New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie made it clear that 2012 wasn't the right year for him to make a run for the American presidency. But with the dust now settled following President Barack Obama's re-election win and with eyes beginning to set on 2016, it seems the Republican leader has a more positive take on a potential future candidacy.
In an interview with Steve Adubato, host of "Conversations at NJPAC," Christie talked about his potential rise to the national stage. In addition to speaking about personal preparedness, he also gave his take on the crisis facing the Republican Party.
"I wasn't ready to run for president this time," the governor told Adubato.
While he made no definitive statements about the next presidential race, Christie did note that he would be more prepared for the opportunity should it inevitably arise.
Photo Credit: "Conversations at NJPAC"
"If it comes, I know that I will be more ready for it than I would have been this year," he told the host.
But Christie's own career wasn't the only subject on the table. Larger issues like the Republican Party's future and preventing gun violence were also discussed. As for the GOP's current status, Christie shared a perspective that many on both sides of the aisle have embraced -- the notion that the movement's messaging isn't resonating with the American populace.
"We lost two national elections in a row," he admitted. "We're not connecting with Americans on the issues that matter most to them. We haven't had the best candidates."
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (Photo Credit: AP)
This comment is curious, of course, because Christie supported Romney. The governor did, however, say that the Republican, who lost to Obama in November, "is a good man," but he reiterated that "he simply didn't connect with Americans."
Christie also defended his praise of the president in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, essentially calling his comments a non-controversy.
(H/T: NJ.com)