Week 18 of President Obama's second term: "How far will this Obama-Christie thing go? The term 'bromance' was used this past week almost as often as the word 'scandal' was used the weeks before. Should Hillary be jealous?"
That's What Friends Are For
The President visited the Jersey Shore to see Hurricane Sandy recovery progress and was joined by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. The two interacted like old friends and as a result the term 'bromance' was used this week almost as often as the word 'scandal' was used the weeks before.
Truthfully, after so much partisan gridlock, it is good to see people from opposite political parties who seem to like each other and enjoy each other's company.
With handshakes, a little ribbing and a few tosses of a football along the Jersey shore on Tuesday, President Barack Obama and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie showed they still put a lot of faith in bipartisan chumminess.
One big photo op? Sure. Obama helping Christie out for his 'support' during the Presidential campaign? Maybe.
Doesn't look like Christie needs any help in his reelection campaign for Governor. Some reports have him leading by as much as 30 points over his Democratic challenger, State Senator Barbara Buono. In addition, it appears he has the support of some of the state's Democratic leaders.
Both Christie and Obama understand the importance of 'likability' in any campaign. Because when it's all said and done, after nearly a billion is spent...it comes down to who's the most likable, personable, and friendly (as least on the outside). As evidence:
Clinton vs Bush 1
Clinton vs Dole
Bush 2 vs Gore
Bush 2 vs Kerry
Obama vs McCain
Obama vs Romney
So how far will this Obama-Christie thing go?
As with any potentially treacherous relationship, at some point the lines will have to be drawn. The President is holding the cards right now....Christie will continue to bask in Obama's limelight to help with independent, minority, and women voters. Again, the question is...what is Obama getting out of this? Obamacare implementation support from a Republican Governor?
There is doubt the relationship will last. The Christian Science Monitor reports in the article, Obama-Christie bromance, Part 2: A win-win for both:
"....But the Obama-Christie lovefest may not last forever. Christie is widely expected to win a second term in November, and after that, he may well turn his attention to the 2016 presidential race. Obama isn't allowed to run again, but will naturally want to be replaced by a Democrat.
If Christie runs, and can make it through the primaries - a big "if," considering the muscle-flexing of the GOP's right wing, and his controversial, gushing praise of Obama during Sandy on the eve of the 2012 election - he could be a formidable challenger. Already, Christie has shown major crossover appeal. Polls of the gubernatorial race show him winning a sizable portion of Obama's 2012 voters in New Jersey and crushing Senator Buono."
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Even Mitt Romney, still trying to be relevant (see below)...yet STILL out of touch, chimed in by saying:
"I don't believe Chris is trying to project an image of being close to President Obama," adding, "But if the president is willing to pay attention to what's happening to the reconstruction of his state, that's a good thing for the governor."
To be clear, both Christie...AND Obama...are politically astute enough to recognize the votes that come with an Obama pat on the back. Not the conservative, right-wing votes....but the votes Christie would need to win the Presidency (if he can get past the primaries.)
Could it be these guys, Obama and Christie, just like each other and don't care what people think? Nah -- this never happens in politics.
Wonder how the 'family' is taking this relationship? Should Hillary (or Joe) be jealous?
And the real question...because it is inevitable.....is who will dump the other first?
Bye, Bye Bachmann
Folks seems to be standing in line to say goodbye to Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann (R-Minn), and wish her godspeed to wherever. Few believe she is leaving the public limelight and it's only a matter of time before we see her again...probably doing something more lucrative...cable news? radio? reality show? heading an 'official' tea party organization? leading the charge against the implementation of Obamacare? or, investigating the President's birth certificate?
She's not done....bet on it.
Also Not Done with the Limelight
Surprise, surprise...seems losing Presidential candidate Mitt Romney is not happy with President Obama's first 100 days of his second term. Maybe because they weren't HIS 100 days? You think?
Reporting on Romney's interview with the Wall Street Journal, a recent HuffPo article entitled: "Mitt Romney 'Disappointed' With Obama's Second Term" says:
Romney lamented that he wasn't able to implement his own planned agenda for the first 100 days, which included proposals to get "legislation filed, regulations rewritten, executive orders rewritten."
Sounds like Romney's agenda for his first 100 days was to undo everything Obama did in his first term. Then what? Still waiting to hear. Maybe he's getting his binders ready.
Could Romney really be thinking about another shot at the BIG prize? He would probably have to use a lot of his own money...but he's got it, and what else does he have to do?
The 2016 Republican primaries could really be fun if Romney's ego won't let him sit on the sidelines and he dukes it out with Jeb Bush and Obama buddy Chris Christie. Then there's the second tier of Ryan and Paul (who would never consider themselves second-tier). Not to be outdone, the far right will return with their offering, which might include some retreads ... Bachmann, Perry, Palin, and Herman Cain again? (Don't laugh Anthony Weiner is running strong for NYC mayor.)
We'll see.....
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Washington Watch is a weekly look at President Obama's second term -- and related news on the national scene. For prior weeks of Washington Watch visit: Our-Gov.com