Chris Christie puts his dukes up

Chris Christie fired up Republicans last night with his keynote speech at the Republican National Convention. The governor from New Jersey had a substantial job before him and critics and pundits both are saying that he did very well. 

TAMPA BAY, FL (Catholic Online) - Among the challenges facing Christie was the need to energize Republicans, not only at the convention, but also across the country. He also needed to convince listeners that Mitt Romney deserved their support going into the election. 

Both jobs were critical because the election appears very close with Romney slightly trailing Obama in national polls. Many believe the election will come down to a handful of voters in a few counties in a few swing states. As such, the candidates are blitzing people who live in those areas with media campaigns of unprecedented proportions in what looks to be the most expensive political campaign in history. 

Chris Christie enjoys wide appeal and recognition as a straight talker whose tough stance on issues made him a potential vice-presidential nominee and a very likely presidential candidate in the future. However, Christie is hardly known outside of the northeast, although is reputation is growing. His keynote address has helped to build his public reputation.

The Governor accomplished his mission with some hopeful promises about Romney. "Mitt Romney will tell us the hard truths we need to hear to put us back on the path to growth and create good-paying private-sector jobs again in America," Christie said during his speech. "Mitt Romney will tell us the hard truths we need to hear to end the torrent of debt that is compromising our future and burying our economy."

Christie is well-known in Tea Party circles for his devotion to cutting spending, even if it means a prolonged recession. 

However, despite his popularity with Tea Partiers, Christie is a staunch moderate. He once explained that he was opposed to abortion but in favor of exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and the life of the mother. 

Christie has no qualms about stating his position and defending it, but he has also walked out of interviews where he felt he wasn't being treated fairly. 

Republicans like tough talkers like Christie, especially since few regard Mitt Romney as a tough guy. Make no mistake, Romney is tough - all successful venture capitalists are, but he does have a calm exterior that some find less inspiring. Hence, conservative firebrands such as Christie can be a huge help in rallying support. 

Christie didn't limit his talk to Romney's ability either. He had some tough words for Obama, stating that Obama wasn't a real leader. "Real leaders don't follow polls. Real leaders change polls." He also assailed Democrats saying that "Democrats believe in teacher unions, we believe in teachers." 

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Christie endorsed Romney a in October, just after announcing that he would not seek the Republican nomination for himself. Since then he has enjoyed a surge in popularity and a positive reputation. It remains to be seen if this reputation will lead him to something larger in the years to come.

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