When New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) offered praise to President Obama following Hurricane Sandy’s impact on the Garden State, it was a departure from the normally critical posture the governor had taken toward the president and it prompted widespread attention. Comedy Central’s Jon Stewart asked Christie on Thursday what the contrast told us about the political “game.”

“What it tells me is that people have different skill sets at different times,” Christie said.

The audience laughed.

Stewart responded: “I see. So, he wasn’t a leader until you needed leadership?”

“Maybe until until he was presented with a stark opportunity to lead,” replied Christie.