Chris Christie is Not an Easy Mark

It is easy to write Chris Christie off as just another Conservative. His battles with teachers unions and state employees in New Jersey do not really position himself as any better in my eyes as Scott Walker and Paul LePage. Yet there is more to Christie than meets the eye. He is a large man and the late night comedians appreciate that. Anyone who underestimates Christie however does so at their own risk.

Christie does make liberals crazy. However I think we would be well to remember that he is a different type of politician. I beleive that Christie believes in what he is doing. I do not think his finger is in the wind, I do not believe he does much out of political expediency.

It is interesting to note that this morning I read an article on Chris Christie that might be the death knell in his future national public aspirations. What did Christie do to enrage the independents and the left. Well, this time, nothing. No what Christie has done is nominate an openly gay African American man to serve on the state Supreme Court. Think about what this says about Christie. He does not need to do this. The left does not expect and will not reward him for it. The right will not appreciate it and will criticize him for it. Why does he do it them. As shocking as it may seem it appears that he does it because he believes it is the right thing to do. A Conservative with this kind of attitude is rare. A Liberal with this kind of attitude is rare too for that matter.

Last fall Christie appointed a judge who was a Muslim and was criticized by those who felt that the judge would let his decisions be influenced by Sharia law. Christie rightly said he was " tired of all these crazies." and that he would do it again.

Conservatives will find alot to like in Christie ( pardon the pun ) but will the kind of heresy and independent streak he displayed here keep him from becoming a viable Presidential candidate.

Liberals will find much to dislike in Christie. They too would be wise however to remember that anybody who is more determined in doing what is right that what is politically expedient can always be someone that you can work with. Preconcieved notions might need to be left at the door.

Chris Christie bears watching.