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You are here: Home / Open Threads / No One Feels Sorry For Chris Christie

No One Feels Sorry For Chris Christie

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Governor Chris Christie is embarrassed and humiliated about this whole Fort Lee/George Washington Bridge scandal. It’s nice that he finally admitted it.

But it’s hard to give someone the benefit of the doubt when, well…you’re a dick. A huge arrogant, bullying dick. Like we’re talking the ruling Dicktator of Dickistan kind of dick.

On today’s show #TeamBlackness discusses how Christie’s handling of this scandal will hurt and possibly help him. Also on today’s #TWiBRadio: the aging powers of racism (27:09) whether it’s legal to take away a two year old for cursing on camera (55:06), atomic wedgies, and we read reviews for Feedback Thursdays.

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The Morning Crew discusses Chris Christie’s dicey situation (17:40), the tale of the Iron Casket (26:20), Obama’s very close to freeing Mumia (31:09), and why Washington DC isn’t a state yet (39:43).

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Reader Interactions

82Comments

  2. 2.

    lamh36

    Fort Lee Mayor Accepts Christie’s Apology: ‘I’m Glad He Came’

    Even though Sokolich said that he did not want Christie to come to Fort Lee for an apology, Christie insisted and Sokolich said he was glad the governor stopped by.

    “I’m glad he came,” Sokolich said after meeting with the governor. “I indicated maybe it wouldn’t be productive to come up now. It wasn’t to be disrespectful. It was just, would it make more sense to do it when the investigation is completed? The governor insisted, and we would certainly welcome our governor with open arms, as we did.”..

    Sokolich said that he believes Christie’s claims that he did not know about his aides’ plans to shut down lanes on the bridge.

    “I take him for his word, which is, he didn’t have anything to do with it,” Sokolich said.

  4. 4.

    JPL

    I am not a bully, Christie, didn’t shed a tear for the misery caused to residents of Ft. Lee. I was surprised. The speech went as expected but a tear would have helped.

  5. 5.

    EconWatcher

    @lamh36:

    This costs Sokolich nothing. If evidence later emerges that Christie was involved, he can sink the knife in even deeper: “That man looked me in the eye and lied to me…..”

  6. 6.

    Amir Khalid

    Most of us might not feel sorry for Chris Christie, but Chris Christie certainly does. And that’s undeniably a lot of someone.

  9. 9.

    ranchandsyrup

    The law enforcement contingency on my FB feed went nuts this morning about Obama nominating Debo P. Adegbile, who has worked tirelessly to free Mumia, to head DOJ Civil rights division.

  12. 12.

    cathyx

    David Widstein, who was the director of the NJ NY Port Authority and quit before being fired, said he would testify if given immunity by NY, NJ, and the Federal Justice Departments.

  13. 13.

    Violet

    Mayor Sokolich on CNN. Said he made it clear it wasn’t going to be a photo op. Said Christie was gracious and sincere but they believe there are more issues.

    Wolf asks, “Do you believe him?”
    Moment’s hesitation.
    Sokolich: “I take him at his word.”

    Hope’s it the beginning of a trusting relationship without the fear of retribution in the future. I bet that was on the table for discussion.

  14. 14.

    Cacti

    @cathyx:

    David Widstein, who was the director of the NJ NY Port Authority and quit before being fired, said he would testify if given immunity by NY, NJ, and the Federal Justice Departments.

    He is a funny one.

    And that won’t help him re: the NJ legislature. They can offer immunity for any NJ prosecution, nothing more.

  16. 16.

    mai naem

    Okay, inquiring minds want to know. Are Megyn Kelly and Bridget Kelly related? Is that the real reason why Fox is working so hard to ignore the Chris Christie story? They could pass for sisters(Megyn and Bridget, not Christie and Megyn.)

  19. 19.

    dmsilev

    Christie pens an op-ed:

    Part of me gets, I suppose, why this whole debacle is so intriguing to people. After all, just imagine me secretly being some overcompensating, bitter, antagonistic personality with a my-way-or-the-highway demeanor and a ruthless desire for ever greater degrees of political power. I mean, sure, I see how that’s a pretty amusing and unexpected reversal: Chris Christie as a bully. I get it. But, look, let’s get serious here. People don’t just turn into completely different people overnight. I’m still the same warm, civil, reasonable, level-headed, pussycat-like guy who’s made people say for years, “Wow, that Chris Christie sure seems like a sweet, soft-spoken, not at all temperamental or vindictive person.” Nothing’s changed, folks! I’m still the same old me!

    Heck, the mere facts alone that I’ve been the Governor of New Jersey for four years now and have since become a leading member of the Republican Party should really let anyone know by now that I’m obviously a compassionate and forgiving person who treats everyone—regardless of their views —with decency and respect. So could you ever imagine me quickly losing my temper over even the smallest perceived slight and then blowing it way out of proportion? Get outta here!

  20. 20.

    Violet

    I totally love this Mayor Sokolich from Fort Lee. He’s no nonsense but completely in it for his community. Just love him.

  21. 21.

    mai naem

    @Violet: More like Christie said, “okay, dude, if you don’t go out and be genuinely accepting of my apology, there’ll be something happening to your wife in a couple of years. And then your kids in five years. Got it?”

  23. 23.

    Violet

    @mai naem: I don’t think Christie has that leverage anymore. If anything does happen to Sokolich’s family, Christie will be under suspicion.

    Sokolich still on CNN. Has reiterated that he wants to make sure there’s no retaliation or retribution for this incident. That Fort Lee is adding jobs, redeveloping, etc.

  24. 24.

    ranchandsyrup

    OT but can’t stop laughing at this:

    Jesus Christ ‏@Jesusontwittorr 3h

    Dad’s plan:
    1) Make humans
    2) Drown most
    3) Kill myself (as my son)
    4) Hide

  25. 25.

    some guy

    @Cacti:

    defender of proto-Republican Debbie Wasserman-Schulz, attacker of John Cole. who are you going to jump on next to earn the coveted Dick of the Day Award?

  26. 26.

    Cacti

    From the NY Daily News:

    In the best possible light, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie built a top staff of lying thugs who threatened lives and safety to serve his political ends.

  28. 28.

    Cacti

    @Villago Delenda Est:

    If they didn’t think the boss was okay with that sort of thing, how would they have ever thought they’d get away with it?

    Christie, at best, created the atmosphere for thug behavior to flourish.

  29. 29.

    Amir Khalid

    @Violet:
    I for one don’t think the two phrases carry quite the same shade of meaning. Sokolich saying the latter would suggest that he had a wholehearted trust in Christie’s sincerity (not likely, given the circumstances). The former seems to imply a warning, from him to Christie, that lies have consequences.

  31. 31.

    Cacti

    @some guy:

    defender of proto-Republican Debbie Wasserman-Schulz, attacker of John Cole

    Or, elected Dem for 20 years at three levels of government, vs. 2-time Dubya Bush voter.

    Hmmm…whose bona fides to trust.

  36. 36.

    Baud

    All this in-fighting after what has been a wonderful 48 hours. FSM forbid we face some actual adversity.

  38. 38.

    mai naem

    I read an interview with Sokolich when Rachel Maddow was first pushing this story. He seems like a genuinely decent hometown boy made good. I believe his dad died when he was a kid and he went to college on scholarship etc. He’s a lawyer in either a solo practice or a small practice. The mayoring thing is just a side gig that takes up a good chunk of time.

  39. 39.

    Villago Delenda Est

    More from Noismax:

    Sen. Coburn’s Cancer Could End Career

    A pity it’s not contagious, and would end the career of every last GOP senator.

  40. 40.

    Baud

    @mai naem:

    I saw him on Chris Hayes last night. I really liked him too. He says he has no higher political ambitions, but he may have made himself a star.

  42. 42.

    danielx

    From list of best tweets about Christie press conference on Rawstory.com…

    Steve Martin ✔ @SteveMartinToGo
    Follow

    However, bus stalled in traffic. RT @JoyceCarolOates: Governor Throws Aide Under Bus

    Yep, Martin has still got it.

  43. 43.

    Violet

    @Baud: He seems completely genuine, unlike Christie who seems like he’s all about how high he can climb up the ladder.

  47. 47.

    rikyrah

    Spinoff ‘Unsung Hollywood’ Lineup Includes Pam Grier, Robin Harris, Flip Wilson, ‘Cooley High,’ ‘Bill Duke’
    by Tambay A. Obenson January 9, 2014 3:50 PM

    …Unsung Hollywood episodes include:

    · WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 10 PM/ET – Pam Grier

    · WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 10PM/ET – Robin Harris

    · WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 10PM/ET – What’s Happening!!

    · WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 10PM/ET – Dick Gregory

    · WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 10PM/ET – Flip Wilson

    · WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 10PM/ET – Cooley High

    · WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 10PM/ET – Bill Duke

    · WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 10PM/ET – The Harlem Globetrotters

    http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/spinoff-unsung-hollywood-lineup-includes-pam-grier-robin-harris-flip-wilson-cooley-high-bill-duke

  48. 48.

    rikyrah

    Amiri Baraka, former N.J. poet laureate and prolific author, dead at 79
    By David Giambusso/The Star-Ledger on January 09, 2014 at 3:14 PM, updated January 09, 2014 at 3:19 PM

    NEWARK — Amiri Baraka, the longtime activist and former poet laureate of New Jersey died today, a family member confirmed. He was 79 years old.

    Baraka was placed in intensive care at Beth Israel Medical Center last
    month for an unknown reason, but a spokesman for his son’s mayoral
    campaign said his condition was improving late in December.

    Baraka had long struggled with diabetes, but it was not immediately clear what the cause of death was.

    http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2014/01/hold_hold_hold_amiri_baraka_former_nj_poet_laureate_and_prolific_author_dead_at_79.html#incart_river_default

  49. 49.

    Violet

    @danielx: Ha. I like this one:

    Ben Jacobs ✔ @Bencjacobs
    Follow

    If it’s a legitimate traffic study, the female body finds a way to shut the whole thing down

  50. 50.

    Rick Taylor

    It’s unbelievable that Christie’s telling the truth by now. The scandal had been going on for months, and all this time no one in his administration told him what was going on, and somehow he really believed there had been a traffic study, even there was none? He’s perfectly happy to play the martyr and to throw his underlings under the bus. What a contemptible human being. ““David and I were not friends in high school. We were not even acquaintances in high school.”

  53. 53.

    cathyx

    @Rick Taylor: If he doesn’t throw them under the bus then his career is over. He’s just hoping they still back him up on this and take the blame.

  56. 56.

    Hal

    I’ll go with Josh Barro’s questions:

    Here are the four big uncomfortable questions that arise from the story Chris Christie is telling today:

    How did Christie not know? There were 117 days between when the Bridgegate story broke and when the governor learned that one of his Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Bridget Kelly, had called for the lane closures. One of his close confidants whom he just selected to run the New Jersey Republican Party, Bill Stepien, is also implicated. Despite the fact that increasing national attention was being paid to this story through the fall, Christie — who has a background as an aggressive prosecutor! — had no idea some of his closest allies were involved. Why was he so oblivious? Christie has been reduced to insisting that his staff has been out to control and lying to him about what they’re doing. That’s not an ideal talking point to have to lean on.

    Why would Christie’s appointees have thought this was a good idea? Politicians survive scandals of staff misbehavior all the time. But in this instance, the misbehavior was conducted on Christie’s behalf, in order to execute a political strategy to benefit the governor. How did Christie create a culture in which his appointees in his administration and at the Port Authority would get together and assume this was something the governor would want them to do?

    Why didn’t anybody narc on Bridget Kelly? The governor says Kelly lied to him and said she had no involvement in the bridge lane closures. But Kelly wasn’t the only person who knew Kelly was involved. In August, she emailed David Wildstein, Port Authority Director of Interstate Capital Projects: “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee.” Wouldn’t Wildstein have told the governor, in the process of tendering his resignation, that Kelly had told him to do it? Bill Baroni, Christie’s top appointee at the Port Authority, was also checking in with Wildstein about whether “Trenton” was happy with the handling of the closures. Why didn’t Baroni tell the governor his staff had known?

    When did Christie really learn about his staff’s involvement? Christie described discovering the story in the Bergen Record yesterday morning after his workout. But he also said he hasn’t slept well “the last two nights” because of his soul searching. If Christie didn’t know about this story until Wednesday morning, why did it cause him to lose sleep on Tuesday night?

    http://www.businessinsider.com/four-uncomfortable-questions-from-christies-press-conference-2014-1#ixzz2pwtzpP24

  60. 60.

    Mandalay

    @Violet:

    Does “I take him at his word” really mean “I believe him”?

    No. Only politicians who are trying to slip the knife in ever use the phrase.

  61. 61.

    Baud

    John Cole ‏@Johngcole 22s

    I may need an intervention. I’m cruising petfinder for Maine Coons.

  62. 62.

    Violet

    @danielx: Yeah, the whole thing is great.

    @Mandalay: So true. That’s why people were upset when Republicans, when asked if they believed President Obama was really born in Hawaii, said, “He said he was and I take him at his word” instead of “Yes, I believe him.”

  64. 64.

    LanceThruster

    @ranchandsyrup:

    Very Funny.

    God sent God to die for God so that God could forgive God’s creations according to God’s unbending rules. ~ LanceThruster

  65. 65.

    feebog

    @Hal:

    Why didn’t anybody narc on Bridget Kelly?

    Dingdingdingding!

    If this didn’t extend right up to Christie, Wildstein and Baroni both had get out of jail free cards in the memo from Kelly to Wildstein. The fact that neither of these mooks ratted out Kelly, but instead resigned, makes it pretty clear that this came from someone higher up than Kelly and that Wildstein and Baroni knew it.

  69. 69.

    Villago Delenda Est

    @Hal:

    Good questions.

    Christie’s fingerprints are all over this thing, and his protestations that his staff was out of control are ludicrous. Wildstein who suddenly became a total stranger to Christie after a lifelong friendship, and who invoked the Fifth all afternoon in Trenton before a legislative committee, had to know that Kelly was sending him an order from the big guy when he implemented the “traffic study” plan. If Christie would not have approved of this, Wildstein is the guy who would know. This was business as usual in the Governor’s office.

  70. 70.

    catclub

    @feebog: I want to ask: So, this person who has been on your staff for five years, being a faithful member of your team, just lied to you, for the first time, ever. How do you know?

  72. 72.

    Violet

    @feebog: I cannot imagine how much it’s going to cost to buy Kelly’s silence. She’s married to, but separated from, a golf pro and has four kids. I doubt she wants to move the entire family to the Caymans or go into witness protection. Plus she’s got NJ roots:

    Kelly is the sister of a longtime Garden State emergency responder. Brother Eamon Daul is a firefighter and the EMS supervisor at New Jersey’s St. Clare’s Health Systems, records show.

    Another brother, Liam, recently landed a $70,000-a-year job as a trader in the investment division for New Jersey’s Treasury Dept.

    Kelly joined the Christie administration in 2010 as director of legislative relations, and was named in April 2013 to her $140,000-a-year gig as the governor’s deputy chief of staff.

    A mom of four, she and her golf-pro husband, Patrick, are separated, according to public records, which show the couple recently transferred their Ramsey house to Bridget’s name, with Patrick moving to another nearby address.

  73. 73.

    feebog

    @Violet:

    I know there has been a lot of speculation about payoffs, but I don’t think that is a viable option at this point. Christie is a former AG. It has already been announced that the Feds are going to investigate. That means Kelly is going to be under a lot of scrutiny. There are a lot of records that could be subject to subpoena at some point, including financial records.

    Going from a job that pays 140K to nothing with four kids and a separation from her husband might just put a tad of pressure on Mrs. Kelly. She may be the weak link. Not to mention that Christie was absolutely brutal in his comments towards her this morning.

  74. 74.

    Keith G

    Cole probably has a big old sad for his Republican Daddy man crush.

    I am sure he has no such affliction. He is not a Christy admirer.

    Even if he were…Christy is not going anywhere and still has in inside track to the nomination.

  76. 76.

    Violet

    @feebog: I agree. I think she’s going to have to make a deal. She’s got young kids to support and although her husband probably contributes financially, that’s still expensive.

  80. 80.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @mai naem:

    Are Megyn Kelly and Bridget Kelly related?

    Several years ago I wondered the same about Kelly O’Donnell and Norah O’Donnell (especially when they both worked for NBC). I guess they’re not — nor is either AFAICT related to Lawrence O’Donnell — but I was always mildly curious.

    Also too, I seem to recall that at one point there was a rumor that Tom Brokaw was having an affair with Kelly O’D. I may be misremembering, and it was a long time ago, but curious if anyone else heard about this. Superficial Googling doesn’t turn up anything, so it may be all in my lascivious head.

  81. 81.

    TriassicSands

    But it’s hard to give someone the benefit of the doubt when, well…you’re a dick.

    Elon, you need to write more carefully — keep your subjects and objects straight. Of course, if you are a dick, you won’t cut others slack, but you mean that

    you

    can’t cut someone else slack because

    he’s

    a dick.

    Based on what you wrote, I would have to assume that you are a dick. Maybe even a “huge, arrogant, bullying dick.” Please tell me that’s not what you mean.

  82. 82.

    melissa

    I just couldn’t get over the complete lack of loyalty by Christie. I am pretty sure Kelly took a bullet for him and he was too distracted trying to become the next President to know much about anything going on in his state, unless he could get face time over it. I cannot imagine EVER talking about a staff person the way he did. He looked like a petty, petulant brat with NO CLASS. He is no gentleman and that still counts. I hope this will be the end of the road for him!

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