They want him badly, but can his body withstand the election or the job?
Watching the current slate of republicans running for office, there is no clear front-runner or shining star that stands out for the republican party. The great hope is that Governor Christie, the reformer of NJ will run. They have been using him for fund-raising, wining and dining him and major contributors are asking him to run, since there is no clear unifier as a candidate for president with the current people who want to be president.
Christie, as any NJ resident will tell you, takes no prisoners while pushing his agenda, but he also knows when to negotiate to get a job done. He is rough around the edges, will take anyone to the mat on political issues until he gets what he wants. Another reason he is liked is that he does not try to placate the tea party, which has left the republicans in disarray, which is unlike the other candidates. He also has managed to reform some of NJ’s worst abuses, cancelled the tunnel to NY, which possibly could have been a huge money pit, deeper than the experts suggested.
He does not fit the classic mold of the successful presidential candidate though. Many of us have the vision of the handsome candidate, with charisma who is physically fit. Many of us also have visions of presidents, such as Clinton who would go for his daily run surrounded by security agents as they stay in shape to handle the rigors of the office.
Christie, on the other hand, can likely barely run a block. Looking at the picture above, he is knock knees (his has to get knee and shin pain), is built asymmetrically, which will create back and neck pain and this has to take a toll on his ability to function as a governor (something, many NJ folks are overall happy with). He has also had some health scares as well such as the asthma issue last July (being overweight like this can affect breathing).
Imagine, for a moment if he ran, survived the grueling campaign and then won. Being president is a tough job and you do need to be both physically and mentally capable, at all times during your four years. Should they hire Richard Simmons to take the weight off and whip him in shape? How about the crew from the biggest looser, who has a track record for doing this? A thinner, leaner meaner Christie? Now that is food for thought. Of course, he has some body style issues, but less weight on this frame can enable him to succeed at running for the presidency.
Of course, he has not agreed to run, but one never knows, does one. If he does, it should make a compelling election.
What do you think? Please feel free to leave your comments.
politicalpostures 