Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will reportedly enter the race for the 2024 Republican nomination next week. Lots of Republicans and conservatives are wondering why Christie is bothering with this run. Has he become more popular since 2016?
Axios reports:
Scoop: Chris Christie to announce GOP presidential campaign next weekFormer New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is expected to announce his 2024 Republican candidacy for president next Tuesday in New Hampshire, Axios has learned.Why it matters: Christie, 60, is a former close Trump ally who now calls the former president a “coward” and “puppet of Putin.” He gives traditional Republicans a horse — but seems to have a narrow market in today’s GOP.Driving the news: Christie is expected to make the announcement at a town hall at Saint Anselm College at 6:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday.Here’s what to expect from a Christie candidacy, per his team:
- Being joyful and hitting a more hopeful note aimed at America’s “exhausted majority.”
- Being authentic — a happy warrior who speaks his mind, takes risks and is happy to punch Donald Trump in the nose. Christie’s recent interviews and New Hampshire town halls aim to recapture the brio of his 2009 governor’s race.
- Running a national race — “a non-traditional campaign that is highly focused on earned media, mixing it up in the news cycle and engaging Trump,” an adviser said. “Will not be geographic dependent, but nimble.”
Christie has at least one supporter. Geraldo Rivera of FOX News seems pretty excited about the news:
Joe Cunningham of RedState says what many people are thinking:
One of the arguments is that Christie can be a fighter and beat Trump by going toe-to-toe with him, which might be true, except Christie tried that seven years ago and failed so horribly he started working for Trump. And, sure, he talks a great anti-Trump game now, but there’s a difference between the red-meat-throwing, speak-your-mind stylings of Christie and the outright mud-slinging fight that is sparring with Trump. Christe lost that fight before and he’d lose again.
In keeping with the subject of people who probably shouldn’t bother running, former Vice President Mike Pence is apparently planning to get into the race.
The Messenger reports:
Former Vice President Mike Pence to Launch Campaign for White House Within 2 Weeks (Exclusive)Former Vice President Mike Pence is set to launch his run for the White House against his old boss, former President Donald Trump, within the coming two weeks, four sources familiar with the planning told The Messenger.The Georgia Republican Party may have tipped Pence’s hand Wednesday in an email explaining he could no longer deliver the keynote address at a June 9th event. Pence would make “an announcement regarding his future plans” at a televised town hall, the email said. The Georgia GOP did not specify which town hall, but Pence is scheduled to headline a CNN town hall in Des Moines, Iowa on June 7, his 64th birthday.Four Republicans familiar with the plans say Pence and his team started ramping up their outreach two weeks ago, telling supporters that the launch was imminent and would take place in mid-June.
Pence is a decent man, but what’s the point? No one on the left is going to support Pence and lots of people on the right will pass him over too, especially if they’re fans of Trump.
It’s going to be a fascinating GOP primary, that’s for sure.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY