Report: Chris Christie to keynote GOP convention

[MADem]

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie reportedly has been tapped to give the keynote address at the Republican National Convention next month in Tampa, according to NBC News.

Kyle Downey, a convention spokesman, said nothing has been finalized. Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul said "stay tuned" on MSNBC this afternoon.

Christie, a popular governor who decided against running for president, is a frequent surrogate for Mitt Romney. ...While Christie has been frequently mentioned as a possible Romney running mate, he has said repeatedly that he is not interested in being vice president.

Christie, 49, was first elected in 2009 after a stint as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey. He is known for his sometimes blunt speaking style and has won plaudits within the Republican Party for dealing with the state's fiscal issues.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2012/07/chris-christie-keynote-speaker-gop-convention-/1?csp=obinsite#.UAq7h7TY-DY

[surrealAmerican]

1. He's a great choice for them.

His speaking "style" will serve to remind viewers that they are indeed a party of and for assholes.

[MADem]

2. He's a "Big Draw" -- and I don't mean that snarkily -- on a national level.

From what I understand, his abrasive style has worn a bit thin in NJ, but his national audience--even those who don't particularly like the guy--have not yet tired of him. Thus far, to those who aren't paying attention, he's a "No bullshit" type who stands out in a sea of people who parse and backtrack.

Of course, that might not be so good for parsing and backtracking Mittsy...might point out the vast difference in their willingness to confront issues, even if they are both on the wrong side of the political fence.

[HopeHoops]

3. Man. That's going to cost them a FORTUNE in doughnuts.

[MADem]

4. The Bain group is heavily invested in Dunkin Donuts, which is why I don't buy them.

Aside from the fact that they taste like hydrogenated crap, that is.

I'm sure the Bain boys will keep crispy Christie in good nick for breakfast and snack time!


A very recent Bain/Dunkin story, with a video attachment: http://cumberlink.com/news/local/group-protests-outside-dunkin-donuts-in-carlisle-with-video/article_d3c0d774-d28c-11e1-a6d5-0019bb2963f4.html

More than 200 people wearing donut-shaped headgear rallied for an increase in the federal minimum wage Friday outside the Dunkin’ Donuts on High Street in Carlisle.
The rally, in which local police kept watch close by, also turned into a referendum against presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who is a former president and CEO of Bain Capital, which owns Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin-Robbins, Michael’s and other franchises across the country.
Demonstrators said Bain Capital has a practice of paying its employees $7.25 an hour, the federal minimum wage. They said the wage should be increased to $10.55, which would be the rate now if adjusted for inflation.
“They say it’s time to make the donuts, we say it’s time workers made more dough,” said registered nurse and rally spokeswoman Kim Klinger. “Unlike these pastries, the federal minimum wage hasn’t risen since 2007. This means, in America, you can work 40 hours a week and still live in poverty and that’s not right.”

[HopeHoops]

5. Um. They ARE hydrogenated crap.

[yortsed snacilbuper]

6. He'd make a good example of someone that needs,

affordable health care?

He looks sickly!

[MADem]

7. He certainly does--but the people of his state are paying his freight! nt

[Hippo_Tron]

8. The guy is a good speaker and debater

No, he's not the second coming of Christ that the GOP thinks he is, and when he does run for President they will start to realize that once his baggage sees the light of day. But he's been a rather effective surrogate for Rmoney and he's very good at getting the press to like him.

[MADem]

11. He is engaging--for a certain segment. I think his "schtick" gets tiresome after awhile, but

he hasn't had enough exposure on the national stage for people to get bored or annoyed with the "bully" persona...at least not yet.

[davidpdx]

9. He's the perfect person to yell

"shut the fuck up and sit down" to all the Paul people.

[MADem]

10. Bwahahahahaha!!!!

That's hilarious!


And probably true, too!

[tilsammans]

12. "Christie, a popular governor . . . "?

I don't think so.

Outside of NJ, maybe. Inside, not so much.

[MADem]

13. Precisely--he appeals on a national scale to those who don't know him day-to-day.

Now I'm waiting for snarky comments about how he'd need a "national scale!"

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

15. popular with the beltway media and cable pundits

His approval in NJ is fair to middling, at best.

And, like Letterman says, he's always funnier with fat guy music:
http://www.politico.com/multimedia/video/2012/07/letterman-pokes-fun-at-christies-weight.html

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

14. Breaking: Crews draw up new blueprints to reinforce RNC stage

Shipments of titanium headed to Tampa

[MADem]

16. Ouch!

If they do that big circle in the middle with the long catwalk, like they did for the last Bush festival, that whole visual could be problematic.