Chris Christie in Iowa
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was on the campaign trail yesterday speaking in Iowa, a state that would of course be very consequential in his potential bid for the presidency in 2012.
Christie dispelled speculation that he was in Iowa for his own political reasons, saying he was there campaigning for Iowa's Republican gubernatorial candidate, and former Iowa governor, Terry Branstad. Branstad has been trouncing his Democratic opponent, incumbent Chet Culver, in the polls. The latest RealClearPolitics average has Branstad in the lead by over 17 points.
Christie rallied the conservative activists he addressed by an appeal to small government fiscal conservatism, which is where the future of the Republican party lies, he said:
We lost our way a number of years ago, and we became tax and spend light. Less spending, smaller government, less regulation, smaller government — we're going to be all about that again. We have to step up and stand for those principles again.
In his characteristic bluntness, he noted: "As a party, it is put up or shut up time."
This is a message he's been spreading nationwide in the last few months. According to a news report:
Since he defeated former New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, Christie has been traveling across the U.S. with a single message: If he can sell his anti-tax, anti-government message in New Jersey, it can resonate everywhere.
It sounds like Christie may be preparing for a presidential run--or, at least, keeping his options open regarding one. Why else would he be traveling around the country selling his policies and, specifically, appearing in Iowa on behalf of a gubernatorial candidate who is clearly going to win with or without outside help?
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Re: Chris Christie in Iowa
Sigh. I'm really torn on this one. I *love* Christie. He embodies all the things I look for -- sincerely conservative, a straight talker, smart enough to take the critics and respond to them appropriately, a person who commands respect, etc. However, I'm a little leery of him shooting right onto the national stage. I do think he needs to get NJ in strong shape for the long term. Focus only on that state, I say, and then, down the road, use it as a model. It's all a bit too new, I think, to use it to get votes nationally. Then again, there are very few other attractive candidates out there .... So I don't know. I've never been a fan of the "Don't read anything into this, folks, I'm only here in Iowa/New Hampshire for the sightseeing ..." Seems a bit disingenuous.
Re: Chris Christie in Iowa
I agree with you Ursula. I hope Christie focuses on New Jersey and serves two terms there before moving on to the national stage. He said something to that effect in the quote below, but it does seem weird for him to almost gratuitously travel to Iowa unless he has longer term ambitions on the national stage.
Edited on Oct 5, 2010 at 6:57amMay '10
Re: Chris Christie in Iowa
Maybe he's just thinking long term. Think about how long Hillary's been planning. Is it so crazy to think he might spend several years becoming a household name in Iowa?
Re: Chris Christie in Iowa
Trace Urdan
Maybe he's just thinking long term. Think about how long Hillary's been planning. Is it so crazy to think he might spend several years becoming a household name in Iowa? · Oct 5 at 6:59am
Well, I'm a cynic. I think to myself, if this guy is really only interested in fixing the mess that is NJ, he would be there IN NEW JERSEY traveling around, going to schools, hanging out with the Cory Bookers of the state, whatever. I mean, I never liked that notion that politicians, in order to be successful, need to have one eye on their actual job and one eye 4, 8, 12 years in the future. It's that whole nature of monitoring the polls, worrying about op-eds, and following RNC/DNC scripts, etc. that's so distasteful about politics today. I realize I'm naive here, but I had hoped Christie was .... different.
Edited on Oct 5, 2010 at 7:28amRe: Chris Christie in Iowa
Ursula Hennessey
I mean, I never liked that notion that politicians, in order to be successful, need to have one eye on their actual job and one eye 4, 8, 12 years in the future. It's that whole nature of monitoring the polls, worrying about op-eds, and following RNC/DNC scripts, etc. that's so distasteful about politics today. I realize I'm naive here, but I had hoped Christie was .... different. · Oct 5 at 7:27am
Edited on Oct 05 at 07:28 am
I think that's just the nature of the game--measuring time in four year intervals. Maybe this is cynical, but I think politics is the only profession solely focused on the pursuit of power (rather than, say, wealth). That means that politicians are always thinking about ways to extend the longevity of their power and the scale/scope of it. Why settle for governor when you can be president? That's why George Washington is so extraordinary for relinquishing the extraordinary power that he had.
Sep '10
Re: Chris Christie in Iowa
I hate to show my naiveté, but is there no chance that he believes in certain principles and believes that those principles are the most effective and moral. He may further think that expounding these principles in various forums may change minds and attitudes. Which I think is the only way true change will be accomplished.
Re: Chris Christie in Iowa
I don't think that's naive, but I think there is undoubtedly some loaded symbolism by "expounding those principles" in a place like Iowa.
Jun '10
Re: Chris Christie in Iowa
Governor Christie needs to serve a couple of successful terms before seeking higher office -- that would both improve his performance and add heft (sorry) to his candidacy. Show me what you accomplished in eight years as governor and I will support you for four or eight years as president. Serious politics has to be about more than the "flavor of the month," however much we may be thrilled by the words and early positions of some rising (I hope) stars. Every time I see or hear Arne Duncan, I think "What'cha doing in D.C. big guy? Chicago schools all fixed are they?" I don't want to have the same thoughts about Christie on the campaign trail.
Edited on Oct 5, 2010 at 12:57pmRe: Chris Christie in Iowa
I love this.
Re: Chris Christie in Iowa
Governor Christie may be lending his rock star appeal to others in hopes of similar help down the road. New Jersey ain't turned around yet, and I bet there will be some difficult days ahead. When they arrive, the Guv will be able to turn to a national donor base and a clutch of friendly politicians who owe him one.
Oh, and in the meantime he'll be doing some good by spreading the sanity around.
Sep '10
Re: Chris Christie in Iowa
When and if Christie runs for president it would be nice if he could go on the campaign trail and brag, "Look at what I was able to accomplish in New Jersey..." rather than, "My YouTube videos have received more hits than Skateboarding Bulldog."