Politics

Guess What, Chris Matthews: Chris Christie’s Losing Weight

TRENTON, N.J. (The Blaze/AP) — Chris Christie’s weight has become, for some, a big issue. But that could be shrinking, in more than one way.

After MSNBC Chris Matthews bloviated about the New Jersey governor’s weight on Friday (and has done so before), it’s been revealed that Christie has cut more than the state budget his first year in office: The heavyset head-of-state has also dropped a few notches in his belt.

Exactly how much he‘s lost he’s isn’t saying, but his suits have been getting noticeably baggy.

“I’m not going to put any numbers on it because you just set yourself up for failure,” the 48-year-old Republican said.

Christie credits his recent weight loss to working with a trainer three mornings a week – Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – and eating better.

He started working with a trainer in June 2009, but for the past year says he has been more consistent.

“What I‘ve done over the last 10 months is I’ve just watched what I eat, work out, and slowly but surely I’m taking the weight off,” he said.

The governor has long struggled with his weight, which he says he started putting on after high school when he stopped playing organized sports.

He’s tried dozens of diets over the years with varying success.

He lost 40 pounds on a bet in 1997 while he was a county freeholder, but gained it back. From 2002-2003, while serving as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor, he lost 50 pounds on the Atkins diet but it didn’t stay off.

His weight came up during his 2009 campaign against Democrat incumbent Jon Corzine, who ran an ad accusing Christie of “throwing his weight around” to get out of traffic citations while he was U.S. attorney.

The ads included unflattering images of Christie struggling to exit an SUV. In contrast, Corzine was running 5K and 10K races nearly every weekend toward the end of the campaign.

Christie confronted the ads head on, telling Corzine to “man up and say I’m fat.”

In November, former Fox News Contributor Marc Lamont Hill infamously said Christie could never be president because “He does not have the body type to win a national election”:

Christie said that more than anything else, the motivation to lose weight is his four children, who range in age from 7 to 17 years old.

“I’m motivated by the fact that the job is pretty stressful at times and I have four kids, so I need to be around for them,” Christie said. “I don’t want to be in a situation where, as I get older, my health is really at risk.”

Christie’s weight has also made him extremely relatable to people, and extremely self-deprecating.

During a radio interview this fall, he likened his weight loss to “throwing a couple deck chairs off of the Titanic.”

At town hall meetings, he often jokes about how he wasn’t elected for his good looks but for his fiscal discipline.

Other politicians have struggled with weight in the spotlight of the governor’s office, with mixed results.

After being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and having an antique chair collapse beneath his weight during a cabinet meeting, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee lost 110 pounds while in office. He went on to run several marathons and wrote about his efforts in his 2005 book, “Stop Digging Your Grave with a Knife and Fork.”

He’s put some weight back on recently, and blames a foot injury.

Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has spoken about his failed attempts at using the Atkins diet.

And former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell lost about 60 pounds in the months before he recently left office, mostly by watching his diet and eating out less. So far he’s kept it off and weighs around 200 pounds.

“You just have to cut consumption. Once you eat that first hors-d’oeuvre, you’re cooked,” he said.

Rendell called Christie’s weight a “political plus.”

“Gov. Christie uses his weight to his advantage,” Rendell said. “He talks about it and people relate.”

Comments (149)

  • blazebird
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:59pm

    Does Marc Lamont Hill ever get tired of being wrong? Christie could gain 40 more pounds and clean Obamas clock. I’d pay to see that debate!!

    Report Post » blazebird  
  • Docroxall
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:48pm

    Christie is losing weight, and Matthews is getting DUMBER (I really didn’t think that was possible).

    Report Post »  
  • Taxpayer550
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:43pm

    It doesn’t matter to a imbecilic ******* like Matthews what Chris Christie weighs. If Chris Christie was trim and fit, the dimwit left would find something else non-substantive to pick on. They’re bullies!

    The only reason I‘d want to see Chris Christie lose weight is for his own benefit and that of his family’s.

    Report Post » Taxpayer550  
  • Brontefan
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:37pm

    Right. . . our first lady is really concerned about obesity! It’s time people began to focus on some of the real issues—like deficit, our porous southern border, the dangerous drug cartels there, our Prez who spends like a drunken sailor, and the unions that will destroy our country–just like they destroyed our steel industry.

    Report Post »  
    • SublimeOne
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 9:32pm

      @Brontefan
      Hey! I was a drunken sailor. Even I couldn’t spend like O does. I eventually ran out of money. O doesn‘t think he’s ever going to run out of money!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • pwatkins
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:29pm

    Hey TXPEDRN, they wrote the candidate in to run in Alaska and couldn’t even spell her name, Chris Christie should be an easy write in, all we have to remember is “tie” and the bigmouth leg tingling Matthews will help remind us of the rest bc he is shooting off his stupidity constantly during election.

    Report Post »  
  • Buck_Ofama
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:14pm

    I wish Christie would tell Chrissy “Balloon Head” Matthews to “man up and call him fat”. And then stomp him if he did. I’d pay to see that.

    Report Post » Buck_Ofama  
  • txpedrn
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:59pm

    I wish we could just write him in in 2012. I would love to see him clean house in Washington. He could sit on Nancy Pelosi for all I care!

    Report Post » txpedrn  
  • fixer
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:57pm

    christy is fat and mathews is stupid…christy can lose weight but stupid is forever.

    Report Post »  
  • ladyda
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:49pm

    Chris M. really has room to talk! Since he enjoys making fun of people, I will just have to state the fact that I see him as a physically unattractive man. What a honker, and that snarkey attitutde….yuck! And oh, I understand he is a liberal too…..that is a MAJOR turn off. :)

    Remember Matthews…..Christie can lose weight….But you can’t easily fix ugly, especially when its both on the inside as well as the outside!

    Keep it up Christie! Go man go! Hope you can keep it up and keep it off!

    Report Post » ladyda  
    • streetrodder
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:06pm

      Exactly, Christie can loose weight, Mathews will allways be an idiot.

      Report Post »  
  • sweet37
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:45pm

    Fat, short, skinny, crossed eyes, one legged, stinky butt, toe jammed…I’ll take him anyway he is! Love that man!

    Report Post »  
  • simple thought
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:36pm

    most of the left media will be in a loony bin somewhere after next few elections.
    we the tea party have set our sights on the 100 years of progressive destruction to our liberty and the constitution and we out # them by the millions……. they woke a sleeping giant in we the people.
    we will change America back to the course that our founding fathers set……..
    it’s as simple as that……

    Report Post »  
  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:29pm

    The Governor has lost weight but Matthews hasn’t lost his stupid. Guess who wins.

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • B-Neil
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:25pm

    Mush Mouth Chris Matthews will say anything to get on the Blaze. Its that; or he‘ll say anything to make sure everyone knows he’s ingernont. Thats a level above Ignorant, stupid and a member of MSNBC……..Carry on McDuff

    Report Post »  
  • Dale
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:25pm

    Well mark and chris do you remember a president named Taft?

    Report Post » Dale  
  • LIBSALWAYSLIE
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:23pm

    Christy can lose weight, but for mathews, stupid is forever

    Report Post » LIBSALWAYSLIE  
    • Brontefan
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:39pm

      Chris Christie has common sense; Chris Matthews gets a tingle down his leg every time he hears the Prez speak. I doubt there is any hope for him.

      Report Post »  
    • WHITE LOTUS2x
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 10:46pm

      S-X-T— Suck an egg!

      Report Post »  
  • scoter
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:18pm

    Please run for PRESIDENT.

    Report Post » scoter  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:11pm

    What’s Chris going to do for material now?

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
  • THEBRAIN
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:03pm

    Tingle up the leg Chris will never ever loose the horrable weight in his head.

    Report Post »  
  • seeker9
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 6:58pm

    That should put a shiver up CM’s leg!

    Report Post » seeker9  
    • etetetet
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:09pm

      I think it’s Tinkle- yeah – that’s the correct term. Chris gets a tinkle up his leg when excited about politicians.

      Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:14pm

      Chris gets a tinkle up his leg when excited about politicians.
      ——
      According to the laws of gravity,
      the tinkle is down his leg
      :D

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • etetetet
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:17pm

      well, the man is backassward and inverted in everything else that exit his body :)

      Report Post »  
    • seeker9
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:33pm

      CM gets tingles for BHO. Christie may scare him enough to give him shivers. How ever, I am fairly sure the tinkle goes down his leg.

      Report Post » seeker9  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:53pm

      @CheezWhiz ~
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:14pm
      Chris gets a tinkle up his leg when excited about politicians.
      ——
      According to the laws of gravity,
      the tinkle is down his leg
      :D
      ____________
      Eeeeewwwww!

      Report Post » Showtime  
  • Capt_Spalding
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 6:58pm

    And guess what else Chrissie Matthews? Chris Christie can lose weight… meanwhile you’re stuck on stupid.

    Report Post » Capt_Spalding  
    • drago
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:13pm

      And ugly ;p

      Report Post »  
    • veruca salt
      Posted on February 20, 2011 at 12:05am

      Brilliant ad hominem arguments, both of you. You guys are forging new intellectual ground on the blaze.

      Report Post »  
    • teresa2010
      Posted on February 20, 2011 at 12:46am

      I agree!!!..Chris can lose the fat but you can’t do much for Ugly Matthew… There’s not enough laser or plastic surgery to help…IS ANYONE ELSE TIRED AS TAXPAYERS, PAYING FOR NANCY PELOSI’S FACELIFTS AND BOTOX? It’s not helping either

      Report Post »  
  • seeker9
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 6:57pm

    Add your comments

    Report Post » seeker9  
    • roxee
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:23pm

      The country has been robbed by bankster, no money left in the til..and issues of weight just do not seem to be of any import really.

      Report Post »  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:50pm

      I‘m thinking you’ll try again. (Embarrassing, isn’t it?)

      Report Post » Showtime  
  • MBA
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 6:55pm

    Except for the possibility of Governor Christie being at a higher risk for diabetes and joint problems, what business is it of chris matthews as to the Governor’s weight? The Governor is doing a tremendous job trying to save NJ from bankruptcy and create a future for the state instead of bad mouthing opponents and calling names. It would be nice to hear of some mature dialog coming from the media instead of the constant childish whine.

    Report Post »  
  • etetetet
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 6:51pm

    We do need him healthier if he is going to be a daily peep in the WH

    Report Post »  
  • publiuswarmac9999
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 6:49pm

    This is great new for his health, but it also implies that he is thinking about the presidency. Wonderful.

    Report Post »  
    • WIjoyzie
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:57pm

      There may be a presidential run in his mind after all. He has my vote!

      Report Post »  
    • wodiej
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:13pm

      I don’t care how much weight he loses-still won’t support someone for president who wants to legalize aliens and supported cap and tax.

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:35pm

      I love Chris Christy regardless, but for the sake of his health, perhaps it would be better to lose a bit. Not too much tho. Cannot stand skinny azz men. They look so pitiful. \
      As for Matthews, he can go suck eggs for all I care, I wouldn’t watch him if they paid me.

      Report Post »  
    • SHASTADIANE1
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:48pm

      He’d get my vote no matter how much he weighs. The fact that someone is overweight is an idiot way of thinking. I have a sister-in-law who is 5 ft. tall and 5 ft. wide, and smart as a tack….2 Master’s degrees, and has suffered professionally because she isn’t thin and BARBIE. Makes me sick…I use to be BARBIE, but I was smart also, and I know that I made points with employers because of my looks, but you know, now that I am not so thin, I still do the same good job for my employers, and they tell me if I retire, they are just going to move the business to my home because I can’t leave them. So I look at it like this…weight is a NON-ISSUE…quit judging people by the way they look..You know BARBIE is NOT the sharpest knife in the drawer…after all, she has never gotten a day older or a day wiser.

      Report Post »  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:48pm

      @wodiej
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:13pm
      I don’t care how much weight he loses-still won’t support someone for president who wants to legalize aliens and supported cap and tax.

      And your source for that information is …..?

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 9:01pm

      @WODIEJ & @Showtime ~

      Looks like we have another lying liberal. WodieJ has not given the source for his “information.” Don’t guess there is one.

      In the words of Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-3), “YOU LIE!”

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • SlimnRanger
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 9:50pm

      @Bluebonnett, you know your statement about skinny men hurts,did you ever think slender people like me have feelings as well? did you ever stop to think it could be genetic? or did you ever stop to think when you see a skinny person maybe just maybe they have gone thru cancer treatments like i have,or do you just naturally hate skinny people? What ever happned to looking at the persons heart and noting he or she is a good person even if they are carrying to much weight or are to skinny,I am very sorry you hate people like me because i am as you call it a skinny azz

      Report Post »  
    • exdem
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 11:11pm

      @SLIMNRANGER
      It was just a comment from BLUEBONNET, nothing personal. If you are looking for political correctness you are on the wrong site. Good luck with your health.

      Report Post »  
    • Stage_X_Tuning
      Posted on February 20, 2011 at 6:37am

      @SHOWTIME
      Just read a few things on the page below as well part1 through part8. please do your research be for you ask for someone you wont like. plus i hope that if he does run that more and more of this will be brought up and then more and more people will veer away from him…

      http://conservativenewjersey.com/the-myth-of-christie-conservatism-intro

      PhilipJames said it best
      “PhilipJames
      Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:10pm
      Chris Christie is a trojan horse… a disaster in waiting. If he decides to run, then he will blow up in spectacular fashion when all this information finally comes out
      http://conservativenewjersey.com/the-myth-of-christie-conservatism-intro
      since even the “conservative” media is not talking about his horrible stances and outside of all the yelling, his horrible record… make sure you read the entire series. Then I dare you to even consider him a candidate with any hope in h*ll of getting through the primary. He is the next media John McCain.”

      Report Post » Stage_X_Tuning  
    • tifosa
      Posted on February 20, 2011 at 9:45am

      RUN CHRIS, RUN!!!! (that is NO reference to a need to exercise, btw)

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on February 20, 2011 at 10:49am

      @slimnranger, get off your high horse. I did not insult anyone sick with cancer. I have to liberty to comment against the hateful remark about Chris Christy. It’s to point out all of us have different body shapes & weight and looks. We all prefer different things and it has nothing to do with being sick. Sorry if you’re sick, However, most skinny men remind me of ballet dancers and it’s not my preference to date one of them. Just like most men want a Barbie with long hair. Same thing.

      Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on February 20, 2011 at 4:31pm

      Thanx for the info, STAGE…, RUN, CHRIS, RUN! :)

      Report Post » tifosa  
  • DashRipRock
    Posted on February 19, 2011 at 6:49pm

    Speaking of diets

    is a salad still concidered healthy

    if you put fryed chicken in it?

    Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 6:55pm

      In November, former Fox News Contributor Marc Lamont Hill infamously said Christie could never be president because “He does not have the body type to win a national election”:
      ———
      This racist hatemonger will never find a conservative with the body type and color to be POTUS

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • etetetet
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 6:58pm

      Absolutely – but, I’d lose the lettuce and veggies :)

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:00pm

      When is Chrissy Matthews going to get into shape? .. he looks like death warmed over himself. Matthews has NO room to talk.

      Report Post »  
    • exdem
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:33pm

      @CATB
      When is Chris Matthews going to stop spitting on his guests when he talks? Just think how much money he makes spewing dribble and spraying the panel. Not to mention the “jimmy legs” he gets every time he hears Obama’s name.

      Report Post »  
    • kentuckypatriot
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:33pm

      yes Dash, but I won‘t tell momma Moochelle if you won’t!!

      Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
    • Stage_X_Tuning
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:48pm

      Chris Christie: A Conservative Myth – Intro

      http://conservativenewjersey.com/the-myth-of-christie-conservatism-intro

      Report Post » Stage_X_Tuning  
    • DagneyT
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 7:59pm

      If all they have to complain about is your weight, Chris, you’re doing your job! Two Thumbs WAY up!

      Report Post » DagneyT  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:28pm

      I for one am glad to hear this…Mr. Christy will have to be in better shape when he starts running our country…America could sure use him…

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
    • cnsrvtvj
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:29pm

      I can only assume that Chris Matthews doesn’t own one single mirror when I hear him talk about Chris Christies weight. It’s not like Chris Matthews is the epitome of physical fitness.

      http://www.donsmithshow.com – conservative news and poilitical humor

      Report Post » cnsrvtvj  
    • JoeBtfsplk
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:30pm

      Christie has my VOTE whenever and wherever!!!

      Report Post »  
    • mcfinch
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:42pm

      Getting fit for the race!

      http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos

      Report Post » mcfinch  
    • kgb
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:42pm

      In my world it is! Love the moniker- great band.

      Report Post »  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:43pm

      Do not eat the skin of a chicken. It’s an organ.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 8:45pm

      @CheezWhiz ~
      Personally, I think he looks intimidating, particularly when he’s ticked at somebody! I mean, if he gets in my face, I don‘t think I’m gonna do any backtalking! He could probably take me out with one thump!!!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • WHITE LOTUS2x
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 10:36pm

      Yes!

      Report Post »  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 10:50pm

      @cheezwhiz
      The only way Mathews could lose weight is getting a complete enema, although, with no more crap in his body, he would no longer have the ability to bloviate or formulate an opinion. On second thought, maybe we could get the entire team of MSNBC to flush their systems, the entire network would be silent.

      Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • THENEWMCCARTHY
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 11:26pm

      How many times has Glenn Beck called Al Gore and MIchael Moore fat? And that was just fine. But suddenly it’s so offensive when aimed at a Republican.

      And let’s not forget Christie appointed a Muslim judge.

      Report Post »  
    • ozz
      Posted on February 20, 2011 at 12:05am

      Chris Christie’s a RINO He is pro GUN CONTROL, pro CAP AND TRADE,
      pro government HEALTH CARE, pro AMNESTY, his appointies are liberals, he campaigned for RINOS, and his great triumph of narrowing his states deficit was due to RAISING TAXES.

      HOW IS THIS NOT A RINO ?!?!?!

      Report Post » ozz  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on February 20, 2011 at 1:11am

      @CatB
      Well Chrissy is in shape, turd is a shape.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Mikeyyy
      Posted on February 20, 2011 at 1:18am

      I want to see Chrissy Matthews and Governor Christie get in the octagon. I’m betting the Governor can Ground & Pound Chrissy like a rag doll, and submit him. Don’t go against Christie.

      Report Post »  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on February 20, 2011 at 2:33am

      This is absolutely a ridiculous subject to be discussing – what does his weight matter if he has the brains and ability to be President? It shouldn’t matter – except, he says he doesn’t want to run for President. He would be a good choice! http://wp.me/pYLB7-Eh

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • 1TrueOne55
      Posted on February 20, 2011 at 3:25am

      I guess that Lamont Hill never looked at a picture of Grover Cleavland or even Teddy Roosevelt. Maybe Hill would not allow polio victims to be president either, that would take down Franklin D. Roosevelt the longest serving President in US History.

      Lamont needs to take some ignorance classes before he speaks again!

      Report Post » 1TrueOne55  
    • sweetsiebee
      Posted on February 20, 2011 at 6:26am

      Ummmmm, No

      Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on February 20, 2011 at 8:26am

      Who cares about his weight? It would be stunning if he’s called on to serve his country by AT LEAST running for the presidency and refused. We have a huge population of heroes from the 60‘s who were drafted and served even if they or their wives didn’t want them to. Does he truly feel unprepared, and feel like him being president would be a disservice to the country? ….In that case, people had better stop putting him in the position of declining (ie Ann Coulter.)

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • minnierv
      Posted on February 20, 2011 at 10:46am

      Christie with a few extra pounds is much more preferable to the boney assed pos we have now.

      Report Post » minnierv  
    • Mee the People
      Posted on February 20, 2011 at 4:16pm

      he is getting too old to carry that much weight,
      he is a smart guy, he should wise up and lose 1/2 of his size

      Report Post »  
    • ItsallaboutJesus
      Posted on February 21, 2011 at 8:54am

      @ Stage–Thank you for this link. I have been a Christie fan. I asked one of his supporters on FB if CC was in favor of Cap and Tax. He said he didn’t know, he would check and get back to me. He never did. He is no longer on my list of hopefuls. Need to get the word out on other sights.

      Report Post »  
    • infidelamerican
      Posted on February 21, 2011 at 10:36am

      Matthews seem to call eveyone fat asses, he is obcessed, but dude look in the mirror!

      Report Post »  

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