Christie Tells Wealthy Donors Why He’s Not Running in 2012

National Review ^ | 7/20/11 | Jim Geraghty

[Nachum]

There is a fascinating, if slightly disturbing, account in Mike Allen’s newsletter from Politico this morning:

FLY ON THE WALL: Fifty of the most prized donors in national politics, including several hedge-fund billionaires who are among the richest people in the world, schlepped to a Manhattan office or hovered around speakerphones Tuesday afternoon as their host, venture capitalist Ken Langone (pronounced LAN-goan), a co-founder of The Home Depot, implored New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to reconsider and seek the GOP presidential nomination. The governor was firm that it’s not in the cards this time, but left his spurned suitors with the impression he might well go in 2016. He impressed the audience with his emphasis on family and commitment, and flashes of disarming humor.

Langone backed Rudy Giuliani in 2008, and his guests came from both parties, although most were moderate Republicans. Most are uncommitted in the presidential race. Participants who rank on the Forbes list of richest Americans included Bernie Marcus, Paul Tudor Jones (hedge funds; $3.3 billion), Stan Druckenmiller (hedge funds; $2.5 billion) and Bernie Marcus (Home Depot; $1.9 billion). Several of them said: I’m Republican but I voted for President Obama, because I couldn’t live with Sarah Palin. Many said they were severely disappointed in the president. The biggest complaint was what several called “class warfare.” They said they didn’t understand what they had done to deserve that: If you want to have a conversation about taxation, have a conversation. But a president shouldn’t attack his constituents — he’s not the president of some people, he’s president of all the people. Someone mentioned Huey Long populism.

[TChad]

Hm.

Mike Allen’s newsletter from Politico describes the super-rich Republican guests at Ken Langone's event:

The biggest complaint was what several called “class warfare.” They said they didn’t understand what they had done to deserve that: If you want to have a conversation about taxation, have a conversation. But a president shouldn’t attack his constituents — he’s not the president of some people, he’s president of all the people.

Were many of the elite Republicans at this event really dumb enough to talk to a Politico reporter? I doubt it. I do not trust Politico and I do not believe this story.

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

Perry is George Bush redux, and perhaps even worse, he can be (and has been) bought by special interests.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Nachum.

venture capitalist Ken Langone... a co-founder of The Home Depot, implored New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to reconsider and seek the GOP presidential nomination... Langone backed Rudy Giuliani in 2008, and his guests came from both parties, although most were moderate Republicans... included Bernie Marcus, Paul Tudor Jones (hedge funds; $3.3 billion), Stan Druckenmiller (hedge funds; $2.5 billion) and Bernie Marcus (Home Depot; $1.9 billion). Several of them said: I'm Republican but I voted for President Obama, because I couldn't live with Sarah Palin. Many said they were severely disappointed in the president. The biggest complaint was what several called "class warfare." ...Someone mentioned Huey Long populism.

Apropos of nothing Huey Long was accidentally shot by his own bodyguards.

[Huck]

CHRISTIE BALANCED OUR BUDGET WITHOUT RAISING TAXES!

[onyx]

Those are the exact people I want run out of the Republican Party. They seek to use their money to steer the party's policy, and THEY create the conflict and the fissures.

If they could live with Obama over Palin as VP, then they aren't all that very Republican.

BTTT

[Sea Parrot]

It was and is, the usual smartest suspects in the room who brought this insanity upon the country and the they are still making sure we go down the tubes economically.

[SoConPubbie]

Some of you are really out there — trying to dismiss a candidate because he has hair, because he has back problem, next it will be because you don’t like his tie.

No, but you are really a class 1A, head-in-the-sand Perry supporter who regulary ignores the factual issues posted about Perry.

Try admitting your candidate has some problems and then maybe people will take your posts seriously.

[Clairity]

Some of you don’t seem to get it.

It’s not “perfect conservative who will become president” vs. person x or y — we have to choose one from the people we have who are running.

You probably would be agitating against Ronald Reagan, if he were running.

Of the available candidates Perry is the only one who has a decent chance of beating Obama.

[SatinDoll]

Not me, Clarity.

I won’t vote for Perry because he is GWB number 2.

[WVNan]

I’m Republican but I voted for President Obama, because I couldn’t live with Sarah Palin.

That is a strange statement considering that Sarah was not running for president. He/she would not have had to live with Sarah. McCain was the one running for president. I don't think any of us would have said, "I didn't vote for obama because I couldn't live with Joe Biden."

[JLS]

That is my read. This is Politico, so this is likely made up particularly the quotes about Gov. Palin.

[Sonny M]

FWIW, I happen to like Perry, I like Palin, I expect one of the 2 to run, but not both.

I'll support either one, that said, do you see the irony in that you like Perry, but have as your quote, something by Dick Cheney, whom I believe, endorsed Perrys primary opponent, Senator Hutchinson ?

[Sonny M]

I said several years ago, that many of these wealthy Obama supporters, were going to beg, beg, that McCain/Palin had won the election, and would regret the day they cut a check to the Obama/Biden campaign.

[2ndDivisionVet]

Jennie Craig? Atkins? Slim Fast? Lapband?

[Scanian]

Are you really sure we’ll have free elections in ‘16 or ‘20? Or even have a country?

If Obozo wins next year, it’s all over. People of substance will be stampeding out of the country.

If somebody has a notion of running for president, NOW is the time to do it. There may never be another chance.

[grey_whiskers]

To: Ann Coulter

From: grey_whiskers

I'm sure there are many male FReepers who would volunteer to console you.

But not me, I'm taken.

Cheers!

[PaleoBob]

Several of them said: I’m Republican but I voted for President Obama, because I couldn’t live with Sarah Palin. Many said they were severely disappointed in the president. The biggest complaint was what several called “class warfare.” They said they didn’t understand what they had done to deserve that: If you want to have a conversation about taxation, have a conversation. But a president shouldn’t attack his constituents — he’s not the president of some people, he’s president of all the people. Someone mentioned Huey Long populism.

---

The same people who backed Obama are now backing Christie—?? Perfect. Tells you all you need to know about Christie.

[xzins]

I’m beginning to agree about Perry.

[trisham]

Several of them said: I’m Republican but I voted for President Obama, because I couldn’t live with Sarah Palin. Many said they were severely disappointed in the president. The biggest complaint was what several called “class warfare.” They said they didn’t understand what they had done to deserve that: If you want to have a conversation about taxation, have a conversation. But a president shouldn’t attack his constituents — he’s not the president of some people, he’s president of all the people. Someone mentioned Huey Long populism.

**************************************

Despicable, arrogant, unpatriotic scum.

[visualops]

The same people who backed Obama are now backing Christie—?? Perfect. Tells you all you need to know about Christie.

Sometimes the problem is the people. What type of person could support alternately Obama and Christie? What is the criteria for the choice? What decision-making process? What values? Maybe the people are shallow, fickle, ignorant of the issues? How is it Christie's fault -and a bad thing- that someone who voted for Obama could be disappointed and change their support? By your logic any conservative (real or perceived) that can draw former Obama supporters is a Rino. That makes no sense.