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Republican Rescue: Saving the Party from Truth Deniers, Conspiracy Theorists, and the Dangerous Policies of Joe Biden
Enough with the infighting, the truth-denying, the wild conspiracy claims, the looking backward, and the refusal to focus on the dangerous Biden agenda. Here’s Chris Christie’s urgent guide for recapturing Republican glory and winning elections again, told with all the New Jersey frankness and news-breaking insights that have made the two-term governor and presidential candidate an indispensable voice and instant New York Times bestselling author.
As governor of New Jersey and a key Trump insider and longtime friend, Chris Christie has always been known for speaking his mind. Now that the depressing 2020 election is finally behind us, he shares his bold insights on how a battered Republican Party can soar into the future and start winning big elections again.
The wrong answers are everywhere. Dangerous conspiracy theorists. A tired establishment. Truth deniers and political cowards. In Republican Rescue , Christie reveals exactly how absurd grievances and self-inflicted wounds sabotaged Donald Trump’s many successes and allowed Democrats to capture the White House, the House, and Senate in two years—a first for the GOP since the days of Herbert Hoover. In his frank and compelling voice, Christie dissects the last year of the Trump administration—which provoked nothing but conspiracy theories and infighting—and he lays out an honest and hopeful vision, explaining how Republicans can capture the future and save America from today’s damaging Democratic excesses.
The core Republican values of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan are as relevant now as they’ve ever been, Christie writes. Opportunity for all. A strong national defense. Leaders we can all be proud of. Americans in charge of their own lives. A federal government that answers to the people—not the other way around. But these Republican ideals need to be reinvigorated with fresh clarity and open arms. Christie watched in horror as some in his beloved party embraced paranoia and explained away violence. Determined to restore the party’s integrity and success, he shows how to build a movement voters will flock to again, a Republicanism that’s blunt, smart, conservative, potent, and perfectly suited for the 21st century.
As governor of New Jersey and a key Trump insider and longtime friend, Chris Christie has always been known for speaking his mind. Now that the depressing 2020 election is finally behind us, he shares his bold insights on how a battered Republican Party can soar into the future and start winning big elections again.
The wrong answers are everywhere. Dangerous conspiracy theorists. A tired establishment. Truth deniers and political cowards. In Republican Rescue , Christie reveals exactly how absurd grievances and self-inflicted wounds sabotaged Donald Trump’s many successes and allowed Democrats to capture the White House, the House, and Senate in two years—a first for the GOP since the days of Herbert Hoover. In his frank and compelling voice, Christie dissects the last year of the Trump administration—which provoked nothing but conspiracy theories and infighting—and he lays out an honest and hopeful vision, explaining how Republicans can capture the future and save America from today’s damaging Democratic excesses.
The core Republican values of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan are as relevant now as they’ve ever been, Christie writes. Opportunity for all. A strong national defense. Leaders we can all be proud of. Americans in charge of their own lives. A federal government that answers to the people—not the other way around. But these Republican ideals need to be reinvigorated with fresh clarity and open arms. Christie watched in horror as some in his beloved party embraced paranoia and explained away violence. Determined to restore the party’s integrity and success, he shows how to build a movement voters will flock to again, a Republicanism that’s blunt, smart, conservative, potent, and perfectly suited for the 21st century.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 16, 2021
66 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Chris Christie
6 books19 followers55th Governor of New Jersey. He has been governor since January 2010 and was re-elected for a second term in the 2013 election. George W. Bush appointed him as United States Attorney for New Jersey, a position he held from 2002 to 2008.
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November 30, 2021
In recent years, I find myself metaphorically embracing current and former Republicans simply for being sane, for acknowledging facts, and for criticizing Donald Trump. One person I haven't been able to warm up to is Chris Christie. I don't like his politics, and I don't like his personality. But I've been watching his recent media blitz with interest.
The media blitz is, of course, in support of this book, so the talking points are the same. And basically, Mr. Christie is speaking directly to the proportion of Republican Party that hasn't lost it's damn mind. First, however, before anything else in the book, he reiterates that he and Donald Trump are good friends who sometimes disagree.
In the first section of the book he rejects the Big Lie unequivocally, and is very critical of Trump's assertions. He talks about January 6th and the Covid crisis. He is respectfully, but undeniably, critical of Trump throughout. In the second part of the book, he looks at QAnon and refutes all the conspiracy theories being embraced by the Republican Party. And he talks about why it's important not to go down these rabbit holes. In the third section of the book, he criticizes Joe Biden.
Suffice it to say, I disagree with almost everything he says, everything he believes. But, I gotta admit, he sounds good saying it. What I mean is, Christie sounds really reasonable when he speaks. He sounds smart, and like a straight-shooter. I can see why someone might vote for him. I don't know how many of his party are ready to return to democracy and sanity, but I could definitely see the ones that are coalescing around him, not to mention conservative Democrats and Independents unhappy with Biden. Thank goodness this guy doesn't have movie star looks, or he might be unstoppable.
In summation, I deeply disagree with Chris Christie's politics and beliefs, but I appaud his clear-eyed look at how his party is moving dangerously in the wrong direction, and his willingness to articulate an unpalatable and politically dangerous truth. His book is well-written, Mr. Christie's voice comes through, and I think having an active Republican of his status express these sentiments is important.
The media blitz is, of course, in support of this book, so the talking points are the same. And basically, Mr. Christie is speaking directly to the proportion of Republican Party that hasn't lost it's damn mind. First, however, before anything else in the book, he reiterates that he and Donald Trump are good friends who sometimes disagree.
In the first section of the book he rejects the Big Lie unequivocally, and is very critical of Trump's assertions. He talks about January 6th and the Covid crisis. He is respectfully, but undeniably, critical of Trump throughout. In the second part of the book, he looks at QAnon and refutes all the conspiracy theories being embraced by the Republican Party. And he talks about why it's important not to go down these rabbit holes. In the third section of the book, he criticizes Joe Biden.
Suffice it to say, I disagree with almost everything he says, everything he believes. But, I gotta admit, he sounds good saying it. What I mean is, Christie sounds really reasonable when he speaks. He sounds smart, and like a straight-shooter. I can see why someone might vote for him. I don't know how many of his party are ready to return to democracy and sanity, but I could definitely see the ones that are coalescing around him, not to mention conservative Democrats and Independents unhappy with Biden. Thank goodness this guy doesn't have movie star looks, or he might be unstoppable.
In summation, I deeply disagree with Chris Christie's politics and beliefs, but I appaud his clear-eyed look at how his party is moving dangerously in the wrong direction, and his willingness to articulate an unpalatable and politically dangerous truth. His book is well-written, Mr. Christie's voice comes through, and I think having an active Republican of his status express these sentiments is important.
July 4, 2024
I have once again decided to embark on a mission to read a number of books on subjects that will be of great importance to the upcoming 2024 US Presidential Election. This was a great success as I prepared for 2020, with an outcome at the polls (and antics by both candidates up to Inauguration Day) that only a fiction writer might have come up with at the time! Many of these will focus on actors and events intricately involved in the US political system over the last few years, in hopes that I can understand them better and, perhaps, educate others with the power to cast a ballot. I am, as always, open to serious recommendations from anyone who has a book I might like to include in the process.
This is Book #1 in my 2024 US Election Preparation Challenge.
In an attempt to get more of a “whole picture” view, I chose to look at things through the eyes of Chris Christie, former New Jersey governor and close friend of Donald Trump. While there are some strong sycophantic sentiments, Christie offers sobering insights into a great deal of issues and sets the record straight as best he can, while keeping a Republican lens on the partisan analysis of the Biden Administration. From the COVID disaster, the Trump re-election debacle, and even accusations of a stolen election, to the critical view of early Biden gaffes, the embarrassing turn of the GOP towards conspiracies, and how to negate the lies that have no supporting evidence rather than dive into rabbit holes, Christie offers up some of his own views, sure to complete the circle and offer a great balance for those who want to prepare themselves for another bloody presidential campaign. Well-argued and clearly presented, Christie surprised me with a well-written pro-Trump piece.
While Christie opens the book saying that he has had a long-time friendship with Donald Trump and supported him from as far back as 2015, there is a sense of realism in the writing that differs from the Trump perspective. This is clear from the outset, as Christie makes clear that truth comes before friendship and his Republican Party is badly in need of it. Tackling an exploration of Trump’s handling of COVID, Christie examines some of the dropped moments and how Trump downplayed the issues. This would bleed into the 2020 re-election campaign, where Trump wanted to run on his record and downplay Democratic candidate Joe Biden, feeling that there was nothing that could stand in the way. Ignoring Christie’s warnings, Trump and his inner circle forged ahead and showed that they were too focused on their own ideas, rather than those sentiments of politically grounded perspectives that could win an election.
After the dust settled on the election, Trump had lost and his cronies made sure it was not an end to the battle. Trump called election fixes and deceptive tactics, all of which would explain the voting that did not put The Donald back in the White House. While Christie makes clear that no evidence existed to show any voting irregularities, he tackles the out-of-control antics Trump used to spin things, culminating in the January 6, 2021 raid on the Capitol, a Trump-sanctioned attack on US democracy. Even when the election was certified, Trump promised never to let the voting accusations settle and ensured his base were fed these lies for future, weaponised attacks, which Christie debunks as a waste of time and a crippling means of ruining American democracy, as well as the Republican Party that Trump was leading down an abyss.
Christie explores some of the lies that emerged at the time, debunking perspectives that Trumpers guzzle as swiftly as they can he offered them. Christie explores the history of conspiracies in the modern era and shows, while not always solely attributed to Trump and his supporters, these views are grounded in those who refuse to accept realistic perspectives in hopes of injecting instability into commonly held sentiments. Christie does a great job at delivering history’s various conspiracies and debunking them with a swift stroke of the pen. From election fraud to Obama birtherism, and even Pizzagate sentiments that filled the 2016 presidential campaign. All while Donald Trump stirred the pot and sought to shed light on something that could cast only baseless shadows. At least one person who drinks the Trump Kool-Aid has enough sense to do their homework before gushing the poisonous lies and deceptions!
Christie uses the latter portion of the book addressing issues that arose under the Biden Administration and how the “left” tried to create a sense of panic with the country they inherited after the Trump disaster. While I applaud his personal sentiments, the spin is apparent that racism is not any worse post-2020, that crime is just as troubling, and that racial differences are the same as they were under Obama and others. Tossing the blame on teachers, mainstream (read anti-Trump) media, and a sense of social media fueled panic, Christie seeks to dilute the issues and yet identify that there are those who would ignore truths that he sees every day. This is tough for a well-versed Republican, who wants to keep the hyper-panicked right wing extremists at bay and yet not appear too pro-Democratic. Christie makes some strong arguments, but seeks to downplay the issues that are bluntly apparent, not able to completely admit that the Trump Administration helped push things into a dire state. He admits in his conclusion that elections have a significant impact on things, but seems to want to use it to paint the Biden Administration as a group who seek to make things worse, rather than admit the horrors that took place after Trump took the reins of power.
However, perhaps inadvertently, Christie laid out many of those gaffes and highlighted the riffraff Trump brought into the Republican tent, whose sole interest has been to make trouble and piss within (instead of out of) the tent. An attempt to criticise Biden is to be expected, though the Trump “shiny bauble” four years is not something that can be ignored by the intelligent portion of the US electorate. Let’s hope enough of that group casts ballots in 2024!
Unlike my 2020 election prep read, I had hoped to find some strong, well-written books on the right. Chris Christie proves that they exist and his approach is grounded and, mostly, clear in its exploration of the political scenario. While the attacks on Biden are more “Trump would never do this” rather than firmly rooted ideas on the other side of the aisle, Christie speaks clearly and denounces the conspiracies out there from within his party. Strong chapters and clear arguments push the book along to help Christie’s views to appear. He is well-spoken and develops his ideas from both experience and personal views. While I am not completely sold on his perspectives, I can see where he obtains his ideas. I applaud that he was able to keep from being too influenced by Trump bully tactics and yet seems to find a way to praise the man. Here’s hoping he will keep seeing the truths and learn to speak out vehemently, or stay silent if he cannot admit Democratic views are less dangerous than the conspiracy-heavy Trump rhetoric. I guess we shall see as the days up to the election pass.
Kudos, Mr. Christie, for a sobering look at things and refusing to let some within the GOP dictate how everyone thinks!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
This is Book #1 in my 2024 US Election Preparation Challenge.
In an attempt to get more of a “whole picture” view, I chose to look at things through the eyes of Chris Christie, former New Jersey governor and close friend of Donald Trump. While there are some strong sycophantic sentiments, Christie offers sobering insights into a great deal of issues and sets the record straight as best he can, while keeping a Republican lens on the partisan analysis of the Biden Administration. From the COVID disaster, the Trump re-election debacle, and even accusations of a stolen election, to the critical view of early Biden gaffes, the embarrassing turn of the GOP towards conspiracies, and how to negate the lies that have no supporting evidence rather than dive into rabbit holes, Christie offers up some of his own views, sure to complete the circle and offer a great balance for those who want to prepare themselves for another bloody presidential campaign. Well-argued and clearly presented, Christie surprised me with a well-written pro-Trump piece.
While Christie opens the book saying that he has had a long-time friendship with Donald Trump and supported him from as far back as 2015, there is a sense of realism in the writing that differs from the Trump perspective. This is clear from the outset, as Christie makes clear that truth comes before friendship and his Republican Party is badly in need of it. Tackling an exploration of Trump’s handling of COVID, Christie examines some of the dropped moments and how Trump downplayed the issues. This would bleed into the 2020 re-election campaign, where Trump wanted to run on his record and downplay Democratic candidate Joe Biden, feeling that there was nothing that could stand in the way. Ignoring Christie’s warnings, Trump and his inner circle forged ahead and showed that they were too focused on their own ideas, rather than those sentiments of politically grounded perspectives that could win an election.
After the dust settled on the election, Trump had lost and his cronies made sure it was not an end to the battle. Trump called election fixes and deceptive tactics, all of which would explain the voting that did not put The Donald back in the White House. While Christie makes clear that no evidence existed to show any voting irregularities, he tackles the out-of-control antics Trump used to spin things, culminating in the January 6, 2021 raid on the Capitol, a Trump-sanctioned attack on US democracy. Even when the election was certified, Trump promised never to let the voting accusations settle and ensured his base were fed these lies for future, weaponised attacks, which Christie debunks as a waste of time and a crippling means of ruining American democracy, as well as the Republican Party that Trump was leading down an abyss.
Christie explores some of the lies that emerged at the time, debunking perspectives that Trumpers guzzle as swiftly as they can he offered them. Christie explores the history of conspiracies in the modern era and shows, while not always solely attributed to Trump and his supporters, these views are grounded in those who refuse to accept realistic perspectives in hopes of injecting instability into commonly held sentiments. Christie does a great job at delivering history’s various conspiracies and debunking them with a swift stroke of the pen. From election fraud to Obama birtherism, and even Pizzagate sentiments that filled the 2016 presidential campaign. All while Donald Trump stirred the pot and sought to shed light on something that could cast only baseless shadows. At least one person who drinks the Trump Kool-Aid has enough sense to do their homework before gushing the poisonous lies and deceptions!
Christie uses the latter portion of the book addressing issues that arose under the Biden Administration and how the “left” tried to create a sense of panic with the country they inherited after the Trump disaster. While I applaud his personal sentiments, the spin is apparent that racism is not any worse post-2020, that crime is just as troubling, and that racial differences are the same as they were under Obama and others. Tossing the blame on teachers, mainstream (read anti-Trump) media, and a sense of social media fueled panic, Christie seeks to dilute the issues and yet identify that there are those who would ignore truths that he sees every day. This is tough for a well-versed Republican, who wants to keep the hyper-panicked right wing extremists at bay and yet not appear too pro-Democratic. Christie makes some strong arguments, but seeks to downplay the issues that are bluntly apparent, not able to completely admit that the Trump Administration helped push things into a dire state. He admits in his conclusion that elections have a significant impact on things, but seems to want to use it to paint the Biden Administration as a group who seek to make things worse, rather than admit the horrors that took place after Trump took the reins of power.
However, perhaps inadvertently, Christie laid out many of those gaffes and highlighted the riffraff Trump brought into the Republican tent, whose sole interest has been to make trouble and piss within (instead of out of) the tent. An attempt to criticise Biden is to be expected, though the Trump “shiny bauble” four years is not something that can be ignored by the intelligent portion of the US electorate. Let’s hope enough of that group casts ballots in 2024!
Unlike my 2020 election prep read, I had hoped to find some strong, well-written books on the right. Chris Christie proves that they exist and his approach is grounded and, mostly, clear in its exploration of the political scenario. While the attacks on Biden are more “Trump would never do this” rather than firmly rooted ideas on the other side of the aisle, Christie speaks clearly and denounces the conspiracies out there from within his party. Strong chapters and clear arguments push the book along to help Christie’s views to appear. He is well-spoken and develops his ideas from both experience and personal views. While I am not completely sold on his perspectives, I can see where he obtains his ideas. I applaud that he was able to keep from being too influenced by Trump bully tactics and yet seems to find a way to praise the man. Here’s hoping he will keep seeing the truths and learn to speak out vehemently, or stay silent if he cannot admit Democratic views are less dangerous than the conspiracy-heavy Trump rhetoric. I guess we shall see as the days up to the election pass.
Kudos, Mr. Christie, for a sobering look at things and refusing to let some within the GOP dictate how everyone thinks!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 23, 2021
3.5
Another enjoyable read from this dynamic public figure.
I really enjoy his ability to maintain nuance positions on people and political positions. His last book Let Me Finish was a much more colorful and interesting but I appreciated the speaking truth to the Republican party.
He makes a compelling case that unlike the never-Trump'rs he may be in a position to reach those who adored President Trump's policies and brashness. I'm not sure many people who buy into the conspiracy theories will be reading this book, but if they did they would be better for it.
My favorite chapters were about the history of the republican party and its previous connection with and eventual rejection of extremists.
Another enjoyable read from this dynamic public figure.
I really enjoy his ability to maintain nuance positions on people and political positions. His last book Let Me Finish was a much more colorful and interesting but I appreciated the speaking truth to the Republican party.
He makes a compelling case that unlike the never-Trump'rs he may be in a position to reach those who adored President Trump's policies and brashness. I'm not sure many people who buy into the conspiracy theories will be reading this book, but if they did they would be better for it.
My favorite chapters were about the history of the republican party and its previous connection with and eventual rejection of extremists.
December 25, 2021
Chris Christie makes strong points of how to restore the GOP to its rightful place in American politics as the dominant party by defeating the Democrats with REAL solutions, and how to save it from the conspiracy theorists who drag the party down. I advise EVERY Republican to read this book, because it is not just a book. It's a MANUAL for our party today to win in 2022, 2024, and to secure our party from fringe and cringe infiltrators. Unlike Biden SIMPs and Trump sycophants, who are reviewing a book they most likely haven't even read with an open mind, to attack Christie because he is a principled man who won't "chose a side", Christie makes clear the side he chooses is country.
SPOILERS BELOW!
Chapter 1:
Former US President Donald Trump offered Chris Christie the job of Chief of Staff, due to his dissatisfaction with John F. Kelly. Christie says no due to a condition that he and the President couldn't agree on, which was that Chris Christie control his press appearances. Chris Christie felt that a Chief of Staff who was constantly being thrown to the press, and not focused on running the President's day-to-day schedule, appearances, appointments, and meetings, was not going to do his job effectively. He surprised the President by not accepting, but things were still positive.
Chapter 2:
Chris Christie tried to sound the alarms on the CCP Virus (COVID 19) to the Trump Administration. He saw the dangers in the initial stages, but the President was too focused on the China-America Trade War talks and did not feel it would help if he antagonized China when he was trying to get a deal solidified before the 2020 election. Sadly, this decision would have far reaching consequences, and in part doomed the parties' electoral chances in 2020.
Chapter 3:
Chris Christie tried to convince President Trump that his biggest threat was Joe Biden. Joe Biden came across as not a Socialist like Sen. Bernie Sanders or an uninspiring Sen. Kamala Harris, he looked like your grandfather, your neighbor next door, someone you could relate to, the moderate who wanted to 'restore' normalcy. President Trump dismissed his concerns, thinking that Joe Biden, a lifelong politician, was part of the political class, the elite; what had he done in 40 years. The problem is, Chris Christie states, is President Trump was running as an incumbent, NOT as the other way around. The strategy of 2016 could not work in 2020, and new strategy was needed to win. Sadly, President Trump didn't listen.
Chapter 4:
Chris Christie was chosen to prep the President on Joe Biden. He wanted desperately for the President to win. Sadly, the President would get bored of preparation and stop, or the debate prep would turn into something else, even once the President criticizing a member of his staff that Chris Christie had recommended. Finally, frustrated with little progress being made on engaging the President, they decided to engage in a "Lighting Rounds" format of debate prep. Kellyanne Conway would play the moderator, ask the questions, while Chris Christie would play Joe Biden, and both Trump and Christie would be asked questions in which they had 2 minutes to respond, and 2-minute rebuttals. Thankfully, this did get the President's interest and finally they were able to prep the President somewhat for the debates. Before the 1st debate, President Trump asked Chris Christie, "What should I do?", and Christie said, "Let him talk", because eventually Biden will stumble, mumble, lose his train of thought, misrepresent something, etc. President Biden doesn't do well, according to Christie, when he remains in an uncomfortable situation, and makes missteps in his speech and/or argument. He advised Trump to take advantage of that by letting him talk, Biden would sink himself and then Trump could pounce. President Trump didn't listen, and 1st debate was a disaster, a disaster that President Trump and some sycophants tried to tell him was a success, when in reality he hadn't listened at all to the sound advice he given and hurt his own re-election chances.
Chapter 6:
Chris Christie's son was exposed to Covid, so he had him quarantine at home. Then, Chris Christie himself caught Covid, after hearing that Hope Hicks has tested positive for the CCP Virus (Covid). He recalls feeling absolutely awful, difficulty breathing, a terrible headache that wouldn't go away, feeling week in the knees, so he called his doctor, telling he thought he'd caught Covid, and was told to immediately get to the ER.
Chapter 7:
After driving himself to the hospital, not wanting to get his wife potentially sick, he recalls getting and feeling worse, to the point he was worried he wasn't going to make it, after they had to intubate him, he began to worry about dying before he could say goodbye to his children, and especially to his wife. The President called him but asked specifically on whether Christie would say he got it from the President. Chris Christie said no, because he didn't know where he'd got from. Melania Trump was much more sympathetic. She called everyday while he was in the hospital, asking for an update, asking if there was anything she could do to help, if she could help his family in anyway. He speaks very fondly of her care in his well-being. He says that people, using his personal experience, in how he caught, and thankfully, recovered from the CCP Virus (Covid) need to take it seriously.
Chapter 8:
Chris Christie talks about what went wrong in the election, and about the storming of the capitol on January 6th. He describes it a disaster for President Trump. He thought the President should say, "I will pursue all Legal remedies to the real concerns I have to this election and the results. However, should all Legal remedies fail, I will concede the election in order to ensure a peaceful transition of power." This sadly, didn't happen. President Trump is not responsible for the January 6th incident, but his rhetoric helped galvanize angry supporters who took it upon themselves to "save the country".
Chapter 9:
Chris Christie discusses the fact that conspiracy theory peddlers are nothing new. They have existed for a long time because people are attracted to potential conspiracy (JFK, Moon Landings, etc.). However, when the John Birch society prior to the 1964 election spread conspiracy theories, and Goldwater, unfortunately, did not push back against them, it led a Democrat sweep. Compare that to Ronald Reagan, who rejected the John Birch conspiracy theorists, and when his opponent in the 1984 election tried to paint him as such, the arguments fell flat and failed, and he won decisively. The Republican Party must be vigilant in pushing away individuals, like Paleo-Libertarians, who try to infect the party with ideas that aren't common sense (Example: Isolationism), and dangerous zealots, like the Q-Anon, who drive common sense voters away.
Chapter 10:
One and done isn't necessarily the fate of Trump. There have been Presidents who lost but made a comeback. Grover Cleveland was President, lost re-election, but came back after re-organizing and won his 3rd bid for the Presidency, just like he'd won his 1st.
There are trends. A strong bent towards big government will trigger a response. The big government spending and expansion of the government gave us Ronald Reagan, the President elected to reject big government, and brought about the greatest economic prosperity for the American people.
Chapter 11:
He discusses the birther claims regarding former President Obama. He points that the Left manufactured the birther claims, but members on the Right, including Trump, adopted them and became attacks on former President Obama that were unfounded and ridiculous, especially after President Obama produced his birth certificate for the whole world to review. Believing in conspiracy theories that get disproven is embarrassing and need to be avoided.
Chapter 12:
Conspiracy theories are not only stupid they can also be dangerous. Pizza Gate was a great example. Don't believe in any claims without hard evidence. The claims regarding Pizza Gate, allegations of crazy child sacrifice involving Hillary Clinton, spread by Alex Jones, nearly led to a shooting where harmless pizza place employees had their lives put in risk by a true believer of Q-Anon.
Chapter 13:
Q-Anon, who Christie calls "Q-Amok", needs to be rejected by the Party.
Chapter 14:
The Republican Party has to tell the truth, even when it hurts. He speaks of the courage of Mike Pence on January 6th, who despite people calling for him to be hanged did his sworn duty. He also challenges the lies of the Left. Chris Christie makes it clear that going easy on crime on 'humanitarian grounds' will lead to more crime, not less, that spending in the manner the US government is currently unsustainable, that unelected and unappointed lawyers continuing to make laws to remake America into their Leftist vision is hurting the country.
Chris Christie addresses the 5 major claims of election fraud which were: ballot stuffing, hacked dominion machines, more voters on the roles than actual registered voters, mail in ballots led to voter fraud, and routine polling issues. Christie disproves all 5 of the allegations, addressing each one. He shows how Trump actually did BETTER in the number of votes he received in 2020 than he did in 2016; he even increased his vote share in heavily Democratic areas. Christie explains that Trump lost because of the suburbs, the middle class, independent voters who he needed to win. Trump got the 2nd highest number of votes in US electoral history, and Christie explains that Trump would have won had he not allowed his personality and behavior to push away middle class, independent voters who helped give him the victory in 2016.
Chapter 15:
Chris Christie discusses the need for Republicans to fight. He goes over his fight against the Teachers Unions, one of the strongest Liberal organizations out there, and WON. Christie makes it clear that Anti-Capitalism, CRT, Socialism, Structural Racism myths, and even 'De-Colonization' garbage are being pushed by Teachers Unions, such as the National Education Association & American Federation of Teachers. Worse, they have the money and the will to fight. They are the muscle behind the Progressive Movement, according to Christie. He states that the Teachers Unions are pushing those positions not just in Liberal areas but in Conservative, Republican areas, in an effort to turn the kids in those areas to Leftist ideology, so they will flip those areas to the Democrats when they turn 18. He says that Republicans have to fight hard for the soul of America, which is our children.
Chapter 16:
Christie, who comes across as a Law & Order with Justice kind of Prosecutor, states the protests and riots that occurred in 2019-2020 were supported by the Democratic establishment who, when faced with riots, looting, vandalism, they chose to look the other way, and even support those involved; members of the Democratic establishment covered the bails of many of those involved. Elected leaders in Leftist's areas abandoned the public safety to assuage the Anarchists. Chris Christie however states that we can, and should, make reasonable reforms to Law Enforcement. The 3 steps he gives to restoring and ensuring trust in the public is: 1. Fire Bad Officer, 2. Modern Community Policing teaching in the police academy, 3. crime reduction with social justice (punishing violent offenders while not dealing non-violent criminals harshly and giving them more opportunities to reform). He gives the example of Camden, NJ when he was governor. The police office was very corrupt, the community trust was gone, and crime was incredibly high in the neighborhoods. There was no way to reform the department in Gov. Christie's mind, with spiking murder rates in the city, so he made a bold move, and that was to FIRE EVERYONE at the department. It was a risk, but he had everyone at the Camden, NJ department fired, and brought in a whole new force of police officers, trained in brining modern community policing to these neighborhoods where crime was surging and community trust in police was non-existent. Common sense criminal justice reform along, Law and Order with Justice, led to a deterring and punishing violent criminals, nearly cutting the murder rate in the city by half, while restoring community trust in the police.
Chapter 17:
He discusses that political Progressive activists have become modern day shakedown artists. Companies have through intimidation on social media have caved to Leftists, Democratic Socialist groups, who represent such a minority in America, out of fear. Fear of being called racist, or sexist, etc. Corporate America is bowing to Progressives, which has, Christie explains, caused in the Republican Party to begin to hate corporate America. Corporations and businesses, afraid of social media name calling, have become "putty in their hands", and are now involved in "selling beliefs". The Progressive Strategy is to intimidate Corporate America to defund the Republican Party, and they have been somewhat successful.
Chapter 18:
Chris Christie discusses the monopoly that tech companies have and how their legal immunity means they can shut out people with different politics with no repercussions. Chris Christie says that Sect. 230 must be eliminated to ensure that big tech cannot make this situation, where Conservatives are shut out and we have no recourse.
Chapter 19:
Chris Christie believes that North Korea and Iran are current military threats to the United States; he is correct. Christie makes clear that the Iran Deal did NOT preclude the regime from getting a nuclear weapon, or deal with the regime's missile programs. If there is to be peace with Iran, any deal with Iran must have 3 unmovable conditions according to Christie: Iran must submit to having weapons inspectors who may come unannounced with full and unlimited access, it must cease its missile program, and Iran must agree to NEVER pursue or build a nuclear bomb. According to Christie, the Abraham Accords give hope that we will create a better Middle East with our Arab and Israeli allies. On North Korea, Christie states the regime isn't going anywhere; the sanctions aren't working. The regime has continued to survive despite sanctions, famines, and terrible NK government policies. The DPRK is just buying time, time till they can complete building enough nuclear weapons to hold South Korea, Japan, and even the US hostage. The nightmare scenario that Chris Christie envisions is a Kim Jung Un who could threaten to strike US cities and territories unless US troops leave the Korean peninsula and remove sanctions. This nightmare scenario can only be avoided according to Christie if we bring the regime down. The only way to bring the regime down is to sanction Kim Jung Un himself, and all the members of the DPRK government, freeze their personal accounts, and seize all their assets. This form of sanctioning the regime itself, bankrupt it the regime, the DPRK government will tear itself apart once their personal accounts run dry. The same must be done with the Iranian regime. When the military and government officials are no longer paid and placated, the regimes will tear each other apart as they go personally bankrupt.
Chapter 20:
Chris Christie discusses what he sees as the biggest Geo-Political threats, Putin and the CCP. He calls out Putin as an immoral, corrupt thug. Both former President Bush & Obama were too trusting of Vladmir Putin. Former President Trump thought flattery would work on Vladmir Putin. It did not. It displayed weakness. Then, current President Biden stopped drilling for oil while allowing Putin to not only drill but complete the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline. It displayed weakness. Vladmir Putin has seen only weakness consistently according to Christie, and the same goes with Xi Jinping. The CCP has the second strongest economy in the world, only behind the United States. They mess with the US economy while building alliances. Former President Trump made a mistake, according to Christie, praising Xi; it was a mistake to compliment a murdering, lying thug like Xi. We can no longer look the other way with the CCP, or with Putin. To confront these tyrants, Chris Christie again advises attacking personal finances. Freeze ALL their assets, and those of their cronies, and ban their diplomats, their friends, their associates, their families, from coming to the US to buy homes, condos, properties, or from getting their kids educated at our expense. We must also convince our allies to follow suit. Chris Christie understands well who are enemies are, and the absolute necessity of standing up to them.
Chapter 21:
Chris Christie states both sides got the CCP Virus (Covid 19) response wrong. Operation Warp Speed was a great gamble, but a great success. However, Democrats for politics cast doubts on the vaccine, despite how quickly the administration got an effective vaccine out, and turned it into political football, with both Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, scaring people into not taking the vaccine, which in Christie's opinion led to the Delta variant. Now, the current administration is now only sowing more distrust in the government by requiring government employees get the vaccine, or risk termination. Chris Christie states that these vaccine mandates will only deepen the divide. To Christie, we need to get our children back into school as soon as possible; distance learning is hurting our children. Christie states that we must listen to those families who have lost loved ones, and to all those who have survived.
Chapter 22:
Chris Christy reiterates that elections have consequences, and that President Biden will learn that lesson. Under his leadership, America looks weak and incompetent to the world. Withdrawing from Afghanistan will lead to more terrorism, and American's enemies are emboldened to act aggressively. Christie warns that tax increases are incoming. Christie asks the reader, whether they trust the government, or themselves, with handling their hard-earned money? To have your money sent to fund abortion procedures? The Democrats under President Biden and VP Harris have the opportunity now
The Final Chapter:
Chris Christie's final parting message is only American innovation, traditional values, capitalism, along with a message of truth and hope in the future, can save the United States. Powerful message.
SPOILERS BELOW!
Chapter 1:
Former US President Donald Trump offered Chris Christie the job of Chief of Staff, due to his dissatisfaction with John F. Kelly. Christie says no due to a condition that he and the President couldn't agree on, which was that Chris Christie control his press appearances. Chris Christie felt that a Chief of Staff who was constantly being thrown to the press, and not focused on running the President's day-to-day schedule, appearances, appointments, and meetings, was not going to do his job effectively. He surprised the President by not accepting, but things were still positive.
Chapter 2:
Chris Christie tried to sound the alarms on the CCP Virus (COVID 19) to the Trump Administration. He saw the dangers in the initial stages, but the President was too focused on the China-America Trade War talks and did not feel it would help if he antagonized China when he was trying to get a deal solidified before the 2020 election. Sadly, this decision would have far reaching consequences, and in part doomed the parties' electoral chances in 2020.
Chapter 3:
Chris Christie tried to convince President Trump that his biggest threat was Joe Biden. Joe Biden came across as not a Socialist like Sen. Bernie Sanders or an uninspiring Sen. Kamala Harris, he looked like your grandfather, your neighbor next door, someone you could relate to, the moderate who wanted to 'restore' normalcy. President Trump dismissed his concerns, thinking that Joe Biden, a lifelong politician, was part of the political class, the elite; what had he done in 40 years. The problem is, Chris Christie states, is President Trump was running as an incumbent, NOT as the other way around. The strategy of 2016 could not work in 2020, and new strategy was needed to win. Sadly, President Trump didn't listen.
Chapter 4:
Chris Christie was chosen to prep the President on Joe Biden. He wanted desperately for the President to win. Sadly, the President would get bored of preparation and stop, or the debate prep would turn into something else, even once the President criticizing a member of his staff that Chris Christie had recommended. Finally, frustrated with little progress being made on engaging the President, they decided to engage in a "Lighting Rounds" format of debate prep. Kellyanne Conway would play the moderator, ask the questions, while Chris Christie would play Joe Biden, and both Trump and Christie would be asked questions in which they had 2 minutes to respond, and 2-minute rebuttals. Thankfully, this did get the President's interest and finally they were able to prep the President somewhat for the debates. Before the 1st debate, President Trump asked Chris Christie, "What should I do?", and Christie said, "Let him talk", because eventually Biden will stumble, mumble, lose his train of thought, misrepresent something, etc. President Biden doesn't do well, according to Christie, when he remains in an uncomfortable situation, and makes missteps in his speech and/or argument. He advised Trump to take advantage of that by letting him talk, Biden would sink himself and then Trump could pounce. President Trump didn't listen, and 1st debate was a disaster, a disaster that President Trump and some sycophants tried to tell him was a success, when in reality he hadn't listened at all to the sound advice he given and hurt his own re-election chances.
Chapter 6:
Chris Christie's son was exposed to Covid, so he had him quarantine at home. Then, Chris Christie himself caught Covid, after hearing that Hope Hicks has tested positive for the CCP Virus (Covid). He recalls feeling absolutely awful, difficulty breathing, a terrible headache that wouldn't go away, feeling week in the knees, so he called his doctor, telling he thought he'd caught Covid, and was told to immediately get to the ER.
Chapter 7:
After driving himself to the hospital, not wanting to get his wife potentially sick, he recalls getting and feeling worse, to the point he was worried he wasn't going to make it, after they had to intubate him, he began to worry about dying before he could say goodbye to his children, and especially to his wife. The President called him but asked specifically on whether Christie would say he got it from the President. Chris Christie said no, because he didn't know where he'd got from. Melania Trump was much more sympathetic. She called everyday while he was in the hospital, asking for an update, asking if there was anything she could do to help, if she could help his family in anyway. He speaks very fondly of her care in his well-being. He says that people, using his personal experience, in how he caught, and thankfully, recovered from the CCP Virus (Covid) need to take it seriously.
Chapter 8:
Chris Christie talks about what went wrong in the election, and about the storming of the capitol on January 6th. He describes it a disaster for President Trump. He thought the President should say, "I will pursue all Legal remedies to the real concerns I have to this election and the results. However, should all Legal remedies fail, I will concede the election in order to ensure a peaceful transition of power." This sadly, didn't happen. President Trump is not responsible for the January 6th incident, but his rhetoric helped galvanize angry supporters who took it upon themselves to "save the country".
Chapter 9:
Chris Christie discusses the fact that conspiracy theory peddlers are nothing new. They have existed for a long time because people are attracted to potential conspiracy (JFK, Moon Landings, etc.). However, when the John Birch society prior to the 1964 election spread conspiracy theories, and Goldwater, unfortunately, did not push back against them, it led a Democrat sweep. Compare that to Ronald Reagan, who rejected the John Birch conspiracy theorists, and when his opponent in the 1984 election tried to paint him as such, the arguments fell flat and failed, and he won decisively. The Republican Party must be vigilant in pushing away individuals, like Paleo-Libertarians, who try to infect the party with ideas that aren't common sense (Example: Isolationism), and dangerous zealots, like the Q-Anon, who drive common sense voters away.
Chapter 10:
One and done isn't necessarily the fate of Trump. There have been Presidents who lost but made a comeback. Grover Cleveland was President, lost re-election, but came back after re-organizing and won his 3rd bid for the Presidency, just like he'd won his 1st.
There are trends. A strong bent towards big government will trigger a response. The big government spending and expansion of the government gave us Ronald Reagan, the President elected to reject big government, and brought about the greatest economic prosperity for the American people.
Chapter 11:
He discusses the birther claims regarding former President Obama. He points that the Left manufactured the birther claims, but members on the Right, including Trump, adopted them and became attacks on former President Obama that were unfounded and ridiculous, especially after President Obama produced his birth certificate for the whole world to review. Believing in conspiracy theories that get disproven is embarrassing and need to be avoided.
Chapter 12:
Conspiracy theories are not only stupid they can also be dangerous. Pizza Gate was a great example. Don't believe in any claims without hard evidence. The claims regarding Pizza Gate, allegations of crazy child sacrifice involving Hillary Clinton, spread by Alex Jones, nearly led to a shooting where harmless pizza place employees had their lives put in risk by a true believer of Q-Anon.
Chapter 13:
Q-Anon, who Christie calls "Q-Amok", needs to be rejected by the Party.
Chapter 14:
The Republican Party has to tell the truth, even when it hurts. He speaks of the courage of Mike Pence on January 6th, who despite people calling for him to be hanged did his sworn duty. He also challenges the lies of the Left. Chris Christie makes it clear that going easy on crime on 'humanitarian grounds' will lead to more crime, not less, that spending in the manner the US government is currently unsustainable, that unelected and unappointed lawyers continuing to make laws to remake America into their Leftist vision is hurting the country.
Chris Christie addresses the 5 major claims of election fraud which were: ballot stuffing, hacked dominion machines, more voters on the roles than actual registered voters, mail in ballots led to voter fraud, and routine polling issues. Christie disproves all 5 of the allegations, addressing each one. He shows how Trump actually did BETTER in the number of votes he received in 2020 than he did in 2016; he even increased his vote share in heavily Democratic areas. Christie explains that Trump lost because of the suburbs, the middle class, independent voters who he needed to win. Trump got the 2nd highest number of votes in US electoral history, and Christie explains that Trump would have won had he not allowed his personality and behavior to push away middle class, independent voters who helped give him the victory in 2016.
Chapter 15:
Chris Christie discusses the need for Republicans to fight. He goes over his fight against the Teachers Unions, one of the strongest Liberal organizations out there, and WON. Christie makes it clear that Anti-Capitalism, CRT, Socialism, Structural Racism myths, and even 'De-Colonization' garbage are being pushed by Teachers Unions, such as the National Education Association & American Federation of Teachers. Worse, they have the money and the will to fight. They are the muscle behind the Progressive Movement, according to Christie. He states that the Teachers Unions are pushing those positions not just in Liberal areas but in Conservative, Republican areas, in an effort to turn the kids in those areas to Leftist ideology, so they will flip those areas to the Democrats when they turn 18. He says that Republicans have to fight hard for the soul of America, which is our children.
Chapter 16:
Christie, who comes across as a Law & Order with Justice kind of Prosecutor, states the protests and riots that occurred in 2019-2020 were supported by the Democratic establishment who, when faced with riots, looting, vandalism, they chose to look the other way, and even support those involved; members of the Democratic establishment covered the bails of many of those involved. Elected leaders in Leftist's areas abandoned the public safety to assuage the Anarchists. Chris Christie however states that we can, and should, make reasonable reforms to Law Enforcement. The 3 steps he gives to restoring and ensuring trust in the public is: 1. Fire Bad Officer, 2. Modern Community Policing teaching in the police academy, 3. crime reduction with social justice (punishing violent offenders while not dealing non-violent criminals harshly and giving them more opportunities to reform). He gives the example of Camden, NJ when he was governor. The police office was very corrupt, the community trust was gone, and crime was incredibly high in the neighborhoods. There was no way to reform the department in Gov. Christie's mind, with spiking murder rates in the city, so he made a bold move, and that was to FIRE EVERYONE at the department. It was a risk, but he had everyone at the Camden, NJ department fired, and brought in a whole new force of police officers, trained in brining modern community policing to these neighborhoods where crime was surging and community trust in police was non-existent. Common sense criminal justice reform along, Law and Order with Justice, led to a deterring and punishing violent criminals, nearly cutting the murder rate in the city by half, while restoring community trust in the police.
Chapter 17:
He discusses that political Progressive activists have become modern day shakedown artists. Companies have through intimidation on social media have caved to Leftists, Democratic Socialist groups, who represent such a minority in America, out of fear. Fear of being called racist, or sexist, etc. Corporate America is bowing to Progressives, which has, Christie explains, caused in the Republican Party to begin to hate corporate America. Corporations and businesses, afraid of social media name calling, have become "putty in their hands", and are now involved in "selling beliefs". The Progressive Strategy is to intimidate Corporate America to defund the Republican Party, and they have been somewhat successful.
Chapter 18:
Chris Christie discusses the monopoly that tech companies have and how their legal immunity means they can shut out people with different politics with no repercussions. Chris Christie says that Sect. 230 must be eliminated to ensure that big tech cannot make this situation, where Conservatives are shut out and we have no recourse.
Chapter 19:
Chris Christie believes that North Korea and Iran are current military threats to the United States; he is correct. Christie makes clear that the Iran Deal did NOT preclude the regime from getting a nuclear weapon, or deal with the regime's missile programs. If there is to be peace with Iran, any deal with Iran must have 3 unmovable conditions according to Christie: Iran must submit to having weapons inspectors who may come unannounced with full and unlimited access, it must cease its missile program, and Iran must agree to NEVER pursue or build a nuclear bomb. According to Christie, the Abraham Accords give hope that we will create a better Middle East with our Arab and Israeli allies. On North Korea, Christie states the regime isn't going anywhere; the sanctions aren't working. The regime has continued to survive despite sanctions, famines, and terrible NK government policies. The DPRK is just buying time, time till they can complete building enough nuclear weapons to hold South Korea, Japan, and even the US hostage. The nightmare scenario that Chris Christie envisions is a Kim Jung Un who could threaten to strike US cities and territories unless US troops leave the Korean peninsula and remove sanctions. This nightmare scenario can only be avoided according to Christie if we bring the regime down. The only way to bring the regime down is to sanction Kim Jung Un himself, and all the members of the DPRK government, freeze their personal accounts, and seize all their assets. This form of sanctioning the regime itself, bankrupt it the regime, the DPRK government will tear itself apart once their personal accounts run dry. The same must be done with the Iranian regime. When the military and government officials are no longer paid and placated, the regimes will tear each other apart as they go personally bankrupt.
Chapter 20:
Chris Christie discusses what he sees as the biggest Geo-Political threats, Putin and the CCP. He calls out Putin as an immoral, corrupt thug. Both former President Bush & Obama were too trusting of Vladmir Putin. Former President Trump thought flattery would work on Vladmir Putin. It did not. It displayed weakness. Then, current President Biden stopped drilling for oil while allowing Putin to not only drill but complete the Nord Stream 2 Pipeline. It displayed weakness. Vladmir Putin has seen only weakness consistently according to Christie, and the same goes with Xi Jinping. The CCP has the second strongest economy in the world, only behind the United States. They mess with the US economy while building alliances. Former President Trump made a mistake, according to Christie, praising Xi; it was a mistake to compliment a murdering, lying thug like Xi. We can no longer look the other way with the CCP, or with Putin. To confront these tyrants, Chris Christie again advises attacking personal finances. Freeze ALL their assets, and those of their cronies, and ban their diplomats, their friends, their associates, their families, from coming to the US to buy homes, condos, properties, or from getting their kids educated at our expense. We must also convince our allies to follow suit. Chris Christie understands well who are enemies are, and the absolute necessity of standing up to them.
Chapter 21:
Chris Christie states both sides got the CCP Virus (Covid 19) response wrong. Operation Warp Speed was a great gamble, but a great success. However, Democrats for politics cast doubts on the vaccine, despite how quickly the administration got an effective vaccine out, and turned it into political football, with both Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, scaring people into not taking the vaccine, which in Christie's opinion led to the Delta variant. Now, the current administration is now only sowing more distrust in the government by requiring government employees get the vaccine, or risk termination. Chris Christie states that these vaccine mandates will only deepen the divide. To Christie, we need to get our children back into school as soon as possible; distance learning is hurting our children. Christie states that we must listen to those families who have lost loved ones, and to all those who have survived.
Chapter 22:
Chris Christy reiterates that elections have consequences, and that President Biden will learn that lesson. Under his leadership, America looks weak and incompetent to the world. Withdrawing from Afghanistan will lead to more terrorism, and American's enemies are emboldened to act aggressively. Christie warns that tax increases are incoming. Christie asks the reader, whether they trust the government, or themselves, with handling their hard-earned money? To have your money sent to fund abortion procedures? The Democrats under President Biden and VP Harris have the opportunity now
The Final Chapter:
Chris Christie's final parting message is only American innovation, traditional values, capitalism, along with a message of truth and hope in the future, can save the United States. Powerful message.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
Imagine going to your doctors' office for your annual physical -- you're sitting on the exam table, the door to the exam room opens and the doctor walks in with a grim face...
"Your kidney numbers indicate they are not properly filtering waste, your liver is clearly failing, your blood sugar is sky high and your heart is clearly demonstrating an arrhythmia... We need to do something about this..."
Shocked, you reply "I'm all ears, Doc, what should we do about this?" The doctor takes a look at their notes again, nods, hands you a copy of your blood work and ECG and then walks out of the exam room.
You're confused, but you assume that the doctor is going to come back with some more information, prescriptions or referrals to other specialists. You sit around waiting for the doctor to come back...
All the sudden, there is a knock at the door and a nurse walks in and says "Ok, it's time to go, the doctor has left" and you reply "Wait, but the doctor still hasn't told me what I need to do" which is met by the reply "Mmhmm, but they had the courage to tell you the problems"
That's how I felt reading this book.
It really doesn't take a rocket scientist to identify when there is a problem and likely what is contributing to that problem; heck, Bernie Sanders has even correctly identified problems.
The rise of conspiracism and the blatant disregard of experts is becoming a cancer my party and I was hoping that this book was going to finally be someone in the Republican tent that would call it for all it is -- shameful, dangerous and ultimately the death of the party (and a sizable chunk of its' members) if not reigned in.
But that's not what this book is. As I alluded to earlier in the review with the exam room scene, this is someone who is just listing problems, but not providing any meaningful solutions or a way out.
The book is divided into three parts, the first part called "Donald and Me" where Governor Christie talks about his relationship with Donald Trump going all the way back to Governor Christie being a US Attorney.
It covers the basic history of his involvement with the Trump campaign and repeatedly talks about how he was the first "major" person from the political sphere to endorse his campaign.
Governor Christie talks about how he desperately wanted to become the Attorney General, but was ultimately passed on for the job and how he ultimately passed on the job of Chief of Staff and the head of the COVID task force.
The second section is called "Crazy Talk" and addresses the increasing influence that conspiracist ideology is having on the GOP -- this was the reason that I even picked up this book from the library.
This section talks about the foothold that conspiracy-minded thinking has had on the party -- Governor Christie starts by telling a story about the John Birch Society in the 50's and 60's and how that mindset was ultimately unseated by the election of Reagan.
As it relates to modern times, one of the first topics covered is the Trump's promotion of the birth certificate conspiracy, and also talks about things that have come-about as a result of a lack of willingness to address this conspiracy-minded thinking like Pizzagate and QAnon.
I will say, and I can't believe that this needs to be said, he at least had the balls to call out Trumps' claims about the supposed "rigged election" and does a pretty solid job explaining how the numbers played out.
One thing that I was almost grateful about was his willingness to call out COVID denialism -- he also talked about how Trump didn't like the *optics* of masks, saying they "projected weakness"
A real ironic thing about this book occurred on page 272 while talking about COVID-19 -- "President Trump made a big error when COVID first exploded around the world, lavishing praise on the leader of the country where the deadly virus was first born, most likely inside a Chinese lab" -- very ironic in a book that says Republicans are suffering from a conspiracy and truth-denial problem. Could it have happened? Certainly. Has it been proven? Nope.
Christie, however, lost credibility by taking the mushy and pandering usually stance (I got vaccinated, but you don't have to...), yet on page 104, he writes "Wear a face mask. Wash your hands. Socially distance. Do all the things the medical experts said would you keep us safer from this virus" and not be pleading with people to get vaccinated.
You can't have it both ways, Governor. Rather than speaking out against non-sense and actually calling the rise of anti-vax behavior out for what it is -- even more dangerous than QAnon or Pizzagate, both of which are only embraced by fringe, rather than the vaccine conspiracies embraced by a large chunk of the GOPs' core base. You also can't engage in your own conspiracies just because they're against a geopolitical foe. Seems like the Governor is willing to call out conspiracies when it is easy to do, rather than when it is right to do.
I also felt there was an opportunity for calling out the safe spaces of the Right — notably Fox News, Newsmax and OAN for their embrace and pushing of these ridiculous conspiracy narratives on their prime-time programs.
The third section of the book is called "Winning Again" where Christie is obviously outlining the policies that he plans to run on in the 2024 election (although it's obviously not said that way).
There's actually a bit to like in this section -- better embracing of things like community policing (while presenting a pretty compelling case study from Trenton, NJ) and non-controversial foreign policy proposals such as imposing individual sanctions in places like Iran and North Korea and reigning in China when it comes to Intellectual Policy or TikTok.
So, after reading this book -- I have one question for the Governor... where were you this entire time?
You have had the opportunity over the last 5 years to speak out about these problems, but instead, you've sat on the sideline writing a book.
If the Governor was so passionate and so concerned, he wouldn't have put these thoughts in a book with a $28.00 admission price that nobody is reading (as evidenced by the fact it hasn't even broken the Top 100 in the political best-seller list, let alone general Top 100 Non-Fiction best-sellers).
What was truly ironic is that it's being slaughtered on the best-seller book list by conspiracy and truth-denial books like "The Real Anthony Fauci", "Pandemia" and "Rigged".
Governor Christie could have formed an organization with like-minded Republican thought-leaders that also see a troubling injection of crazy into the party. But he didn't. He wrote a book that nobody is going to read. That's not a personal, it's just a statement of fact based on the best-sellers list.
If the Governor makes this a focal point in his 2024 campaign, that would be fantastic, but putting it in a book seems more like a way to cover his ass so he could say "Hey, I've spoken out against this stuff in the past".
This book was called "Republican Rescue: Saving the Party from Truth Deniers, Conspiracy Theorists, and the Dangerous Policies of Joe Biden", however, there simply isn't anything even remotely close to a solution regarding those first two things, and the dangerous policies of Joe Biden are barely even mentioned.
It's pretty obvious what this book is -- it tries to make the case that Chris Christie is the "tell it like it is" Populist that was by Trumps side throughout the entire Presidency, but conveniently warning against the things that are likely to have spooked independents. He is the same Trump policies, but without the baggage of Trump.
The Governor treads the expected line of refusing to outright criticize Trump policies, but just says that he would have done certain things differently. Although, it's probably fair to say that Christie is probably not on Trumps' good side anymore.
Governor Christie makes sure to point out on several occasions how he embraced Trump before others were willing to, despite how obvious it was that the base was on the fringe -- however, I couldn't help but think after reading this book a simple, but poignant life lesson -- "you reap what you sow"
"Your kidney numbers indicate they are not properly filtering waste, your liver is clearly failing, your blood sugar is sky high and your heart is clearly demonstrating an arrhythmia... We need to do something about this..."
Shocked, you reply "I'm all ears, Doc, what should we do about this?" The doctor takes a look at their notes again, nods, hands you a copy of your blood work and ECG and then walks out of the exam room.
You're confused, but you assume that the doctor is going to come back with some more information, prescriptions or referrals to other specialists. You sit around waiting for the doctor to come back...
All the sudden, there is a knock at the door and a nurse walks in and says "Ok, it's time to go, the doctor has left" and you reply "Wait, but the doctor still hasn't told me what I need to do" which is met by the reply "Mmhmm, but they had the courage to tell you the problems"
That's how I felt reading this book.
It really doesn't take a rocket scientist to identify when there is a problem and likely what is contributing to that problem; heck, Bernie Sanders has even correctly identified problems.
The rise of conspiracism and the blatant disregard of experts is becoming a cancer my party and I was hoping that this book was going to finally be someone in the Republican tent that would call it for all it is -- shameful, dangerous and ultimately the death of the party (and a sizable chunk of its' members) if not reigned in.
But that's not what this book is. As I alluded to earlier in the review with the exam room scene, this is someone who is just listing problems, but not providing any meaningful solutions or a way out.
The book is divided into three parts, the first part called "Donald and Me" where Governor Christie talks about his relationship with Donald Trump going all the way back to Governor Christie being a US Attorney.
It covers the basic history of his involvement with the Trump campaign and repeatedly talks about how he was the first "major" person from the political sphere to endorse his campaign.
Governor Christie talks about how he desperately wanted to become the Attorney General, but was ultimately passed on for the job and how he ultimately passed on the job of Chief of Staff and the head of the COVID task force.
The second section is called "Crazy Talk" and addresses the increasing influence that conspiracist ideology is having on the GOP -- this was the reason that I even picked up this book from the library.
This section talks about the foothold that conspiracy-minded thinking has had on the party -- Governor Christie starts by telling a story about the John Birch Society in the 50's and 60's and how that mindset was ultimately unseated by the election of Reagan.
As it relates to modern times, one of the first topics covered is the Trump's promotion of the birth certificate conspiracy, and also talks about things that have come-about as a result of a lack of willingness to address this conspiracy-minded thinking like Pizzagate and QAnon.
I will say, and I can't believe that this needs to be said, he at least had the balls to call out Trumps' claims about the supposed "rigged election" and does a pretty solid job explaining how the numbers played out.
One thing that I was almost grateful about was his willingness to call out COVID denialism -- he also talked about how Trump didn't like the *optics* of masks, saying they "projected weakness"
A real ironic thing about this book occurred on page 272 while talking about COVID-19 -- "President Trump made a big error when COVID first exploded around the world, lavishing praise on the leader of the country where the deadly virus was first born, most likely inside a Chinese lab" -- very ironic in a book that says Republicans are suffering from a conspiracy and truth-denial problem. Could it have happened? Certainly. Has it been proven? Nope.
Christie, however, lost credibility by taking the mushy and pandering usually stance (I got vaccinated, but you don't have to...), yet on page 104, he writes "Wear a face mask. Wash your hands. Socially distance. Do all the things the medical experts said would you keep us safer from this virus" and not be pleading with people to get vaccinated.
You can't have it both ways, Governor. Rather than speaking out against non-sense and actually calling the rise of anti-vax behavior out for what it is -- even more dangerous than QAnon or Pizzagate, both of which are only embraced by fringe, rather than the vaccine conspiracies embraced by a large chunk of the GOPs' core base. You also can't engage in your own conspiracies just because they're against a geopolitical foe. Seems like the Governor is willing to call out conspiracies when it is easy to do, rather than when it is right to do.
I also felt there was an opportunity for calling out the safe spaces of the Right — notably Fox News, Newsmax and OAN for their embrace and pushing of these ridiculous conspiracy narratives on their prime-time programs.
The third section of the book is called "Winning Again" where Christie is obviously outlining the policies that he plans to run on in the 2024 election (although it's obviously not said that way).
There's actually a bit to like in this section -- better embracing of things like community policing (while presenting a pretty compelling case study from Trenton, NJ) and non-controversial foreign policy proposals such as imposing individual sanctions in places like Iran and North Korea and reigning in China when it comes to Intellectual Policy or TikTok.
So, after reading this book -- I have one question for the Governor... where were you this entire time?
You have had the opportunity over the last 5 years to speak out about these problems, but instead, you've sat on the sideline writing a book.
If the Governor was so passionate and so concerned, he wouldn't have put these thoughts in a book with a $28.00 admission price that nobody is reading (as evidenced by the fact it hasn't even broken the Top 100 in the political best-seller list, let alone general Top 100 Non-Fiction best-sellers).
What was truly ironic is that it's being slaughtered on the best-seller book list by conspiracy and truth-denial books like "The Real Anthony Fauci", "Pandemia" and "Rigged".
Governor Christie could have formed an organization with like-minded Republican thought-leaders that also see a troubling injection of crazy into the party. But he didn't. He wrote a book that nobody is going to read. That's not a personal, it's just a statement of fact based on the best-sellers list.
If the Governor makes this a focal point in his 2024 campaign, that would be fantastic, but putting it in a book seems more like a way to cover his ass so he could say "Hey, I've spoken out against this stuff in the past".
This book was called "Republican Rescue: Saving the Party from Truth Deniers, Conspiracy Theorists, and the Dangerous Policies of Joe Biden", however, there simply isn't anything even remotely close to a solution regarding those first two things, and the dangerous policies of Joe Biden are barely even mentioned.
It's pretty obvious what this book is -- it tries to make the case that Chris Christie is the "tell it like it is" Populist that was by Trumps side throughout the entire Presidency, but conveniently warning against the things that are likely to have spooked independents. He is the same Trump policies, but without the baggage of Trump.
The Governor treads the expected line of refusing to outright criticize Trump policies, but just says that he would have done certain things differently. Although, it's probably fair to say that Christie is probably not on Trumps' good side anymore.
Governor Christie makes sure to point out on several occasions how he embraced Trump before others were willing to, despite how obvious it was that the base was on the fringe -- however, I couldn't help but think after reading this book a simple, but poignant life lesson -- "you reap what you sow"
January 29, 2022
A current events book in three parts.
First, CC's retelling of his role in the Trump era. Particular highlight being the story of President Trump offering him the role of White House Chief of Staff.
Second, the "rescue" referred to in the title. CC's perspective that a minority of Republicans are distracted by fictions about the 2020 Election and that this is counter productive.
Third, CC's assessment of where America is on topics like election reform, foreign relations, education, and covid policy. The state of play under Trump, how it has changed under Biden, and where CC believes it should go in a future administration.
First, CC's retelling of his role in the Trump era. Particular highlight being the story of President Trump offering him the role of White House Chief of Staff.
Second, the "rescue" referred to in the title. CC's perspective that a minority of Republicans are distracted by fictions about the 2020 Election and that this is counter productive.
Third, CC's assessment of where America is on topics like election reform, foreign relations, education, and covid policy. The state of play under Trump, how it has changed under Biden, and where CC believes it should go in a future administration.
February 5, 2022
This is the second Chris Christie book I have read. I enjoyed both of them. This book is divided into three parts: Donald and me, crazy talk, and winning again. I found parts one and two very interesting. It is Christie’s look at recent events with his analysis. Part three is his attempt to lay out his thinking and strategy for a run for president in 2024. I’m sure every candidate will have something similar out soon. The other book of his that I read was called: let me finish. I enjoyed this book more than Republican rescue.
December 21, 2021
1.5 stars. The beginning of this book was heading toward a solid 2/2.5 stars, which completely surprised me because I was anticipating this being the worst book I read this year. Christie can tell a compelling story. This is not to say he's a good writer: his prose is mediocre at best. But I couldn't put down section one of this book where he details his "friendship" with Trump.
Then he started spouting his opinions. Look, credit where it's due- Christie denounces the conspiracy theorists (specifically QAnon and Big Lie) who have taken over his party. But then he immediately turns around and starts spreading his own conspiracies. Joe Biden is secretly a Socialist. They're teaching critical race theory in schools. "Crime" is on the rise (no stats were provided to defend this claim). We need more restrictive voting laws because ~*election security*~ (despite the fact he just got done saying the 2020 election was secure and valid). If this book was supposed to convince me to vote for him in 2024, it failed.
Then he started spouting his opinions. Look, credit where it's due- Christie denounces the conspiracy theorists (specifically QAnon and Big Lie) who have taken over his party. But then he immediately turns around and starts spreading his own conspiracies. Joe Biden is secretly a Socialist. They're teaching critical race theory in schools. "Crime" is on the rise (no stats were provided to defend this claim). We need more restrictive voting laws because ~*election security*~ (despite the fact he just got done saying the 2020 election was secure and valid). If this book was supposed to convince me to vote for him in 2024, it failed.
March 16, 2022
Well written and clear explanation as to why Trump lost re-election. Being a lawyer and given his prior jobs, I expected Christie's writing to be top of the line. He did not disappoint. I'd love to read one of the briefs he wrote while still an attorney and given my own legal background I think I would have enjoyed working for him because of how he approaches matters, at least in writing in this book, in a factual, clear thinking manner. He is clearly setting himself up for another run at the presidency and is smart enough to have learned from Trump's mistakes. I like is pragmatism and that he says he doesn't make a decision without discussing things with his wife. It's just that he's a republican and those ultra conservative values don't fit with me. He's a real republican, not a Trump picking a party he can con republican. I have too many rights, as a woman, I wouldn't want to lose with another republican administration.
He does have a plan and has the intelligence and determination to carry out that plan. Some points he makes are good and could potentially be a benefit to the country. I remember how he handled the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and Bridgegate. He says Bridgegate wasn't him....who knows.
An interesting, well done read -- one I would encourage everyone, starting with high schoolers, with an open mind. There is much to be learned and considered not only from the subject matter, and cautionary tale, but a "how to" when it comes to approaching life's challenges. I'm sure he didn't mean it to be all that, but that's what I got out of it....which was more than I expected.
He does have a plan and has the intelligence and determination to carry out that plan. Some points he makes are good and could potentially be a benefit to the country. I remember how he handled the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and Bridgegate. He says Bridgegate wasn't him....who knows.
An interesting, well done read -- one I would encourage everyone, starting with high schoolers, with an open mind. There is much to be learned and considered not only from the subject matter, and cautionary tale, but a "how to" when it comes to approaching life's challenges. I'm sure he didn't mean it to be all that, but that's what I got out of it....which was more than I expected.
November 26, 2021
Being from NJ, I saw a lot of the damage this guy caused to our state, and since this is the first book I've ever read from him, i don't know if he's ever apologized for bridgegate. I saw him on 'The Daily Show' promoting this book and thought i'd give it a chance. I felt like he was fair in critiquing Donald Trump and he could do it the best since they are actual friends for many years. I appreciated that a republican took the virus serious, wanted to really take care of his kids and wife from it, and that he really didn't back the 'hoax' montra some of the party was claiming it was. There was dishonesty in not calling Fox News out as part of the media problem that plagues this country and I would say that was why I only gave it 4 stars. I thought he delivered the outline of how the party should move going forward from a Trump presidency and give him the upmost respect for being as honest as a person from NJ can be.
January 10, 2022
Christie proves, once again, why he should be the Nominee of the Republican Party and President. He is as close as you can get to the straight talking no B.S. we all want, and need, in our leaders, without crossing the line into Trump Lunacy. As a lifelong Republican, it pains me to see what has happened to the party and it's efforts to please the Trump base. I am one of the many Republicans I know that could not bring ourselves to vote for Trump and were forced to vote for Democrats twice! I am not sure why Christie is not seen as an appropriate alternative to Trump. He represents all of the policies Republicans believe in without the danger and alienation Trump carries. Christie proves you can stand for the same things and do it in a respectful and professional manner that does not put people off and drive them to the oppositions party. I will recommend this book to any disgruntled Republican that wants hope that there is someone out there that gets it.
December 5, 2021
Christie trys to have it both ways. He wants to be anti Trump to the extent he decries the big lie election nonsense, but he still tries to curry favor with the Trump base by demonizing democrats. Christie wants you to believe it is possible that conservatives like small government and low regulation because they feel it provides more economic efficiency for everyone. Rather than, as liberals claim, they like these policies only to preserve white male native born hegemony. But Christie will not allow the possibility that democratic style "big government" may be desired to achieve things publicly that have not been adequately provide by the private sector.
Even though Christie faults the big lie he is pretty casual about it. It is as though he regards it as a poor choice political tactic, rather than the existential threat to constitutional governance that it actually is.
Even though Christie faults the big lie he is pretty casual about it. It is as though he regards it as a poor choice political tactic, rather than the existential threat to constitutional governance that it actually is.
April 3, 2023
Charting a Course of Competence and Truth? You Decide.
After the Trump (and Biden) years, there may be enough Americans who will want competence over cockiness, restraint over reckless spending, and truth over lies.
Read how the covid task force could have been led. Discover the arguments from a Republican supporter of Trump of how the election wasn't stolen (and a re-election strategy that was proposed and ignored that might have got Trump re-elected). Review a potential platform of a man who said if he decides to run, he will do so whether Trump runs or not.
A great read. I don't agree with all he says but much that he proposes is worth a look. After all, it may come from the next Republican nominee for President of the United States.
After the Trump (and Biden) years, there may be enough Americans who will want competence over cockiness, restraint over reckless spending, and truth over lies.
Read how the covid task force could have been led. Discover the arguments from a Republican supporter of Trump of how the election wasn't stolen (and a re-election strategy that was proposed and ignored that might have got Trump re-elected). Review a potential platform of a man who said if he decides to run, he will do so whether Trump runs or not.
A great read. I don't agree with all he says but much that he proposes is worth a look. After all, it may come from the next Republican nominee for President of the United States.
February 28, 2023
I shouldn’t have to qualify this read but here I am. I feel like we as a country are a little lost in the ever growing weeds. I was curious what Chris had to say about how to fix his party. I don’t agree with parts of what he said but he brings up points in other regards. That’s a more personal conversation if you’re curious. I did appreciate the delivery and can understand why he is respected in political circles.
Overall, I think it’s incredibly important we read and challenge ourselves to things we don’t agree with. I feel better equipped to understand the ‘other side’ and maybe help close the gap in the future.
Overall, I think it’s incredibly important we read and challenge ourselves to things we don’t agree with. I feel better equipped to understand the ‘other side’ and maybe help close the gap in the future.
January 1, 2022
I can see both Democrats and some Republicans taking issue with this book. In three parts. First, his take on the closing months of the Trump Administration. He seemed to
Straddle the fence. Second, a critique of prominent conspiracy theories. Which I found interesting. Third, where the party should focus on going forward. Much of it is to do with the cancel culture and progressive agenda. Can’t say I disagree. Probably a preluded to a run for Presidency.
Straddle the fence. Second, a critique of prominent conspiracy theories. Which I found interesting. Third, where the party should focus on going forward. Much of it is to do with the cancel culture and progressive agenda. Can’t say I disagree. Probably a preluded to a run for Presidency.
January 17, 2022
Most people running for the White House write a book a few years before the election and Gov. Chris Christie is no exception. This type of book is always a quick read and I say that as having just finished "Republican Rescue". The solution section is a bit thin, but the first part identifying the problems is quite good. Trump doesn't get a free pass in Chris Christie's estimation. For Republican political junkies, this is a decent read.
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January 17, 2022An insightful explanation of Republican political viewpoints
Christie is a truly masterful author! This book carried me along pleasantly from insightful chapter to insightful chapter, and led me to its inevitable conclusions with clear logic and a delightful sense of humor. Whether you're a Democrat, a Republican, or an Independent, I feel confident that you'll find this book a highly worthwhile read.
Christie is a truly masterful author! This book carried me along pleasantly from insightful chapter to insightful chapter, and led me to its inevitable conclusions with clear logic and a delightful sense of humor. Whether you're a Democrat, a Republican, or an Independent, I feel confident that you'll find this book a highly worthwhile read.
January 30, 2022
Easy to read, realistic outline of what the Republican Party needs to do to regain voter confidence (victory) following their 2020 loss of the White House. I would have given the book a solid 5 (or at least 4.5) stars but the subtitle was too partisan - something voters a liking less and less. This is Christie’s second book and his knowledge and vision is something to learn from and take into consideration. Realistic vision for uncertain times.
March 4, 2022
3.5 stars. I mean, he’s not wrong. We ARE headed in the wrong direction as a country. We NEED to turn around and fix this. Christie provided honest and fair opinions of past presidents. I don’t disagree with much of what he says, although there’s several opinions that I disagree completely with (as to be expected and totally fine; we don’t all think alike). It was a good read; Im sure this book is a precursor to Christie running for president.
December 2, 2021
Two out of three isn't too bad
Thought the first two sections well written and thought out. Part three on one hand was a positive summation of the governor's platform and on the other rehashed commentary of "evils" of Bidden Harris administration.
Personally I found his comments on teachers unions to be based on political animosity than reality.
Thought the first two sections well written and thought out. Part three on one hand was a positive summation of the governor's platform and on the other rehashed commentary of "evils" of Bidden Harris administration.
Personally I found his comments on teachers unions to be based on political animosity than reality.
January 9, 2022
The World According to Chris Christie
Christie provides a step-by-step blueprint for Republicans to take back the White House in 2024. Christie believes that talking about election conspiracies doesn’t move the ball forward. He believes in the pragmatic, take the case to the American people. I recommend this book.
Christie provides a step-by-step blueprint for Republicans to take back the White House in 2024. Christie believes that talking about election conspiracies doesn’t move the ball forward. He believes in the pragmatic, take the case to the American people. I recommend this book.
January 16, 2022
Say what you want about Christie...he's honest. This is the first Republican Trump insider who will admit, the election was lost, not stolen or hijacked. He was there when it was all going down and when Trump asked him...he tried to help. The inside the White House stuff was fascinating. The rest of the book seems like his platform to perhaps run himself in 2024?????? Stay tuned.
July 27, 2022
The looks I got on the MTA heading uptown reading this book from the people around me!
The 3 star review here is an average of two factors. There are the 5 stars I give Christie for his refutation of the conspiracy theories promoted by Trump, Q-Anon, and the like, and for his stories of his time in the Trump administration, which include his playing Biden in the debate prep with Donald, the Justice Barrett announcement/super-spreader Coronavirus event, getting offered the Chief of Staff job, having Covid himself, the run-up to the 2020 election, election night 2020, and his reactions to the events of January 6th. That book is endlessly fascinating to read, and Christie is a hell of a story teller. Factoring into the rest of the rating are the 2 stars I give Christie for his largely half-baked political prescriptions to the so-called evils and overreach of the Biden administration. When you begin with the premise that Biden is a liberal the rest is pretty risible for a progressive to swallow. Christie's prescription is the usual cut-taxes, set business free, and limit trade and labor unions (especially the teacher's union) mishegoss with a lot of fear-mongering about CRT and BLM and the media and the social media thrown into it.
I will say this: Chris Christie might well be the Cassandra of the GOP. It's to the great benefit and relief to those of us who didn't like 45's rule that Trump did not heed Chris Christie's warnings or place him in a more prominent role in his administration. Christie's a smart man, and a very bright politician, who understood that expanding the base is the way to win, and who recognized that Trump was going to be screwed in his re-election without the support of suburban women. I've always respected Christie for his honesty, and for who he was when he twice won the governorship of a blue state like New Jersey. That Christie recognized that there needs to be gun control, and that abortion is a personal choice for a woman to make, and he worked to find bipartisan solutions in a largely Democratic state. His book is a call back to that sort of centrist Republican leadership, and I think that it's to the detriment of the GOP and the nation that the GOP is unwilling to heed Christie's warnings and recognize that his ideas would most likely produce a winner.
The 3 star review here is an average of two factors. There are the 5 stars I give Christie for his refutation of the conspiracy theories promoted by Trump, Q-Anon, and the like, and for his stories of his time in the Trump administration, which include his playing Biden in the debate prep with Donald, the Justice Barrett announcement/super-spreader Coronavirus event, getting offered the Chief of Staff job, having Covid himself, the run-up to the 2020 election, election night 2020, and his reactions to the events of January 6th. That book is endlessly fascinating to read, and Christie is a hell of a story teller. Factoring into the rest of the rating are the 2 stars I give Christie for his largely half-baked political prescriptions to the so-called evils and overreach of the Biden administration. When you begin with the premise that Biden is a liberal the rest is pretty risible for a progressive to swallow. Christie's prescription is the usual cut-taxes, set business free, and limit trade and labor unions (especially the teacher's union) mishegoss with a lot of fear-mongering about CRT and BLM and the media and the social media thrown into it.
I will say this: Chris Christie might well be the Cassandra of the GOP. It's to the great benefit and relief to those of us who didn't like 45's rule that Trump did not heed Chris Christie's warnings or place him in a more prominent role in his administration. Christie's a smart man, and a very bright politician, who understood that expanding the base is the way to win, and who recognized that Trump was going to be screwed in his re-election without the support of suburban women. I've always respected Christie for his honesty, and for who he was when he twice won the governorship of a blue state like New Jersey. That Christie recognized that there needs to be gun control, and that abortion is a personal choice for a woman to make, and he worked to find bipartisan solutions in a largely Democratic state. His book is a call back to that sort of centrist Republican leadership, and I think that it's to the detriment of the GOP and the nation that the GOP is unwilling to heed Christie's warnings and recognize that his ideas would most likely produce a winner.
April 11, 2022
Author Christie, the former two-term governor of New Jersey, is focused on COVID and the angrily disputed 2020 presidential election, but he's also questioning how the Republican party needs to reinvent itself moving forward. Bush 43 nominated Christie the day before 9/11 to be the United States attorney for New Jersey, and he was introduced to Donald Trump a short time later. And the two men became good friends rather quickly. Christie had many dinners with Trump, sometimes accompanied by their wives, sometimes not, but the discussions were always long and free-ranging. So Christie knows Trump at a level few others do. And he trusted Trump implicitly - until the disputed election claims and the events of January sixth. This is discussed in detail, as is the dangerous tendency of a part of the Republican party to follow in lockstep behind Trump. Here's an example of the writing: "The Trump years aren't the first time the Republican Party and its leaders have been beset by hucksters, con men, and extremists, peddling ridiculous conspiracy theories and playing to people's worst impulses, threatening to drive the party's core principles right off the deep end. Sadly, it's not the first time some of the party's so-called leaders have lacked the courage to stand up and speak the plain truth, fearing they might alienate some key supporters. Something very similar happened six decades ago (re: Barry Goldwater and the John Birch Society), an era that carries enough similarities to this one that it could have made Trump think twice - had he paid any attention at all. Truly, here was one piece of history that could have helped him avoid some of his worst self-inflicted wounds." This will definitely make you think.
January 20, 2022
The first 2/3 of the book which consist of a primary source perspective about the elections and initial COVID response were unique and enlightening. Although, the consistency seemed slightly off from page one, as Christie, despite claims that Trump could have been responsible for killing him with COVID (at the time he was uncertain, now it is known that it was indeed Trump) and continuing to attempt to destroy election creditability, Christie and Trump are indeed "friends." My major issue was snide, unnecessary comments "Jill.... I mean DR. Jill Biden," and countless about Hillary that should have been edited out. (As I teacher, I'll admit I type some snark in the first draft email to parents, leave it settle, then come back and remove the unprofessional, childish material because that's what grownups do....oh, and if you don't you are delegitimizing your argument!) Also, the sheer hypocrisy throughout, Biden shouldn't have removed troops in Afghanistan, without acknowledging it was Trump's established deadline, small government/let the free market decide, but social media shouldn't limit freedom of speech, and his exaggerated ideas on "defund" the police, BLM, and the list goes on. All in all, I can find value the first two sections, but the later section about the "Radical Left" and their agenda, goes completely against what Christie had issues with in the first 2/3s of the book. I could go on and on, but instead I'll end with a blessing, "May we all have better friends than Chris Christie."
January 3, 2022
You can't beat something with nothing. So what have Biden and the Democrats accomplished:
- A porous Southern Border with an ineffective VP in charge
- Profligate federal spending that is causing rampant inflation
- Actions that undercut police and firefighters and stunt morale (violence increasing in most major cities)
- Empowering teachers unions (too many schools stayed remote for much too long)
Does the RNC have a better course to offer?
- Capitalism is better than government control of the economy
- Stronger foreign policy towards Russia and China
- Less government spending, less stimulus- hold inflation in check such that the lower income communities are not disproportionately affected by higher food prices and higher gas prices
- More local control of schools, less top down unions
-strong borders
It's enough with the crazy infighting and truth denying and wild conspiracy theories. The RNC needs to disavow claims of election fraud or "stop the steal", kick-out those that believe in Q-anon, dismiss "the birthers" -- all these conspiracy theories will continue to sabotage the RNC.
Start with a new vision, leaders we can be proud of, the optimism of Ronald Regan.
- A porous Southern Border with an ineffective VP in charge
- Profligate federal spending that is causing rampant inflation
- Actions that undercut police and firefighters and stunt morale (violence increasing in most major cities)
- Empowering teachers unions (too many schools stayed remote for much too long)
Does the RNC have a better course to offer?
- Capitalism is better than government control of the economy
- Stronger foreign policy towards Russia and China
- Less government spending, less stimulus- hold inflation in check such that the lower income communities are not disproportionately affected by higher food prices and higher gas prices
- More local control of schools, less top down unions
-strong borders
It's enough with the crazy infighting and truth denying and wild conspiracy theories. The RNC needs to disavow claims of election fraud or "stop the steal", kick-out those that believe in Q-anon, dismiss "the birthers" -- all these conspiracy theories will continue to sabotage the RNC.
Start with a new vision, leaders we can be proud of, the optimism of Ronald Regan.
January 10, 2023
I have been watching Chris Christie for a while, through his political career. Ore from a national perspective. Hearing of this book, I thought it might be a good, quick read. I was right.
Chris Christie writes about his political career,, from a national perspective in this book. Very little on New Jersey. But he was involved with Donald Trump for many years, even before the 2016 election. This relationship is what Carrie’s this book. This relationship gets Chris into the inner circle of Trump, in various ways.
Chris is clear that this book is his opinion, his view of those 6 years or so. In his opinion,he stayed truthful through it all. The book goes through the 2016 election, the major events of Trumps presidency, where Chris had a role and right into the 2020 election where Chris was again front and center with the election.
If you followed the political news, then all of these references bring back the memories to you. But the perspective is good. He is showing that Trump was getting some pretty good advice, he just always chose to go his own way and ignore the advice.
I am glad I read the book,
Chris Christie writes about his political career,, from a national perspective in this book. Very little on New Jersey. But he was involved with Donald Trump for many years, even before the 2016 election. This relationship is what Carrie’s this book. This relationship gets Chris into the inner circle of Trump, in various ways.
Chris is clear that this book is his opinion, his view of those 6 years or so. In his opinion,he stayed truthful through it all. The book goes through the 2016 election, the major events of Trumps presidency, where Chris had a role and right into the 2020 election where Chris was again front and center with the election.
If you followed the political news, then all of these references bring back the memories to you. But the perspective is good. He is showing that Trump was getting some pretty good advice, he just always chose to go his own way and ignore the advice.
I am glad I read the book,
June 2, 2022
The point of the book is basically that Republicans should not allow conspiracy theories to get oxygen even if they sometimes "work" for votes and should move forward from the election falsehoods because it undermines credibility. Kind of obvious stuff, you'd think, but there's a not small audience that needs to hear it. He started from the Obama birth certificate timeframe to the present day, this has been going on for awhile.
I have a couple disagreements about specific chapters that would basically be arguing politics instead of reviewing the book, so I'll pass on those here. The writing style felt somewhat easy reading, lowest common denominator in places, which was fine and page turning, but occasionally grated. I did like reading the back story for how Trump probably got Covid and the behind the scenes details in the first part of the book.
I have a couple disagreements about specific chapters that would basically be arguing politics instead of reviewing the book, so I'll pass on those here. The writing style felt somewhat easy reading, lowest common denominator in places, which was fine and page turning, but occasionally grated. I did like reading the back story for how Trump probably got Covid and the behind the scenes details in the first part of the book.
January 8, 2024
I mean, this is clearly just a puff-piece written by Christi himself in preparation for the 2024 election, but 3-stars for aggressively calling out so much of the Republican's BS over the few years. Credit where credit is due.
It also offers some fun behind-the-scenes insights to the Trump administration, which may or may not be the entire story. By the end Christi remembers to move away from rag-dolling Trump to outline his plan on how to get the party back on track. The "Rescue" part. The book could use more detail here, but some of the ideas are very basic rhetoric (get manufacturing back in the US!), some are quite good (crack down on China's IP theft) and others are definitely just him talking out of both sides of this mouth.
Anyway. This was a fine. It's a book by a politician, don't expect much.
It also offers some fun behind-the-scenes insights to the Trump administration, which may or may not be the entire story. By the end Christi remembers to move away from rag-dolling Trump to outline his plan on how to get the party back on track. The "Rescue" part. The book could use more detail here, but some of the ideas are very basic rhetoric (get manufacturing back in the US!), some are quite good (crack down on China's IP theft) and others are definitely just him talking out of both sides of this mouth.
Anyway. This was a fine. It's a book by a politician, don't expect much.
September 5, 2023
As an independent that voted for both Republicans and Democrats in recent elections, I enjoyed the content and messaging in Governor Christie’s book. While I didn’t agree with everything he wrote in the book, I did appreciate his common sense approach to politics and trying to get the Republican Party back to a place where disagreement is okay and moderates are not RINOs. I appreciated many of the examples he used to explain his comments in the book, both those from his personal experiences and those from history.
I would recommend this book to Republicans and right-leaning independents. Governor Christie would definitely strive to get back to a big tent party like the one Reagan pushed for in the 1980s.
I would recommend this book to Republicans and right-leaning independents. Governor Christie would definitely strive to get back to a big tent party like the one Reagan pushed for in the 1980s.
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