He’s not the first house devil and street angel, nor is it unusual for a politician to treat different constituencies differently. But if all this nice is meant as an image makeover before running for president, it could be a big mistake. Political graveyards are filled with failed rebranders, just remember Romney’s opposite transformation from mild-mannered moderate Massachusetts businessman to right-wing self-deporting fire-breather.
The pre-heart-transplant Christie might be just right for 2016. Cruz is too wild, Paul is too libertarian and too elfin, Rubio is too bollixed by immigration. Of course, there’s the question of the likely Democratic opposition.
Going up against the Clinton machine isn’t for nice guys. Christie used to be up to the job, a tough pol who casually tossed his high school friend under the bus and cut off his closest political aides and allies when they became liabilities without so much as a goodbye.
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