Is New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to reverse course, offer himself for the GOP Presidential nomination? Some heavy-money Republicans want him to and are not bashful about saying so, at least in private. It's a sure-fire signal that many party leaders feel their nominating process has become a circus.
Now the odds against Christie jumping into the race are as long as the line to get on the Jeremy Lin bandwagon, but the fact that anyone is seriously talking about it now is all about one emotion: desperation. Their reasoning: Romney has proved to be a weaker candidate and more vulnerable than expected, Santorum they consider to be un-electable, and Gingrich -- whom they neither like nor trust -- is seen as barely breathing as a candidate. Christie considered getting in at the start, but demurred and has since officially supported Romney. He has not said or done anything indicating that he has reconsidered or is willing to do so. But with Romney wilting, Santorum surging, Gingrich fading and Ron Paul considered to be far too maverick, the refrain of "let's get Christie" is being heard increasingly in private in Republican corridors of power.
Christie's appeal, from the beginning and now, is that he appeals to both traditional, mainstream Republicans and Tea Partyers alike -- someone who could unite the party, which neither Romney, Santorum nor Gingrich is currently believed capable of doing. He is also a blunt, "tell-it-like-it-is" and sometimes eloquent firebrand of "conservative" speaker. He comes across as authentic. An intelligent, crafty street-fighter of a candidate who also plays well in boardrooms, and is a campaign money-raising machine.
Many Wall Street and boondocks Republicans alike have long believed Christie is the ideal man to beat Obama, staunch in the belief that he not only would carry his home swing-state of New Jersey, but would also be the difference in key industrial states of the Midwest -- plus ensure up-for-grabs southern border states.
However, Christie is only a first-term governor, untested on the national scene and unknown to most people outside the Northeast. He is, too, vastly overweight, raising questions about his health and durability for a long, grueling Presidential campaign. His stated reason for not becoming a candidate earlier was that he just didn't feel that this year is his time. Speculation has been rampant that he plans an all-out drive for the Presidency in 2016 should the GOP fail this cycle.
But some long-time Republican major money contributors and self-styled power brokers, now disappointed with and fearful for Romney, are concerned that the GOP is in danger of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory this year. So the rumble begins anew for Christie.
Their scenario: Romney loses to Santorum in Michigan and Christie should jump in. Or, Romney staggers on, goes to the nominating convention this summer, but lacking enough delegate votes for nomination; the convention vote becomes competitive (with the nomination "brokered") and Christie swoops in as a uniter and savior. Fantasy? A bridge too far? Maybe. In my estimation, probably. But it's interesting that this kind of talk is picking up among some Republicans who matter. At the very least, it gives one an insight into just how much of the hibbie-jibbies GOP powers have about how the race for the nomination has developed (or disintegrated?) so far.
Michigan is key for Romney. If he wins there next week he will somewhat stabilize his campaign and quieten the Christie rumbling. Especially if he can also take Arizona the same day. Should Romney lose Michigan -- to say nothing if he loses both -- he will be reeling and the "let's get Christie" chorus will grow louder.
Postscript: Remnants of the Bush legions still have hopes for former Florida Governor Jeb Bush winding up with the nomination, particularly if Christie holds fast to holding out. An even more far-fetched dream? Yes, but in this strange nominating season it's prudent never to say never.
Dan Rather Reports airs Tuesdays on HDNet at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET. This program is available on iTunes. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Mark Morford: The Conscience of Chris Christie
Along the way in his political career, Christie, like most northeastern Republicans from densely populated urbanized states, has had to make commonsense concessions to gun control (see Giuliani, Rudolph). In New York and New Jersey, you just can't get elected espousing the same Wild West, anything-goes attitude on guns as a pol in Arizona or Montana.
Once, not too long ago, the Republican party was willing to turn a blind eye to one of their own who had to custom-build their Republicanism to get elected. They didn't agree with Rudy on gun control or gay rights. They didn't agree with many of Bush Jr.'s immigration policies in Texas. But they understood that local realities made these departures from party orthodoxy necessary.
But as Rick "Can't We Show a Little Compassion?" Perry found out the hard way, those days are over. I find it doubtful that today's GOP would turn a blind eye to Christie's "gun problem."
So, he will not run this year. 2016, definitely.
Christie is a rude, arrogant, self serving "bully"... His comment to one of his constituents.. "hey, lady, mind your own business" becaue she had the nerve to ask him a question... or his cutsey "you dont want me to go Jersey on you"... or his childish remark to Buffet.. "shut up and send a check"... Yeah, this is the guy I want speaking for me... and to the world stage..
This is why the Koch's are kissing his very large posterior... they feel the People of this country need to be kept in line... need to be "handled"... someone to Soprano them... and they have the right person in the form of Christie.. His attitude is very demeaning & belittling... he talks down to people like a "reality show" smack down...
Republicans froth at the mouth over this guy, like he's the "answer"... Well I hope people are more aware and alert that the Koch's money cant buy class... cause he doesnt have any...
The rules have changed with the Republican nominating process and delegates are being awarded according to the proportion of the vote, not winner take all and I believe that I understand that only half of the delegates are be awarded for this primary and the other half later.
Given how close the polls are supposed to be in Michigan, unless they are off by a longshot, then the process of the really settling on a GOP candidate is going to go on till at least Super Tuesday. If it's a tight race after then, well Katie bar the door. Bedlam in the GOP.
Then will find out if a "brokered" convention something that hasn't been seen in either party in 60 years could actually be a possibility.
His strength or weakness at the polls needs to be measured in real primary elections in more diverse States. That is coming and we will have a far better measure at that point.
That is why first the Dems (in 2008) implemented a proportional vote system and now the GOP. Everyone thought it was ridiculous that 2 states that were not diverse and not really representative of the country as a whole should decide who the nominees would be.
Of course it will continue on through Super Tuesday. Really the GOP race is just around the quarter pole.
After Super Tuesday, we'll find out if were on the backstretch or the homestretch.
Christie would be a disaster, his temper works on TV and in New Jersey but it would turn off independents.
Mitch Daniels is the candidate that could still get in and make a difference.
But I think it's clear that Mitch is not running.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitch_Daniels
His statement was "If a Republican gains the WH they will "stone wall" him in... if Pres Obama is re elected they will "stone wall" Him out"... his words.... will continue a do nothing congress if they can keep congress... but if a Rep is elected they will keep everyone else out...
It would be embarrassing for Christie to be used as a pawn when he's not ready.
Not all New Jerseyites are behind this guy, just like not all New Yorkers could stand Giuliani.
Very pitiful.
NY governor Cuomo, a true alpha, does it right.
Note to the Rather-bashers - you clowns aren't good enough to carry this man's pencil case.
Did you or Mary ever find Lucy Rameriz?
I would have more reason to trust your judgement if you had not tried to influence a presidential election with bogus documents.