Christie Says He Doesn’t Want to be VP Either
- Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:12am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — In office just over a year, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has become quite the hot commodity to Republican presidential hopefuls.
They all want to kiss his ring.
“Let’s judge the complete field once they all get in,” Christie says, declining to publicly back any one White House aspirant even as a stream of them trek up the turnpike to pay respects to the top Republican in Trenton as the 2012 Republican nomination fight gets under way.
He‘s already hosted dinners at the governor’s mansion in Princeton — for Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour earlier this month and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in January. And those close to Christie say former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who on Monday took the first formal step toward seeking the party’s nod, is scheduled to visit. Other aspirants are expected in the coming months.
Typically, candidates seek wisdom from GOP godfathers and guidance from governors in early primary voting states. At this early stage in the race, many White House hopefuls already have met privately with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and paid visits to South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad.
But a first-term governor from a state that’s sometimes called “blue Jersey” for its left-leaning tendencies? Now that’s different.
Christie, to be sure, is not your usual novice governor.
He vaulted to GOP rock star status in the November 2009 election when he soundly thumped Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine and showed how a Republican can win a Democratic-tilting state.
Since then, the former federal prosecutor’s efforts to fight excessive spending and curtail the power of Democratic-friendly unions have made him a national sensation within the GOP. His no-nonsense, commonsense style has resonated with a party looking to regain credibility with voters on fiscal matters.
Republicans have clamored for him to run for president next year. He insists he won’t. But that doesn‘t mean he won’t play a role in the 2012 election.
Should he endorse someone in the wide-open GOP field, Christie’s backing would come with more than just a photo op. The former fundraiser for George W. Bush is known to be a skilled money man, one who could help any candidate bring in cash for a costly campaign.
He’s already shown that lending his name can lead to donations; an advocacy group created by Republicans to support Christie’s agenda raised $624,000 in six months, mostly from establishment Republicans and developers in New Jersey.
Despite the star power Christie would bring, no White House hopeful is seeking his public nod of approval so early in the year.
Two people who attended the dinners with Barbour and Romney said neither asked explicitly ask Christie for an endorsement. Instead, they said the meetings were a way for Christie to better “get to know” the candidates. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because the meetings were considered private.
Christie isn’t talking either, saying only this recently on CBS: “When the team that we’re going to field gets in there, then I’ll make my evaluation of them. And I don‘t think I’ve said anything uncharitable about any of them.”
He did, however, give clues about what type of candidate he would embrace.
“You have to have unscripted moments. I mean you cannot be blow-dried and, you know, poll-tested and come out here. That’s not what the American people want,“ he said on ”Face the Nation.”
“They want somebody who is going to speak straight to them. And they want to ask you questions, so they want unguarded moments. That’s when they can really judge your character.”
Aside from laying the groundwork for the eventual endorsement ask, the candidates also see the visits as a way to have a little of Christie’s glow rub off on them — and to confirm that he’s serious in his public denials of a run.
“They are just trying to burnish their own authenticity credentials by associating with him,” said Matthew Dowd, a top strategist on President George W. Bush’s 2004 re-election campaign. “It’s positive aura that Gov. Christie has now established.”
Christie, who got Romney’s endorsement in his 2009 primary, has repeatedly spurned calls to run for president in 2012. He says he’s not ready.
He also has said he has no interest in becoming someone’s vice president, noting that his strong personality would make for a tough dynamic.
Not that anyone is asking — yet.
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Comments (77)
SidneyDave
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 11:05amThe campaign has not started yet and we are already destroying every potential candidate. Why can’t we utilize the strengths of all the GOP candidates and find the best qualified leader to use these strengths. Our current president’s only strength is appearance, he has no clue on leadership. We need a top rate manager type that can surround himself/herself with people that have expertise in solving a particular problem. That is what the top executive of the country is supposed to do.
Report Post »hologram5
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 10:47amHis actions are good so far but with his appointment of a mus lim to the SCOTUS, and the favor he is giving to the fraud in the WH, I‘m thinking he’s not ready. He doesn’t have it yet. The eye of the tiger isn’t there.
Report Post »en2deep
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 10:36am@BAIKONUR What in the world are you talking about, as if the democrat party cares about the future of the country. The whole party is a globalist party, they care more about world consent than constitutional consent. Don’t be deceived.
Report Post »Baikonur
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 11:23amUntrue. The Democrats care about Education, Healthcare, Workers’ Rights, the Environment, and Public Transport which, in my opinion, are the most important issues facing us today.
Report Post »ANTISOCIAL-IST
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 5:46pmBaikonur: anyone who voted for obeyme in ‘08, has been privy to his agenda for more than two years, and has already committed to his re-election, is an enemy of the state, an enemy of me.
Report Post »en2deep
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 10:29amSometimes this guy really inspires me when fighting the unions but he disappoints me when he’s so quick to criticize Sarah, don’t be a useful idiot. That’s exactly what the left wants, cannibals in the republican party. Save your venom for the real enemy, Democrats.
Report Post »charles1540
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 10:17amWhat part of no do you people not understand. My God no wonder we are a country on the verge of collapse and you think this guy is the answer. We are in serious trouble!!!
Report Post »goglenngo
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:28amGovernor Christie. If it’s not going to be you, then please do your homework before you give your endorsement. I do not want and will not vote for Mr. Romney. I do not want and will not vote for any Rhino Republican. I do not want and will not vote for any of the “good ole boys club” Republicans who have either served or have hung around Washinton, D.C. their whole careers. The only people I would consider at this point is Congresswoman Michelle Bauchmann and former Governor Sarah Palin whom I think will both run. If Mr. Rubio ran, I would vote for him without hesitation. You can hear the love he has for our country and the pride he has as an American. I love all three of these people and believe they have what it takes. They are already proving that they have the guts to say and do what needs to be done. We can’t throw away our country in 2012. We need to restore it! Thank you.
Report Post »TruthisHealthy
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:45amExcellent posting. We support Bachmann and Palin. They are fearless and will stop the corrupted, Anti-American Boys Club from lining their bank accounts with corruption. The majority of so called elected officials have sold the United States of America down the tubes. Treasonous crimes are being committed daily in the corrupted frauds administration. I would love to see all of them in handcuffs and tried for treason.
Report Post »Baikonur
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 10:18amFirst of all, it is RINO (an acronym that means Republican In Name Only), not ‘Rhino’ (a large African mammal). Second, Bachman / Palin will not appeal to anyone with half a brain. Bachman is a loon, and Palin has zero cred, neither one will make it past the primaries. I am going to vote Dem in 2012 for the second time in my long life, because there are no Republican candidates out there who understand the issues or care about the future of this country.
Report Post »ANTISOCIAL-IST
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 5:35pmBaikonur: go fishing much? okay, i bit, but just a nibble for your neediness.
Report Post »hempstead1944
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:19amChristie knows what he is doing…..
Report Post »kung
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:08amWhy would you pass on a chance to save your country? Unless you don‘t think you’re cut out for the job.
Report Post »EP46
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:58amGeorge Washington did NOT want to be president either…if the nation calls on Christie to run, that is not ‘breaking his word’ that is ANSWERING YOUR COUNTRY”S CALL’
LoVe this guy…Herman Cain is good, so is Col. West…there are Patriots out there, we just need to find the ONE who is best for AMERICA in these troubled time…not who is ‘gobal rock star’ material. The GOP cry for 2012 should be “We Want a Leader..Not a Puppet”
Report Post »mrsmileyface
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:34amI like Christie RINO or no RINO this guy is a straight shooter. Thats the problem with social liberals, they are the gang that cant shoot straight. And if Herman Cain is the same way im behind him also. The moment they stray away from thieir core belief of fiscal responsibility is the moment I wont support them.
Report Post »idontgetit
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:00amI listen to Herman Cain’s radio show, and if he talks to the American people as President half as straight as he does his radio audience, then Chris Christie’s got nothing compared to Cain.
Report Post »WestOfThePecos
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:33amAfter this last week-end, Palin/Bachmann is still the ‘action team’ to watch.
Report Post »larman
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:32amI would love to see Christie run but to be honest this is getting pathetic having to him hear him say no 100 times lets move on people!
Report Post »http://www.larryfalco.com
WisdomZurs
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:31amI’d like to see Rubio as a VP choice. He would take the Hispanic votes away from Obama!
Report Post »Ellbee
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 10:31amI’ve been thinking the same thing since Rubio was elected. I hope the GOP nominee gives SERIOUS thought to Rubio to gain the Latino vote.
Report Post »Old Vermonter
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:17amHow about a Chris Christie/Allen West ticket??
Report Post »viper316
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:24amTwo straight shooters on a Presidential ticket? I like your thinking.
Report Post »LadyIzShy
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:12amI like this man but im glad he is not running he said he wouldnt so he cant break his word
Report Post »1chancey1
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:55amIt would be refered to as a “change of heart” and he would get my vote in a second.
Report Post »idontgetit
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:05amWhat if he does decide to run…will he be branded a liar? If it’s the straight talk you like, stick with Herman Cain
Report Post »Leadthemtothelight
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:02am2012 is gonna be an interesting election year. I can only hope and pray that the American people will do their research before they vote. Obamas hope and change motto and his icon are tarnished after his time in office. Christy worries me, he is not in my opinion what this country needs. We are gonna need a true leader. We will need someone to lead us back up the road to prosperity. They will have to have pride in our country and stand up for our way of life here. The next President will need to push for cuts in spending to social security, medicare and medicaid. The party is over, we all have head aches and there is no maid or butler to clean up the mess…..
Report Post »viper316
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:59amIf I remember correctly from the stories I heard about Reagan, he didn’t enter the race for President until late in 1979 – November, I believe. IF Christie decides he wants to run, I wouldn’t be surprised if he waits until late in the game to in. He already has star power. He has said he knows he would win if he entered. Cocky – maybe a little. Confident – absolutely. After you let the others come in, do some debates and talk down about each other, he could come in in a final debate or two, wipe the floor with everyone in a respectful way and get the nomination. But, of course, this is a “what if” scenario if he decides to run.
Report Post »mimitweetin
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:58amhttp://www.postandcourier.com/news/2011/mar/22/sen-rand-paul-tests-presidential-waters/
Report Post »april 12 1861
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:56amJust draft Chris Christie into the Republican nomination for President. The country can not afford another McCain or Dole.
Report Post »sbleve
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 11:48amThose two old time big government GOP representing the real measurable problem within the United States Presidential electoral process. Out of touch with America.
Report Post »NickDeringer
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:54amHow many different ways does this guy have to say “No” before people get it?
Report Post »entropy
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:35amChristy is NOT a conservative. He is a RINO. He is fiscally conservative only. Everything else about him is liberal. When are you guys going to get it? There are more things ruining this country than overspending. Cultural decay is a bigger problem. Christy is a muslim lover. Look into it.
Report Post »Baikonur
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:48amA fiscal conservative / social liberal is the most likely kind of Republican to get Independent votes. Most people are turned off by the Christian fundamentalism, aggressive anti-science activities, and religious and racial bigotry that have seeped into the Republican party lately.
jedi.kep
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:04amI love to watch Christie bash unions as much as the next guy, but that does not make him conservative. RINO is a good name for Christie. I hope to God he does not endorse Romney. Romney is another RINO and we don’t need that in office.
Report Post »Obama Snake Oil Co
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:40amEP46, agree wholeheartedly. To add, the cry in 2012…will be anybody but Obama (ABO). I noted the post about Alaska…Palin did that…you know, that woman that every liberal dispises since she is attractive, smart and no nonsense? Yep the news media plays her down in the name of Obama who is merely a good speaker with a tele. I look at Alaska and the fact income taxes are subsidized by drilling there….do any other states have that? So, is Obama attactive, to women, yes, smart…he is a good speaker…did I say that? Is he no nonsense? Just ask the middle east countries…he really showed them. Just ask China, Russia and North Korea….
Report Post »Protege
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 10:22amI have asked repeatedly, done my research, and looked about:
Where is your proof? I have yet to see a link or story that says he is a Muslim lover. The BEST I have seen is he appointed a Muslim to a post that he was highly qualified for. Since religious freedom IS allowed in this country, I fail to see this issue.
Proof! What are the facts? Again and again and again: what are the facts? You pilot always into a future that is unknown, and the facts are your only true guide that cannot mislead you. Get the facts!
Report Post »Seneca
Posted on March 24, 2011 at 7:50pmAgreed, as for the “social liberal” being the only way a conservative would get the independent vote, tell that to the Reagan Democrats.
Report Post »This country is tired of the PC politics. Care about others, before caring about ourselves. It’s time to put the U.S.A first, second and third. We can’t help the world if we are helpless ourselves!
emertz8413
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:34amGeez, quit harassing the guy, he’s said no already. I do agree though, he’s not VP material. Don’t see him doing the PR work.
Report Post »ISeeDanger.com
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:24amPeople everywhere want him to run.
Report Post »I think he would be a STRONG challenge to any other candidate.
However, I agree, VP would not be the place for him.
He needs to be #1
http://www.ISeeDanger.com
mattwakulik
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:21amthat stinks because he is the only one i would want to be president!
Report Post »lovenfl3
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 7:59amI agree Matt, I think he’s the strongest politcal figure on the conservative side right now. I hate hearing him say he isn’t ready, when you look at who we have right now. There is a video on what Obama is doing to this country, I think Christie could fix this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nTMaT_9QGo
Report Post »tobywil2
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:20amGOV. CHRISTIE: “BUT I’VE GOT TO BELIEVE I’M READY TO BE PRESIDENT, AND I DON’T.”
The problem with our Presidents has not been that they lacked the knowledge or ability to be President. The problem is that they pursued the wrong agenda. For over 100 years, few of our Presidents have understood the “free enterprise system” or believed that individual freedom was in the best interest of the country. Accordingly they pursued programs that increased government control of the economy and rewarded their political cronies (campaign contributors). Many have used government force to punish political dissent.
When the leader is enforcing a false premise or flawed agenda, ability will only insure disaster.
The president’s job:
5. Establish the agenda that the administration is to accomplish.
6. Create an administration composed of capable people to achieve that agenda.
7. Ensure that the progress of executing the agenda is progressing upon a satisfactory schedule and moving in the right direction.
8. Enhance the Administration to eliminate deficiencies and better execute the agenda.
What are the reasons that a person might think he is not ready to be president? The reasons are:
1. The agenda has not been determined.
2. Inadequacy in selecting and recruiting capable people for the Administration.
3. A prior commitment or personal reasons preventing the assumption of the duties of the office of the presidency.
4. A closet filled with skeletons.
5. Unable to win the nomination or the election.
Gov. Christie, what is your reason?
Report Post »http://commonsense21c.com/
WestOfThePecos
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:27amSometimes you have just one shot at something is life. Christie is going to miss it because others will be more presidential in 2016.
Report Post »philipputt
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 8:29amChristy has made alot of noise, and i enjoy his youtube clips, but NOW lets see what the results look like down the road. Can New Jersey get out of its $$$ troubles? That is yet to be determined!
Alaska has a 12billion surplus, with education pre-funded into the future & State pensions already reformed, due to ACES.
I wonder would was resposible for that, (done much more pleasantly), could it be the person that Christy mocki on the Tonight Show, or critized resently on one of the Sunday morning shows?
Remember Scott Brown? That turned out well for us conservatives, didn’t it. Lets see results!
Report Post »hempstead1944
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:18amTrump
Report Post »TruthisHealthy
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 9:41amI don’t trust the guy. He’s abrasive and appears to side with the fraud in the WH.
Report Post »APatriotFirst
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 10:52amWith Christie, I believe he doesn’t care about USA as much as we do.
Anyone who loves this country would see that we need help to fix it. I would give up and drop anything I was doing to help my country. Even if I didn’t want to be pres. But at some point, a person must see that some things are bigger than what we personally want.
He says he is not ready. Was Washington ready? Lincoln? Washington really didn’t want to be Pres, but he saw the need of his country.
If you can’t put your wants aside for the good of your country, then you should never be Pres. Christie could do a whole lot of good right now for this country, but he is looking at what he wants, not what his country needs.
Report Post »Bounder
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 11:18amOld Klingon Proverb:
“Great leaders do not seek power. They have it thrust upon them.”
Report Post »alvino
Posted on March 23, 2011 at 1:31pmHe has said “no” despite the need, despite the questions, despite the recruiting. I do understand that who would want to be president? That would be nuts. But….
I say it’s time to believe him and next time America needs somebody to stand up and be counted, we find somebody else who is willing to do the hard thing. Obviously Christie doesn’t have what it takes and he must know it at some level because I believe that his patriotism would not allow America to languish at this critical time.
We have to continue the search.
Report Post »leakimo
Posted on March 25, 2011 at 4:15amAmen LOVENFL3. Christie, in my estimation, is more qualified now than Obama is 2 years in the office.
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