Dear Governor Christie,
Get the hell off the fence and make a decision – you’re ruining your best asset. Yes, yes, we know, you’ve said 100 times and almost had a Jersey tattoo artist ink it on your forehead that you will not seek to be the Republican candidate for president in 2012.
And yes, we know the pressure to change your stance is enormous. Multiple reports say the GOP big-money boys like Home Depot billionaire Ken Langone, oil-rich socialite David Koch, and Wall Street titan Chuck Schwab, among others, are putting heat on you to pull the slippery pole carrying the Republican flag out of the hands of Mitt Romney and Rick Perry (if his hands haven’t already slid off) and become the standard-bearer.
But the news today is that you gave a very presidential speech about American exceptionalism at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California, last night – where you spoke at the invitation of Nancy Reagan. And in the Q&A afterwards, you seemed to leave the door open to a run when a questioner implored you to jump into the race.
As The Fiscal Times is reporting, you said in part: “A lot of people have asked me about this over the [past] weeks and months. I hear exactly what you’re saying. I feel that passion with which you say it. And it touches me. [But] I’m just a kid from Jersey, who feels like he’s the luckiest guy in the world to be the governor of my state. …It’s extraordinarily flattering, but that heartfelt message you gave me is not a reason for me to do it. That reason has to reside within me. I know without ever having met President Reagan that he must have felt deeply in his heart that he was called to lead our country… So thank you for what you’re saying. I take it in and I’m listening. It’s a great honor.”…
Wow. That was slicker than an Original Italian with extra oil and vinegar from Jersey Mike’s sub shop (I know you know what I’m talking about). But it ain’t the Chris Christie for whom everybody is clamoring.
No, it’s more like the obfuscating and overrated Mario Cuomo, the former New York governor who could never make up his mind whether to pursue the Democratic nomination for president. Actually, if you don’t go for it in 2012, the next time around you may be facing Mario’s son, Andrew, your counterpart on the other side of the river, who actually is selling some of the same goods you have in your store. Namely, both you and the New York governor seem to know how to make a tough decision and stick to it (although the somewhat dour Andrew doesn’t have your common touch).
Remember last October when you killed a new rail tunnel under the Hudson – what The New York Times called “the most expensive public-works project in the country” – because New Jersey taxpayers couldn’t afford to be saddled with the $3.5 billion cost (and that was just their share)?
That’s the sort of definitive action that excites so many people. That, and especially your straight talk. These days the public seems to have had enough of inspiration that goes nowhere and doesn’t solve the mountain of problems the country is confronting. Instead, it’s looking for someone who can relate to everyday Americans, who tells them flat out what he or she thinks, and who knows how to say yes – and no!
If that’s not you – at least for the upcoming election – put an end to the speculation by making a solemn promise to the voters of New Jersey that you will finish your term as governor (the Veep slot is not for you) and get back to the business of fixing your state. That may be a bit more boring than all the wooing, but you’ll have plenty of fun playing kingmaker.
P.S. Loved the fact that you killed a state tax break for Jersey Shore.
Hey, what goes around, comes around.
