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Tag: Governor Chris Christie

  • Chris Christie: Jimmy Fallon Helps Him Dance Past Bridge Scandal

    New Jersey Governor Chris Christie appeared to use Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon and a whole lot of humor to help him move past his recent bridge scandal. The governor appeared on the late night show on Thursday night and poked fun at himself while garnering loads of laughs from the audience. Since then a video of Christie dancing with Jimmy Fallon has gone viral, adding even more laughter–as well as a few unsavory comments–to the mix.

    The potential Republican presidential contender can actually dance. And he did so in an effort to show off dorky dad dances while wearing his pleated khaki pants and a polo shirt. The comedy bit called ‘The Evolution of Dad Dancing’ even featured a portion called ‘This Bridge is Closed,’ during which Chris Christie appears to walk off stage for good, leaving Jimmy Fallon doing his dad dance solo. However the jovial governor returns to finish the dance and to chat with Fallon, too.

    During their conversation Chris Christie said the dance sketch was no doubt far more humiliating to his family than the entire bridge lane closing scandal “because I actually did that.”

    It took only minutes for videos of Christie’s appearance on The Tonight Show to start flying around the Internet. The website Gawker said the governor danced “like a buffoon that makes you want to scrub your eyes with bleach.” Business Insider said the video would “blow your mind.”

    The governor’s office eagerly promoted the appearance, and almost immediately sent out a news release to the media on Friday that read, “The Gov & Fallon Dance, Dish, And All Around Embarrass The Kids on The Tonight Show.”

    Mike DuHaime is Chris Christie’s campaign strategist. He says his appearance on The Tonight Show showed the governor as a “down-to-earth” guy who can have fun at his own expense. He doesn’t believe it can hurt him at all should he actually throw his hat in the ring as a presidential candidate.

    “I think the fact that he has got a sense of humor, I think people appreciate that,” DuHaime said. “I think he was out there enjoying it, and if somebody wants to attack his dancing for political reasons, so be it. I’m not too worried about that.”

    Comments on Governor Christie’s dance ran the gamut between outright praise and downright disgust on his Facebook page.

    “I watched this on Jimmy Fallon last night. I loved it, and yes you CAN dance. I enjoyed it so much that I watched it a few more times on here. Good luck in 2016!!!” one follower wrote.

    “I have to question your judgment for appearing on that stupid skit with The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. You gave your political enemies the ammunition they will need to humiliate you as a serious presidential candidate. Actions speak louder than words,” another wrote.

    As with anyone in public office, Chris Christie will have those who love him and those who hate him. And if he truly is considering that run for the Republican nomination, he’d best develop an even thicker skin. The ability to laugh at oneself is always a plus in any kind of situation. And since his performance with Jimmy Fallon everyone can plainly see he doesn’t lack anything in that arena.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Chris Christie: White House Hopes Ruined By Controversy?

    One has to give some credit to Chris Christie. Despite being in the midst of a major scandal, he does not see it as something that could hamper his presidential ambitions.

    He did retreat for a spell over the George Washington Bridge lane-closure scandal, but now the New Jersey governor seems ready to bounce back onto the national stage.

    But how effectively can he do so? Even if one does not factor in potential Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton, there are others within the Republican party who may present stronger options for voters.

    Some expect former Florida governor Jeb Bush to get the final nod over Christie. Unfortunately for Bush, not everyone has as short a memory as certain GOP voters.

    A terrible presidency tied to George W. Bush and controversies surrounding his state’s handling of the Florida votes that helped get his brother elected may make many voters avoid Jeb Bush like the plague.

    After all, what’s one bridge versus a presidential election controversy?

    The corruption scandals at the doorstep of the entire Republican Party does not look good for 2016.

    Christie’s style of governing has been disliked by Democrats and Republicans alike. Christie is viewed as a bully who gets things done with threats and “inconveniences”. While that may (or may not) suit a state like New Jersey, you can’t bully everyone as president.

    Push the wrong person or nation’s buttons and we could find ourselves in the midst of an international catastrophe.

    He shouldn’t count on his fellow GOP members to stand with him as things move towards the presidential election season.

    The controversy surrounding Christie will allow presidential rivals a chance to one up him and openly suggest he is corrupt and will be a corrupt president.

    Christie must prove that there’s more to him than tough talk and “brute force politics”. Before that, he must successfully weather the bridge scandal.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Chris Christie Avoids Spotlight After Scandal

    New Jersey governor Chris Christie has a bit of ground to cover in terms of working to repair his tarnished image. When Christie and his wife, Mary Pat, traveled to National Governor’s Association meeting held in Washington D.C., this fact must have been on his mind as the governor has made himself scarce since arriving.

    The event takes place over a period of three days, with governors from across the country converging in the nation’s capital. A time for governors to meet up and be available, especially as a number of them have campaigns on the brain, going out of one’s way to be virtually invisible is absolutely abnormal.

    This behavior is especially odd for Christie, who is famous for his outspoken nature. Christie is said to only attend one major event this weekend. He declined an invitation to the White House dinner or and will not be at news conference hosted by the Republican Governor Association. As Christie is the head of this organization, the move is especially awkward.

    The governor is simply not speaking to anyone. There will be no interviews, no appearance at a major media-sponsored forum, and he has declined to comment on any and all media questions.

    Is Christie attempting to avoid speaking about the ongoing bridge scandal or is he worried that he’ll say something to dig himself into an even bigger hole?

    Whatever may be the cause for Christie’s “radio silence”, this outing can still be seen as Christie trying to take small, measured steps towards an improved image.

    Christie will get no help from a number of Democrats, many of whom have seized on the possibility of Christie’s not-yet-proven connection to members of his staff purposely freezing traffic in a New Jersey town in what was called a blatant attempt to punish a Democratic mayor that didn’t come out in support of Christie. The scandal erupted after emails were discovered related to the bridge closure.

    A criminal investigation is ongoing and while Christie denies both personal involvement in or even knowledge of the event, several persons around the governor have either been fired or have resigned in recent weeks.

    Not everyone is out to get the embattled Christie.

    Lily Kersh of Arkansas commented that she thought the New Jersey governor was getting “a bum rap”. In what might have been a show of support, Kersh was more than happy to take a picture with Christie.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Chris Christie: Does Evidence Suggests He Knew?

    By now you may have heard that New Jersey governor Chris Christie is at the center of a fairly unique and bizarre scandal.

    The matter began in September of last year with the lane closings that occurred on George Washington Bridge. The justification at the time is that it was done for a “traffic study”. This has yet to pan out and evidence has emerged that there was never a study to begin with and that the resulting traffic jams were orchestrated. The closings backed up traffic for hours, sometimes trapping school buses and emergency vehicles.

    The traffic also directly impacted the town of Fort Lee, where traffic onto the bridge was frozen for days. Mayor Mark Sokolich, a Democrat, has even gone so far as to suggest that Christie used the phony study as a means to punish him for not backing his re-election efforts.

    An email from Bridget Anne Kelly, Christie’s then-deputy chief of staff, implicated herself and Bill Baroni, former deputy executive director of the New Jersey Assembly Transportation Committee as appointed by Christie as responsible for the closures.

    She wrote to him, “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee”, to which Baroni responded, “Got it.”

    Despite those closely connected to Christie being held responsible and ultimately fired from their positions, the New Jersey governor maintains that he had no knowledge of their plans or actions. However, there may be evidence that contradicts his claims.

    Attorney Alan Zegas represents David Wildstein, Christie’s former ally at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Zegas claims that there is evidence that exists, but is seeking protection for his client before anything else is revealed.

    Others believe that the actions of Christie and his aides suggests that he was also aware. He and others have invoked their 5th Amendment rights, or the right to not self-incriminate. This includes a resistance to cooperate with subpoenas for evidence.

    As investigators continue digging, there is a possibility that a “smoking gun” could appear. And as Christie’s camp tightens up on the lack of cooperation, this seems to be highly likely.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Prince Harry Gifted Booze from Australian Air Force

    Prince Harry spent a good part of 2013 traveling the world, visiting with leaders or wives of leaders or dignitaries of varying rank. During all of these stops the prince was gifted a variety of unique items as a thank you for his visit. Buckingham Palace recently released a list of the gifts the prince received, along with a notation about the gift givers in each case. Michelle Obama gave Harry a brown leather flying jacket–a thoughtful gift, and probably one the young prince will actually wear. Other U.S. dignitaries, including New Jersey Governor Chris Christie gave the prince a fleece jacket, and book and a bronze commemorative medal.

    The executive director of a nonprofit youth development program in Harlem gifted Prince Harry with Harlem RBI baseball shirt and two autographed baseballs, and the USA Swimming Team was excited about giving him a blue duffle bag, pair of swimming shorts, pair of swimming goggles, swimming cap, golf balls and two novelty key rings.

    This is how it went pretty much everywhere the prince visited. When he left the country he made a stop in Australia, meeting with the commanding officer of the Australia Special Air Service Regiment. He apparently thought it befitting to gift the young prince some whiskey and a flask in which to carry his booze. Of course it should be mentioned that the flask was engraved. In addition he gave Prince Harry a pair of military goggles, pair of sunglasses, baseball cap, T-shirt, tie, two cup holders and a selection of photographs.

    So what do you suppose the whiskey and the flask were all about? Was it a blatant statement saying Australians know how he spent some time partying in Vegas a year or so ago? Or was it simply as assumption that all Brits like their whiskey and keep it close to them always?

    Regardless of the reason behind the unusual gift, Prince Harry has some funny stories about his travels to share with his friends and future generations of the monarchy for many years to come. They will all, without a doubt, want to visit Australia when roaming the globe after they hear Harry’s tales.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Chris Christie Re-elected as New Jersey Governor

    New Jersey Governor Chris Christie won re-election by a debilitating margin on Tuesday with 60.5 percent of the votes in his favor. His victory is not surprising at all, considering how diligently he handled the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy last October. Though, there is one element of surprise. He has attracted individuals that most Republicans struggle to attract, which are younger voters, African-Americans, Hispanics, and women. He also managed to win the re-election despite his views on controversial topics, such as same-sex marriage, abortion rights, and minimum wage debates.

    At Convention Hall in Asbury Park, Gov. Christie stated, “I know that if we can do this in Trenton, N.J., then maybe the folks in Washington, D.C., should tune in their TVs right now and see how it’s done.” He also lectured Republicans on how to appeal toward other groups, which are usually outside of their base, but which he has successfully done. “We don’t just show up in the places where we’re comfortable, we show up in the places where we’re uncomfortable. You don’t just show up six months before an election,” he said.

    His victory has indeed proved significant, leading him to the forefront of Republican presidential contenders as well. Christie portrays how important it is to work with Democrats in order to maintain solidarity. According to Ed Gillespie, a former chairman of the Republican National Committee, “He’s proved that a conservative Republican can get votes from Hispanics and African-Americans, that a pro-life governor can get votes from women. This means that those voters are available to us, that we’re not shut out demographically or geographically – that it’s worth the effort.” In fact, Christie represents a similar strategy of bipartisanship and outreach that another Republican governor contained and whom eventually became the President of the United States: George W. Bush.

    The national attention gained by Governor Chris Christie has steadily been increasing in the days before his re-election, and will continue to increase as he is granted leadership of the Republican Governors Association. This leadership position will allow him to gain favors with other Republicans and to create relationships with local leaders in key presidential states. Stephen Duprey, the national committeeman, has invited Christie to New Hampshire, which has the country’s first presidential primary, to discuss policy and raise money for the party. Christie also stated how he plans to frequently appear in “places like Ohio, Michigan, and Florida,” which are all states with Republican governors up for re-election next year.

    On Tuesday, network cameras filmed his every move and a CNN microphone was clipped to his tie, as he campaigned at the Peterpank Diner in South Amboy, N.J. People swarmed to the location in hopes of attaining autographs, taking photographs, and meeting the New Jersey Governor because his hard work has been greatly seen by the public. He has worked hard to cut taxes, reduce the size of the government, and improve the way the government functions. Christie touched the hearts of many individuals after Hurricane Sandy by being more than simply a Governor, and continues to do so. Yet, he plans on making more changes and insists on finishing his job.

    “For the next four years, we will fight to make those changes permanent, and we will fight to make them bigger. I did not seek a second term to do small things. I sought a second term to finish the job. Now watch me do it,” Christie stated. He also discussed how superstorm Sandy changed everything and brought people from all walks of life to work together in solidarity. “The spirit of Sandy will stay with us well beyond the days that the recovery will take. I will govern with the spirit of Sandy,” he added.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Chris Christie Gives Opinion on Government Shutdown

    Chris Christie, governor of New Jersey and outspoken Republican, paid a visit to Washington D.C. yesterday. The supposed purpose for Christie’s visit was to join in marking the end of the short term of Jeffrey Chiesa. He is the Republican Christie appointed in June to the Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Democrat Frank Lautenberg, according to the LA Times. The notoriously bi-partisan governor then conversed with House GOP members in a closed door meeting on the dire state of things in the nations capitol.

    However, reporters baited Christie for his opinion on the government shutdown and recent threat of default, as they were expected to do. At first, he was mum on the subject, but knowing his reputation for grabbing the opportunities to share his opinion that may come his way, all they had to do was…wait for it…

    “You know, I don’t think it’s ever good to keep the government closed when your job is to run the government,” he bellowed.

    It seems Christie may also have been scouting out his future digs, as he has hinted a time or two about a possible presidential run.

    “I can walk and chew gum at the same time. I can do this job and also deal with my future. And that’s what I will do.” Christie said when asked whether he might run for president while serving a second term as governor in his first re-election debate on Tuesday.

    Chris Christie has a great record of accomplishment in New Jersey and a popular bi-partisan thing going for him that people respond to. Though some people don’t care for his sometimes all-too-blunt straight talk style, he seems to have a fighting chance.

    “He’s got a great record in New Jersey,” said Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), who was part of the meeting with Christie. If he runs for president, “he’d be a very formidable candidate because he could point to a record of accomplishment.”

    Image via youtube

  • Christie Gay Therapy Bill Stance Still Unclear

    Being a Republican governor in a blue state can be difficult, especially if that governor may rumored to be gearing up to run for the Republican nomination for President in 2016.

    New Jersey Governor Chris Christie tried to walk the fine line between his constituents and the national Republican base on social issues this week. A significant portion of that base is highly religious and opposed to homosexuality. On the other hand, Democrats in the New Jersey have recently been criticizing the Governor for failing to take a stand on a bill making its way through the New Jersey legislature that would ban the practice of what is known as “gay conversion therapy” in the state.

    The practice of “gay conversion therapy” is based on the belief that a person’s sexuality can be changed. Most often such programs in the U.S. are associated with fundamentalist Christianity. The American Psychiatric Association has condemned the practice as unethical.

    This week, Christie finally took a position on the issue. Sort of.

    A spokesperson for the governor told The Star-Ledger that Christie does not “believe in conversion therapy” and that he believes sexual orientation is determined at birth. However, the same spokesperson declined to say whether Christie would sign a ban into law. Christie has said that while he is generally opposed to bills that restrict parental decisions, the conversion therapy bill could be an exception.

    Governor Christie still maintains his opposition to gay marriage, and in the past has vetoed a bill to legalize it. That position could change in the future, though, as Senator Rob Portman’s turnaround on the issue last week demonstrated.

  • Chris Christie Doesn’t Regret Calling SEAL Idiot

    Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey has not been without controversy. This time it is because he called a law student former NAVY SEAL an idiot. The incident happened during a town hall meeting where every time Christie tried to make a point, 34-year-old William Brown interrupted him.

    The debate turned into a shouting match and Mr. Brown was escorted out. This prompted Christie to say “And let me tell you something, if after you graduate from law school you conduct yourself like that in a courtroom, your rear end’s going to be thrown in jail, idiot,”

    When asked today if he regretted his comments Christie said that he respected Brown’s military service but that”doesn’t give him the right to be a jerk.”

    Christie has a history of getting into it with people at town hall meetings. In 2010 at a town hall meeting he asked a teach who was complaining about her pay. That she knew what the job payed when she started her career.

    He also got into it with a teacher at a town hall meeting about the teacher’s unions role in thousands of teachers getting laid off.

    @GovChristie @etcpolitics and you had no right to trample his freedom of speech by having him escorted out. Did he pose a threat to you?(image) 1 day ago via Twitter for Android ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    @etcpolitics Let everyone speak @ town halls. When tried 2 answer, he interrupted every time. Navy Seal or not, he had no right to interrupt(image) 2 days ago via Tweetee ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    Chris Christie: No Regret For Calling Navy SEAL An ‘Idiot’ http://t.co/ZCgZGRkV TrueBlueLiberal: No Regret for calling Christie a ‘Fat Pig’(image) 57 minutes ago via The Huffington Post ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    @GovChristie Sir, Sometimes the better part of valor is to be quiet let the man has his say, then close the arguement with facts.(image) 2 days ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    @etcpolitics If u were there u would know I tried. Every time I spoke, he yelled again. He wouldn’t let me talk-not the other way around.(image) 2 days ago via Tweetee ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto