Forget the acceptance speech. If you want an example of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s imposing political IQ, watch the nine-minute impromptu speech he delivered in Sea Bright a few days before the election. The impeccable populist instincts that make Christie such a formidable politician were all in play — authenticity, empathy, combativeness.
It’s the latter that is the most widely discussed aspect of Christie’s political persona. It involves the gruff New York-area politico with the disposition of a Teamster. This is a guy who will look you in the eyes when he calls you on your BS. It’s the guy who reacts to Warren Buffett’s pleas for higher tax rates by saying, “Yeah, well, he should just write a check and shut up.” It’s the guy who tells a pestering liberal law student that he’s an “idiot.” (“I mean, damn, man, I’m governor. Could you shut up for a minute?”) The guy who calls a former White House doctor, the one who suggested that he lose weight, a “hack” and, yes, tells her to just “shut up.”
Christie wants a lot of people to shut up. The right people, usually.
Will the bluntness work on the national stage? That’s the question a lot of people are asking. When he runs for president, will the average Minnesotan or Coloradan find this character refreshing? Boorish? Exotic?
Growing up in the NYC area, I am certainly familiar with the Christie type. And those with a similar upbringing will also recognize the cadence, the mannerisms and demeanor. Christie is the counter guy at the local deli who acts as if he’s doing you a favor — “Hey, guy, what do you need?” He’s busy. He’s got important things to do — or at least a lot more important than whatever you’re whining about. Attack is his default position when challenged.
Via: Human Events
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