The Christie Tracker

The Christie Tracker Podcast: And That's a Wrap Jan 13, 2018

OK, you caught us. The Christie Tracker Podcast actually wrapped up back in November of 2016 - after the Bridgegate trial of former Christie staffer, Bridget Anne Kelly and former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority, Bill Baroni.

But because Tuesday, January 16th marks the last day in office for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, we had to temporarily reemerge.

We bribed them with hot coffee and free EZ Pass for a month, so WNYC's Matt Katz and Nancy Solomon came back for one more round on the podcast. They join host David Furst for a last look back on the Gov's two terms in office.

Chris Christie dominated the state's political stage like no other. He claims New Jersey is "much, much better than it was eight years ago." But he finishes his term with the lowest approval rating of any governor in state history and may be remembered more for Bridgegate, Beachgate and endorsing Donald Trump than anything else.

Matt and Nancy highlight some of the moments that helped shape his legacy. Nancy says, "To me, it's all about how good of a communicator he is and how personable he is... and then all of the ways that he perverted our state government for his own purposes."

And while they were at it, the crew selected a few of their favorite episodes of the Christie Tracker Podcast:

MATT's PICK:

Christie's Bold Defense of Muslim-Americans (Four Years Ago)

On this show from November of 2015, we turned back the clock to a time well before the presidential primaries, when Gov. Christie was letting loose with his bold support for a Muslim-American judge.

NANCY's PICK:

Chris Christie Through the Looking Glass

Things get curious. The man who deleted texts during Bridgegate investigation gets offended when Hillary Clinton's emails are erased. Matt picks apart every word of the governor's recent statements. And what does Alice in Wonderland have to do with Chris Christie? All will be explained in this episode from August 26, 2015.

DAVID's pick:

Chris Christie: The Springsteen Tracker

If you're with the Gov at a Bruce show, don’t even think about leaving early. Back in October of 2015, Matt explained Christie's Springsteen legendary obsession.

The Christie Tracker Podcast Answers Your Questions Nov 23, 2016

The Bridgegate trial is done. Governor Christie is heading into his last year in office. And the Christie Tracker Podcast is closing up shop.

Before we go, our resident Bridgegate-ologists, WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein, join us to answer your questions.

Former Christie associates Bridget Kelly and Bill Baroni plan to appeal their guilty verdicts. But the Gov is certainly ready to move on. Speaking about Bridgegate on NJ 101.5's Ask The Governor show this week he said, "I'm DONE with this... the people of New Jersey are done with it, it's over. And I know that it won't allow for the liberal media in this state to continue to beat on the Republican governor. But they'll find something else to do."

Speaking with host David Furst, Matt Katz says, "Never has the governor specifically addressed those allegations that came up in the trial and told us what is, exactly, wrong with them. He's just given blanket denials."

WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more.

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The Christie Tracker Podcast: Bridgegatepalooza! Nov 16, 2016

The Trial is done. The guilty verdicts are in. So in an effort to turn the page on this chaotic chapter in New Jersey's history, we present Bridgegatepalooza - - a wrap-up of the political retribution scheme that derailed the rising star of the national Republican party, and ended – we thought – the political future of Chris Christie.

Host David Furst is joined by a group of reporters who covered the Bridgegate saga as it unfolded. Shawn Boburg, formerly with the Record now with the Washington Post… Heather Haddon and Ted Mann with the Wall Street Journal... Tom Moran, the Star-Ledger's Editorial Page Editor... and of course, WNYC's Andrea Bernstein and Matt Katz.

Looking back after the trial, Ted Mann says, "These are people who didn't think they were gonna get caught. And when they didn’t think they were gonna get caught, they weren't weeping and they weren't appealing to you to consider their backgrounds in public service… They were speaking very nastily about their fellow human beings and they were doing things that they would never justify in the light of day."

WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more.

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The Christie Tracker Podcast: The Bridgegate Trial Verdicts Nov 08, 2016

After seven weeks, the Bridgegate trial is done and the verdicts are in. Former Chris Christie staffer, Bridget Anne Kelly and Bill Baroni, the former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority, were found guilty on all counts. Both sides are vowing to appeal. And even though testimony during the trial indicated otherwise, Governor Christie says the jury confirmed everything he has said all along – that he knew nothing about a plot to close lanes at the George Washington Bridge.

Meanwhile, the governor has a Nov. 23rd court date to deal with a citizen's complaint in Bergen County, accusing him of misconduct. And the possibility of a new legislative investigation into Bridgegate has been raised.

WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein join us to reflect on the verdicts and help us get a handle on where this is heading. The governor appeared on CBS This Morning in an attempt to minimize the damage. But speaking with host David Furst, Matt Katz says "There are four high level people - we should remember this - four high level people who have been convicted of federal crimes who served… high up in this administration."

WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more.

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The Christie Tracker Podcast: The Bridgegate Trial - Week 7 Nov 02, 2016

Now in week 7, the Bridgegate trial is in the hands of the jury. And so as we wait for verdicts for former Christie staffer Bridget Kelly and former Port Authority appointee Bill Baroni, WNYC's Andrea Bernstein and Matt Katz join us with a few closing arguments of their own.

There were a lot of details and characters for the jury to keep track of over the last 6 weeks of testimony. Speaking with host David Furst, Matt and Andrea detail the drama that played out in court when juror questions were presented to the judge.

At one point, tempers flared over a sensitive question. Judge Wigenton ruled that regardless of motive, Kelly and Baroni could be guilty of conspiracy. Matt Katz says that resulted in Bridget Kelly's attorney "throwing his head back and slumping in his chair" and telling the judge that she was directing a verdict of guilty.

WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more.

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The Christie Tracker Podcast: The Bridgegate Trial - Week 6 Oct 26, 2016

Former Christie staffer Bridget Kelly finally hit the stand in week 6 of the Bridgegate Trial. Governor Christie has always maintained that he had no knowledge about the plan - prior to or during the lane closures at the George Washington Bridge. Kelly testified that she told him once before and twice during the 5-day shutdown.

She even offered up a counter explanation for her infamous "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee" email. And Kelly testified that she was afraid of the governor. She says, "I was gun shy. I was scared. But he would then turn it on, and be charming. It was a confusing, frightening time."

WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein and the Star-Ledger's Tom Moran join us for a full breakdown of week 6. And Andrea poses an interesting question. Did this whole thing spiral out of control because Bridget Kelly wanted to sit with the cool kids?

Andrea says that Kelly may have been motivated by a desire to be accepted by Christie's inner circle. Tom adds, "She seems like someone who really wants to be included in the club and she's just on the outer edge of it and almost in there. And a lot of the stuff she does it to ingratiate herself with them."

Matt takes it one step further:

"This is a weakness that all of these characters had."

WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more.

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The Christie Tracker Podcast: The Bridgegate Trial - Week 5 Oct 19, 2016

Bill Baroni, the former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority was on the stand this week in the Bridgegate trial. He, and former Christie staffer Bridget Kelly, are on trial for allegedly orchestrating the lane closures leading to the George Washington Bridge in a scheme to punish the Mayor of Fort Lee for not endorsing Governor Christie's reelection bid.

WNYC's Andrea Bernstein and Matt Katz bring us the latest. Speaking with host David Furst, Matt says Baroni's 'basic argument was that David Wildstein, the admitted co-conspirator, was actually the one that called the shots in closing these lanes.'

Bill Baroni was Wildstein's boss. But Baroni testifies that Wildstein operated outside of the Port Authority's power structure - and answered only to Trenton.

WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more.

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The Christie Tracker Podcast: The Bridgegate Trial – Week 4 Oct 11, 2016

We're only a third of the way through the Bridgegate trial.

Testimony from the prosecution's star witness David Wildstein wrapped up last week. The former port authority official has implicated nearly everyone in Governor Christie's orbit – including Christie and Governor Cuomo.

WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein join us to detail the high emotions on display last week and to look forward to the testimonies of former Christie staffer, Bridget Anne Kelly and former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority, Bill Baroni.

We'll also consider what kind of Chris Christie will emerge after the trial wraps up and the 2016 election is history. Speaking with host David Furst, Matt says in New Jersey 'he may very well go down as one of the most unpopular governors of all time.' And in the next breath? He says he may run for president in 2020.

Plus: Listen to what Bridgegate and the musical Hamilton may have in common.

WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more.

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The Christie Tracker Podcast: The Bridgegate Trial – Week 3 Oct 05, 2016

It was another busy week in Christie world.

Over the past several days, Governor Christie announced a deal to allow a gas tax hike to pay for transportation projects in New Jersey... he called Donald Trump a genius on Fox News Sunday for losing nearly a billion dollars in 1995... and, after a long weekend, former port authority official David Wildstein was back on the stand for week 3 of the Bridgegate trial.

WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein and the Star-Ledger's Tom Moran join us with the latest. Speaking with host David Furst, Matt says defense attorneys have been working hard to portray Wildstein as a 'crazy, lying lunatic.'

Meanwhile, Matt adds, 'Wildstein has said that basically, almost every person close to Christie knew during the period of the cover-up.'

According to testimony from Wildstein, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo knew more about efforts to cover up the lane-closure scheme than he let on. Andrea breaks down what we know so far.

WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more.

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The Christie Tracker Podcast: The Bridgegate Trial – Week 2 Sep 28, 2016

Week 2 of the Bridgegate trial featured more show-stopping testimony from David Wildstein.

The former Port Authority official who has pleaded guilty in the lane closure scandal, said governor Chris Christie knew about the traffic at the George Washington Bridge while it was happening. And, according to Wildstein's testimony, when the governor was informed about the gridlock in Fort Lee – just before a ceremony to honor victims of 9/11, no less – he laughed.

WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein join us with the latest on the trial. This week, we dig deep into Wildstein's testimony. Speaking with host David Furst, Matt says it's all starting to make sense why 'Wildstein would have been able to get away with it and why there would have been such an attempt at a cover-up.'

Plus, we look at another ex-Christie confidante who has emerged as a key figure in the Bridgegate saga, the governor's former campaign manager – and current national field director for the Trump campaign – Bill Stepien.

WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more.

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Christie Tracker Podcast - The Bridgegate Trial: Week 1 Sep 21, 2016

The 'Bridgegate trial' has begun for former Christie staffer, Bridget Anne Kelly and Bill Baroni, the former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority. And Chris Christie's name has been coming up a lot in federal court in Newark.

On the very first day, prosecutors came out and said the governor knew about the politically motivated lane closures leading to the George Washington Bridge while they were happening.

We kick off season two of the Christie Tracker Podcast: The Bridgegate Trial with WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein, who are witnessing every minute of the trial unfold. They join host David Furst for analysis, behind the scenes stories from the trial and the latest on how this all might affect Chris Christie's involvement in the 2016 election.

Andrea says one of the reasons why the Bridgegate saga continues to be fascinating is because 'it's Hamlet meets American Hustle.'

WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more.

Listen to more shows from WNYC Studios: http://wny.cc/yzc4304odXp

The Christie Tracker: The Bridgegate Trial Sep 19, 2016

We've been on hiatus for a while.

But summer break is over. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band wrapped up their tour. Beach season is done. And we got kicked out of the rental in Manasquan.

Oh, and the Bridgegate trial is finally underway for former Governor Christie staffer, Bridget Anne Kelly and Bill Baroni, the former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority.

So it was time to reemerge.

We're re-launching with a new season of podcasts starting this Wednesday, September 21st. And we'll be joined once again by WNYC's award-winning team of Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein. Download a new show every week for analysis, behind the scenes stories from the trial and the latest on how it all might affect Chris Christie's involvement in the 2016 election.

Governor Christie's Achilles Heel Mar 16, 2016

From Bridgegate to the Chairman’s Flight... and from the scuttling of the ARC Hudson River tunnel project to the precarious finances of state’s depleted transportation trust fund, the Christie administration has been defined by controversy related to travel and transportation.

This week, it was revealed that New Jersey taxpayers have shelled out nearly $1.8 million for his Executive Protection Unit when Governor Christie goes out of state.

NJPR’s Matt Katz joins host David Furst to discuss what he calls the governor’s Achilles heel. “Travel and Christie’s personal political ambitions have always been intertwined.” Matt takes us way back to the time before he was U.S. Attorney for New Jersey to show how travel-related issues dogged Christie throughout his career.

We’re also joined by reporter, Ginger Gibson. She covered Christie’s personal use of state police helicopters for the Star-Ledger during his first term.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker and Matt’s new book, American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption.

Will Chris Christie Do Anything to Stay Out of Jersey? Mar 02, 2016

Depending on who you were talking to, it was either the most shocking thing the governor has ever done or not surprising at all. But certainly everyone was talking about it.

Chris Christie’s endorsement of Donald Trump sent the political world reeling and had New Jersey residents wondering when they might ever see their governor again. Just over two weeks after suspending his own presidential bid, the governor was back out on the campaign trail – this time working for his buddy, Donald.

NJPR’s Matt Katz joins us to try to make sense of the situation. He tells host David Furst that even “some members of his inner circle were shocked by this.”

We also speak with Jennifer Rubin who writes the conservative Right Turn blog for the Washington Post. In the past, she has been an admirer of the governor. But after the Trump endorsement, she unleashed a series of tweets and columns that, uh, did not hold back – as headlines like “Chris Christie is Now Ruined” made perfectly clear.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker and Matt’s new book, American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption.

New Bi-weekly Schedule for Christie Tracker Podcast Feb 24, 2016

With Governor Christie out of the presidential race and his budget speech out of the way, the Christie Tracker Podcast is shifting to a bi-weekly schedule.

But we've left you with a mashup of Christie-speak from the campaign trail. (See if you can guess which three-letter phrase seemed to pop up more than any other during his TV, town hall and debate appearances.)

And join us here next Wednesday, March 2nd. We'll be back with New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz and all the latest Christie news.

Until then, you can always re-read Matt's book, American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption or check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

**Shorn of 'Candidate' Status, Governor Christie Reemerges** Feb 17, 2016
It was the first sight most New Jerseyans had of Chris Christie since he dropped out of the presidential race. The governor was back behind a podium, addressing a joint session of the state legislature.

Never one to do anything on a small scale, his annual budget speech provided the perfect vehicle for his return to Jersey politics, full time.

For once, Christie had no hybrid title. No "Presidential Candidate" or even "RGA Chairman" to preface his actual job: governor.

And this time, his speech wasn't aimed over the heads of New Jersey residents at a potential national audience of Republican primary voters.

But what did he say? NJPR's Matt Katz says it was "Pensions 2.0." Matt joins host David Furst for analysis and shares his thoughts on Christie's return to Jersey.

Plus:

Michael Aron, Chief Political Correspondent for NJTV offers a unique perspective on Christie's resiliency. Aron has known Chris Christie since his days as U.S. Attorney. And he has interviewed every NJ governor since Tom Kean.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie delivers his FY 2017 budget address, 2-16-16.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker and Matt’s new book, American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption.

**Christie's Presidential Dreams Meet Cold Granite** Feb 10, 2016
Chris Christie has suspended his campaign for the White House. In a statement he said, "I leave the race without an ounce of regret."

This week, we look back on his quest to become the next president. And NJPR's Matt Katz explains what went wrong for the Gov in New Hampshire.

Christie spent more than 70 days campaigning in the Granite State. He held 76 town hall events there. But in the end, he could only muster a 6th place finish - last among the three remaining governors in the race.

Plus:

New Jersey Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto joins host David Furst to imagine what working with a returning Governor Christie might be like.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie addresses supporters in New Hampshire, Feb. 9, 2016.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker and Matt’s new book, American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption.

**How Does Chris Christie Rebound From 10th Place?** Feb 03, 2016
After months of campaigning, primary season just got real.

And real ugly for Team Christie.

Iowa dealt a major blow to the guy hoping to be the top governor coming out of the caucuses. Instead, he came in 10th overall - and dead last in the governors sweepstakes, behind Bush, Kasich and, yes, Huckabee.

Senior Editor for Politics & Policy for WNYC News, Andrea Bernstein and New Jersey Public Radio’s Matt Katz join us to pick up the pieces of the Christie campaign and see if it can be put back together again in time for voting in New Hampshire. As Christie unleashes a torrent of Town Halls on the Granite State, Andrea tells host David Furst the campaign's response to Iowa has been, "Move along, there's nothing to see here."

Also:

Wall Street Journal reporter, Aruna Viswanatha joins us to talk about hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen. This past weekend we learned he gave $4 million dollars to America Leads, the super PAC supporting Governor Christie.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks at the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 22, 2015.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker and Matt’s new book, American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption.

**Christie: Mopping Up the Political Damage After Blizzard** Jan 27, 2016
First, Governor Christie says he’s not coming back to New Jersey. Then, he arrives in time for the winter storm and says he was planning to all along – if the situation demanded his presence. He leaves after less than 40 hours and rushes back to New Hampshire for more campaigning (and a Patriots game). After the storm, he says there’s “no residual flooding damage.”

“I don’t know what you expect me to do? You want me to go down there with a mop?”

Then, facing criticism, he returns to Jersey and clarifies.

It all seemed so… indecisive.

NJPR’s Matt Katz joins host David Furst to talk about the governor’s case of winter storm whiplash.

Matt’s new book is American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption.

We're also joined by Josh Rogers, Senior Political Reporter for New Hampshire Public Radio, with the latest on Christie's standing in the state.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, press briefing on snow storm preparedness in Newark, NJ, Jan 22, 2016

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

**Katz on Christie: The Book** Jan 20, 2016
Wait no more, Gov.

American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption is officially on the shelves this week.

Back when he inked a deal to write a book about New Jersey’s popular governor, Matt Katz didn't know – and therefore nobody knew – the word Bridgegate.

Now, over two years later, Christie is running for president in an entirely changed political landscape. *American Governor* tells the story of the Governor’s rise, fall and attempted comeback.

This week, New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz joins host David Furst to talk about the book, and what it’s like covering the man he calls the “most compelling politician in America today.”

*American Governor* manages to reveal new details about the governor’s life – no small feat considering its subject’s famously open emotions and expansive storytelling. On the podcast, Matt shares stories about Christie’s marital difficulties and the “fight closet” he uses with Mary Pat.

But yeah, five years on the beat have taken their toll.

He dreams about Christie now.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie meets with Matt Katz and reporters for annual, off-the-record summer drinks at the Jersey Shore in 2014.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Christie’s State of the State: “I Will Never Stop Fighting for the People Who Elected Me” Jan 13, 2016

He's fighting an uphill presidential campaign and still losing popularity at home, but Governor Christie reminded the state house – and a national audience – of his considerable gifts as a politician.

In his annual State of the State speech, he brazenly took credit for saving New Jersey’s economy and railed against Democrats in Trenton for moving ahead with a plan to constitutionally mandate payments into the state pension system. He announced he would dedicate $100 million to help fight substance abuse. He worked the camera like a pro. And when he delivered lines like “our best days lie ahead” it was hard to tell if he was talking to New Jersey or voters in the early primary states.

But for all of the skills on display, NJPR's Matt Katz says the performance may not have generated more than “a harrumph from the back row of Assembly chambers.”

Matt joins us this week to “audio-tweet” the speech. He's the author of the new book, American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption. Along with Host David Furst, Matt highlights what Christie said – and what he didn’t say – in 2016’s State of the State.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Christie: Just Dropping In to See What State My State is In Jan 06, 2016

261.

That’s how many days Governor Christie spent out of New Jersey in 2015.

And according to New Jersey Public Radio’s Matt Katz, “There’s not much really happening in terms of the governance of New Jersey.” As state matters are squeezed between the governor's campaign stops and TV appearances, Matt says Trenton has “basically ground to a halt.”

But next week, Christie will take a break from campaigning to appear in Trenton for his annual state of the state speech. As the governor reacquaints himself with the Garden State, Matt joins host David Furst to talk about the criticism the absentee governor is facing on the trail – and takes a look at what his presidential campaign is costing New Jersey taxpayers.

Also:

Governor Christie often talks about his time “prosecuting terrorists” as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. One of his most celebrated convictions is back in the news this week, with three of the men who were convicted of plotting a terrorist attack on Fort Dix back in a New Jersey courtroom. We examine a case that Christie talks about as one of the highlights of his career with Murtaza Hussain. He has written extensively about the “Fort Dix Five” for The Intercept, and says the case deserves more scrutiny.

Bonus:

For further listening on Christie's track record of prosecuting terrorists in the years following 9/11 - here's our discussion on the conviction of Hemant Lakhani.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

**Christie in College: A Chief Executive in Training** Dec 30, 2015
Ah, schooldays. Things were different for Chris Christie back at the ol’ University of Delaware. The carefree scamp would spend his days building coalitions while running for president of the student body. He'd relax by fighting to secure an endorsement from the school newspaper.

OK. So nothing has changed.

By the time he hit college, Christie was already a seasoned vet. This is a guy who was president of his class in 9th, 10th, 11th AND 12th grades.

This week, NJPR’s Matt Katz turns back the clock and remembers Christie’s time in Delaware – where Matt says the governor-to-be developed his political style.

Chris Christie, 1983, in University of Delaware student newspaper, The Review.
(The Review)

Also:

According to our stats, Christie has spent all or part of 60% of his days in 2015 out of New Jersey.

*The Star-Ledger’s* Tom Moran argues his absence is contributing to a “perfect storm of paralysis” in Trenton. Tom joins host David Furst to talk about what’s NOT getting done.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Christie's Head Fakes Dec 23, 2015

In basketball, the head fake can be used to trick a defender. Essentially, you pretend like you're gonna go one way... and then you do something else.

It can work in politics too. Like when Governor Christie said he was going to direct the New Jersey Department of Human Services not to participate in the settlement of Syrian refugees.

And then? Well, nothing.

NJPR's Matt Katz says Christie is a pro at the political head fake. This week, he tells host David Furst about those times when he indicated to a conservative audience he was going to do something to make them happy but then actually does nothing at all.

But was Matt ready for the ultimate FAKE head fake?

Also:

The Garden State met the Granite State when Gov. Christie bused a bunch of NJ residents up to New Hampshire to assist with campaigning. One of the travelers was none other than Christie superfan, Angel Cordero.

It's unlikely you’ll ever meet a more enthusiastic supporter than this Camden resident. And New Hampshire may never be the same.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Governor Christie’s Debate Performance: In 140 Characters Dec 16, 2015

GOP debate #5 is a wrap.

Governor Christie was back on the main stage and needed to make the most of this moment. With less than two months to go before the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary, it’s getting to be do-or-die time for all candidates not named Trump.

Ted Cruz is surging in the polls and Governor Christie may have jumped to second place in New Hampshire, but the brightest glare of the spotlight still shines on orange hair.

So how did Christie do?

New Jersey Public Radio’s Matt Katz and WNYC’s Andrea Bernstein were hard at work fact-checking and live-tweeting during the fifth debate. Today, they join us to AUDIO-tweet Christie’s performance ... in real time.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Chris Christie's New Suitor and the 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' Debate Dec 09, 2015

The Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran has been locked in a war of words with Grant Bosse, Editorial Page Editor of New Hampshire’s Union Leader, over the paper’s endorsement of Christie. Moran says the Leader didn’t do its homework. Bosse calls The Star-Ledger Christie’s “crazy ex-girlfriend.” We bring the editors together to debate endorsements and the vetting process.

Also:

It’s tough to be perfect out there. With dozens of town hall events and TV appearances running back-to-back during this primary, there has been plenty of opportunity for Governor Christie to say something, shall we say, not entirely true.

Matt Katz joins host David Furst to discuss his list of the top-ten times Christie didn’t tell the whole truth on the campaign trail. We'll break down those moments that go by so quickly in town hall discussions - when Christie manipulates statistics to accentuate his conservative cred... or just gets stuff wrong.

And:

In the immortal words of Ron Burgundy, “Boy. That escalated quickly.”

We have the latest on the burgeoning battle between Christie and Donald Trump. Among other instantly infamous remarks, the front-runner claimed this week that the Gov “totally knew about” Bridgegate.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Christie: 'Our World War Is Happening Right Now' Dec 02, 2015

For months, pundits have been saying that Governor Christie’s presidential aspirations were dead in the water. But lately, whispers about a potential Christie comeback have increased in volume. The argument goes like this: after the terrorist attacks in Paris, everything changed. And Christie, who has long positioned himself as the law-and-order national-security guy, is the candidate primary voters will run to in a time of uncertainty and fear.

It still hasn’t really shown up in any polls. But this week, the Gov picked up a key endorsement from New Hampshire’s biggest paper. A nod from the Union Leader has traditionally meant an 11-percentage-point bump in the polls. And in a sure sign of renewed status, Donald Trump has started attacking him via Twitter.

NJPR’s Matt Katz and Tom Moran, editorial page editor for the Star-Ledger, join us from the Granite State. They discuss with host David Furst how Christie’s town hall events have changed over the last month.

We’ll also discuss two brewing feuds. One, naturally, with Trump. The other with New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association President, Pat Colligan. The name calling has become, well, piggish.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Christie's Bold Defense of Muslim-Americans (Four Years Ago) Nov 25, 2015

From Governor Christie’s comments about Syrian orphans to Donald Trump’s assertion that he saw thousands cheering in Jersey City on 9/11, New Jersey has become a central part of the national discussion on refugees and terrorism in the aftermath of the Paris attacks.

In his response to Trump’s claims about Jersey City, Governor Christie was accused of going easy on the front runner. Instead of issuing a blunt denial that the widely discredited rumor was fiction, Christie said simply, “I do not remember that. It’s not something that was part of my recollection. I think if it had happened, I would remember it. But, you know, there could be things I forget too.”

To help us make sense of the refugee rhetoric, we're joined by dueling Matts: Matt Katz who covers Governor Christie for NJPR and Matt Rooney, who runs the conservative Save Jersey blog.

Matt Rooney says Chris Christie shouldn't have to answer for everything Trump says. Rooney poses the question, “How much should we go at Donald Trump and try to correct him... in so doing, are we actually building him up?”

But Matt Katz says, “Trump was slandering residents of Christie’s home state,” and the governor's tepid response doesn’t cut it.

This week, we turn back the clock to recall a side of Christie that has remained submerged through much of the primary – as we remember the times when the governor let loose with bold support for a Muslim-American judge.

Also:

Patrick Colligan, President of the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association tells host David Furst why he’s been warning officers across the country against supporting Christie’s presidential bid.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Christie Closes Door to Syrian Refugees Nov 18, 2015

In the days following the terrorist attacks in Paris, shock and sorrow quickly shifted to outrage and blame on the Republican campaign trail. From Donald Trump saying he would consider closing mosques to calls for religious tests for refugees, candidates seemed to be in a race to out-hawk each other.

And Chris Christie was not to be outdone.

He sent a letter to President Obama saying he would no longer accept Syrian refugees in New Jersey and told radio host Hugh Hewitt he wouldn’t even allow orphaned refugees under the age of five in the country. It was a quick flip from two months ago when he said America should play a compassionate role and take in refugees.

Obama responded to the refugee ruckus while speaking in the Philippines. "When candidates say, 'we won't admit 3-year-old orphans,' that's political posturing."

This week on the podcast, NJPR’s Matt Katz and Tom Moran, Editorial Page Editor for The Star-Ledger, join us to talk about the governor’s hardening position and his strategy moving forward.

Also:

The lawyers for former Christie staffer Bridget Anne Kelly and former Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni filed defense motions in federal court last week. And yes, that means Bridgegate is back in the news. WNYC’s Senior Editor for Politics and Policy, Andrea Bernstein joins host David Furst to discuss what she learned from the filings.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Christie the Big Kid at the Table Nov 11, 2015

It’s been a bumpy month on the Christie Campaign Express.

At first, things were looking up. There was a good response to his 3rd debate performance, a bump in the polls in New Hampshire, and then a video of him talking compassionately about drug addiction went viral. It seemed like the moment his campaign had been waiting for.

Then, the sudden jolt: when he was booted off the main stage for the 4th debate due to low national poll numbers.

New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz discusses whether Christie made lemonade out of lemons with host David Furst.

Also this week: weighing Christie's words in that viral video against his actions when it comes to supporting drug treatment programs. Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Amy Rosenberg looks at Christie's record and the threatened closure of the only treatment center in south Jersey.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Christie and Cruz: Fighting to Move from the Edge of the Stage Nov 04, 2015

Senator Ted Cruz. Governor Chris Christie.

Neither man lacks for confidence. Or ambition. Both are fighting for a shot to take on the Democratic challenger in the 2016 presidential race.

And both had widely talked about moments during the CNBC debate that came via their attacks on the media.

This week, NJPR’s Matt Katz and special guest Ben Philpott from KUT’s The Ticket 2016 podcast, join us for an in-depth look at two forceful candidates who have been struggling to be heard in a crowded primary.

They represent two different strands of the Republican Party. And stylistically, they couldn’t be further apart. Ted likes Star Wars. Christie? Springsteen. The Gov rarely talks about faith. The Senator brings religion front-and-center. Ben Philpott says Cruz is “always on” and “doesn’t come off as a guy you’d want to go to a bar with,” while Christie, according to Katz, “can seem like the guy next to you at the airport bar.”

Speaking with host David Furst, Ben and Matt consider who might be best-positioned to pick up votes if the front-runners begin to falter.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Chris Christie's Watershed Moment Oct 28, 2015

52 times the New Jersey legislature attempted to override a Christie veto.

52 times it ended in failure, with nearly every Republican legislator voting against an override.

But streaks are meant to be broken. And this time things were different.

NJPR’s Matt Katz and Bergen Record columnist Charles Stile join us to consider what this moment means for New Jersey.

Also:

The New York Times editorial board called Christie’s comments about the Black Lives Matter movement “racially poisonous.” And much has been said about the extreme statements he made about the movement and President Obama on CBS’s Face the Nation this weekend. But what about his assertion that he’s the law and order candidate – and, by extension, the one that cares most about police?

John Reitmeyer with NJ Spotlight joins host David Furst to discuss the governor’s relationship with cops in New Jersey.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

A Campaign Stuck in First Gear Oct 21, 2015

Is the campaign money bag half full or half empty? Or wait, maybe the bag is just way too small.

Reaction to the first fundraising reports from Governor Christie's presidential campaign varied. Christie's team said they were pleased about how much money they had. Pundits called it a disappointing haul. NJPR's Matt Katz says "It's what you would expect from someone who is now clearly a second-tier candidate." This week, Matt joins host David Furst to assess the state of the finances.

Also:

We address reports of dwindling support for Governor Christie’s presidential campaign among New Jersey Republicans with State Assembly Minority Leader, Jon Bramnick. Plus, we ask about his side career as a stand-up comic - not the safest gig for a politician on the eve of a general election. But, Bramnick notes, "all comedy is a risky proposition."

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Chris Christie: The Springsteen Tracker Oct 14, 2015

To understand Chris Christie you need to consider his Bruce Springsteen obsession.

Come on, the man has been to over 130 Bruce shows.

This week, the Christie Tracker Podcast looks at Christie, the Springsteen super fan – who follows Bruce to shows, writes about him on message boards and trades tapes with fellow fans.

New Jersey Public Radio’s Matt Katz guides us through Christie’s life of worship at the Church of Springsteen and explains why messages posted 15 years ago shed light on the governor’s personality today. We ponder how Christie could be so attracted to the musical messages of a political polar opposite. And speaking with host David Furst, Matt explains why he finds the old posts endearing.

As he puts it, ‘This is a total geek, geeking out with other geeks.’

Also:

Christie was back in the state with the country’s first primary last week. He held several town hall meetings in New Hampshire and some polls suggest he may be starting to gain a little traction there.

Scott Conroy, Senior Political Reporter with the Huffington Post joins us to wrap up the week.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Hurricane Dodged, but Christie Can’t Avoid Rough Political Weather at Home Oct 07, 2015

It’s enough to make a guy want to spend some quality campaign time in New Hampshire.

Governor Christie spent much of last week preparing for a natural disaster. But as Joaquin headed out to sea, the governor was stuck at a storm press conference in south Jersey – trying to avoid questions about a resigning cabinet member. Departing Transportation Commissioner Jamie Fox had been the subject of multiple news reports linking him to both the Bridgegate and the Chairman’s Flight scandals.

So a week that was meant to showcase leadership during a crisis ended with Fox’s resignation in what has become a tradition for the Christie Administration -- the Friday 5 p.m. news dump.

NJPR’s Matt Katz joins host David Furst for a recap. Describing the governor’s carefully orchestrated Joaquin press conferences, Matt says “This was a potential moment for him and he wasn’t going to let it pass by.”

Also:

Christie replaced the two top attorneys in the governor’s office with an expert on electronic data collection and an authority on political corruption. We look at what may be behind these moves. And - Matt presents his list of Governor Christie’s Top Seven Friday Afternoon News Dumps.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

The Untouchable Mr. Fox Sep 30, 2015

Jamie Fox. Christie cabinet member, former United Airlines lobbyist, long-time New Jersey political operative.

Oh, and a guy with connections to both the Bridgegate and the Chairman's Flight scandals.

NJPR’s Matt Katz joins host David Furst to talk about his reporting on a man who has somehow avoided the scrutiny of legislators investigating Bridgegate. Fox worked for three out of the last four Democratic governors. He’s currently Christie’s transportation commissioner. Matt says even though he is “linked to two of the most notorious scandals to hit the administration,” Republicans AND Democrats in New Jersey seem to leave Fox alone.

Also:

Governor Christie was left for dead in the Hawkeye State, with polling numbers placing him near the back of the pack. This week, he picked up big endorsements from Iowa business leaders and was back in the state for another town hall event.

On one hand, the endorsements carry a lot of symbolic power. They come from a group that tried to recruit him to run for president in 2012 but, until now, shied away from supporting Christie this time. Joel Aschbrenner, reporter with The Des Moines Register, joins us to assess what value these endorsements have for the average voter.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Governor Christie: Humble Servant of the Middle Class Sep 23, 2015

After a few weeks as "The Law and Order Guy" and "That Guy Who Wants to Use FedEx to Track Immigrants," Governor Christie is shape-shifting again. This time, he's the Common Man of the People and Defender of the Middle Class.

NJPR's Matt Katz and the Star-Ledger's Tom Moran join host David Furst to discuss the latest message from the campaign trail, and how this one might actually work better.

We'll also explain what Governor Christie has done to weaken the state's Election Law Enforcement Commission and how it all may be part of a plan to help out his best Democrat bud, Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo.

Also this week:

Cronyism in the New Jersey National Guard. Widespread discontent among the ranks and charges of racism. Add to that, the detail that Christie has given the overweight head of the NJ National Guard 90 days to slim down and "meet his obligations."

Washington Post Reporter, Craig Whitlock joins us to discuss how the guard has become "dysfunctional" under Governor Christie. Whitlock says, "I've covered the military at a national level for several years... and I've never seen an instance where you have such a high percentage of the... senior command staff filing complaints."

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

The Chairman's Plight Sep 16, 2015

The scrapheap of officials laid to waste by Bridgegate and its spin-off scandals expanded last week to include three United Airlines executives.

United says the resignations are related to the investigation into the airline’s dealings with the Port Authority – and with former Port Authority Chair, David Samson, an appointee and close confidante of Governor Christie. Samson is under investigation for getting favors from the airline in exchange for lower costs for United at the Port Authority owned airport in Newark. One of the favors was the so-called "Chairman's Flight," a special flight route from Newark to South Carolina allegedly created at the request of Samson.

Governor Christie spoke about the story on NBC’s Meet the Press and on his monthly radio call-in show, Ask The Governor. His advice: "Let's stop reading newspapers."

On the podcast this week: grab a scuba mask, bring along an extra tank of oxygen and join us for a deep dive into what the governor is saying about the allegations, and what he is not saying.

Don't worry. It'll be easy to follow along. Host David Furst is joined by Matt Katz who covers Governor Christie for WNYC and NJPR and by Andrea Bernstein, Senior Editor for Politics & Policy for WNYC News. Andrea says “What’s being investigated here is bribery, pure and simple. Quid pro quo.”

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Two Years After Bridgegate: The Truth Serum Question Sep 09, 2015

It's hard to pinpoint exactly why Governor Christie’s presidential campaign hasn’t caught fire. But his decline in the polls started with a traffic jam back on September 9th, 2013.

Two years later, we consider what we still don't know about Bridgegate.

Host David Furst is joined by Andrea Bernstein, Senior Editor for Politics & Policy for WNYC News and Tom Moran, Editorial Page Editor for The Star-Ledger. Here's the scenario. The governor has been given a healthy dose of truth serum. And he's granted Andrea and Tom a no-holds-barred interview. Andrea says it all starts with her most obvious question for the governor; “What did you know and when did you know it?”

Meanwhile, United Airline’s CEO Jeff Smisek and two vice presidents resigned this week. United says the move was connected with the company’s internal investigation into its dealings with the Port Authority - and former Chair, and Christie appointee, David Samson. The U.S. Attorney in New Jersey is looking into whether the airline provided a special flight route, known as the "chairman's flight" for Samson in exchange for fee reductions and other benefits.

Plus:

It's been five years since Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg appeared on Oprah! with Chris Christie and Cory Booker to announce a $100 million gift to Newark schools. Reporter Dale Russakoff picks through the pieces of this fascinating recent history in her new book, "The Prize - Who's In Charge of America's Schools?"

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

**When You're Down in the Polls, It Helps to Have a Superfan** Sep 02, 2015
The summer of 2013. It doesn’t seem that distant. But it might as well be a political lifetime ago for Chris Christie.

This was post-Sandy and pre-Bridgegate. The governor was soaring in the polls and coasting to reelection.

Today? According to New Jersey Public Radio’s Matt Katz, the guy who never had a hard time getting attention is fighting for crumbs from the national press. He says, “It seems like this magic he had to make headlines, to cut through the noise, is lost.”

Matt joins us for a sobering comparison between summer ’13 and summer ’15 – including a moment this week when Donald Trump out-Christied Christie in his own backyard.

Also this week:

When you’re down in the polls it’s good to have a supporter like Angel Cordero in your corner.

The Camden activist might be best known for his unabashed Gov-love. You may have seen him before. He was that super-enthusiastic guy in the bleachers during Christie’s presidential announcement in Livingston. And he joins host David Furst this week on the Christie Tracker Podcast.

Activist Angel Cordero is among the Christie faithful.
(William Thomas Cain/Getty)

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

**Chris Christie Through the Looking Glass** Aug 26, 2015
Watching TV this month, you'd be forgiven for feeling like someone slipped something funny in your tea.

It's no shock that Governor Christie has aggressively taken on Hillary Clinton’s email scandal. What is surprising is that he willingly offered up his own behavior during the Bridgegate investigation as a point of comparison.

The same guy who deleted texts sent while a legislative hearing into the lane closures was taking place, says on CNN: "Can you imagine if after the bridge investigation began, I came out and said, 'Oh by the way, I've done all of my business as governor on a private email server and I’ve deleted now 30,000 of those emails. But trust me, none of it had to do with the bridge?' Give me a break!"

Asked about the texts that he deleted on CBS's *Face the Nation* this weekend he says, "We had 12 missing text messages that were sent to me by someone when we weren't under investigation and didn’t even know what was going on. Mrs. Clinton deleted emails when she was under subpoena. You know, in my neck of the woods we call that obstruction of justice."

Ok. Next question. But… wait, what?

Interviews go by so fast on TV. Luckily, we're armed with a pause button and New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz. This week, Matt joins Host David Furst to analyze every word of the governor's statements. Regarding the *Face the Nation* quote? Matt says "I count five things that are at least misleading." We'll break 'em down in detail.

This is the only email that has so far been publicly released from Gov. Chris Christie about Bridgegate. He is changing the resignation statement of David Wildstein, who ordered the lanes closed.

Also, NJ Advance Media's Matt Arco joins us with analysis on the governor's latest trip to Iowa and his ever-hardening immigration position.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

The Rose-Colored Campaign Glasses of Mike DuHaime Aug 19, 2015

With Mike DuHaime the ballot box is never half-empty.

While much of the media has been posting death notices for the Chris Christie campaign, Mike DuHaime, Chief Strategist for his presidential run, joins us to offer a different view. As New Jersey Public Radio’s Matt Katz puts it, he is “the guy you want to talk to if you’re on your death bed - he’s extremely optimistic.”

But Mike DuHaime has been down before.

While pundits salivate over Donald Trump’s surge in the polls and Jeb Bush’s massive campaign war chest, DuHaime finds hope in recent New Jersey history. Speaking with Christie Tracker Podcast host, David Furst he says, “It is not the candidate with the most money that always wins. In Governor Christie’s own experience running against John Corzine in New Jersey in 2009, we got outspent 3-1 – as a challenger in a very deep blue state. And we still won. Because he was the better candidate.”

Mike DuHaime takes questions from Matt Katz and David Furst on the current state of the campaign.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Policy and Combat Boots: Christie is Christie in First Televised Debate Aug 07, 2015

It was a crowded stage of ten hopeful Republican candidates. But after the dust settled, Christie found a way to stand out from the pack.

New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz and Tom Wilson, former Chairman of the New Jersey Republican State Committee say Christie's presentation of policy ideas and his willingness to mix-it-up helped distinguish the governor in the first televised debate of the Republican primary season. Matt and Tom join host David Furst for a post-debate special edition of the podcast.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

What we Know About Christie's Biggest Super PAC Donors Aug 05, 2015

This week, we learned about the $11 million raised by America Leads, the super PAC supporting Christie.

We also found out who's been forking over all that cash.

New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz joins Host David Furst for a look at several donors with close business ties to the state.

New Jersey has pay-to-play restrictions that are designed to prevent businesses from currying favors with the governor. But here’s the catch: they don’t apply to federal elections.

Matt Katz says, "You have the state of New Jersey, which is essentially a $30 billion annual business and you have companies that rely on a piece of that money for their very existence. They want to give money in order to get into the rooms with these political power players and they're not allowed to do that if it’s a state-wide race. But here’s a way that they can do that."

Also this week:

Christie calls it, "One of the best books I've read." We speak with Ken Adelman, the author of a book the governor mentions every chance he gets – Reagan at Reykjavik: Forty-Eight Hours That Ended the Cold War.

Plus, The Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran joins us with a perspective on Christie’s foreign policy credentials.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Christie Telling It Like It Is: One Vote at a Time Jul 29, 2015

"I like Governor Christie."

"He tells it like it is and he seems like a regular person... he just appeals to me."

"I'm so fascinated with Chris Christie and everything he's doing... he speaks from the heart – everything he says is just 100% genuine."

"He seems... like he would actually protect our country – I would feel safe with him being a president. What I'm looking for in a president is to feel safe."

The voices of New Hampshire residents at Christie town hall events seem to fly in the face of his dismal polling results – stark numbers that tell a very different story. And a new Monmouth University poll says Donald Trump is taking more potential voters away from Christie than the other candidates.

Still, WNYC's Matt Katz says without attending a town hall it's impossible "to appreciate the positive and emotional reaction people have to him" in New Hampshire.

Matt was with the governor on his latest trip to The Granite State and joins host David Furst to report on Christie’s reception.

Also this week: Thanks to overhead wire issues and power problems, NJ Transit and Amtrak riders dealt with days of delays getting to and from Manhattan. WNYC's Andrea Bernstein joins us to explain how Sandy, Bridgegate and a scrapped tunnel project all come together to contribute to the region's latest transit woes.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Christie Temporarily Trumped Jul 22, 2015

Trump?

There’s so much about the primary that isn’t going Christie's way. But he certainly didn’t expect to suddenly be the mild, more-restrained candidate in the race.

This week, New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz and Paul Mulshine, conservative columnist for the Star-Ledger, join us to talk about what Donald Trump's ascendency means for the Christie campaign.

With Trump generating so much attention, Matt says Christie has been 'totally outshined.' He says Christie's 'Tell It Like It Is' brand doesn’t make sense 'when someone else is saying stuff that's even more outrageous.' He adds that Trump 'makes Christie look like the absolute cookie-cutter politician – the opposite of the perception that Christie has cultivated on the national scene for all these years.'

Also: Christie was back in South Carolina this week. Host David Furst is joined by South Carolina Republican strategist Chip Felkel, and Deborah Streetman, president of the Charleston County Republican Women. They check in to tell us how Christie is being received in the key primary state.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Dear Gov. Christie: Love Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry Jul 15, 2015

Gov. Chris Christie wants the media to apologize for their Bridgegate coverage. So we called reporters. The only person we could find to say he's "sorry" is Bob Garfield of On the Media. On the way to his apology, he places Christie among a long line of Republicans who have used the media to curry public opinion.

We also speak with New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz and Tom Moran, editorial page editor of the Star Ledger, who tells us about a man who found himself in a Christie presidential campaign ad, and he's not sure he wants to vote for him.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Jersey in the Rear View Jul 08, 2015

Governor Christie announced he was officially running for president last week then immediately hit the road.

He continued his never-ending tour of New Hampshire. He blanketed the airwaves - making appearances on NBC, CBS, Fox News and MSNBC.

One place where we’re NOT seeing him much is New Jersey. So what happens to that state now that Christie is really running?

New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz says, "There's just simply a lot less governing going on."

Also on this week's show, host David Furst speaks with Patrick Murray, Director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. The latest Monmouth University poll says a majority of New Jersey residents think Christie should resign now that he’s running for president.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Christie: 'I Am Now Ready' Jul 01, 2015

It was the least suspenseful cliffhanger in the history of cliffs.

Governor Christie has, essentially, been running for higher office for years. But now he is, officially, a presidential candidate.

This week, we head to Livingston High School for analysis on the announcement from New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz and the Star-Ledger's Tom Moran.

We're also joined by Robert Costa, national political reporter for the Washington Post. He’s seen a few national campaign launches and provides some context. He tells host David Furst that Christie's speech was 'a big moment for people in New Jersey. But (I'm) not so sure how many Republicans nationally are paying close attention.'

He adds, 'It's not so much a policy campaign... this is about the force of a persona.'

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Chris Christie's Gun Problem Jun 24, 2015

Governor Christie's record on guns was already facing heavy scrutiny before the events of June 17th, when nine people were shot and killed in the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

In early June, Governor Christie traveled to South Carolina where he tried to gain credibility with the gun rights crowd - claiming that no new gun laws were made in New Jersey since he became governor. And in New Jersey he recently pardoned two people for illegally transporting guns in the state. Sounds like a guy big on the Second Amendment. But dig a little deeper and his track record tells a more complicated story.

Olivia Nuzzi who covers politics for The Daily Beast and New Jersey Public Radio’s Matt Katz join host David Furst to help explain the Governor's gun politics.

Also this week: we learned that Cami Anderson, the controversial superintendent of the Newark public school system, will be leaving on July 8th. Governor Christie also announced that three of his cabinet members will be leaving within the next few weeks. We’ll talk about the changes with the Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Christie Offers an Alternate Reality Jun 17, 2015

Last week, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that Governor Chris Christie doesn't have to make full payments into the state pension system. “We just won a major court decision, supporting the pension reforms that we put into place in 2011," Gov. Christie said on ABC’s This Week.

But the Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran explains how that's the opposite of what happened.

Also on the podcast this week:

New Jersey Public Radio’s Matt Katz says the Bridgegate scandal might have had a surprising effect on the future of the Republican Party. Matt joins host David Furst to explain why he thinks the lane closure debacle forced Gov. Christie to abandon a strategy for winning the White House that could have brought the GOP to a new generation of voters. And Republican strategist Jeanette Hoffman offers another view. She says Bridgegate didn’t do Christie any favors, but it’s not what’s really driving pivots on issues like Common Core and gun rights.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Why the Governor Should Stop Bragging About the Mastro Report Jun 10, 2015

The Mastro Report versus The Fishman Indictments.

Sure, it sounds like a showdown between the two most boring intramural kickball teams ever.

But no.

Governor Christie says the Mastro report, which was commissioned by him, was the last word on the GWB lane closure scandal. And he says the investigation and recent indictments by U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman offered nothing new. But New Jersey Public Radio’s Matt Katz joins host David Furst to break down the differences - and to explain why the Mastro Report will become central to the Bridgegate trials.

Also:
The State Supreme Court sides with the governor and says he won’t be forced to pay $1.57 billion into the state pension system before the end of the fiscal year – which is mere weeks away. Matt Friedman, reporter for NJ Advance Media joins us to break down a ruling the governor calls “an important victory.”

Plus:
We’ll sit-in on a Belmar beatdown for Matt Katz, courtesy of the governor. (He had me at, “you’re good at mischaracterizing what I say.”)

And: Bon Jovi shows his true colors. Christie uses the Jersey rocker’s music at town hall events. They’ve been spotted dining out with their wives. But the bromance may be finished. Word comes this week that Jon Bon Jovi will be hosting a fundraiser for Hillary.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Chris Christie's Patriot Act Jun 03, 2015

Over the past couple of weeks, Governor Christie has been offering an aggressive defense of the Patriot Act - stressing that he has personally used it to prosecute terrorists in his role as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.

But how has he used it? And have his actions made the world a safer place?

This week on the podcast we’re joined by New Jersey Public Radio’s Matt Katz and Reporter Petra Bartosiewicz who produced an hour-long documentary for This American Life on the conviction of Hemant Lakhani by then U.S. Attorney Chris Christie. Matt and Petra look into Christie’s track record of prosecuting terrorists in the years following 9/11.

Also this week: the governor’s Common Core pivot is now complete.

Christie says the national education standards are "simply not working.” But the Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran says “it’s hard to know what’s not working, other than the politics.” He joins Host David Furst to break down the politics behind Christie’s decision to back away from the education standards that are kryptonite to many Republicans.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

David Wildstein: “A Great Boss” May 27, 2015

For the past two years Steve Kornacki has been the host of the weekend morning show Up with Steve Kornacki on MSNBC. But he got his start working for the political news site Politics NJ (now Politicker NJ) - - when it was run by David Wildstein.

The same David Wildstein who pleaded guilty to charges related to the lane closures at the George Washington Bridge.

According to Kornacki, Wildstein remained anonymous throughout his time there. Speaking with Christie Tracker Podcast host David Furst, Kornacki says he was convinced he was “working for a 75-year-old former statehouse reporter” because he had “never met anyone with the kind of institutional knowledge of NJ state politics and government that David Wildstein had.”

Also this week, WNYC’s Andrea Bernstein brings us an update on the “Chairman’s Flight” – the infamous United Airlines flight route that benefited former Port Authority Chair, David Samson. Andrea's latest report uncovered more evidence of a deal between United Airlines and the Port Authority.

Plus: Was it a vicious F-bomb-laced tirade against the local media? Or was it good old-fashioned comedy? Some say the governor crossed the line during his annual appearance at the New Jersey Legislative Correspondents Club Show. But Steve Kornacki and New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz defend the show as a fun, extremely silly event.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Obama Hits Jersey. Christie Flees. May 20, 2015

President Obama arrived in Camden, New Jersey, to trumpet a drop in violent crime and to highlight the city as a “symbol of promise,” where the local police force is working positively with the community. This week on the Christie Tracker Podcast, New Jersey Public Radio’s Matt Katz and the Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran dig into story behind the crime numbers in Camden.

At the same time Obama was shining a spotlight on Jersey, Governor Christie – who made Camden crime stats a big part of his 2015 state of the state speech – turned to world issues. He was back in New Hampshire delivering a foreign policy speech. Zeke Miller, political reporter for Time tells host David Furst that Christie went bold in his statements on terrorism surveillance but for the most part, stuck to “Republican party orthodoxy.”

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

'It's Good to Be Back and I'll See You Again' May 13, 2015

Gov. Christie is stopping at diners, holding town halls and pressing the flesh in weekly trips to New Hampshire to convince voters that he’s a viable candidate.

New Jersey Public Radio’s Matt Katz joins us this week to break-down the governor’s recent visit. He says even with all the coverage Christie got on the trip, it was trumped by a fat-shaming media free-for-all. $300,000 for snacks at MetLife Stadium? Click here!

Also this week:

Charges? Maybe we don’t need no stinkin’ charges.

Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, is challenging the idea that anyone involved in creating a week-long traffic jam at the George Washington Bridge should go to jail. He offers a spirited defense of machine politics and tells host David Furst that government works best when politicians can help supporters and punish defectors.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Bridgegate: The Criminal Charges Episode May 06, 2015

After a year-and-a-half of traffic jams, emails, texts, legislative hearings, political casualties and late night TV mockery, Bridgegate has its first criminal charges.

But there was so much that wasn't revealed when the indictments were announced. Based on what we know about the administration’s involvement, why were only three Christie associates charged? When did the governor find out the lane closures weren’t really part of a traffic study? How many others were in on the planning?

“It’s like the end of Downton Abbey," U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said, "and you’ve got to wait until a whole other season” for more to be revealed.

Like many fans of the series, we can't wait that long.

This week, WNYC’s Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein join host David Furst to examine some of the loose ends and take a close look at the testimony of the indicted Bill Baroni, who was Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority when the lanes leading to the George Washington Bridge were closed. The indictment calls his testimony a "sham."

Also this week, Star-Ledger Editor Tom Moran discusses an editorial in New Jersey's paper of record that called on the governor to give up a presidential campaign that has hardly begun.

Also: Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

The Chairman's Dinner Apr 29, 2015

Do scandals linger longer in the public memory when they have great nicknames? If so, this one isn't going anywhere.

“The Chairman’s Flight" was the sparsely-traveled United Airlines flight, that ran from Newark to South Carolina - allegedly requested by former Port Authority Chairman David Samson to make it easier to fly off to his weekend retreat.

Samson was appointed chairman by Governor Christie and resigned in the wake of investigations after the Fort Lee lane closures. It was a job where he had the power to make decisions affecting the airline's interests at Newark airport.

News about a federal probe into the “Chairman’s Flight” broke back in February. But new details have emerged thanks to the reporting of David Kocieniewski and David Voreacos with Bloomberg News. Kocieniewski joins host David Furst to talk about the dinner proposal that morphed into a corruption probe.

Also on the podcast this week, Star-Ledger Editorial Editor Tom Moran takes a look at the long-dead “bromance” between Christie and NJ Senate President Steve Sweeney.

And WNYC’s Matt Katz says to understand what Christie is selling in 2015 you need to look back to a speech he made four years ago in Washington, D.C.

Also: Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Chris Christie's New Hampshire Plan Apr 22, 2015

Chris Christie finally brought his famous town hall format to the campaign trail. The Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran says “it’s about time.”

The latest polls on the governor’s chances in a presidential race are brutal. But Christie’s events in New Hampshire drew big crowds and lots of attention from reporters. And while voters in the Granite State took a second look at the (almost) candidate, Christie unveiled Social Security reform proposals, a nuanced position on immigration and unleashed some tough talk on President Obama and Cuba.

This week, New Jersey Public Radio’s Matt Katz and the Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran join host David Furst to play “red meat/blue meat” with Christie’s town hall comments. New Hampshire Republican Party activist, Fran Wendelboe says the governor “redeemed himself” during his visits and Matthew Yglesias, Executive Editor of Vox, tells us why we all focused on the wrong aspects of Christie’s Social Security proposals.

Plus:
Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

New Subpoena? Bah! Christie Hits Campaign Trail Apr 15, 2015

The Manhattan District Attorney is looking into a contract between the Port Authority and a company co-owned by Dallas Cowboys magnate Jerry Jones, who gave Gov. Chris Christie free trips to see his team play. But that didn't stop Christie from making a three-day trip to New Hampshire to make his case to be the next president of the United States. Even if he says he hasn't decided to run yet.

New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz reports from New Hampshire. We also hear from Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Dawsey about the subpoenas that have been served to the Port Authority and history professor Brian Murphy gives us a brief history of why New Jersey is so corrupt.

Plus:
Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Sandy Recovery: 'New Jersey's Done a Terrible Job' Apr 08, 2015

Attorney Lawrence Bathgate is a former finance chair of the Republican National Committee. He talks about vacations with the Bush family in Kennebunkport. President Ford, John McCain and the first President Bush were guests at his Bay Head home. Rumor has it he owns Thomas Jefferson’s table.

He knows Christie personally. But he’s supporting Jeb Bush. Among the issues that bother him? Sandy recovery. “New Jersey’s done a terrible job," he says. "The people they hired were the wrong people."

New Jersey Public Radio and NJ Spotlight reporter Scott Gurian recorded a lengthy sit-down interview with Bathgate and joins us on the Christie Tracker Podcast with the highlights.

Also on the show:
Christie is heading back to New Hampshire. We preview the trip with New Jersey Public Radio’s Emma Jacobs. And, Host David Furst is joined by NJTV’s David Cruz who considers the governor’s reaction to the indictment of Senator Bob Menendez and walks us through a little Hudson County corruption history.

Plus:
Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

The Governor's Secret Weapon? Apr 01, 2015

According to a CBS poll released this week, only 27 percent of Republicans would consider voting for Chris Christie. That puts him way down the list of likely Republican candidates.

But some say the governor has a secret weapon. And her name is Hillary Clinton.

This week, we're joined by NJ Advance Media state house reporter Claude Brodesser-Akner who traveled to Iowa to speak with voters. He says the thinking among Christie supporters goes something like this: ‘Hey, why don’t we win for a change?’ The prospect of Clinton as the Democrat’s nominee might ‘remind Iowans to focus on someone who’s more electable,' and Christie says he is that guy.

Then, Matt Rooney, founder of the Save Jersey blog, talks us through a Christie-Hillary smack-down.

And Christie’s former press secretary, Michael Drewniak, starts his new gig with NJ Transit on April 1st. It's a position created just for him. But back in February of 2010, the governor declared an end to the era of 'patronage hires' at the transit agency. The Star-Ledger’s Tom Moran says 'April fools!'

Presidential Politics, Ethics Reform and Sandy Mar 25, 2015

Governor Christie projects “late spring, early summer” for an announcement on whether he’ll run for president. But why wait so long? With Ted Cruz formally jumping in the race, Matt and Tom take a hard look at Christie’s viability.

Plus, one year after the Mastro Report made ethics recommendations that Christie said he would fully embrace, the administration has adopted precious few of them. We look at what they did and didn't do.

We also look at some of the difficulties a top Christie official faced trying to help Sandy victims.

And… we consider the "Corvette affair."

Host David Furst is joined by New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz, Tom Moran, editorial page editor for The Star-Ledger, and Heather Haddon, of The Wall Street Journal.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

What the Bridgegate Fall Guy's Calendar Tells Us Mar 18, 2015

This week, WNYC’s Andrea Bernstein and Matt Katz talk about their investigation into the calendars maintained by David Wildstein while he was at the Port Authority. The calendars, and a treasure trove of photos, reveal a closer connection than has been acknowledged between Governor Christie’s inner circle and Wildstein – the guy who answered “got it” in response to “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee.”

Host David Furst also speaks with Robert George, associate editorial page editor and political commentator for the New York Post. Bridgegate? He says that’s far down the list when it comes to political problems for the governor.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Menendez, Hillary & Christie: Perfect Together Mar 11, 2015

Senator Robert Menendez is facing possible federal corruption charges for accepting gifts from a Florida eye doctor. Hillary Clinton is confronting a media firestorm for her secretive email habits. It calls to mind a certain governor’s relationship with his pal, "Jerry" and his own email history. (Spoiler alert: a grand total of ONE has been made public.)

Also this week:

A heckler from New Jersey follows Christie to Iowa with a message about Sandy recovery. And, after months of silence, we get a glimpse at a really, really tiny sliver of Christie’s immigration policy.

Host David Furst is joined by New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz, Scott Gurian, reporter for New Jersey Public Radio and NJ Spotlight, and Frank Argote-Freyre, President of the Latino Action Network.

Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Christie Pivots Mar 04, 2015

In basketball, the pivot is an essential move that can allow a player with the ball to trick a defender and score points.

In politics, pivoting on an issue can score points - but it also carries the risk of being labeled a flip-flop.

The Christie Tracker Podcast takes a close look at some of Christie's pivot moves. We also wade into the settlement with ExxonMobil over contaminated wetlands to find out whether the governor sold out the Garden State for a quick infusion of cash.

Host David Furst is joined by New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz, Tom Moran, editorial page editor for The Star-Ledger, and Matt Rooney who runs the conservative blog, Save Jersey.

Also: Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

A New Budget, and a $1.57 Billion Hangover Feb 25, 2015

The governor delivered his sixth budget address this week. But this one was a little different. First, because it's not just going to be analyzed by state legislators and New Jersey residents… but also by the national media, potential Republican donors, and political watchers from coast-to-coast. Governor Christie is for all intents and purposes running for higher office.

Second, the budget speech came a day after a judge ruled that the governor broke a law (that he signed) when he cut $1.57 billion dollars from this year’s pension payment. That means lawmakers have to find the money to pay into the pension system. And fast. FY 2015 ends June 30th.

Next year’s budget? It’s tough to look forward to 2016 when you suddenly have to scramble to squeeze nearly $1.6 billion out of the current budget year.

The Christie Tracker Podcast has full analysis of the budget speech and the governor’s legal woes. Host David Furst is in the State House in Trenton this week, along with Matt Katz, who covers Governor Christie for WNYC and New Jersey Public Radio and Tom Moran, the editorial page editor for The Star-Ledger. We’re also joined by WNYC reporter, Jessica Gould, who covers politics and public finance.

Also: Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

'Grave Concerns' with Common Core Feb 18, 2015

The Gov. continues to make news out-of-state. During his latest visit to New Hampshire, Governor Christie started talking about his first 100 days in office - - in the White House. He then went on to unveil a presidential platform.

Plus, after saying he had “grave concerns” about Common Core in Iowa, many in New Jersey were left puzzling over where the governor stands on the new PARCC test, which is set to be given to students in grades 3 through 11 in March.

Host David Furst is joined by New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz and Tom Moran, editorial page editor for The Star-Ledger. Guests include John Mooney, co-founder of NJ Spotlight and Republican Strategist, Jeanette Hoffman.

And check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Governor Christie’s Favorite Story Feb 11, 2015

This week, Governor Christie made his 13th appearance in Iowa in the past five years.

As he often does at campaign speeches, he tells a powerful, personal story about his mother on her deathbed. On the Christie Tracker Podcast we’ll take a closer look at the story - and the larger purpose it serves.

Also, as the governor continues to drum up support for a possible presidential run, he’s dealing with growing frustration among Republicans in New Jersey. We’ll talk about that dissatisfaction with Republican Strategist, Deirdre Woodbyrne.

Plus, we’ll get into the details about the “Chairman’s Flight.” David Samson, the former Chairman of the Port Authority, who has been entangled in the investigations surrounding Bridgegate, is now being investigated by federal prosecutors about a United Airlines flight route that went direct from Newark to an airport in South Carolina -- 50 miles from where he has a weekend home.

Host David Furst runs down the governor's week with New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz and Tom Moran, editorial page editor for The Star-Ledger.

Also -- join us for Tracking Chris Christie: A Conversation with Political Journalists at Montclair State University on February 18, 2015.

And check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Governor Christie's London Mauling Feb 04, 2015

Just last Friday, Chris Christie was basking in some very welcome news. Mitt Romney was not going to pursue another presidential run. That night, the governor had dinner with Romney and then he was off to London on a trade mission – with plans to meet with Prime Minister David Cameron and the promise of, perhaps, some good publicity back home.

Then things went off script.

It all started with a comment about vaccinations.

Asked about the measles outbreak in America, Christie said that parents need to have “some measure of choice” when it comes to vaccinations. The backlash was immediate.

Then, two investigative articles detailing Christie's lavish travel and who pays for it came out. Among the tidbits, the King of Jordan sprang for a $30,000 luxury hotel stay. And when Christie flies, he prefers a private jet with a bedroom. Suddenly, Gov. Christie was no longer in a chatty mood and canceled press conferences.

This week on the Christie Tracker Podcast, Host David Furst runs down the governor's week with New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz and Tom Moran, editorial page editor for The Star-Ledger. And check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Too Jersey for Iowa? Jan 28, 2015

Just after wrapping things up at the Iowa Freedom Summit in Des Moines, Governor Christie took a first official step toward a presidential run. He launched a web site for a Political Action Committee - ‘Leadership Matters for America.'

Listen to this week's Christie Tracker Podcast to hear how Governor Christie turned on the charm and did what he needed to advance his campaign.

Host David Furst is joined by Matt Katz who covers Chris Christie for WNYC and New Jersey Public Radio, Tom Moran, editorial page editor for The Star-Ledger and Matt Rooney, who runs the conservative Save Jersey blog.

The 'Likely' Candidate: On the Precipice Jan 21, 2015

It’s been a busy week in the Christie-tracking business. The governor gives his state of the state address, which sounded more like a presidential campaign speech than a policy road map for New Jersey. He visits Iowa for Governor Terry Branstad’s inauguration. And before you can say "exploratory committee," he’s headed back to the Hawkeye State on Saturday for the Iowa Freedom Summit.

This week on the Christie Tracker Podcast, New Jersey Public Radio’s Matt Katz, Tom Moran, Editorial Page Editor for The Star-Ledger, and Mara Liasson, National Political Correspondent for NPR News, join host, David Furst to discuss how well the Christie “brand” will travel around the country.

For all of WNYC's coverage of the New Jersey governor, check out The Christie Tracker.

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