Chris Christie Needs a Prayer

His Personality and Politics

Chris Christie is nothing if not blunt. Running on the platform of telling the truth, it seems as if the only fact Christie cannot swallow is that he does not have a prayer.

The experienced Governor of New Jersey has been anything but reserved during his time in office. With a penchant for sound bites, Christie is charismatic and quick-witted. A talented speaker and debater, he shines in uncontrolled environments, deftly answering one tough question after the next. This on-your-toes style sets him apart from a field of less prepared, experienced, and informed candidates.

Christie is astoundingly moderate in a field of hyperpolarized hooligans (on both sides). His only rival for the moderate crown is George Pataki. In this respect, he should be pegged as a long-shot, hyperbolic alternative to Jeb Bush.

His History

Unfortunately for Christie, his free-wheeling, gun-slinging, pugnacious attitude caused him to peak too soon. Had the presidential election occurred in 2013, Christie might have not only stood a chance but could have been the favorite to take the Oval Office. Christie peaked after handling Hurricane Sandy with grace and winning the gubernatorial election by a landslide. Republicans hailed his ability to achieve reelection as a red candidate in a blue state, hoping he could take this success to the national stage. Democrats appreciated his pragmatism and chutzpah, valuing his willingness to spurn politics and give President Obama a hug for the disaster relief his state received. That hug was the start of the end.

As time rolled on, Christie’s personality came back to bite him. With more time to trip, he fell. At one point just prior to the 2012 Republican National Convention, his net favorability was through the roof. Polling astoundingly well with Republicans, Democrats and Independents, the perception of Christie being the ideal politician was short lived.

Bridgegate destroyed his report with the public and ultimately his electability. Although never proven guilty, most assume that for political payback against a mayor that did not support his re-election campaign, Christie told his staff to close lanes near the George Washington Bridge with the intent of backing up traffic. Voters don’t trust politicians simply based on the profession, but when you give them a reason to be dubious, you have no shot.

Best Case Scenario

The first stage of primary season fits Christie’s talents perfectly. In the preliminary stages of weeding out candidates, one-on-one interactions are plentiful allowing personable and sharp candidates to shine. If Christie kills it with voters in Iowa and New Hampshire, he may be able to gain back some momentum. If everything goes perfectly, then Christie will also need to have a stellar performance in the debates. After all the if’s, he’d still need some help, and must cross his fingers that his opponents stumble dramatically.

An Overlooked Factor

After Bridgegate, Christie lost the vast majority of his donors. Without anywhere near the funds of his rivals, Christie has no shot.

In Conclusion

Christie doesn’t have a prayer. He announced his candidacy too late losing a much-needed edge in momentum and funding to his rivals. He’s too moderate to make it past any type of Republican primary. Once viewed as pugnacious in a positive light, the public now sees Christie as a dishonest and uncompromising bully. Essentially, Christie is the least liked candidate in the field, and if people don’t like you, they won’t vote for you. It’s that simple.