America Beware: Chris Christie Loves Politics As Usual
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was one of several governors that took part in a Republican Governors Forum on Thursday night in Aspen, Colorado. Christie has made major waves in the last year in both major parties with his willingness to not only work with President Obama, but to praise him on many of his policies. Many voters, with the help of the mainstream media, believe Chris Christie is a leading candidate for president in 2016. After watching the event, I am more wary of Christie than ever before. He gave refreshingly blunt responses on some topics Thursday night that are not getting any attention in the media — refreshing not because they were right, but because they give us a clear look at why we should be wary of Christie or any other duopoly candidate in 2016.
Indeed, the only response getting any airplay is his attack on libertarian ideology.
From Politico: “This strain of libertarianism that’s going through parties right now and making big headlines I think is a very dangerous thought. These esoteric, intellectual debates — I want them to come to New Jersey and sit across from the widows and the orphans and have that conversation. And they won’t, because that’s a much tougher conversation to have. “
Christie specifically called out Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) in his comments. Paul responded in Politico today: ““If Gov. Christie believes the constitutional rights and the privacy of all Americans is ‘esoteric,’ he either needs a new dictionary, or he needs to talk to more Americans, because a great number of them are concerned about the dramatic overreach of our government in recent years. Defending America and fighting terrorism is the concern of all Americans, especially Sen. Paul. But it can and must be done in keeping with our Constitution and while protecting the freedoms that make America exceptional. Christie worries about the dangers of freedom. I worry about the danger of losing that freedom. Spying without warrants is unconstitutional. ”
Christie also offered this gem as regarding how bipartisan politics should work: “This president didn't try early enough ... you didn't try to get to know John Boehner until he becomes speaker. Well, you know what? That's a problem cuz when he becomes speaker, he ain't looking to be your friend because you weren't looking to be his when you didn't need him.”
What is this,third grade? “Oh, now you wanna be my friend? Too bad buddy. I have power now, and I’m gonna screw you with it.” That, folks, is the mentality of John Boehner and every other mainstream politician in this country, even Chris Christie. That mentality is a substantial part of the problem in politics today.
And in the most shocking quote for me personally? When asked if representatives vote to represent their district or to win a primary election, Christie replied:
“That depends on whether you are in a swing district or safe district...the ones in a safe district...in the main are voting to win the primary. There is an atmosphere that's been created in both parties that discourages working across the aisle...One of the things that is key...is the gerrymandering Congress. No longer do Republicans or Democrats, um, in the main, in the 435 districts have to worry about losing a general election. All they have to do is worry about, you know, getting through the primary. So, as a result, you will be attacked in the primary if you turn out to be someone who wants to work with the other side on any issue."
Wow — talk about brutal honesty! No wonder the media doesn’t want to cover the rest of these quotes! He cut the legs off both parties! Libertarians have been screaming for years that you don’t get to elect your representatives, and that elections are predetermined. Here, Christie admits that to be true for all but a few swing districts in each election! For those that would blame one party or another, he clearly states that one of the two main parties is virtually guaranteed a win. This is bipartisan politics at its worst, in which the two parties are working together to make sure that your concerns are not represented on Capitol Hill.
Finally, in concluding his barrage on third parties and voters in general, Christie foreshadowed what his administration might look like in 2016. “President Obama has done nothing to change the policies of the Bush administration in the war on terrorism. And I mean practically nothing,” he said. “And you know why? Cause they work”
Christie admits that with regard to foreign policy and civil liberties, that Democrats and Republicans are one and the same on the Hill, and he’s happy about it. Those policies are about to lead us into more conflicts around the globe and are furthering the anti-American sentiment that is so dominant in the Middle East.
When you start seeing Christie’s campaign advertisements in your state promising that he will produce change in Washington, remember this story. Chris Christie agrees with politics as usual and will make no efforts to change anything for the betterment of Americans. Shame on you Chris Christie — and shame on those of us who ignore his comments.
