Steering Clear Of Big Issues, Christie Claims Victory On Sunday Talk Shows

[DonViejo]

CAITLIN MACNEAL – NOVEMBER 10, 2013, 4:57 PM EST

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) went on four morning talk shows on Sunday to tout his sweeping re-election victory as a model for the Republican Party nationwide, but the prospective 2016 presidential contender carefully refrained from staking a position on contentious issues such as immigration reform and deliberations over Iran's nuclear program.

Throughout the morning, Christie left the door open for a 2016 presidential run while making it clear that governing New Jersey is his focus right now. When asked if his victory would be a boost in a key primary state like Iowa, Christie dismissed the idea that he was laying the groundwork for a future presidential run.

"I'm playing in New Jersey, and that's what I care about," Christie said on ABC’s "This Week."

He was sure to leave his options open, however.

“Who knows?" Christie said when asked by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos if he would complete an entire second term as governor. "Nobody can make those predictions."

full article
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/christie-victory-lap

[Sedona]

1. 38% turn out = 23% of New Jersians voted for him

BFD

[vi5]

2. God the whole "Christie as moderate" thing sickens me.

It sickens me on one hand because nobody in the media bothers to ask on what position he's a moderate on (the answer: none).

It sickens me on the other hand because the only reason he's gotten bipartisan cover is because we've reached the point where far too many modern, third way, DLC Democrats (most of the people in leadership positions) agree with him on some reprehensible positions, which gives him "bipartisan" cover.

The fact is that what he's made sure to do is to play down the focus on the things he hates that democrats and a majority of Americans still claim to be in favor of (abortion rights, gay rights, etc.) and plays up the things that he hates that far too many "new democrats" (again far too many leaders of the democratic party) also hate (unions, taxes, regulation, public schools/teachers).

It's not that he's a "moderate" as much as it is yet another example that far too many elected Democrats have gone far too right and bought into Republican framing and positions on too many issues.