Media

Charles Krauthammer Grades Ann Romney’s & Chris Christie’s RNC Speeches: ‘Utterly Heartfelt’ & ‘Extremely Effective’

There‘s no doubt that two of the most anticipated speeches during Tuesday’s Republican National Convention were New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Ann Romney, wife of GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Following their well-received RNC addresses, political commentator Charles Krauthammer weighed in to provide analysis on both speakers.

Contrary to Juan Williams, who said that Romney appeared to be “a corporate wife” who hadn’t struggled in her life, Krauthammer found much of what she had to say “effective.” Of particular note, the commentator favorably noted the portion of Romney’s commentary during which she praised her husband, calling it “utterly heartfelt and extremely effective.”

Charles Krauthammer Grades Ann Romney & Chris Christie on RNC Speeches

Charles Krauthammer (Photo Credit: FILE)

Among her many lines of praise, the one during which she addressed the candidate’s charitable giving was particularly impactful, Krauthammer said. The transcript of her words about charitable giving and helping others reads:

“Mitt doesn’t like to talk about how he has helped others because he sees it as a privilege, not a political talking point. And we’re no different than the millions of Americans who quietly help their neighbors, their churches and their communities. They don’t do it so that others will think more of them. They do it because there is no greater joy.”

Here, Romney is addressing a number of issues. To begin, she‘s commenting on her husband’s personal charity and his urge not to brag about what he’s done for others. She also makes it a point to separate generosity out from politics. Then, she goes on to say that she and her husband are “no different” from millions of other Americans who also “quietly” help others.

Krauthammer found these elements praiseworthy, going on to say that Romney was speaking about the “two kinds of being genuine” she’s observed in her lifetime.

“There’s the political genuine where you appear to be caring and all that when you give your speeches and when you do handouts from the public treasury,” he explained. “And then there’s real generosity that I’ve seen, she says, in my life. And that’s what he’s got and the beauty of it is he won’t talk about it because he has a sense that you don’t exploit it.”

As for Christie’s address, Krauthammer said that “he talked about large ideas” and that “the whole speech was large.” Like Romney’s comments, the commentator said that Christie was also “extremely effective” and he likened some of his statements to “thunder.”

Watch the analysis, below:

(H/T: FOX News Insider)

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Comments (68)

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  • Budrow
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 3:47pm

    I would hereby like to nominate Chris Christy as our next Attorney General of the United States under the Romney administration. He can then go get all of those dishonest, deceitful, law-breaking, felonious-politicians of the Obama administration and see to it that they spend some time in jail where they belong.

    Report Post »  
    • Lgbpop
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 6:15pm

      Interesting thought, and it would give the Left fits, but why stop there? I propose John Bolten for State, where he could clean out some of the dead wood as well as shake up our neighbors…and have Donald Trump as Secretary of Labor….ha ha, I can just hear the squeals from the SEIU now.

      Report Post » Lgbpop  
    • bdsconserv
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 7:57pm

      fraid not. we still need him big time in n.j. too much unfinished business for him to take care of here.

      Report Post »  
  • blair152
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 3:43pm

    Chris Christie was self-serving.

    Report Post »  
    • sixtysix
      Posted on August 30, 2012 at 7:14am

      If you want self-serving I can give you some names: Pelosi, Reid, Rangel, Franken, Snow, Gore (big time), shoot, the list is so long there is no room here. I included Gore not because he is currently a member of our political zoo, but because he has made millions on the gullible and self-serving people and nations.

      Report Post »  
  • Rodman1938
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 3:27pm

    Juan has his head so far up the behind of Obama, I find Juan’s mental capacity to that of a sphincter muscle. Juan wouldn’t have a clue as to the price of groceries at Walmart or any supermarket. Ann Romney’s wit and intelligience could dance circles around Juan with half her brain tied behind her back. I’m sure she is up-to-date on the rising prices of groceries and gasoline at the gas pump. Juan would have trouble finding a grocery store, let alone have an idea of what the prices are in one!

    Report Post »  
  • Larry E
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 2:27pm

    Juan Williams obviously doesn’t believe that raising five kids and running a household with no servants, although the Romney’s could afford them, doesn’t count for anything. Talk about a war on women! I sort of feel sorry for him because he’s a mind dead moron who buys the whole progresso-commie line, hook, line, and sinker.

    Want to bet that if someone asked Ann Romney the price of groceries she’d have a much better idea than Moochelle the belle or Glorious Leader. Talk about two people who floated to the top on nothing it’s the Obamas.

    Report Post »  
  • septictank
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 2:21pm

    I couldn’t agree more! I found both speeches encouraging, uplifting, and refreshing!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Mike Benton
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 1:30pm

    I think he said “affective” not “effective”; the difference is affective means based in emotion. She spoke from her heart.But “effective” means it worked, but that is yet to be proven.

    Report Post » Mike Benton  
    • Budrow
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 3:43pm

      In Ann Romney’s case relating to her speech – both spellings would aptly apply.

      Report Post »  
  • jrcess
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 11:52am

    Charles is very intelligent. Of course this was way over the head of the Democrats.

    Report Post »  
    • Euna
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 2:29pm

      Meg– It is wonderful and enlightening to read the comments on The Blaze, from people who understand that our country is headed in the wrong direction. These people have been paying attention, and have done their research, instead of just listening to the Liberal news. Thank you for common sense comments.

      Report Post »  
  • yohannbiimu
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 11:34am

    Let’s see…Ann Romney last night vs. Michelle Obama quoting Saul Alinsky (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lw71uJXdcG0)…I’ll take Ann, thank you very much!

    Report Post » yohannbiimu  
    • timpclimber
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 2:48pm

      Right on. Anyone who quotes Sal is a loser in my book.

      Report Post »  
    • shiton
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 4:44pm

      He was using a telepromp even back then to hustle michelle, if it sounds good say it!!! or does he believe IT!! She bought it,,,, the ultimate jigalo just like Muhamadad,,, yes this is a representive gov and he represents the majority of US,,, and they let us VOTE and they laugh! Stay tuned the soap op goes on

      Report Post »  
  • mewoods5
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 10:38am

    Charles Krauthammer is extremely intelligent. I enjoy listening to him. I agree with his analysis of both speeches. To see the hate/conceit that the Obamas radiate, compared to the humble nature of the Romneys and the love the Romneys show each other, show God, and show this country, speaks volumes. I still cannot believe that this country was dumb enough to elect a man who is nothing but an America-hating socialist. Remember: watch the actions, do not just listen to the words. Obama can speak the love, but he does not show it.

    Report Post »  
    • bsnrn98
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 10:44am

      Absolutely correct. Amen

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 11:20am

      Thank you Charles, I felt the same way about listening to Ann and Chris.
      Again, Juan Williams can go to Hell.

      Report Post »  
    • MeOnTheBeach
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 11:28am

      Ann Romney said such heart felt things. I could honestly feel her words. Very moving. I loved her description of how Mitt and her didn’t start out successful, Mitt worked hard and made it himself.

      I really liked her description of Mitt’s helping others. We have the proof from his tax returns that he gives millions to charity. He walks the walk.

      On a side note Rush Limbaugh says there isn’t a scandal with in a hundred miles of Mitt Romney.

      I think Mitt and Ann are both really good role models. This world needs more people like them. I can’t wait to vote for Mitt in Nov.

      Report Post » MeOnTheBeach  
    • Loi
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 11:40am

      Yes agree

      Report Post »  
    • dmk7311
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 2:25pm

      Very well said; couldn’t agree with you more.

      Report Post »  
  • Wango
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 10:34am

    Looks like the right has crowned a new teleprompter queen. Teleprompterrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. She used a teleprompterrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Seeeeeeeeeeeeeeee? She’s an idiottttttttttttttttttttttt.

    Woman gave a predictable, egocentric speech. Some right wing pundits say it’s great. What choice do they have? No big deal. Same with Christie . . .me me me me I I I I . . .and that guy over there, what’s his name again? Right, Mitt.

    And Santorum? Why is nobody talking about Santorum?

    Whole thing’s a giant snore.

    Report Post » Wango  
    • TEXASGRANNY73
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 11:23am

      Puh lease! You have her mixed up with someone else–Obama. I didn‘t watch Krauthammer who I consider one of the best but caught Glenn’s the Blaze which was excellent w/o all the extra fru fru. Ann Romney was wonderful. Chris Christy totally won me when he said his mom taught him not to suffer fools. What a great mom. All of them lived up to and beyond expectations. I am totally in for Romney/Ryan. Watching Ryan again tonight on the Blaze.

      Report Post »  
    • kathleenlee
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 1:08pm

      you know wango, your name should be wacko. how much is media matters paying you to troll the Blaze??? Whatever it is, it’s too much…you sound like an idiot…you wouldn’t know America, Individualism, liberty, Justice, without a playbook. Read some real history, not the cra- they teach in public schools and universities…hahahhahahahhahahahahahah clown!!!!!!

      Report Post » kathleenlee  
    • timpclimber
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 2:51pm

      Wango is so predictable as Ben franklin said “He is ill clothed who is bare of virtue.”

      Report Post »  
    • AirBaron
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 3:12pm

      What’s the matter Wango? Couldn’t find the 3 OWS protestors outside the Forum? Or were you one of the nuts thrown out for heckling a Black CNN commentator? Ozombie.

      Report Post »  
    • Bam24
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 6:18pm

      Did you even pay attention to the content of both of these speeches? Ideology truly is a straightjacket for the mind!

      Report Post »  
  • garbagecanlogic
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 10:22am

    And if Charles said that – you can take it to the bank!

    Praise Be To Obama. Psalm 109:8

    The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
    The U.N. Out Of The U.S.

    Report Post »  
  • BeckyCPA
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 10:20am

    I was so inspired and excited hearing Chris Christie’s speech last night. It made my heart soar to hear someone speak the truth and to be proud to talk about conservativism. We have a lot of tough choices to make and the path to fix all these problems will not be painless.

    Report Post »  
  • sickofthelibs
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 10:16am

    Mitt is not the narcissistic egocentric that obama is. Mitt and Paul will lead this country to brighter days and Ann will restore class and dignity as a first lady.

    Report Post »  
  • Individualism
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 9:43am

    dumb and boring and full of crap and charles is a terrible public speaker himself.

    Report Post » Individualism  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 10:07am

      You could multiply your IQ by 5 and still fall short of Charles K.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Loi
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 10:26am

      Charles Kraut hammer is more than meets the eye. do you know his handicaps? He rises high above them. You know Not of what you say. The crowd that killed Jesu is the same as you and the liberal left. I feel scared, how evil some people really are, in the name of “social justice’.

      Report Post »  
    • bTeri
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 10:30am

      I see your comment are full of specifics and substance. Very effective. I guess the truth hurts.. Must have been painful hearing such honest and accurate assessments of Obama all night long instead of the disengenuous fluff and lies spewed by the main stream media and Obama campaign huh?

      Report Post »  
    • Neils60
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 10:52am

      In case you didn’t know, or perhaps don’t care, but Dr. Krauthammer’s speech, cadence, breathing, etc. is a result of an accident that has confined him to a wheelchair for the remainder of his life. He has limited use of his arms/hands, too. He was originally was to train as a surgeon, but with the accident, he changed his medical training to psychiatry. Luckily, that terrible accident didn’t limit his intellect and brilliance.

      Report Post »  
    • suran
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 1:32pm

      I see by your written comment you attended classes taught by unionized teachers.

      Report Post » suran  
    • timpclimber
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 2:58pm

      If you had Charles K’s body limitations you would have turned sour on life long ago. His insightful and analytical mind is one of the best in the business not like your spout-a-lot-of drival, shiver up the leg commentators.

      Report Post »  
    • shiton
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 4:59pm

      I once thought he was ‘stuffy’ and a poor speaker, but then I found out about his health condition and have admired his courage, speaks with great effort and pain?

      Report Post »  
  • Gee
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 9:29am

    Ann Romney is the real thing a heart felt woman that did not have that storybook life that we are all led to believe! I know why Mitt Romney seems to be reserved, not all that fired-up, that others need to speak of his personal and other accomplishments?

    You would understand that, if you had ever attended a Mormon service. First you would notice, a-NO-NONE fire and Brimstone or excitement during the service. Choir hymns and or any preaching is very low-key, meek, mild-manor-ed. Devotion to the family and helping your fellow-man is the message of the day. You would never think to brag about your service to the community or any personal accomplishments.

    “Mitt Romney is all fired-up” I am sure if you would talk with other Mormons about the election they would state that they can’t understand why he is so viscous with his attacks on the present issues of the day that are facing us?

    Report Post »  
    • alm7651
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 7:05pm

      I have to aggree with you if you mean that Mitt’s “attacks” are high viscosity, i.e. slow moving. If you really meant to say “vicious” I have to disagree. We need more read meat from Mitt.

      Report Post »  
  • Cadcamtrainer
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 9:11am

    I rather see my feature making pancakes rather than brewing beer….. Both speeches were great and will mobilize the base even more. Just remember one thing, this November vote American. It is not over until is over therefore we have lots of work to do until election.

    Report Post »  
  • MadenNZ
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 8:59am

    My thoughts exactly “KRAUTHAMMER!” Both my sister and I looked like loons as we sat in her living room cheering on these two phenomenal speeches (among others Artur Davis, Sandoval, Cruz, Love, Kasich and Walkers speeches received exuberant applause from us too) But don’t mind our bias…we are your typical female, brown skinned, black haired Independent voters who do love this great country, that probably means we lean conservative. Like Artur pointed out…’can we hear our voice in this crowd?’ Amen, we hear our voices loud and clear with Romney/Ryan, All the way!

    Report Post » MadenNZ  
    • TEXASGRANNY73
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 12:04pm

      Hey, I looked like a loon in my house so we must be sisters in kind. Do you believe in straight jackets, never never land and the good witch Wanda? Do you like thank God you’re an American? Do you have dreams of your forefathers and what they gave to you and me? We could be buddies. Do you believe in diversity? We’re probably Americans.

      Report Post »  
    • MadenNZ
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 1:40pm

      You betcha TexasGranny! Agreed on all points! Although I was born foreign, I immigrated here back in the early 90s with the same dream as many from generations past. America was indeed a ‘beacon on that hill,’ most if not all of the U.S citizens I had met just just plain o’l stood out, vibrant and positive (my biggest influences were Texans by the way.) I can’t stand the direction this country is currently going, I didn’t leave a socialistic mindset country to immigrate to another! You bet I believe in diversity, I believe in free enterprise, small government, a hard work-ethic, and most of all Faith. Lets make a change in November….

      Report Post » MadenNZ  
  • CulperGang
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 8:57am

    Rah, Rah, Christie, “heartfelt?” Meet the REAL Chris Chirstie

    http://failedmessiah.typepad.com/failed_messiahcom/2012/08/what-you-should-know-about-chris-christie-345.html

    http://blog.nj.com/njv_editorial_page/2012/06/solomon_dwek_says_christies_no.html

    Like Beck said. Do your own research and question.

    Christie is a closet Rino. Those of us in the tri-state area NJ/NY/Ct know and see the real deal

    Report Post » CulperGang  
    • bTeri
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 10:33am

      All of you that criticize the Republicans running strongly blue states really have to stop and race some semblance of reality. He has done a phenomenal job going further then anyone excpecting getting their budgets under control, working with the Democrats (Obama and today’s Congressional Democrats are incapable of working with those of opposing views) getting real concessions from public sector unions, getting property taxes under control. What do you want – more Corzines and Obamas turning us into California?

      Report Post »  
  • Magyar
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 8:38am

    I mean really folks—

    Ann and Mitt >or< Mooshelle and Barack HUSSEIN Obama?

    Report Post »  
  • jujubeebee
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 8:38am

    Ann Romney‘s speech was good but could have been tweaked a little to go down the list of her husband’s successes and explain his problem solving skills. The love and charitable aspect of his character was good and her delivery was excellent. She is an asset for sure.
    The whole campaign slogan of “We built It” was the wrong message in my opinion. It was energetic to the base but they had those votes already and needed to snag some of the independents and democrats and that one was not going to do it. They should have focused on “problem solver” to sell to the votes they don’t have watching this on television. We built it is about business owners. The RNC may think this will sell people on jobs but I don’t think it was the right message to win new people. What the country needs is a PROBLEM SOLVER and that should have been the message used. (just my opinion!)

    Report Post »  
  • 13Lena
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 8:27am

    She is such a beautiful and warm person Ann Romney is and gave a wonderful picture of Mitt Romney. They are truly two classy and warm hearted people, and Chris Christie nailed his speech. I enjoyed watching last night.

    Report Post » 13Lena  
    • DIR
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 11:12am

      @13LENA

      With regards to your comments, truer words were never spoken.

      By the way talking of beautiful! If that’s a picture of you, watch out for WANGO. He’ll be all over you like a cheap suit. He’s looking for a good woman and/or the country to take care of him, and I’m to understand he has expensive tastes when it comes to other peoples money.

      Report Post »  
  • LameLiberals
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 8:23am

    She should have said something about his standing by her during chemo and then MS.

    THAT would have won over millions of cancer survivors and the families of cancer survivors.

    Report Post »  
  • LameLiberals
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 8:22am

    Charles Krauthammer genuflecting to Romney is like Chris Matthews genuflecting to Obama. They are both buried DEEP up their respective nominee’s rear end. Neither are objective.

    Report Post »  
    • Jeffersonian in CA
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 9:31am

      The difference is that Matthews is a bed-wetting gutter snipe who has never accomplishes anything more than taking a **** on true Americans. Kruthammer’s name shoudl not be used in the same sentence as the slime-ball.

      Report Post » Jeffersonian in CA  
    • Balrog28
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 10:27am

      To all the democrat/socialist trolls on this site –
      Does your side even listen to what James Carville and Chris Matthews say anymore? I believe that our side actually listens to what people like Charles Krauthammer and Brit Hume say. Obviously style is much different – but take a glance at how the 4 of those guys speak and how people react to what they say. Is it with respect? Hmmm

      Report Post » Balrog28  
  • marvlus
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 8:03am

    Juan Williams called Ann Romney a “corporate wife”. More credence that liberals cannot stand success.

    Report Post »  
    • omni3460
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 8:38am

      Juan Williams has been sounding more and more like a clown..he knows better ! Desparation is setting in as he knows our family party for three generations (the democrats) will lose in NOv. We no longer are however Dems, as we have had enough of the lies.
      Buck

      Report Post »  
    • Cosmos102
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 9:10am

      Thanks, Buck. I appreciate hearing from people who aren’t necessarily Republicans. I used to think Juan Williams was objective, even though he is a Democrat. Something has stolen his soul…I believe, since NPR fired him. He has become the worst version of himself. The version he worked so hard to avoid when he was at NPR. Now he has become as predictable as Alan Colmes.

      Report Post » Cosmos102  
  • NHwinter
    Posted on August 29, 2012 at 7:58am

    I watched Ann Romney being interviewed on CNN. She gave the warmest, most touching interview on how Mitt helped her through the months after she was diagnosed with MS. She told of how he grocery shopped, made dinner, did the wash, etc. How hard that was for her watching him do her work. He said to her – I don’t love you because you make dinner and do my wash, I love you because you are you (something close to those words). I was so touched by their love for each other. She painted a picture of a warm, genuine, and caring man. She is a wonderful asset to Mitt. He is an outstanding man. R/R 2012

    Report Post » NHwinter  
    • jujubeebee
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 8:39am

      I watched it too. It was good and I could see they are a team but I have to tell you that I laughed at some of it. Showing him making pancakes was a bit over the top to me. It could give some the feeling they were trying too hard to put forth an image.

      Report Post »  
    • bTeri
      Posted on August 29, 2012 at 10:34am

      You mean kinda like Michelle Obama shopping at target or Barack Obama walking his dog?

      Report Post »  
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