New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie returned to the campaign trail on Sunday, campaigning for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
Speaking to a crowd of supporters in New Hampshire, the New Jersey Republican took direct aim at President Obama, whom he said is the “most pessimistic man” he has seen in the White House.
“We can no longer put up with the most pessimistic man I have ever seen in the Oval Office,” Mr. Christie bellowed to a packed gymnasium.
“See, beware, this is a warning, this is a cautionary tale, be inspired by someone who has built a life that America can be proud of, not by a Chicago ward politician,” said Mr. Christie. “I doubt he is, but I hope the president’s watching. I have a message for you Mr. President. This is the type of disoriented anger your cynicism and your division is causing in our country. Bring our country together, stop dividing it, Mr. President.”
The rally served as an opportunity for Mr. Romney to differ himself from the Democratic president. Joining Mr. Christie, Mr. Romney posed himself as a man who believes in America and its traditions, at one point quoting lines from “America the Beautiful.”
“I believe in the principles of America. I don’t believe in Europe; I believe in America,” the Republican front-runner told a packed house.
The New Jersey Republican’s appearance was marked by a protest from Occupy Wall Street demonstrators, who attempted to shout down Mr. Christie. The New Jersey governor, in what has become typical fashion, slammed the protesters, using the outburst as an opportunity to push his political agenda.
“If she wasn’t so blinded by her Barack Obama-induced anger,” Mr. Christie shouted, referencing the heckler. “She’d know that American jobs are coming back when Mitt Romney is the next president of the United States, and if she wasn’t so disorientated by the loss of hope and change, she’d understand that Mitt Romney is the hope for America’s future!”
“You know, it’s wonderful to live in a country where people are able to express their views openly. We’re happy to have you guys express your views, but next time try to do it with more courtesy,” Mr. Christie added, before the seven demonstrators were led away by police.
Mr. Christie’s latest appearance for Mr. Romney comes as polls show the Massachusetts Republican leading the Republican field in New Hampshire and South Carolina — two key states that could allow him to secure the Republican presidential nomination.
Mr. Christie, meanwhile, has increased his presence on the campaign trailing, stumping for Mr. Romney in Iowa, ahead of the Iowa caucus. The New Jersey Republican announced earlier this year that he would not seek the Republican nomination, instead saying he would seek to support the Romney campaign throughout 2012.
It remains unclear whether Mr. Romney, should he win the Republican nomination, will ask Mr. Christie to play a larger role (e.g. vice presidential candidate). However, it remains clear that the New Jersey Republican remains a force to be reckoned with within the Republican Party.
