What did New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie know, and when did he know it? According to the report released earlier today, there’s no evidence that he knew diddly squat about the bridge lane closures last September in advance — but seeing as how the report was the result of an internal investigation by lawyers he selected, don’t count on anybody in the media showing a willingness to let it go at that. Ergo, the obligatorily accompanying interview:

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) denied Thursday that he “inspired” the George Washington Bridge scandal that created a traffic jam on the world’s busiest bridge last September. …

“I spent a lot of time the last 11 weeks thinking about what did I do if I did anything to contribute to this,” Christie said. “I don’t believe that I did.” …

“I do believe that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” Christie said. “It’s been a very, very tough time professionally. Not the toughest time in my life, but certainly the toughest time in my life professionally.”

The report, released by law firm Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, said no concrete evidence existed that indicated Christie knew of the bridge’s lane closures last September in advance.

“That’s the truth,” Christie said about the inquiry’s conclusion.