At the office we watch Fox News during the day to keep abreast of what's going on in the world. Just a few minutes ago a Republican who I have an immense amount of respect for - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie - decided to endorse former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for President. Those of you who know me are aware that I have not decided upon a candidate yet (just those who I would prefer not to support, such as Congresswoman Michele Bachmann and former Senator Rick Santorum...), yet I think Christie hurt himself by endorsing Romney today. The endorsement makes sense - Romney is positioning himself to be the moderate Republican candidate in a group of staunchly conservative nominees - but even if Christie planned to endorse Romney all along he should have postponed his endorsement.
Why? Because it would keep his national profile strong. Look at former nominee (and former Minnesota Governor) Tim Pawlenty - he's been largely forgotten on the national scene ever since he endorsed Romney shortly after dissolving his campaign. Sarah Palin, who brings her own set of baggage to the mix, recently saved her role as a GOP king- (or queen-) maker last week when she announced that she was not running for President nor that she was ready to endorse any candidate. She is still beloved by many in the party, and as long as she holds off endorsing anyone all of the credible nominees will cater to her every whim in the hopes that she throws her backing behind their candidacy.
I will continue to have my mini political crush on Christie despite this gaffe, but if Romney is not the GOP nominee next year this could definitely backfire on him come his 2013 re-election campaign.
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