Seriously for about 10 whole minutes - I was kinda digging Chris Christie

[LynneSin]

So this morning I was watching last night's Daily Show on HuluPlus. The guest for the day was Gov. Chris Christie. Normally I watch the first 2 segments of the Daily Show and then only watch the interview if it's someone of interest to me, which republican governors do not rate high on that list.

But this was one of those times that Stewart skipped the 2nd funny part of his show and went right into the interview. Probably because of Hurricane Sandy and I know that Stewart is a NJ native himself.

So the first few minutes I have to confess I was kinda impressed with Christie. He seemed like a nice guy, was genuinely happy about how he finally got to meet and hug Bruce Springsteen, a person he says he's seen in concert over 100+ times. He was like a lil school girl all gigglish when he (christie) said how Bruce told him "We're friends now". He was talking about how bad the Jersey Shore was hit and reminding people that 80% of the homes destroyed were the only homes for New Jerseyians (only about 20% were second homes). I'm listening to him and he really was starting to impress me. He didn't sound like a bully or a typical GOPer but maybe a guy who could be presidential (even if I still wouldn't vote for him I figured 'How bad could it be')

Then he lost me - big time. And reminded me why it took an Act of God for Bruce Springsteen to finally acknowledge the governor of his home state who has seen him (bruce) in concert over 100+ times.

Christie became a douchebag.

Stewart brought up about Obama and about how Christie was asking for money to help rebuild NJ while Veto healthcare in his state. Stewart then pointed out about how well he and Obama worked together right after the storm even though a few weeks early Christie was bullhorning about how Obama couldn't lead himself out of a paperbag (questioning Obama's leadership).

Christie's response?

Basically it was that Obama got lucky. It was just the right place at the right time and Obama was able to act like a President at that moment.

Bubble burst.

Christie once again is a blowhard loudmouth douchebag who lucked out a hurricane came thru and made him look almost human. BTW just because Bruce says 'we're friends' don't expect him to return your call after Sandy has cleared up or to play for any of your political functions.

[deutsey]

1. I give him credit for his ability to step up to the challenge of a natural disaster

But in every other way, I think he's a jerk.

[soleft]

2. I was the same way with Giuliani for about 30 seconds after 911

The thing I admired was how he was so accessible and constantly coming on TV and trying to let everyone know what was going. When asked about the loss of life he said "It was probably more than we can bear".

And I didn't even dislike him that much beforehand. In the years since, he makes me sick.

Christie's bullish behavior never bothered me as much as his policies being affected by his conservative religious roots. I would be married right now if it wasn't for Christie, so....

I appreciate what he's done so far for NJ in the Sandy aftermath, I will always defend him against fat attacks, but will never vote for him and actively work against his re-election.

[LynneSin]

9. Giuliani is proof positive that a major US tragedy does not equate a free pass to US Presidency

else we'd be dealing with Giuliani's second term in the White House right now.

Christie is alot of Giuliani - both whom come across as people who think bullying is the way to get things done.

BTW I thought you lived in NY.

[soleft]

15. I moved to the Jersey Shore 4 years ago

near Asbury Park

[loveandlight]

20. I live in Asbury Park...

You are my neighbor. I didn't know DU people lived so close to me.

I too thought good of Christie for a brief moment because of his handling of Sandy, however, I was taken down when he vetoed the minimum wage increase recently, and I don't think the state leg has enough votes to override his veto. Same Republican creep he's always been with his policies. That is the scary part of him, though, sometimes people like his straight forward attitude and forget that he really does hold bad right-wing policies in his heart or hearts.

[JaneyVee]

3. It baffles me because due to his COMPASSION he scored high approvals from all, yet

he decides to go back to being a HEARTLESS douche because he knows if he's going to run in 2016 there's one thing his base CANNOT stand: Compassion.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. If Christie was really a decent guy he wouldn't be a GOPer,

at least, not in today's Republican Party. You can't be a decent human being and hang with that crowd any more. He's not a teabagger, but he is a political opportunist. I think he realized it was in his interest to buddy up with Obama to get stuff done after the hurricane. Then, after the GOP started slamming him for being too friendly with the president, he reverted back to typical GOP assholery to stay tight with the party.

[hedgehog]

5. I saw that news last night, and told my husband we now have no worries for 2016!

[TheKentuckian]

6. Folks are too easily impressed by politicians, the bar is on the ground and little expectation.

[BeyondGeography]

7. He'll always remind you why he's a midget compared with the President

who is consistently, relentlessly and, yes, beautifully civil.

[Enrique]

8. he has his moments

[mzteaze]

10. This is why

I wasn't worried about all the love of Christie....he handled the RESPONSE to Hurricane Sandy well.

But went right back to being his normal douche-y self to the unions just a few weeks later.

[Arkansas Granny]

11. I was glad that Christie was able to put politics aside when it came to dealing with the hurricane.

He handled the situation well, IMO, but that doesn't change who he is.

[yellerpup]

12. Just recall his speech at the RNC in August,

and you will know that he cares nothing for your love, he plans to hurt you (for your own good), and fully expects your respect for it.

[ProSense]

13. Christie is a fraud

Change in eligibility rules leaves thousands of N.J. residents without healthcare, lawmakers say
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021930429

Christie Vetoes Bill That Would Establish Obamacare Exchange
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021937786

[chemenger]

14. It just goes to show you that even a giant douchebag

can still have a couple of non-douchebaggery moments.

[Jersey Devil]

16. As a Jersey voter I'm not worried about him running for Prez - I'm worried about the Senate

Lautenberg's seat is up for election in 2014. Unless Corey Booker decides to run for it Christie is almost a lock for it.

[mzteaze]

21. Unless Christie appoints himself

He has already announced that he was running for governor in 2014. He need someone credible running for the Senate seat which explains why people are saying Cory now.

[Jersey Devil]

22. no - gov is next year, 2013 Senate is 2014

He couldn't appoint himself unless Lautenberg resigns, which I am sure he will not do whether or not he plans to run again in 2014. I am hoping Corey Booker runs for Senate if Lautenberg retires.

[LynneSin]

24. Christie doesn't want US Senate. It's an open field in 2016

Christie made sure of it after Hurricane Sandy.

[Ninga]

17. After a while, I started to feel uncomfortable with Cristy's creepy and unsettling

giggling-school girly style.

A clever savvy person could make a giggling-gangam style video exposing how creepy his giggling is.....

[warrior1]

18. CC "heart" moments with the President

was for himself alone. I would say that most republicans are like that. I didn't trust him for one moment. One action can't erase his past, and it looks like he really didn't mean that one good act. But, I'll bet this will still cost him with the gop when it comes to the next election. The gop will not have learned a thing from this election.

[LynneSin]

23. I'll take that one point further

If Romney did win that means Christie would have to wait until 2020 until he could run for president. Sure Christie could run in 2016 but it's tough for an incumbent to be upset in the primaries. That 30 minutes with Obama all hugs & kisses at the Jersey Shore after Sandy pretty much put the nail in the already closing coffin of Romney's campaign and assured that Christie could run in 2016. Biden is an unlikely candidate for 2016 (he'll be in his mid-70s) and that pretty much means an open field for both parties that election.

[KharmaTrain]

19. And Another Reason He Can't Be A Presidential Nominee...

The "hug" will be Christie's ultimate political kiss of death in the current rushpublican party. While he'd be quite a formidable candidate but the fact he "secretly touches Democrats" is a massive liability...moreso than his weight or any other real liability. He'll be another Huntsman who makes a lot of sense but not in the twisted world that is the modern GOTB.

[Brother Buzz]

25. California has no need for that asshole

He showed his true colors when he was out here stumping for Meg Whitman and had a get in your face moment at a Town Hall meeting. Not very pleasant.

[arthritisR_US]

26. Your reaction to the interview mirrors my own!

It's back to the douche bag pile for him!

[Politicub]

28. His veto of NJ's marriage equality bill told me all I need to know

I believe the man is an opportunist and would have not been as cordial with the president had he not wanted to moderate his conservative image. His aggressive approach strikes me as how a bulky behaves.

Aside from that, he seems to be getting high marks for how he handled Sandy. I don't live in NJ, but I hope the good people in the state are getting the help and resources they need.

[rivegauche]

29. That was a great recap, thanks. nt

[johnnypneumatic]

30. no, sorry, he lost me before that

The whole "how long do you hold a hug", and was it a "man hug" or "slow dance" schtick they did was offensive.
It's time we should be past all that homophobic bullshit. And that means you too, Jon...
Christie vetoed the NJ marriage equality bill, he is a depraved homophobic bigot, he doesn't deserve a hug from anyone.

[sellitman]

31. A broken clock......

Yada, yada......