New Jersey Governor Chris Christie might be invited to speak at the next Water Buffalo Lodge meeting, but not at this year′s CPAC convention. The Conservation Political Action Committee has decided that he is not their cup of cactus tea! Perhaps some people are still fuming over Gov. Christie giving Barack Obama a nice photo-op following Hurricane Sandy? Given that exit poll data does suggest that a significant number of undecided voters did opt for Obama following the super-storm, critics of Christie might be correct in that he helped reelect Obama. CPAC is extending speaker invitations to such notable figures as Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin, Gov. Bobby Jindal, Senators Marco Rubio, Rand Paul and Ted Cruz and Representative Paul Ryan. Even Jeb Bush and Rick Santorum are invited to speak at CPAC.
Gov. Christie currently has a 74% approval rating in the State of New Jersey. Many devotees of him, such as Ann Coulter, think him to be extremely electable should he run for president in 2016. He so far appears to be a shoe-in to win reelection in 2014 to serve another term as governor for the Garden State. So why the snub by CPAC?
When first taking office, Gov. Christie won much acclaim for his battles against public employee unions, in particular the teacher unions. Taxes on businesses were reduced and job creation improved. He also has a good record on being Pro-Life. But like too many politicians these days, Gov. Christie seems to be working more at being a celebrity. He goes on Letterman to perform feats of magic, such as making donuts disappear.
A good many Conservatives have adopted the position that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is really a RINO, a Republican In Name Only. So it is fitting that CPAC would not invite him to speak at their upcoming convention. His shameless sucking up to Barack Obama helped expand this notion, as well as more recent criticisms over gun control and scolding House Republicans in Washington for delaying the pork-filled Sandy Relief bill. Of course, 2016 is still a ways off, and plenty can happen in time for Gov. Christie to mend fences and be back in good graces with Conservatives.
February 26th, 2013 at 9:58 am
The post-Sandy photo op is exactly the reason why is was snubbed I think. I’m still mad at him for that.
February 26th, 2013 at 10:32 am
Did the photo op help New Jersey get federal funding for Sandy? Maybe I am wrong but that photo work helped Obama but not New Jersey. The Republicans would rather look cool than do their job.
February 26th, 2013 at 11:08 am
I’m too mad at him.
As much as I hate Obama if my folks were devastated like the victims of Sandy I’d kiss the ass with the bucks I need. Screw politics.
Christie went thru this crap with Doocy at FOX.
Cut the man some slack.I dare any of you to go thru what Jersey residents went thru and not ask the prez to do what he can.
Obama came thru for Christie and Christie praised him, as I would of also.
Even though I still hate Obamas fckin guts I cant take partisan hackery to the point I’d let those I care about suffer.
Christie is still a shining example of what the right needs to sound a little more like a lot more often.
We saw this kind of crap during Katrina where Nagin and Blanco didnt know their ass from a hole in the ground or what disaster protocols entailed and blamed Bush for every little thing under the sun.
That back n forth bullsht did the folks in New Orleans no good whatsoever.
I would shake Obamas hand in front of the world if thats what it took to feed my family.
Besides, I’m pretty sure the talent required to perform the tasks Christie requested where the results of Obamas talent as a community organizer and not that of a leader or president.
Obamas very good at directing money to those he feels need it.
So in times of disaster why not take advantage of one of his very few talents ?
February 26th, 2013 at 11:09 am
Sorry.. shoulda said “I’m not too mad at him”
February 26th, 2013 at 1:03 pm
Christie could win, but won’t pass the multitude of litmus tests that are now a requirement during the GOP primaries.
Even his weight could work in his favor since over half the U.S. is obese.
He has a lot of charisma and male voters do vote for guys they “want to have a beer with” (or six or twelve). He will have to watch that temper, however; especially with the press. You know what they say about picking a fight with people that buy ink by the barrel.
I can see where Cruz will be a hit at that convention since he thinks we are being infiltrated by communists, but Jindal? He has been calling them “stupid” since the end of the election. Not inviting Christie seems a little petty, but who knows if it is even in his best interest to even attend if he has an eye on the White House.
So were the Republicans in the House punishing Christie by withholding funds or did they simply not see the point in awarding money to many of the victims of Hurricane Sandy because they happened to live in solidly blue states?
February 26th, 2013 at 1:20 pm
Speaking of grudges, I see where the GOP has relented and will approve Hagel.
I suppose it was necessary to “shame” him before approving his appointment.
Much like all of the states are now doing to anyone that wants an abortion.
You can have one, but you must be shamed first.
February 26th, 2013 at 2:02 pm
Shame, huh Buzz ?
I doubt it.
All the right can really do at this point is raise issues of concern so that when we all end up glowing green we can say “we toldja so” !
Or, maybe his approval was in trade for Barry cutting farm subsidies.
Who needs ethanol or any fuel when you’ve become your own little reactor
February 26th, 2013 at 2:04 pm
“So were the Republicans in the House punishing Christie by withholding funds or did they simply not see the point in awarding money to many of the victims of Hurricane Sandy because they happened to live in solidly blue states?”
“Solid blue state” elected Christie ?
Huh ?
February 26th, 2013 at 2:23 pm
Hurricane Sandy. New York, New Jersey, historically blue in national elections.
February 26th, 2013 at 3:02 pm
Hard to raise the bar on Hagel when the POTUS got in with no credentials at all.
February 26th, 2013 at 5:31 pm
“Hurricane Sandy. New York, New Jersey, historically blue in national elections.”
Another one gets past Buzz,while he inserts the exception “national elections.
Last time I checked national elections didnt produce governors.
Buzz… they cant be all that blue if they voted for one of the republicans liberals hate the most.
Hawaii, very blue, 2002 elected Hawaiis first Republican Governor Linda Lingle to two terms.
Also voted for Kerry and Gore.
February 26th, 2013 at 7:43 pm
Of course national elections. Considering the subject matter I didn’t think I had to point that out or did you assume from the context of what I wrote that I didn’t realize Christie was a Republican.
Does that make sense to you?
I can never understand what your objective is in most cases.
February 26th, 2013 at 8:59 pm
“Of course national elections.”
Only on your golf “course”.
National elections do not determine who is elected as a states governor.
You first said; “So were the Republicans in the House punishing Christie by withholding funds or did they simply not see the point in awarding money to many of the victims of Hurricane Sandy because they happened to live in solidly blue states?”
Obviously the states are not as “solidly blue” as you claim.
Because the people in that state elected a republican governor.
Soooooooooo… your point is wrong.
But, upon my questioning the prevalent ideology of that state you decided to try and enlighten me by saying; “Hurricane Sandy. New York, New Jersey, historically blue in national elections.”
I, returned with an actual relevant and true enlightenment for you by correcting your error of using “national elections” as some attempt to ground your flawed claim that republicans were punishing blue people when obviously it was red ones that elected Christie.
I doubt that republicans were punishing the majority of red people who voted for Christie in a state election because the majority of the state voted blue in a national election.
It makes no sense for the house to alienate a significant republican majority in is what is obviously not a blue state, but purple.
If Jersey is as blue as you claim, obviously a good chunk of blue people voted red in their gubernatorial election.
Christies being elected has nothing to do with national elections.
So, dont get all indignant and tell me you dont know what my objective is when its you whos objective is skewed by your inaccuracies.
Got it ?
February 27th, 2013 at 7:29 am
For once, Micky, I have to disagree with you. The only reason Christie is the flavor of the month for ‘big tent’, ‘moderate’ GOP potential candidates is because the MSM is propping him up as such. Just as they did with Mitt Romney. But once the primaries are underway and any real Conservative is deemed unelectable, the Media will destroy Christie. They’ll trot out doctors about his weight and laid off teachers whose spouses died because they lost their health insurance, etc.
This is where we are now as a nation, sad to say. We’ve seen this plot before and we’ll see it again since it apparently works.
February 27th, 2013 at 8:37 am
I give up! We are talking about different things.
What is it about golf, by the way?
You keep inferring that I must be playing with Judge Smails at Bushwood.
Because they built way too many golf courses in Michigan (most public golf courses in the country for many years) it is a game played by “regular” people.
$20 a round, including cart (for old people like me) gives me a wide range of courses and leagues are less than that.
Not the bastion of the rich you keep referencing.
Now if I lived in California or Hawaii where it is $100 a round I doubt I would be playing a few times a week.
February 27th, 2013 at 10:32 am
“For once, Micky, I have to disagree with you. The only reason Christie is the flavor of the month for ‘big tent’, ‘moderate’ GOP potential candidates is because the MSM is propping him up as such.”
I dont know Andy, I think thats what the media would like to have us believe.
I just cant be too hard on the guy for doing what he had to do.
As far as his future potential goes, if he doesnt fit the image the medias trying to hand us, they will destroy him.
Its a thin line.
He’ll either be revered for putting the media in its place as hes done many times and prevail as a hero, a champion of rejecting PC and politics as usual.
Or as you said will be destroyed by the media.
The first dynamic in that scenario would be for him to actually announce his candidacy for president.
I actually dont think he’ll run.
Assuming I’m half as smart as he is I’d wanna lose 300 lbs. before ever considering one of the most demanding jobs on the planet.
I’d also consider where I’d be most effective as a governor or a president.
If I were him I’d only run if in a couple years the GOP still hasnt produced a viable candidate and the country is looking at certain catastrophic collapse in all areas.
If he does run, and is subjected to the same MSM plot thaat nailed Romney,he’ll react with bigger balls than Romney had.
He’ll probably sound more like Dr. Benjamin Carson instead of what heard right after Sandy.
Conservatives loved this man to death until he whored himself to the prez.
But, like I said, if my family were homeless, hungry and cold I’d do the same thing too.
Christie doesnt care what people think.
Those who are in certain groups thinking he only sees things their way are in for some disappointment.
February 27th, 2013 at 10:49 am
Buzz, your sense of humors up your ass.
The golf thing was just play on two different kinds of courses “of course” and “golf course”, and was not the foundation of my point which is that you’ve got your elections and demographics screwed up.
My point is simply this.
Jersey is not as blue as you think.
Going forward in any conversation where Jersey would be construed as blue as you do would be a waste because they’re obviously not that blue.
Arguments around here would be more productive if folks would not set them up and start them off with inaccurate premises such as BTT at the beginning of the Ayn Rand/Atlas Shrugged thread wanting to argue inflation is only at 2.6%
The House punishing the red people in Jersey because of Christies kiss up to Barry makes no sense seeing as how its obvious Jersey has a significant amount of red voters even if they’re not republicans.
I dont how many other ways to explain this too you without sounding like Christie.
At this point he’d prolly ask you what your problem was
February 27th, 2013 at 11:05 am
“Now if I lived in California or Hawaii where it is $100 a round I doubt I would be playing a few times a week.”
Thats funny in that it reminds me how much this place has its head up its ass when it comes to commerce outside tourism.
We have no theme parks here except for Sea Life Park, kinda like Seaworld in S.D.
And of course (theres that word again) theres The Polynesian Cultural Center.
Both are geared to tourist.
For the locals…
Lots of golf courses and plain parks with maybe some monkey bars and bike paths.
So, finally, we got all excited about 20 years ago, they decided to open a theme park having a location advantageous to locals.
Were surrounded by 3000 miles of water in every direction, have the best beach’s on earth, beautiful waterfalls you can swim and cliff dive at, and what did they give us ?
A FREAKING WATER PARK
February 27th, 2013 at 11:51 am
As part of my business they keep asking me to fly to Hawaii to meet with doctors (some of the highest margins in the country for medicine and equipment if people are injured on the job), but I always refuse.
Perhaps if I was younger, but spending countless hours on a plane and then dropping a few thousand (the doctors insist on doing business at $200 a round golf courses on my dime) for three days simply doesn’t seem like a good idea.
Much like California, I don’t know how anyone can afford to live in these places. I spend a lot of time in LA and you have to make $100,000 a year to be “middle-class”.
Heck, ever since the real estate crash you can buy a beautiful condo in Michigan for $50,000 and a house in Grosse Pointe for $80,000 (it isn’t all mansions, much of it is very affordable). What does that get you in California? A shoe box?
I am currently hiring a few medical writers and I was initially advertising at schools in California. My partner made a good point, hire people from Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas and Alabama and we can pay them 70% less. You can buy real estate in Tennessee or Kentucky for a song and have minimal energy costs (little need for heat and low electricity costs, no wonder all of the factories are now moving to the South).
You wouldn’t believe the resumes I have received for the job as a part-time medical writer. For example, the first resume; a microbiology degree and he is working at McDonald’s as a manager after a stint at the Dairy Queen. I feel bad for people in their late 20’s and early 30’s, they simply cannot get a good job, much less have a career (that may be a thing of the past). It is even worse because most of them grew up in rather affluent times and it must seem like the rug was pulled out from underneath them.
Maybe when us baby boomers finally amble out of the job market they can gain a foothold. Of course I know a lot of highly educated and/or skilled baby boomers looking for work, but they have finally realized they will probably never work again. Want to find a guy with an MBA? Simply go to your local Home Depot and he will cut you some carpet. Many of them are now cashing in on early Social Security at 62, while the wives work as assistants at doctor’s offices (not exactly a high paying gig).
February 27th, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Congressional Republicans have a 19% approval rating. If you poll only registered Republicans this jumps all the way to 41%. Christie has around a 75% approval rating.
Seems a snub from the GOP can only help him at this point.
February 27th, 2013 at 3:46 pm
Christie is toast in the GOP. Prolly switch parties at some point.
February 27th, 2013 at 4:00 pm
Of course Christie is toast in the GOP.
Why?
Because he is a viable candidate?
I have to admire one thing about him. He just led the battle to make online gambling legal in New Jersey.
It is about time. Online poker has been inexplicably illegal for the last few years in the United States. How childish.
It was probably made illegal in the first place as a payoff to the casinos. It will eventually become legal in all of the states, but it will now be owned by Harrah’s and Caesar’s and not some offshore upstart.
February 27th, 2013 at 4:23 pm
Well no, Buzz. There are severe restrictions on gambling in almost every state no matter the form. It’s a product of our Puritan roots, part of our extraordinary American culture which liberals often have a difficult time grasping. Just imagine that sometimes, just occasionally, governments actually try doing things to help people.
February 27th, 2013 at 4:30 pm
I dont gamble, I’m not smart enough.
February 28th, 2013 at 7:28 am
Funny, it was Harry Reid who pushed and got passed the federal bans on online gambling. Namely to protect his casino pals in Nevada.
February 28th, 2013 at 7:33 am
Hey Buzz,
Where are you playing golf, with a cart rental, for $20??? Belle Isle? Back 20 years ago when I was an active golfer, I was paying more than that to play at places like Plum Creek or even Stoney Creek, which are nice but not exactly PGA-quality. A round of golf with a cart at a halfway decent course ran at least $75.
February 28th, 2013 at 8:47 pm
Go to any list of Detroit area courses and look at senior rates.
I played a different place every Friday afternoon at great courses and we never paid more than $27.
Or simply go to Golfnow .com and you will see standard rates and then do the senior discount.
Golf had to get cheaper. They simply over built and not as many people play anymore. A lot of people started when Tiger hit the scene, but they discovered the game is simply hard to learn.
Heck, the most expensive place in the area, Shepard’s Hollow, is only $75 and can be had for $40 for twilight.
We even went up North to Harbor Springs and the courses that used to be $160 can now be had for $50.
League golf is about $12-$15 at most places.
Inflation? Not in the golf world.
March 3rd, 2013 at 1:36 am
Buzz, why don’t liberals play real athletic sports? Golf…. really?
March 3rd, 2013 at 8:53 am
“We even went up North to Harbor Springs and the courses that used to be $160 can now be had for $50.”
Soooo… the wealthy are now not so wealthy ?
Maybe what used to be an elitist club is now having to open its doors to everyone because of inflated operating costs ?
When a hotel gives out the Presidential Suite for 20 bucks a night it snot a good sign for business
March 3rd, 2013 at 8:55 am
I gave up on golf. I had a good short game but my long game sucked. I can hit the ball straight but not very far. My pitch and putting were very good. Within 50 yards of the hole, I can put the ball within a few feet. But I stink at driving. Think my best was maybe 125 yards.
March 3rd, 2013 at 4:07 pm
Andy, you know the old saying. Drive for show and putt for dough.
In Tiger Wood’s case it was drive for ho’ and putt for blow.