Politics

Chris Christie Awarded GOP Convention Keynote Speech — And Here‘s What He Says He’ll Talk About

Chris Christie Announced as RNC Convention Keynote Speaker

Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney greets New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie as he campaigns at Basalt Public High School, in Basalt, Colo., Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012, en route to Aspen, Colo. Credit: AP

WASHINGTON (AP) — Chris Christie, the sometimes abrasive but always entertaining governor of New Jersey, is set to be announced Tuesday as the keynote speaker for the Republicans’ national convention later this month.

Christie, who considered a 2012 presidential bid of his own before endorsing former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, is already at work on his speech to the convention in Tampa, Fla. His record of cutting his state’s budget, curtailing public sector unions and dealing with a Democratic legislature with disarming and combative confidence all were expected to be on display as he looked to fire up his party’s base.

The scheduling decision was first reported online by USA Today early Tuesday and confirmed by Republican officials directly involved in convention planning. The Republican officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because the formal announcement was not planned until later Tuesday.

“I‘ll try to tell some very direct and hard truths to people in the country about the trouble that we’re in and the fact that fixing those problems is not going to be easy for any of them,” Christie told USA Today in an interview announcing his speech. He said he will describe his experiences in New Jersey as evidence that “the American people are ready to confront those problems head-on and endure some sacrifice.”

The keynote speech is the highest profile spot for someone not accepting the party’s presidential or vice presidential nominations. The slot has launched many political figures, most notably a little-known state senator from Illinois named Barack Obama in 2004. Four years later, he won the White House.

Christie, already a favorite among fiscal conservatives for his tough talk and take-no-prisoners persona, will find a national introduction of sorts in Tampa and, perhaps, offer the opening steps toward a presidential run in 2016 if Romney loses, or in 2020. The 49-year-old former prosecutor has shown little sign of his influence waning, and he has left the door open for a White House run of his own.

Responding to a question about a 2016 presidential bid, Christie told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he was “going to need a job” after 2013. He added, “So maybe it will be that. Who knows?”

Chris Christie Announced as RNC Convention Keynote Speaker

In this photo provided by NBC News Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks on NBC's "Meet the Press" in Washington Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012. Asked if he thought Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has embarrassed the Republican party, Christie said, "I think Newt Gingrich has embarrassed the party over time. Whether he'll do it again in the future? I don't know. But Governor Romney never has." Credit: AP

Christie became the first Republican elected New Jersey governor in a dozen years when he defeated Democratic millionaire and ex-Wall Street executive Jon Corzine in 2009. Christie was among the most sought-after guest stars on the GOP speaking circuit and spent much of the recent years traipsing from Connecticut to Michigan and Illinois, appearing in Oregon and Minnesota to endorse fellow Republicans and elevating his own national profile.

Many in the party hoped he would mount a last-minute effort to get on the 2012 ballots. He weighed it and in October 2011 earned headlines when he declared with finality that “now is not my time” to run for president, dashing the hopes of Republicans still searching for someone other than then-front-runners Romney and Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

Christie had insisted for months that he wouldn’t run. But then came an intense weekend of reconsideration before he made a firm announcement at a news conference at the New Jersey Statehouse. His decision effectively made the campaign between Romney and the rotating cast of anti-Romneys who rose and fell as each primary came and went.

In leaving the 2012 melee, he said he wasn’t seeking the job of vice president.

“I just don’t think I have the personality to be asked,” he said. “I’m not looking for that job.”

But, apparently, he wasn’t opposed to going to Tampa to deliver a speech that may rekindle buzz about his own presidential ambitions.

“It‘s what I accomplish or don’t accomplish as governor that will be the springboard or not for me,” he told USA Today. “It’s not what you say but what you accomplish.”

Comments (48)

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  • thop1960
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 12:47pm

    This is going to be fun to watch! I am actually looking forward to the convention now that Ryan and Christie are going to be there. Romney just may be smarter than Obama, as hard as that is to believe since Barry is the smartest man who every lived, just ask him…

    Report Post » thop1960  
    • Goldline_scam
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 3:48pm

      I hope they re-enforce the stage with like, iron beams or something. That dude is FAAAAT…

      Report Post » Goldline_scam  
    • Slipstick
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 5:30pm

      @Scam: Easy on the fat folks. Christie is from NJ. He‘ll sit on you and take what’s left to the ‘Barrens…’

      Report Post » Slipstick  
  • myway
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 12:22pm

    We are going to have a convention and it will be awesome. The days of complaining are over we have to get behind dumping obama. Semper Fi

    Report Post » myway  
  • John C in PA
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 11:51am

    I just KNEW Gov. Palin wasn going to be relegated to a position behind the Idiot Republican Machine politicians. Really? Christy over Palin???? Its tough being a Tea Party Voter. This is starting to feel just like 2008 when the press was behind McCain getting nominated. (Remember that bravo sierra “Maverick” title the press pushed?). The Repub party probably still doesn‘t realize that the reason many of us didn’t just sit out the ‘08 election was because we love Gov. Palin. McCain was and is “old news”. I don’t know why any of the Right interviews him.

    Report Post »  
    • Goldline_scam
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 4:15pm

      I, too, am profoundly disappointed that Sarah Palin won’t be there. The comedy value is just priceless.

      “I can see Russia from my house, and that makes me qualified in terms of international relations. You Betcha!”

      Ha HA ha hahahahahahaha……..

      Report Post » Goldline_scam  
    • DisillusionedDaily
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 5:41pm

      I admire Sara Palin as much as anyone but her selection as potential President or Vice President would have insured a Republican defeat in November. The Democrats would have made “Defeat Palin” a battle cry that would have insured a massive turnout and unlimited amounts of campaign donations. The left absolutely hates Mrs. Palin! I did not understand the reason for all the venom until I started looking at and listening to female Democrats. With the exception of a very few, they are ugly and stupid! So all the hatred is just nothing more than jealousy!

      Report Post » DisillusionedDaily  
  • unwine99
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 11:13am

    I love that fat son of gun.

    Report Post » unwine99  
  • ricckky
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 10:49am

    Hey Flipper1073–GREAT POST—YOU NEED TO TALK AT THE RNC CONVENTION!!!—-:)

    Report Post »  
  • NoTime
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 10:30am

    What’s he going to do… run against Romney?

    Report Post »  
  • teddrunk
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 10:27am

    Who cares who the speaker at the convention. He could stand up and just recite his favorite foods and restaurants. Speeches there are only preaching to the choir. Better to go on the offensive verbally and for once, not wimp out verbally attacking Obama on TV news shows and commercials.

    Report Post »  
  • Individualism
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 10:23am

    hey Mr Christie have you flattened the budget yet. do you plan to walk for president?

    Report Post » Individualism  
  • IOWAGIR
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 10:20am

    I wish that Christi would lean a bit more to the right. Come all the way over to the right team. See the truth about guns. They are not bad. The criminals are bad. They use it for crime and we use them to protect. If you take that from us, they will win every time. Same goes for military, you disarm them, make our armed forces smaller in numbers with cuts and you weaken the nation. Be tough on them like you are with the unions. Come on Christie! Do the right thing!

    Report Post »  
  • flipper1073
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 10:06am

    Not a big fan of Chris Christie but if you’re going to have an Attack Dog
    might as well make it a Big one.(sorry I couldn’t help myself)
    I’m not excited about this Convention but I am excited about voting
    out Obama. I don’t think Romney will do everything We need to Do
    to fix the Country but He will Stop the Decline into Socialism.
    an maybe a least have the discussion about Balancing the Budget.

    Mitt Romney has the chance to be the Next Great President.
    with a Republican House and Senate an hopefully some
    TEA Party Leadership (Beohner an McConnell need to Go)
    We can actually turn this Mess around.an make America
    Work Again.But it’s Going to Take Leadership Not Bi-Partisanship.
    Unless that mean Democrats agreeing with Republicans not
    the other way around.

    I Predict a Lanslide in Nov only because Obama Has been such a
    Disastrous President.It will have to be a landslide to overcome the
    Massive Voter Fraud in the Swing States.(think Wisconsin)

    You can Turn this Around Mitt but You have to STOP Listening to
    The Old Dog Republicans They are taking you down the same path
    as John McCain. Paul Ryan can Introduce you to lot’s of TEA Party
    People who would Love to Help you Win an Govern.
    All You have to do is ASK.
    Ron Paul can help you with which Dept’s to Eliminate.
    Newt Gingrich can Show you how to Take on The Media.
    also how to Balance a Budget (he taught Bill Clinton)
    Sarah Palin can show you how to deal with Our Energy
    Problems. also how

    Report Post » flipper1073  
    • flipper1073
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 10:40am

      CONT.
      To deal with Crooked Republicans
      Allen West can show you how to deal with Radical Muslims.
      Michelle Bachman can tell you how to Deal with ObamaCare.
      Rip it out by the Roots an replace it with real reform that will
      actually Work Starting with Tort Reform.
      Donald Trump can teach you how to FIRE People, Bureaucrats
      an Nonessential Government Workers (why do we have those?)
      An he can Help you with Firing ALL the Czars not Replacing
      Just Firing
      Just a Few Suggestions
      An by the way Mitt you get 2 weeks Vacation a year
      I Hear Camp David is Nice or there’s probably some Yard Work at home.
      If you have to take your wife to Hawaii Pay for it Yourself.

      Report Post » flipper1073  
  • derekb
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 10:00am

    this is all you need to know http://conservativenewjersey.com/chris-christie-a-conservative-myth-part-5

    there are 8 parts.

    Report Post »  
  • derekb
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 9:55am

    He’s a RHINO! http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2011/09/chris_christie_flaws.html
    We surely do not need more of these jerks make laws…running our lives.

    Report Post »  
  • Female
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 9:24am

    Hey Mitt, could you let the pitbulls, dobies, German shepards, and Rotties out:

    to scare-off or chew-up the predators?

    Thanks,

    a MOM

    Report Post »  
    • Liberty 4x4
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 10:12am

      Like Debbie Wasserman-Shutup and listen to me, below the belt dirty Harry Reid, Rachel munchy Madcow, Alan Hayseed Grayson, Anthony the Weiner, or Barney the slurppy Frank.

      Report Post » Liberty 4x4  
  • Smokey_Bojangles
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 9:16am

    GOP Convention? You mean RINO Convention.

    Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
  • perry1980
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 9:02am

    2020 Rubio Christie ticket!

    Report Post »  
  • ricckky
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 8:43am

    Unfortunately Christie’s view on Global warming, Gun control, immigration and especially socialized medicine is right down the The Liar-n-Chiefs play book. He talks a good game but HE IS REALLY one of the biggest RINOS in the whole Republican party. I was so happy Romney didn’t nominate him for VP.!!!! He will give a passionate speech, but when it comes to voting for the CONSERVATIVE ideals–he is a phony!!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • escape_from_socialism
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 8:56am

      I’m from New Jersey, and I approve this message.

      Report Post »  
    • momrules
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 8:58am

      Ricckky……….Add Christi’s pandering to Muslims to your list of reasons NOT to be in love with him. Yes, he will no doubt give a rousing speech but I stopped being a Christi fan a long time ago.

      Report Post »  
  • justangry
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 8:38am

    Hey, I’m glad he stood up to the unions and all. I’d hate to think this is what the Republican party has become. I mean it’s obvious that it has, but wow. This behavior by the RNC has really turned a bunch of people off. Hopefully enough people have been turned off by their parties that a 3rd party candidate can get the nod. It’s well past time. Oh and Christie is fat.

    Report Post » justangry  
  • karencole
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 8:21am

    @PINTWISTER
    Congratulations you managed to post a reply about Governor Christie without speaking of his weight. Good Job, although you may be in trouble in your circle…aren’t you always supposed to end with an insult?

    Report Post »  
  • watashbuddyfriend
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 8:20am

    Why Romney?

    Report Post »  
  • JUSTANOTHEROPINION
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 8:19am

    No real opinion on Christie. My comment is directly adressed to THE BLAZE, this story was well written. Congradulations to the writer for the apparent pride they have in their writen words.

    Report Post »  
  • karencole
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 8:18am

    Very exciting news! Can’t wait to hear his speech….Go Christie!

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 7:47am

    Go for the jugular Christie; tell it as it needs to be told.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Delta D-5-3
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 8:06am

      Christies stance on the 2nd Amendment is a game changer for me. His views are more in line with the far left when it comes to our gun rights. Sorry, I don’t see this man, with those extreme views ever getting to nod for anything other then a local office. Don’t believe me?? Look at his record, and his coments about “gun control”. I think you’ll change your opinion quickly.

      Report Post » Delta D-5-3  
    • DLV
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 11:37pm

      Delta- while his gun views aren‘t exactly in line with mine he doesn’t want to disarm the people of his state, he wants to limit them, something I disagree with but he doesn’t want to ban them, he sees their importance….

      Report Post » DLV  
  • Gold
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 7:42am

    I currently live in NJ and take it from one who knows. Governor Christie s a welcome change to the prior Administrations in the Garden State and an anomaly in politics generally. The speech will be truthful, straightforward and invigorating.

    Report Post » Gold  
    • 68Patriot
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 8:36am

      I don’t give him much credit for NJ. A lot of what he has done is just common sense and the state had no choice, they were heading for the cliff.

      Don’t get me wrong, I like a lot of what Christie says and how he says it but he’s not Presidential.

      68

      Report Post »  
    • G1
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 9:17am

      They had no choice? Explain that to California, please …

      Report Post »  
    • quiltgal
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 9:29am

      @68patriot

      Common sense is a rare quality for politicians! And don’t say Christie had no choice. The US is going off a fiscal cliff, but is Obama stopping it? There is always the choice to do nothing or to the wrong thing. Fortunately, Christie didn’t choose either of these. Economic stability is perhaps the most important issue of our time. Every other issue pales in comparison. I applaud Christie for tackling it head on.

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 9:44am

      68, At least Christie IS using common sense. Would sure be nice for the White House to give it a try.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Abraham Young
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 7:29am

    I’m not impressed by this flash in the pan, the GOP is offering.

    I’m impressed by actions, not words, by integrity and track records, not rhetoric and great swelling words, or even simply great swellings.

    Report Post »  
    • DEMOCRATS.ARE.EVIL
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 7:35am

      There‘s a lot of praise coming out of New Jersey for what he’s done, not what he’s said. Ask the teacher’s union.

      Report Post » DEMOCRATS.ARE.EVIL  
    • PinTwister
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 7:38am

      If you respond only to action, then you are a Conservative.

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 7:54am

      Abe: your comments prove you are a Troll who will not be impressed by any conservative. That is not your “ mission” here. You are the Plan C dude here : disheartened the Republican voters to keep them away from the voting booths.

      Report Post »  
    • exblackbird
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 8:36am

      you impressed by actions?? then obviously obammy is a BIG disappointment for you (along with a lot of other citizens).

      so do whats right………….vote for a change in november. check the romney/ryan box.

      Report Post »  
    • TEXASGRANNY73
      Posted on August 14, 2012 at 11:18am

      Try these words. “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated , can long endure.” Abraham Lincoln Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Nov. 19, 1863. And the address was longer but this proving the pen is more powerful than the sword. That applies to looks as well as President Lincoln was not considered a handsome man and called a scarecrow by some who could not find a better argument thus as it is today. Gov. Christie doesn’t mince or suffer fools and one knows exactly what thinks and believes. I cannot wait for the speeches.

      Report Post »  
  • barber2
    Posted on August 14, 2012 at 7:27am

    “It’s not what you say but what you accomplish.” What a refreshingly mature comment from a politician.( Someone should pass this idea on to a certain Barack Obama and his Blame Game Democrats ! ) Look forward to hearing Christie’s speech ( keep the topic a secret, Mr. Christie. That will drive Obama‘s Lap Dog Media nuts if they can’t LEAK it for the front page of the NYT )

    Report Post »  
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