. I only got six but I am sure I missed more. Well done!
35
Enough with Christie already. He was a failure. Go away.
83