But It's The Only Thing

I am glad Jim Antle has drawn our attention to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's comments to Rich Lowry about his immediate political future. The long and short of which are Christie knows he could beat President Obama in 2012 but doesn't think he's ready for the job.

Now one could praise Christie for the kind of candor for which he has become so well known. Yet I think Christie unnecessarily backs himself into a corner. If in three months time, Christie decides to seek the GOP nomination then it will beg the question how in ninety days did he suddenly become ready for the highest office in the land. Now I'm sure if anyone could come up with a sound explanation for such an about face it would be Christie. Yet any Republican who wants to be President in 2012 would be daft not to pounce on Christie.

But let's assume for a moment that Christie wins the Republican nomination despite this criticism. He might not be so fortunate in the general election. Instead of President Obama's competence and performance being at issue the spotlight will shine brightest on Christie's admitted lack of readiness. President Obama might be in over his head but he would never, ever under any circumstances admit to not being ready to be President of the United States. In fact, one could easily see Obama saying, "I was born ready."

What troubles me most about Christie's comments is that not only is he telling us he isn't ready to be President of the United States but that he isn't ready to stop Barack Obama from fundamentally transforming our country beyond recognition. If in his heart of hearts Christie knows he can defeat Obama in 2012 then it is his duty to do so. With the stakes being so high winning isn't everything but it's the only thing. But if Christie is in fact genuinely not ready for the Oval Office then he would have been wise to have kept that to himself.