Chris Christie -- why's he being so ProBama?

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   Mighty Momposted 12 years ago

   NJ Governor Chris Christie, who as recently as a week ago was a harsh critic of Obama's leadership has a new BFF: Barack Obama.
   He's been effusive (some believe TOO effusive) in his praise for the POTUS and his handling of Sandy, going on numerous news shows.
   
   So what do you think his motives are? Does he have obvious political motives beyond getting his devastated state back together?
   Is he eyeing 2016 and throwing his weight behind an Obama win in 2012 so he won't have to go up against an incumbent Romney in 2016?
   What do you make of his dismissive attitude about Romney coming to NJ?? Is he, in fact, throwing Romney "under the bus?"
   (I don't think so, but want to know what you all think).
   
   
   http://news.yahoo.com/hurricane-sandy-c … ction.html
   
   The Republican governor of New Jersey has been a high-profile Romney backer on the campaign trail, but he's full of praise for Obama in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy
   New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), one of Mitt Romney's most vocal surrogates, has been loudly commending President Obama for his handling of Hurricane Sandy, calling the Democrat's storm response "outstanding." Christie, who slammed Obama in a major speech at Romney's nominating convention, said he spoke with the president three times on Monday, the day the storm hit, and thanked the president for promptly declaring the state a federal disaster area so it could get federal help without the "normal FEMA mumbo jumbo." On Wednesday, Christie and Obama will inspect storm damage together in devastated New Jersey coastal areas. When Christie was asked Tuesday on Fox News whether Romney might make a similar appearance, a frustrated Christie veered from the GOP script:
   
   
   
   I have no idea, nor am I the least bit concerned or interested. I've got a job to do here in New Jersey that's much bigger than presidential politics and I could care less about any of that stuff. I have a job to do. I've got 2.4 million people out of power. I've got devastation on the shore. I've got floods in the northern part of my state. If you think right now I give a damn about presidential politics then you don't know me.
   Is Christie abandoning Romney just days before the election, or is he merely putting the needs of his constituents ahead of politics?
   
   SEE MORE: Mitt Romney vs. Chrysler: Is he lying about Jeep shipping jobs to China?
   
   Christie's effusiveness is hurting Romney: Team Romney must feel like Christie is throwing their candidate under the bus, says John Cassidy at The New Yorker. It's understandable that Christie would be more concerned about his constituents than presidential politics in a moment like this, but he has "heaped praise on Obama's handling of the storm" for three straight days. Romney's flaks must be "apoplectic," and wondering, "Isn't this guy ever going to shut up?"
   "Romney has a Christie problem and a FEMA problem"
   
   The governor is just calling it as he sees it: My fellow Obama critics who are seething at Christie should "put a sock in it," says Ed Rogers at The Washington Post. New Jersey's blunt governor "is the real thing, which is why we love him. His willingness and ability to tell the truth is his trademark. If Obama has been helpful during Christie and New Jersey's time of need, good for Obama." If things go wrong, Christie should say so, but don't fault him for not lying.
   "Let Christie be Christie"
   
   SEE MORE: 3 ways Hurricane Sandy complicates Mitt Romney's path to victory
   
   But you have to wonder about Christie's motives: In fairness, Christie would "look petty if he denied The One a visit at a moment when he's on official business," says Allahpundit at Hot Air. And maybe he "really truly doesn't give a damn about presidential politics right now." Still, Christie is a Republican governor in a blue state Obama will win easily. You have to wonder whether Christie is "working a political angle here." Perhaps "he's prioritizing his own [2013] re-election bid as governor over Romney's campaign."

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      gardensnowposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Christie wants ALL he can get from Obama- Christie wants Jersey to love him as he will run for president someday
      I am sure Christie wants & needs help for all suffering now from Sandy...but a politician is a politician and I think Christie could achieve all for his state without doing the sucking up that he is doing.

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         wavegirl22posted 12 years agoin reply to this

         get a grip and try looking at the bigger picture. I hope for your sake and your families that you are no where NY or NJ today. And may you never find yourself  in harms way where you may need someone to come to your aide.

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            gardensnowposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I live in NY been born & raised in Brooklyn and have donated $500 to victims of Sandy-- how about you?

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               wavegirl22posted 12 years agoin reply to this

               standing ovation for you and your 500 dollars.
               
               Born in the Bronx and raised in Queens spent years on Long Island and raised my daughter in Westchester.
               
               The Red Cross has heard from me.

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      Sooner28posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I don't think Christie is being "pro-Obama."  He is simply working with the president in order to help New Jersey.
      
      Obama has been very responsive, and that's a very positive thing.  I'm glad to see both parties working together WITHOUT regard for politics.  It is refreshing.

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         Marisa Wrightposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I saw the interview which I assume everyone's talking about.
         
         I don't know any of the personalities so I didn't have any preconceptions.  He didn't sound overly effusive to me.  He sounds like a guy who used to hate Obama's guts, and he's amazed to discover that the guy isn't as bad as he thought - in fact he seems like a pretty good bloke. That's the body language and tone of voice I picked up on.  It's a genuine reaction - it's only the conspiracy theorists who want to read more into it.

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            wavegirl22posted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Tonight we see the Romney idea of leadership which boils down to a fake "relief effort," as opposed to Obama's idea where a leader drops electioneeering and leads with skill and compassion.

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               gardensnowposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Really?? Wow.....fake effort??-- he has given 30% of his income away!!- that is who he is, a kind business man and right now America desperately needs a person who knows how to financially run the country, .....if we do not vote this maniac OUT 4 years from now.. we will be in such a hole we may never get out in the lifetime of most of us. There is little surprise that there are many who have no clue how to even run their own finances ..out of control CC debt, sky high mortgages, big debt even as retirement approaches wake up people! ROMNEY for all of our sake, must win!

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            Sooner28posted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Possibly.  Christie is good at politicking though.
            
            I do agree that with you that the body language and tone of voice seem sincere.

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      tammybarnetteposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I am proud of Governer Chrisitie for laying his rhetoric and politics down to do what's important for his state. He is being a good leader as well. It is a fresh breath of air to see Obama get the credit he deserves for the amazing leader and POTUS he has always been. Obama cares about people, this has shown his entire time in office and I believe it has been a humbling experience for Christie, and he now sees him for the man, and POTUS that he TRULY is:) Today, it feels good to be an American, and it's been awhile since I have felt this way.

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         Jillian Barclayposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Today it does feel good to be an American! That is what it is supposed to be, neighbors helping neighbors and the entire country pitching in to help each other in hard times.

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            kathleenkatposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I am always proud to be an American, no matter if I like or dislike what our leaders do! People helping people gives me those warm, fuzzy feel-goods.
            
            I wish it didn't take bad things happening for people to come together and see past their differences.

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               tammybarnetteposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               I agree, after 9/11, I saw our country come together like no time before in my lifetime! I am seeing this again, but it is so nice, after all the hating, lying, fighting, commercials, rhetoric and outright bullshit, to see people come to their senses! I am glad you are always proud to be an American, but I have not been. I am disgusted how waistful, materialistic, overweight, rude, spiteful, greedy........I am fed up! I have been wanting to move to Australia for awhile now.....when I saw people coming together after this disaster, donating their time, money, food,shelter, laying down partisanship bull, I remembered what I love about America! I would easily believe God sent us this disaster so people would wake up, shut up, and do the right thing.

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            habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Right - I think we sometimes forget this in the middle of a tough election.

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      logic,commonsenseposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      He want's as much federal aid, just like any other governer in the same situation.  Sure he's going to kiss ass.  You would too in his place.  Whether it was obama or Romney.

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      Repairguy47posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Why? Obama  withholds disaster funds when Republican Govs don't play his game, he's kind of a small person in that, hell every regard.

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         Josakposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Any proof or just the usual?

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            Repairguy47posted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Texas wildfires is the proof, but I don't care if you believe it or not.

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            The Suburban Poetposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/politics/Per … 26234.html

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               American Viewposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Typical spin, not quite reporting all the facts. A FMAGS declaration is not a disaster declaration. Just think if Obama only singed a FMAGS declaration for Sandy before she hit, I wonder what everyone would say to that. From the article
               
               "The FMAGS help firefighters pay for things such as equipment repairs, food and shelter. The funds do not help fire victims with recovery efforts."
               
               It is true the 25 Fema requests mentioned above were approved, but the disaster declaration the president refused to sign would have helped the citizens( as mentioned by the homeowner in the news report) rebuild as well as damaged infrastructure. So while it was great he help the Fire Departments restock, the President said "to hell with the citizens of Texas"
               
               Now compare that to several fires in California that destroyed 25 or fewer homes, they received disaster relief. Texas with 400 received nothing. The difference, one is a red state, one is a blue state.

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                  Josakposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Nope doesn't stand the sniff text, for the same period Oklahoma (which you may notice is a Red state and is in fact redder than Texas) was declared a disaster area leading to the simple conclusion that Texas was not declared a disaster zone because it was not not based on state affiliation otherwise Oklahoma would not have received the aid.
                  
                  Totally bogus.

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                     American Viewposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     "The Federal Emergency Management Agency said government entities and certain non-profit organizations in Craig and Nowata counties of Oklahoma may seek reimbursement for expenses they incurred during severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that struck May 22 through May 25.
                     
                     FEMA officials said the expenses include emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.
                     
                     Twelve counties already have been designated to receive public assistance under the disaster declaration President Obama signed June 6. Officials say the governmental entities include cities, counties and school districts."
                     
                     This was a story about 2 counties being added to a disaster relief, HMMM, conspicuous by its absence is the fact the declaration does not include the citizens. So yea, technically there was a FEMA disaster declaration, but the people were left out in the cold. Nice try at spinning, oh that tangled web.

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                  Gnarles Snarklyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  When will you folks start working together? This is the same profound division that led to the "War Between the States". The only difference . . . slavery is off the table, now.

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            American Viewposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Texas, Tennessee, Arizona

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               The Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               When we had the 2010 flood, we didn't want Obama here. The security would have been a nightmare to deal with when we had neighbors to save, take care of, and take in. We took care of each other. Hell, we didn't even want that dude from Homeland Security here. I think his name was Napolitano, or some such. We eventually did get some FEMA money, $30.4 million for buy outs, but it was a year and a half later - November 2011.
               
               Granted the 2010 Nashville Flood was not on the scale of Sandy but Tennesseans have always had a tendency to take care of one another rather than waiting for others to do it for us, certainly not something as inefficient and feeble as FEMA or any other government agency. And certain not the likes of Barack Obama.

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   JaxsonRaineposted 12 years ago

   Sounds like he's just focusing on the disaster at hand... I think it's great when someone can praise a politician from the other side.
   
   I don't know much about Christie, but I like him saying it how it is right here. I'm assuming he is saying it how it is, I haven't been able to follow the relief efforts.

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      habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That's just what I was going to say.

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         JaxsonRaineposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Well duh!
         
         You're sensible, I can usually predict what you are going to say, just by being sensible myself!

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            tammybarnetteposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Get a room   (just kidding, but you knew that, I hope)

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               habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               I'd have to bring my dog, and I don't know if Jax likes dogs.

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                  tammybarnetteposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Actually I think he is a dog person, I saw him talking with MM about that, he is a dog person and she was a cat person..LOL

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                     habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     WHAT??? MM is a cat person?? Say it ain't so!

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                        Mighty Momposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        Yep. Jax posted for me an adorable photo of his puppy.
                        I grew up with dogs and plan to get another but not living where I live now.
                        We currently have 4 cats, down from a household-merging high of 5.
                        

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   kathleenkatposted 12 years ago

   New Jersey is a blue state...perhaps he is looking to set himself up for re-election, in the future? Someone criticizing a democratic president in a democratic state will be unlikely to get the majority votes. That's just my guess.

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   wavegirl22posted 12 years ago

   MM-
   I believe that the reason that Gov Christie has been so Pro Obama is for one reason and one reason alone. At the end of the day when disaster strikes, it makes people remember why it is so important that we live in a society where we have each other's back.
   
   During this storm the Governor was sure to reprimand New Jersey citizens who refused to evacuate low-lying areas because they would put the lives of first responders at risk and they had a responsibility to each other.
   
   Hurricane Sandy is showing  stark differences in how Bush and his response to Katrina and how Obama's response to Sandy are like night and day. Bush exemplified the right wing's failure to understand that most Americans believe in a society where we are all in this together, not all in this alone.
   
   At the end of the day when disaster strikes, we are Americans first, all in together.

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      kathleenkatposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      If I recall correctly, Bush was abroad when Katrina struck.
      
      Not making excuses for him, however, it's hard to show a quick response when you're nowhere near the problem. Obama would have been in the DC area, which is very local to the places which have been hit the hardest by Sandy. You could drive from DC to NYC between breakfast and lunch. Can't imagine how quickly the POTUS's private jet could get there. He could probably get woken up in the middle of the night, and get there within 90 minutes.

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         wavegirl22posted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Wow .. to make a statement like that is something I have no words for so I will just give you some facts
         
         Point is that Bush was not a take-charge President. He did nothing during the crucial two days. He was not even a "can I lend a hand" President. In the briefing the day before Katrina, he made not one suggestion—did not even ask a question. kathleenkat I am not sure where you were back then but Yes people knew that Katrina was coming, as the day-ahead warnings were dramatically clear. Next morning, as Katrina hit New Orleans, Bush left his ranch for a drug-benefits, politicking tour starting with a birthday celebration for McCain, then a visit to "El Mirage Country Club", then on to Cucamonga, California. He missed that day's video conference on Katrina. Next day he continued his tour in California.
         His sole contribution was to “assure the folks at the state level that we are fully prepared” the day before.” That assurance flies in the face of everything he had just been told, and could not have proved more wrong.
         
         Bush's history has been written.
         
         And today we are seeing history being written again,as President Obama tours the storm ravaged parts of NJ with the Governor. We Americans are seeing what it means for taxpayers and political leaders to come together and with strong leadership and investment in our common good.

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            kathleenkatposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I'm sorry I you don't have words for my post (although it seems that you actually do). You have confirmed my memory that Bush was, in fact, not in town during Katrina.
            
            I also used to live on the East coast. Hurricanes happened, several times a year. We all knew they were coming, and we all knew to evacuate. We all knew Katrina was coming, but what we didn't know was that the levees would fail. You didn't know that, I didn't know that, and I'd guess that Bush didn't know that either. The levees broke at night, so it took several hours for people to figure that out, when daylight came.
            
            I'm not a fan of Bush. I was happy to see his term end. But I'm finding it hard to believe that he knew about a disaster, and refused to help. I think it is more likey that he just didn't know about it. IF he was in some conference on drugs, like you said, likely they wouldn't have had the TV on. This was also at a time prior to smartphones having CNN and other newsfeeds on them. I don't think Bush was much of a cell phone guy. Why wasn't he informed? Who knows. Where were his informants? We can keep pointing fingers and placing blame, but the truth is, we really don't know.
            
            
            
            Just like 9/11. Really makes me happy to see when things like this happen; which they do, regardless of who happens to be seated in the Oval Office. It's the American people we have to thank for this, not the leader (though we can thank him, as an American citizen, for his willingness to come together as well).

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               Mighty Momposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Here is a detailed timeline of what happened before, during and after Hurricane Katrina.
               Draw your own conclusions about the Bush administration's response:
               
               http://thinkprogress.org/report/katrina-timeline/

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                  kathleenkatposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Thank you.
                  
                  I have actually seen this information, and have actually drawn my own conclusions. I choose to assume the best; that Bush actually does care about people, and is probably sorry for the circumstances surrounding his actions. I don't think he lacks compassion, or was out to get us.
                  
                  

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                     Uninvited Writerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     I agree with that. And I believe both Obama and Chris Christie are doing the jobs they were hired to do.  It's refreshing to see them working together. Too bad more politicians can't put aside politics for the good of their constituents ever.

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                     wavegirl22posted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     Who said he was out to get anyone? Sounds like you and your conclusions need some fact checking. What part of the timeline of how Bush handled Katrina do you not understand? Tell the people of New Orleans that he was sorry for his lack of concern to what befell them.
                     
                     Fact is Obama has handled Hurricane Sandy like a leader should. Governor Christie (who just happened to have delivered the keynote address at the 2012 Republican National Convention) did a good thing for America and his state today, too bad for Romney it is happening days before the presidential election.

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                        kathleenkatposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        1. I did not accuse anyone of saying that. I was merely stating that I don't think he's out to get anyone, and actually likely did things in what he thought was in the American people's best interest. Nobody is that evil to purposefully make people suffer.
                        
                        2. I understand this timeline. Why the hell are you assuming that because you and I have a difference of opinion, that means I don't understand something? Do you not get how ignorant that sounds? How that could come accross as rude to me?
                        
                        3. I also never disputed this "fact" that Obama did a good job responding to the circumstances surrounding this hurricane. You keep talking about how Obama and Christie did an excellent job working together, and I completely agree. I just do not agree with your notion that Bush was a terrible, uncaring, selfish person-as if anyone could possibly know that?!

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                           wavegirl22posted 12 years agoin reply to this

                           Bush failed the people that suffered through Hurricane Katrina. That was the timeline I was referring to. Katrina and how the President at the time handled the disaster. I was not referring to the type of man he was. Again I repeat I was referring to how Hurricane Katrina for Bush was a national disgrace, a stark comparison to President Obama handling Hurricane Sandy today.
                           
                           Might be wise to read before you type.

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                  JayeWisdomposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Thanks for providing the link to the Katrina catastrophe timeline, MightyMom.   Since I live in Mississippi, I remember it as though it were yesterday, but it's good to see all the events as they played out during that devastating time listed in print for those who may have forgotten.

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            American Viewposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            We should give some facts, I agree.
            
            [i]"The United States Coast Guard began prepositioning resources in a ring around the expected impact zone and activated more than 400 reservists. On August 27, it moved its personnel out of the New Orleans region prior to the mandatory evacuation.[13] Aircrews from the Aviation Training Center, in Mobile, staged rescue aircraft from Texas to Florida.[14] All aircraft were returning towards the Gulf of Mexico by the afternoon of August 29. Air crews, many of whom lost their homes during the hurricane, began a round-the-clock rescue effort in New Orleans, and along the Mississippi and Alabama coastlines.[15]
            
            President of the United States George W. Bush declared a state of emergency in selected regions of Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi on
            [b] Saturday, the 27th, two days[b/] before the hurricane made landfall.[i/]
            
            [i] "Criticism from politicians, activists, pundits and journalists of all stripes was directed at the local and state governments headed by Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans and Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco. Nagin and Blanco were criticized for failing to implement New Orleans' evacuation plan and for ordering residents to a shelter of last resort without any provisions for food, water, security, or sanitary conditions. Perhaps the most important criticism of Nagin was that he delayed his emergency evacuation order until 19 hours before landfall, which led to hundreds of deaths of people who (by that time) could not find any way out of the city.[i/] Yea that was Bush's fault
            
            [i]"In accordance with federal law, President George W. Bush directed the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, to coordinate the Federal response. Chertoff designated Michael D. Brown, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as the Principal Federal Official to lead the deployment and coordination of all federal response resources and forces in the Gulf Coast region. However, the President and Secretary Chertoff initially came under harsh criticism for what some perceived as a lack of planning and coordination. Brown claimed that Governor Blanco resisted their efforts[i/]  The Govenor was blocking their help, yea that was Bush's fault too.

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               Petra Vlahposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Bush showed his "great" human compassion by flying over the devastated area  for 35 minutes surveying the damages

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         psycheskinnerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         As far as I know Texas is still considered part of the US.  Bush was there on vacation.

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            Petra Vlahposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Bush was "in vacation" for more than one critical moments during his presidency

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      Marisa Wrightposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      +1

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   movingoutposted 12 years ago

   I give Christie credit for putting aside party lines! And also for telling Fox and Friends when asked about the election. He said, "He doesn't give a damn about the election. He has a disaster in his state which is more important then the election. Kudos to Christie!.

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   Mighty Momposted 12 years ago

   I think Christie's being an amazing leader.
   I heard him chastising people who refused to evacuate - the man tells it like it is.
   
   My personal take is NOT that he's being hyper political on his praise for Obama and FEMA any more than he is for his praise for the other first responders.
   He's being sincere.
   His primary motive is managing this horrendous emergency as well as he can. And that means reaching out and accepting help from those who can offer it

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      habeeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree.

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         Jillian Barclayposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         So do I! They ARE both doing what they are supposed to do. And I do not think Christie is being overly effusive or glowing in his remarks. He is telling the truth. Our President is there for the people.

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   wavegirl22posted 12 years ago

   You think its more likely that he just didnt know? You got to be kidding. I guess you are like Romney and read blogs that have no merit to get your news. The botching of Katrinas hurricane relief is part of the Bush's legacy, forever to be known as a national disgrace.

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      Petra Vlahposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      right on

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      kathleenkatposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      How do you know so much about Mitt Romney? Or me, for that matter?
      
      I don't get my information from blogs. I get it from CNN, NBC, ABC, Newsweek, and the newspapers sent to my house.
      
      But hey, maybe that's biased? It probably is.
      
      Until I actually know Bush (or Romney, or Obama, or you, or Petra) I'm not going to be able to accurately guess his behaviors and motives. It's all speculation. I get the impression you hate Bush, hate Romney, and like Obama, but what do I know? I can think Petra has some vindictive agenda to make me look stupid and uneducated, based on her posts here and in other threads, but what do I know? You're probably a nice person, I'm sure Petra is too. I don't know her. I don't know you. I don't know Bush.
      
      I just choose to assume the best, and give people the benefit of the doubt. Until I actually meet them, in person. Especially with politicians (and celebrities), they are made out to look like the bad guy so damn much, nobody probably even knows who they really are anymore.
      
      Hope you are having a good Halloween!

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         movingoutposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         In all fairness I totally agree kathleenkat! President Bush did and does care what happened with Katrina. For anyone to think otherwise is being stupid. Too many people "assume" the President has instant messaging! Case is, in a lot of cases they don't! Some might not like it, but that's the way it is! Happy Halloween!

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      Ken Burgessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I know the people running New Orleans, and LA at that time were idiots.
      I know they failed to evacuate their people and take precautions.
      I know they failed to get organized and work with FEMA and other National Organizations for days...
      I know more than to just say Bush did a horrible job... I know the State Authorities were inept, and actually hindered federal help and aid to their state.

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   rebekahELLEposted 12 years ago

   When disaster strikes, a true leader will forget all else and do what needs to be done to take care of his 'charge'.  Nothing else matters.  It's nice to see Christie putting his people first and acknowledging President Obama in taking the lead.  What matters is that the people are taken care of and that the infrastructure can be be put back in place so that people can function somewhat normally.

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   Ron Montgomeryposted 12 years ago

   Gov. Christie seems genuine in his admiration for the way Obama is handling this situation.  On November 7, Romney will be the first in a long line of Republicans claiming to have respected Obama all along.

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    Christianbelieverposted 12 years ago

    Could it possibly be because he is telling the truth, and is thankful for the POTUS response to the New Jersey disaster?? I know it is a foreign way to think that a politician could tell the truth!

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    Ken Burgessposted 12 years ago

    "He want's as much federal aid, just like any other governer in the same situation.  Sure he's going to kiss ass.  You would too in his place.  Whether it was obama or Romney."
    
    That is to the point and sums it up nicely, anything else it tripe and irrelevant garbage.

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       tammybarnetteposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I don't think Governor Christie would appreciate you calling him an ass kisser, I am pretty sure he would be offended! You obviously do not know too much about him.

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          Ken Burgessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Whether he appreciates it or not, that's what he is doing.  And I don't blame him for it, now should anyone from New Jersey be anything but thankful for it.

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             tammybarnetteposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             I don't understand why you think you know him and his motives so well, but I believe your wrong...He is a no bullshit kind of guy, says what's on his mind...He has railed against Obama in the past, I watched his speach at the RNC, so he is not ass kissing for help, he would get it anyway, he is appreciative of the swift movement and leadership of Obama, so he said so, period.

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                Ken Burgessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                What he said is sure to be politicized, seen and heard plenty of it already.
                But in his situation, with his state devastated, he will be overly thankful for any help he gets... perhaps ass kissing isn't the right words ... and they weren't my words anyway, I was quoting someone else...  lets just say emotionally overwhelmed and clinging to any lifesupport thrown his way that he can get.

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                   tammybarnetteposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                   I agree

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12. 83

    The Suburban Poetposted 12 years ago

    I think it's simple; he is human and the event has transcended political philosophy. He also needs federal dollars to dig out of the hole. I don't think a conservative should have a philosophical problem with federal assistance in a disaster. It speaks to the general welfare of the people. Of course there will be fraud and waste. That is the challenge of the government to not allow this to happen. I think we can speak about compassion and about prudence but that is where the politics comes in as the patrons of the constituents are not willing to say no to fraudulent claims.

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       Ken Burgessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Exactly, only the idiots are trying to politicize this, and anything Christie has to say... I think his point blank statement that he doesn't care about the election at this time is nothing than that.  Too many blowhards are trying to make it into something it is not.  His state is devastated and that is his only priority right now.

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          tammybarnetteposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          I agree with that statement as well, I apologize if you took my comment to mean anything different, I know your statement here was to Sub Poet, but your statement earlier said he was kissing ass, and I totally disagree with that statement...not all liberals believe there is anything more to it than he is himself being a good leader to his State and appreciative of the POTUS doing the same. I have said as much throughout the entire thread.

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          The Suburban Poetposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Maybe I'm too cyncial about politicians ignoring fraud but that is why the bureacracy is so important; the policitians make speeches and the bureacracy manages the mess and the restoration costs. There is no question this disaster will cost more money than any of us can imagine. And we will be paying for it for a long time.... how do we help people quickly who need it and simultaneously run down every claim to ensure it is legitimate? It's virtually impossible. So in my view that is why some frustrated people make comments like "we should eliminate FEMA." It's too much to say something like that. It becomes an all or nothing argument which is unrealistic. An act of God or of Mother Nature is something that we as a nation should understand; we offer help to other nations and we are here to help our own. I think comments that Romney made play to a certain audience and I would prefer that he offer a real solution or just be quiet about it.

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    Ken Burgessposted 12 years ago

    I think your entire first paragraph Mighty Mom, is absurd. 
    
    I apologize to others for answering their replies before I read and let your statements sink in.
    
    "Is he eyeing 2016 and throwing his weight behind an Obama win in 2012 so he won't have to go up against an incumbent Romney in 2016?"
    
    I can't believe you typed that Mighty Mom, obviously someone takes politics and this election to an extreme, a sad one.
    
    Christie's state is a disaster area, towns and places he has known his whole life are destroyed, people are suffering and dying, and you think he is giving thought to 2016?
    
    You know what, I am offended by your article, your questions, and I am sorry I replied at all in this thread... looking back on my statements in here, they look pretty ignorant too... but not near as bad as yours.

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       Mighty Momposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I posed a bunch of questions based on a news article I read (which I provided a link to) entitled "Is Christie throwing Romney under the bus?"
       The speculations posed are being bandied about in print, on the internet and on television news shows.
       If you think the questions I posed here -- with the express intent of gauging whether others here believe Christie is being political, sincere, or a bit of both -- are bad,
       you owe it to yourself to go check out what Rush Limbaugh is saying about the Obama/Christie alliance.
       When someone from the right states something as fact, that's good.
       When someone from the left raises it as a possibility to invite discussion , it's bad.

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    American Viewposted 12 years ago

    I think too much is being made of this. Two weeks from now, Christie will dog out Obama again for something, you can count on it. But why is it wrong to give someone credit where credit is due? Have people gone that far they feel they can no longer do that and in turn question someone else who does it?
    
    The one thing we have always done as a nation is pull together in our hour of need. It is like if you do not talk to Uncle Bill, your pissed at him. But one day you are walking down the street and see someone beating on him. You will go to his aid, even if you do not talk to him again afterword, blood is blood.

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    readytoescapeposted 12 years ago

    I saw the initial interview with Governor Christie in its entirety, not just the Obama praise sound bite. Other salient points in that interview:
    Christie hotly stated “I don’t give a damn about Presidential Politics right now, all I care about are the people of my State.”
    He also said (and I paraphrase) “I praise people for doing the right thing and condemn them for wrong, in this case the President has done what he is supposed to do and I appreciate his efforts.”
    As far as body language interpretations, all I saw was a very tired and concerned man, devastated at the losses and passionate about helping his people.
    
    This is a “none issue” as far as the election is concerned, as much as people would like to politicize it. You have two men doing exactly what their offices require them to do.

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16. 0

    The Longhunterposted 12 years ago

    It's amazing the number of people who can't get past Bush Derangement Syndrome and still want to blame him for all their problems. It really is sad to watch. Fun but sad at the same time. Kinda like watching a train wreck one just can't turn away from.
    
    Could it be because the one they voted for, Barack Obama, can't stand on his own horrible record and they know it?
    
    I must admit it's great fun to watch the liberals (spit), progressives, communists, and "vunibles"  imploding as they are, right along with Obama's campaign for re-election.

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    Gnarles Snarklyposted 12 years ago

    He's just keeping it real. Maybe he doesn't watch as much Fox news as the Tea Party.

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       The Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Another liberal (spit) heard from.

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          Hollie Thomasposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          What's with the spitting, LH?

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             The Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             The word "Liberal" (spit) makes me want to spit whenever I say it or write it. Perhaps it'll pass after the election. Depends on the outcome.

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          Gnarles Snarklyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          I'm not a liberal, just not brainwashed by Hannity, Beck and Limbaugh. I have no party affiliation. I am an American, plain and simple. Your right wing politcal garbage is just that. Bush emptied out the treasury. What a fool. Robo-Romney will do worse.

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             The Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             That would be two of us, GS. I don't listen to those guys either. I'm a free-thinking Conservative and certainly don't believe a damn thing that idiot, Obama, says.
             
             I respect your desire and ability to call what I say "right wing political garbage". I expect nothing less from you for me. I will say, if you're an Obama supporter, you're a liberal (spit), plain and simple.

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                Gnarles Snarklyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                Intelligence must not run in your family.

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                   The Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                   Obviously, respect isn't something you're into, GS. Speaks volumes.
                   
                   We'll see this evening.

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                      Gnarles Snarklyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                      I give what I get. I wrote in Lyndon La Rouche. All the good men are n prison.

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                         The Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                         And some people just can't handle the truth.
                         
                         You have a good day, GS.

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                            Gnarles Snarklyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                            You have a good day, too.
                            
                            The truth is . . . it is too late. Bush emptied out the treasury and gave it to New York financiers . . . Obama emptied it out again for stimulus and Tarp . . . Geithner orchestrated the biggest bank heist in history in cahoots with the FDIC and SEC. We have passed the point of no return. Enjoy the inevitable collapse.

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                               The Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                               "Enjoy the inevitable collapse."
                               
                               I hope you're just overly pessimistic but I'm prepared. I saw it coming a long time ago, GS.

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                                  Getridameposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                  I've got my oak tree picked out. I'm going to put a nuclear hardend shelter and a 10 year supply of MRE's in it.

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                                     The Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                                     "I've got my oak tree picked out."
                                     
                                     What?
                                     
                                     We all have our levels of preparedness, Getridame. If you feel the need to go to that extreme, go for it.

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             TIMETRAVELER2posted 12 years agoin reply to this

             +1 Gnarles Snarkly

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    wavegirl22posted 12 years ago

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    Doodleheadposted 12 years ago

    He wants money for his state but mostly he wants free dinners on the government.   He eats a lot.

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       gardensnowposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Well If I was back in Jersey I would vote next time to remove that overstuffed loud mouth out!
         ....and I am a conservative independent!

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    Mighty Momposted 12 years ago

    Christie gets bonus points from me for refusing to run over to Pennsylvania to appear in a rally with Romney Sunday night.
    Their argument -- well, it's only about 20 miles over the border from NJ.
    His argument -- What part of "I don't give a damn about presidential politics right now. My state is in a state of emergency and that is job one for me for the forseeable future" do you people not get??!!!
    

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