Chris Christie Brings Down the House With RNC Keynote Speech: ‘We Are Taking Our Country Back’
- Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:00pm by
Jason Howerton
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New Jersey Governor Chris Christie addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applwhite)
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie did not disappoint with his keynote speech at the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, issuing an impassioned challenge to Republicans to start “taking our country back.” He received multiple standing ovations throughout his speech, reminding the world that he is a force to be reckoned in the political realm.
“This stage and this moment are very improbable for me,” Christie began. “A New Jersey Republican delivering the keynote address to our national convention, from a state with 700,000 more Democrats than Republicans.”
After beginning his keynote speech by talking about his parents and the lessons they have taught him, he then urged Republicans and conservatives to unite to save the United States of America.
“I believe we have become paralyzed, paralyzed by our desire to be loved,” Christie began.
“Our founding fathers had the wisdom to know that social acceptance and popularity were fleeting and that this country’s principles needed to be rooted in strengths greater than the passions and the emotions of the times,” he continued. “Our leaders today have decided it is more important to be popular, to say and do what is easy and say ‘yes,‘rather than to say ’no‘ when ’no‘ is what’s required.”
However, in recent years, Christie explained, “we as a country have too often chosen the same path.”
“It’s been easy for our leaders to say not us, and not now, in taking on the really tough issues. And unfortunately, we’ve stood silently by and let them get away with it,” he added. “But tonight, I say enough…Tonight, we are going to choose respect over love. See, we are not afraid… We are taking our country back.”
Christie reminded his audience that “we are the United States of America” and argued that Republicans must show up on the good days and the bad days, the hard days and the easy days. “We must lead, the way our citizens live,” he added.
Christie also touted his accomplishments as governor of New Jersey as proof that GOP policies work — and will work again under a Mitt Romney presidency.
“They said it was impossible to cut taxes in a state where taxes were raised 115 times in eight years before I became governor. That it was impossible to balance a budget at the same time, with an $11 billion deficit. But three years later, we have three balanced budgets with lower taxes,” he explained. “We did it.”
He also mentioned that his administration was able to take on public sector unions and reform a pension health benefit system that was doomed to bankruptcy, saving taxpayers $132 billion over 30 years.
“Their plan: whistle a happy tune while driving us off the fiscal cliff, as long as they are behind the wheel of power,” he said of Democrats and President Obama.
He said that the Democrats’ policies have failed America, but called Romney the “leader” that America needs — the one that will tell the truth. Romney could be seen on camera watching Christie’s speech and applauding at various times throughout the address.
“We have a nominee who will tell us the truth and who will lead with conviction. And now he has a running mate who will do the same,” he said. “We have Governor Mitt Romney and Congressman Paul Ryan, and we must make them our next President and Vice President.” At this, the audience got on their feet and cheered wildly.
He continued: “It’s time to end this era of absentee leadership in the Oval Office and send real leaders back to the White House. America needs Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan and we need them right now.”
Surprisingly, a very large portion of Christie’s speech focused on what Romney and the GOP can do and very little on the failures of President Obama. But he did get in a quick jab or two.
“You see, Mr. President – real leaders don’t follow polls. Real leaders change polls.”
Christie ended his speech by extending his hand to anyone who is willing to stand up fight for America’s future, saying it is “our time to answer history’s call”:
It’s now time to stand up. There’s no time left to waste.
If you‘re willing to stand up with me for America’s future, I will stand up with you.
If you’re willing to fight with me for Mitt Romney, I will fight with you.
If you’re willing to hear the truth, to hear the truth about the hard road ahead, and the rewards for America that truth will bear, I’m here to begin with you this new era of truth-telling.
Tonight, we choose the path that has always defined our nation’s history.
Tonight, we finally and firmly answer the call that so many generations have had the courage to answer before us.
Tonight, we stand up for Mitt Romney as the next President of the United States.
And, together, we stand up once again for American greatness for our children and our grandchildren. God bless you and God bless America.
As the final word of his speech rang out, the audience gave Christie a prolonged standing ovation.
Watch Christie’s GOP convention keynote speech via TheBlazeTV here:
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Comments (150)
Slick Willie
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:45pmI liked the speech,,,,BUT (LOL) I think he should of hammer more on Obama!!
The one that really knocked it out the park was Ann Romney….What a classy Lady,
Report Post »Something we’ve been lacking the past 3.5+ years
CatB
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:50pmNO no … they did trash him .. just didn’t mention him by name .. LOL .. must be driving him nuts …minds games ;-)
Report Post »Oldtimer2
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 12:53amWhat!!! They are not calling out Obama by name at the convention? Betcha it’s driving him nuts cause everything is supposed to be about him.
Report Post »OhSuzieQ
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 9:12amSo very true lick Willie. So very true.
Report Post »LibertyGoddess
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 10:23amMy 20 year old daughter called me after the speech. She was elated and couldn’t believe someone finally said what needed to be said. Mind you, 20 year olds don’t usually care about politics. I was a little taken back.
Report Post »JRook
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 10:31amPerhaps Mr. Christie should spend more time on refining his policies in NJ as his state is going in the wrong direction. Also, perhaps he should afford the PRESIDENT the same amount of time to fix Bush’s failed economic policies that he is requesting in NJ. Would be great to see a real report on Christie’s actual record in NJ. What‘s better and what’s worse. And that would include something beyond the made up budget deficit. Which of course is the same slight of hand Kasich used in Ohio. A budget deficit that was somehow 3 times the size of his cuts, but a surplus 1.5 years latter.
Report Post »muffythetuffy
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 11:00amITS TIME FOR THE GOP TO STAND LIKE A STONE WALL
The Republican Party must become the party of vengeance, the party of anger, and the party of punishment. Democrats have worked to destroy our nation, revoke our Constitution, brainwash our children, bankrupt our government, end our religious freedom, kill our babies and elderly. We must be the instrument of His powerful swift sword and trample out the vineyard where the Democrat grapes of wrath are stored.
Report Post »jadams1214
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 11:39am@JROOK records mean nothing to republicans just like they mean nothing to democrats. trying to get people on these boards to talk about the romney/ryan records is impossible because it exposes them as the frauds that they are.
Report Post »topperj
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:40pmGreat speakers all thru the night. I hear there is to be a mystery speaker on Thursday night. I would hope that would be either of the two acceptance speeches from Ronald Reagan. No one had a better way to bring Americans together and present the exceptionalsim of this great country.
Report Post »LibertyMindedAboveAllElse
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 12:48amThey proved earlier today they cant even bring the party together, let alone America. This is the party that crafts rules that disenfranchise their constituents. No thanks. Been a party member all my long life. No longer.
Worriedboomer
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 1:53amto Libertyminded: please look at the big picture. You don’t have to sign on to the party, and in fact after this election we need to band together to change this party, but first we have to get rid of Obama or we may never have another election in this country.
Report Post »grayling646
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 6:50am@worried
Look at liberty’s icon. He’s lying. The only party he may belong to is the communist/socialist party.
Report Post »amtsoundsmith
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 8:40am@GRAYLING646: Section 8a of the United States Flag Code states, “The flag should never be displayed with the union down, except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.” I don’t think LIBERTYMINDEDABOVEALLELSE- icon necessarily means he’s a commie/socialist; he’s probably just ignorant of U.S. flag code (I‘m pretty sure he’s not at this very moment in extreme danger to life or property, and is therefore being disrespectful to our U.S. flag).
Report Post »usedCZARsalesman
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 9:47amActually (and it pains me to take up for these Paulbots) he’s avatar is simply pointing out the this nation IS IN GREAT DISTRESS!!! He is displaying the flag AS IT SHOULD BE DISPLAYED. The only problem is (with all the RPers) he is going to be part of pushing us over the edge (any vote not for Romney is a vote FOR Obama) instead of helping to defend this nation…ok, that’s the last time I do that.
Report Post »AnOregonian
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 12:38pmAll Great Speakers? Boehner stunk up the stage (imho).
Report Post »swenk
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:40pmWhat a powerful night! all the repub gov’s were great and christie was the best! clear, concise, inspiring! I flipped to msnbc just to see what they were up to… their commentors immediately were saying what a terrible speech christie had… trying to establish some soundbites for those that didnt’ actually watch the speech… but anyone who watched it (except for the hard left lib’s who would hate the speech) would know the truth! Ann Romney terrific! Artur Davis- the black former dem.- msnbc didn’t show his speech which was worth hearing!
Report Post »burned at edges
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:39pmMan this guy has charisma…I again am thinking I may just plug my nose and vote for Romney.
Report Post »mamatango
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 12:41amI’ve always considered myself an Independent, and considering the myriad of pathetic Democratic candidates over the years, it was not a difficult to always vote Republican. However, after watching the RNC today, I will think of myself as an Independent again. Don’t misunderstand, I WILL vote for Mitt Romney. I have studied him and think he will make a great President. America has no other viable choice if she is to survive.
But, I am ashamed of the RNC’s tactics regarding the Ron Paul delegates throughout this entire election cycle by their dishonest version of parliamentary procedure, both state-by-state as well as today’s convention. I seriously doubt that Ron Paul‘s number of delegates would have surpassed Mitt Romney’s, so no need to play such unfair games. I posted once that I felt Mitt would do well to choose Ron Paul as a running mate, because I knew it would unite both forces, knowing many of Paul’s many supporters are currently Democrats.
That said, I hope all of Ron’s supporters will see that not voting Republican in November will bring dire consequences to our country, our freedoms and our families. Obama’s lies & agenda will continue and America will be no more. If Ron Paul stands for anything, it is freedom! If we are to take our country back, we cannot let freedom fail!. Our job is to hold their feet to the fire! And I sincerely hope Speaker Boehner listened to Gov. Chris Christy tonight, and grows a pair!
Report Post »circleDwagons
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 2:31pmVoting R has not helped in the past. i quess we should try again. If Romney wins and things keep going south he and the Repuds will be blamed.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:35pmKick-ass speech! Chris ruled! The MSNBC losers are whining about it all. Gosh what a bunch of pansies!
Report Post »nobull14
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:39pmI agree 100%
Report Post »CatB
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:47pmLOL .. you are a better “man” than me TRON .. I watched it on C-Span . can’t stand PMSNBC … though on election nght I hope to watch Chrissy Matthews final meltdown!
R & R 2012
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:53pmHey CATB,
I watched all channels; then after each speech; went to MSNBC to hear the liberal rant following each. You know, libs are really sad, angry, illogical people. I know we all know that; but sometimes I just can’t believe the crap THEY believe.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 12:00am@TRON .. I just don’t want to hear all that cr*p they MAKE UP …. gives me a tummy ache ;-) Glad you are doing it for me ;-)
Report Post »Scottsman
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 12:15amYou guys should just write in Ron Paul. Vote with with your hear and principles!
Report Post »toiletclogga
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 9:00am@Scottsman..what principals are you referring to? Ron Paul is a liar! He’s a classical liberal/libertarian who ran on the Republican ticket! He lost the bid to represent the Republican party, and the Paulites just cannot accept that he is not electable.
Report Post »Anadara
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:33pmI liked it. It was motivational.
Report Post »BloodSweatandTears
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 1:00am@Scottsman- I know it feels good to stand up for your principles…But the cause needs your vote. Wouldn’t you rather have it count for something longer than the one moment it takes to cast it?
Although I heard a lot of inspiring messages from Dr. Paul, and I highly respect him. (In fact I would very much like to hear some of his planks woven though the Repubs’ movement, i.e., auditing the Fed.) A vote for him, is a vote for the O-man. If he returns, this once wonderful country will not be distinguishable from a box load of canceled and used up ballots.
Once the new president sees how serious we are about getting this country back on track, I think you will be able to tweak some things that Paul was stating. Support and passion coupled with enthusiasm is the life blood of a Republic. Men can not accomplish anything with out backing, that’s why we vote. The other outcome may well be disaster. However you -and people like you, can help make the difference we’re all after.
Report Post »nobull14
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:33pmChris Cristie is a class act !!!!!. I wish we had more elected Officials like him not like cry baby Boehner ?
Report Post »ModerationIsBest
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 12:37amWould vote for Christie before Romney.
But where are all of the tea party people saying Christie is just another RINO?
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 2:34amLie much, MOD? Oh right….you have that internal morality in place. I specifically recall you saying Romney was the only Republican in the field you wanted to win the nomination and would vote for.
Report Post »Miami
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:33pmHis and our future is bright as long as he stays true to his words
Report Post »OneShotPagan
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:29pmThe man has the gift of getting it down to what it really is … friggin’ genius!
Report Post »mikegray24
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:26pmAs a former resident of NJ who voted for Chris Christie before leaving for redder pastures, I can say without a doubt, that he’s one of the very few politicians who has given me the confidence that he speaks honestly and means what he says. Some call him a RINO, and some of that criticism might be fair. I know I disagree with a few of his stances on issues. However, generally, I don‘t feel like he’s a go-along-to-get-along moderate like McCain and his ilk. These days, his brutal, in-your-face honesty is a breath of fresh air in a political climate that stinks to high heaven. I felt like he gave a good speech, but once again, I appreciate that he makes me feel like he will always tell it like it is. He’s one of the few that, were I to be proven wrong, I would be not only shocked, but truly disappointed. You might not like what he says, but at least you know where he stands.
Report Post »eyestoseeearstohear
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:41pmI believe you are right!
I’ve had my doubts about the kind of relationship Christi & Obama had, especially during the
time when the flood hit New Jersey. I felt Christi was showing Obama much more “ respect”
than he really deserved. OK, I know, Christi couldn’t do what I WISHED HE WOULD HAVE -
so, I’ll give him that. :-)
But, since then, he has been “ wonderfully unique” in saying what needs to be said and done.
Tonight…I was IMPRESSED & INSPIRED. I believe he understands what has to happen
to take our Country out of the hands of the most dangerous potus, EVER! I’m with him.
I hope America will get behind Romney.
We have 2 directions for our Country. UP or continue DOWN.
Report Post »I’m going with UP, and Romney/Ryan have more promise for that direction.
TelepromoterNChief
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:26pmObama ate dog and look how he turned out.
Report Post »I rather eat what Christie’s eating.
Wango
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 11:13amHe used a teleprompterrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. so did Ann Romney, she used a teleptompterrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Report Post »eyestoseeearstohear
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:26pmChristi was WONDERFUL.
Ann Romney- geninue, compassionate, sincere and WILL BE a great 1st Lady.
Autur Davis – love a person who can admit, acknowledge and willing to correct a mistake.
He’s probably going to get a CALL from the Oval Office by NOON.
* that’s what time Obama strolls in and PRETENDS to work.
Nikki Haley – just fantastic!
ALL of them were good, I thought.
We CAN take America back…it’s going to be a LANDSLIDE – hopefully it will bury his azz.
Report Post »AmericanPatriot
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 3:19amI agree with your comments 100%. Thanks for saving me the writing time — grin!
Report Post »crusaderx9
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:23pmrefreshing and incisive clarity from a political force of nature – a welcomed vibrant message of optimistic American exceptionalism AND a sharp contrast from the insulting, regressive, contrived, and divisive liberal pablum…
God Bless Chris Christie!
Report Post »mmmmarilyn
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:22pmChristie is ‘balancing’ the budget by NOT FUNDING PENSION FUNDS.
Report Post »Do some homework.
The next generation of NJ resident are royally screwed for BILLIONS.
Hey, that’s the Republican way. And unemployment in NJ is 4th highest in the nation.
JohnLarson
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:20pmIt sounded like Christie thought he was being nominated, not Romney…
Report Post »JohnLarson
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:17pmChristie barely even mentioned Romney, it was all about himself… he‘s looking forward to 2016 and doesn’t want Romney to win, so he can get his shot.
Selfish guy, this is suppose to be about Romney.
Report Post »Badmancomith
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:17pmHit it out of da park. Obummer be shovel ready.
Report Post »fastfacts
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:27pmI wish he hit Obama more but when it comes to speaking to the independents he hit it out of the park. He may not be the best conservative on all the issues but when it comes to leadership and fixing an economic mess he is up there with the best.
If you haven’t seen the whole speech watch it here: http://www.americanparchment.com/
Report Post »CatB
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:49pmNotice they didn‘t say Obama’s name ..LOL .. that must be driving him nuts .. ignored him by name …. just general things you DON’T want in America (aka Obama) ;-)
Report Post »Badmancomith
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:16pmHit it out of da park! Obummer be shovel ready.
Report Post »beckyspatflaveredstew
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:15pmJust watch this guy and make sure he don’t sit on the wall.
Report Post »inblack
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:13pmBest speech and message since Reagan.
The man is a do-er and not just a talker.
Report Post »burned at edges
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:32pmI only wish he would have ran for president
Report Post »Toltepeceno
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 12:20amburned at edges Me too.
Report Post »usmc1063
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:13pmAdd your comments
Report Post »usmc1063
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:13pmI loved it one of the greatest speeches that I have ever heard. Christie said it like it was. Nothing more nothing less..
Report Post »clb2price
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:11pmGreat speech! Even my 16 year old son watched! Side note, though – does it bother anyone else that, when the commentaries are going, that you can still hear the speakers in the back ground? Driving me crazy! But still love what’s happening!
Report Post »eyestoseeearstohear
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:27pm@ CLB2PRICE
That’s WHY I switched over to C-SPAN.
Commerical free AND YAK free.
I enjoyed every moment. :)
Report Post »therealconservative
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:11pmAnd let the the Ron Paul/Obama followers start whining.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:25pmafter all they are one and the same
Report Post »burned at edges
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:30pmyou are the first whiner on the board lol
Report Post »therealconservative
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:31pmThey all must be twittering DWS for their talking points.
Report Post »TheValley
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:39pmIt is the country who will whine, if you are too injected to admit that the GOP is as corrupt as the DNC, well then you are too intellectually dishonest to have any discussion with. Ron Paul mirrored our founders path, it is just that you do not know history and think that what has been happening the last hundred years is normal and acceptable. Get an education.
Report Post »Mutiny
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:45pmLOL, you are the one voting for slavery. Not me.
Report Post »truthseekerusa
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:55pmOne commentator said it tonight: Ron Paul is a self-centered, ego-driven, selfish old man and has spoiled his son’s chance to ever be president.
therealconservative
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 12:06am@thevalley
“Ron Paul mirrored our founders path”
The founders would have strung RP up for being Tory.
Report Post »Scottsman
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 12:19am@truthseekerusa… Stop drinking all the right wing MSM kool aid there buddy. Just because one commentator said it does not mean you have to swallow it.
Report Post »Individualism
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 8:40amChris Christie has to be able to “run” for president without having a heart attack. his medical records are probably as long as Obamacare. Also what are his plans to flatten the budget?
Report Post »dimitrisokolov
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 9:22amRomney = Obama. The Dems might be socialists, but the GOP are Nazis. They don’t want women to have abortions, don’t want men to watch porn, they support the Patriot Act, the NDAA, war with Iran and all kinds of other policies where the government intrudes on our lives. The GOP is supposed to be about less government, not more. What happened to that? They cast that out with Ron Paul. For the Ron Paul supporters, the GOP doesn’t deserve our vote. Stay home this election.
Report Post »mmmmarilyn
Posted on August 28, 2012 at 11:06pmSarah Palin should sue.
Report Post »He paid people to write that?