His policy goals and his political plans have been jeopardized by twin probes of the lane closures from Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge that emails indicate an aide and ally orchestrated as apparent political payback. Christie, who blamed the debacle on wayward staff, has had to craft a legal strategy at the same time his office is conducting an internal review of what happened.
Christie is coping with the loss of a top deputy in his office, the intensifying gaze of the media and the investigations, including one by federal prosecutors. At least 16 subpoenas of current and former aides from his official office and campaign – as well as those two organizations themselves – have been issued. The governor’s political survival depends on a set of facts that will take months to sort out.
Christie, famous for his blunt interactions with voters and the press, has kept a fairly controlled public schedule over the past month, much of it focused on the Super Bowl his state hosted. (His first town hall since last summer will be held next week.) His already-tight circle of advisors has shrunk further. His manner in public has been steady and focused on the future, but there have been moments in private in which he has seemed dejected, associates say. He appeared unhappy after he departed an event the day before the Super Bowl at Times Square, where he was heckled and booed by some in the crowd.
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