Good News, Bad News Poll For Christie
A Rasmussen Poll taken Thursday evening after Governor Chris Christie’s marathon press conference apologizing for the September George Washington Bridge lane closures indicates that 60% of likely New Jersey voters approve of the job that Christie is doing and 55% hold a favorable opinion of him.
Yet, New Jerseyans are skeptical of Christie’s claims that he had no prior knowledge of the Bridgegate closures or his staff’s involvement.
54% of Likely New Jersey Voters believe it’s at least somewhat likely that Christie was aware that traffic lanes onto the George Washington Bridge were being closed as retaliation for the mayor of Fort Lee’s refusal to support the governor’s reelection. 36% think it’s unlikely Christie was aware beforehand.
56% say Christie should resign if it is proven that he knew the lane closures were an act of political retribution.
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Bridgegate: Emails tie Christie’s staff to George Washington Bridge lane closures
Watch Christie’s press conference and Assembly Transportation Committee Bridgegate hearing
NBC: Bridgegate Indictments Could Be Coming in January
Wildstein: Christie Knew About GWB Lane Closures
Fort Lee woman died as GWB closures delayed medical help
Christie’s former running mate invokes Nixon in Bridgegate commentary
Haley Barbour defends Chris Christie in bridge scandal, lashes out at ‘liberal media’- Bridge scandal: Democrats say they will pursue investigation into lane closures
There are so many people involved that if the governor did know, it would come out at some point. Unless there is hard evidence to link the Governor to the bridge closure, how can anyone assert that he was involved or knew anything about it? He took decisive action and took responsibility for what happened under his watch. He didn’t waiver, he didn’t make excuses.
For the Governor to unequivocally state he knew nothing about the events that transpired in a 2 hour news conference, it would be political suicide for him if information became available contrary to his statements at a later date. That conference would have been his best opportunity to come forth if he did know anything, and he would be foolish to outright lie if he knew he was involved.
I would like to think that we have a governor, who although may not be perfect (as many expect him to be) is forthcoming and honest with the citizens of New Jersey. Perhaps that is why there are so many that are hoping he has lied.
Perhaps that is why Christie’s opponents are on a blood hunt to show that he isn’t any better than any of their gubernatorial candidates, and will stop at nothing to prove it.
Joe, the investigation is currently in its infancy. I think all–either for or against Christie should hold off judgement until such time. However, there exists so much circumstantial evidence exists that Christie should have known. For example Drewniak who is his press guy was copied on certain emails and from what I gather responded to some. Why did the governor suddenly withdraw the name of Hoffman to be a judge? Was it due to intense scrutiny and to give testimony under oath? Why was O’Dowd suddenly pulled for senate confirmation to be the AG? Was for the same reasons? It seems to me that CC is just acting very unusual at this point. I guess we need more time.
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Besides the mayor of Fort Lee, the supposed target of the lane closing, has confirmed Christie’s statements.
I think you nailed it. As well, remember; Christie was a US Attorney. He knows how to parse words and it seemed like there was none of that in his press conference.
I also suspect, one of his associations who are involved in this would have given him up to cover their own butts. Maybe that still might happen. But I doubt it.
@ Joe is also correct with: ” I think all–either for or against Christie should hold off judgement until such time. I guess we need more time.”
This is what ticks me off. Look, you can have policy differences with the Governor, as I do; but this is a sheer witch hunt, full of hate, including the “fat man jokes.” all in an effort to convict him in the court of public opinion.
Will the apologies come once cleared? Kinda doubt that.
@Joe, I suspect the nominations were pulled (IMHO of course) because Christie saw that under the circumstances, the votes would be recriminatory in nature.
Jim Granelli
Best thing for everyone at this point is to have speedy and thorough investigations, have those involved testify under oath (with immunity if needed) and have documents unredacted.
There are lots of unanswered questions so the sooner the truth is out there no matter how the cards fall, the better. Anyone involved is shown the door and the element of suspicion is removed from those who weren’t.
What were the polls after the first investigation of Clinton came out? The majority thought he should resign if he lied. Each time more revelations came out, less people did. I think he can make it through this. It’s not as if the Dems haven’t sought to punish Republican districts and reward their voters. That is what they do. They did throughout the budget under Corzine. Remember the toll increase proposal by Gov. Corzine. Remember the $8 billion school building fund that went real quickly. Consider the $23K we pay not to educate each student in Newark.
[…] By Art Gallagher | MoreMonmouthMusings.com […]