Backing from the influential New Hampshire newspaper is a critical step for any Republican contender in the first-in-the-nation presidential primary.
Advertisement
But “the one reason he may be best-suited to lead during these times is because he tells it like it is and isn’t shy about it”, McQuaid wrote.
Christie has staked his candidacy on New Hampshire more than any other state, spending 48 days there this year and cramming his schedule with diner meet-and-greets, house parties and town hall events.
In a line that seemed aimed squarely at Donald Trump, who has been trying for a week to justify his claim that he watched “thousands and thousands” of people cheering in New Jersey on September 11, 2001, as the World Trade Center was attacked by terrorists, McQuaid wrote: “Other candidates have gained public and media attention by speaking bluntly”.
Since launching his campaign this summer, Christie has been polling in the single digits both nationally and in statewide polls. “But it’s important when you are telling it like it is to actually know what you are talking about”, the editorial added, a reference to the governor’s trademark brashness that helped launch him to national fame.
“Americans seem to be fed up with Washington, and they’re looking for somebody who speaks with the ‘bark off, ‘ as we say in New Hampshire”.
The paper’s endorsement, which has historically boosted Republican candidates in the polls, not-so-subtly jabbed Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida but which could also apply to Sens.
The Union Leader has a mixed record in endorsing the victor of the New Hampshire primary as well as the eventual Republican nominee for president.
“We don’t need as president some well-meaning person from the private sector who has no public experience”, he wrote.
The newspaper described Christie as a skilled crisis manager for “dangerous times”, who “has prosecuted terrorists and dealt admirably with major disasters”. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in 2008, and Steve Forbes in 2000. The Union Leader also endorsed Sen.
The New Jersey Governor has banking his whole campaign strategy by winning New Hampshire, but according to a Real Clear Politics summary of polls conducted there, he’s still mired in 7th place in the Granite State, with just 5.3 percent support.
Advertisement
“Gov. Christie can work across the aisle, but he won’t get rolled by the bureaucrats”, McQuaid wrote.
