Why Chris Christie should stand up to Sarah Palin

The Washington Post's The Fix ^ | August 13, 2013 | Chris Cillizza

[2ndDivisionVet]

Over the weekend, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is “for big government and trying to go along to get along.” She added that Christie has “got a schtick going there where he’s got a YouTube videographer following him around, kind of these set-up situations sometimes so he can be seen as perhaps a little bit avant-garde and going rogue on things.”

Christie said nothing in return. He should. Here’s why.

Taking on Palin is good politics for Christie or Jeb Bush or anyone else who is planning to run as a quasi-establishment candidate for president in 2016. (No one will run a public-facing “establishment” candidacy but there are clearly people, like Christie or Bush, who would run with the blessing of many of the people who comprise the GOP establishment).

Palin is widely viewed by much of the party — with the exception of her core followers (and she does retain a real following) — as someone who is advocating a direction for the Republican party that could lead to its electoral demise in 2016 and perhaps beyond.

There is a sentiment — largely expressed privately, still, at the moment — that someone needs to stand up to that wing of the party and say “enough is enough.” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who faces a conservative primary challenger back home in Kentucky, won’t do it. House Speaker John Boehner, who hopes to unite his conference on debt and spending matters this fall, can’t/won’t do it.

But Christie could — and should. He is cruising to re-election in a blue state. He already has a reputation as a guy who speaks truth to Republican power.....

[2ndDivisionVet]

Yes, please tell us all off, that'll help you garner the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. Good advice, Chris Cillizza, who is, without a doubt, a life-long, dyed-in-the-wool registered Democrat. Hahahahaha! While you're at it, Governor, why not ask Hillary why she's not in the kitchen fixin' you a Dagwood sandwich and ask Susana Martinez when them tamales is gonna be ready to eat?

[Gene Eric]

He mocks Palin. He’s a dick.

[ilgipper]

I see. The wing of the party who got trounced in the past two elections needs to call out Palin because HER ideas would lead to a loss in 2016. That’s rich.

[toddausauras]

Chris, I wouldn’t if I were you.

[Democrat_media]

no jackass liberal reporter ciliza or whatever:

someone needs to stand up to you democrat cockroaches and say enough is enough government

[V K Lee]

So apparent the pubs have done well without Gov Palin’s help. After obombacare and amnesty pass, they will do even better... On the other hand, they are all a bit drunk or on drugs, so maybe not.

[SMARTY]

If nothing else, Palin is there trying to keep everyone honest.

Someone has to. But the MSM wants to cast Palin as a ‘past it’ and irrelevant politico.

NOT!

They will find out how mistaken they are in this !!

[BerniesFriend]

Paging 2010..paging 2010..Governor Palin led the GOP to utter defeat..right????

[DaveA37]

“Palin is widely viewed by much of the party — with the exception of her core followers (and she does retain a real following) — as someone who is advocating a direction for the Republican party that could lead to its electoral demise in 2016 and perhaps beyond.”.

Is there anyone who thinks getting rid of, or changing the Republican party back to being “conservative”, isn't needed?

[BerniesFriend]

Remember that the Republican presidential nominee dating back to at least to 1992 has NOT been the candidate touted as the most conservative in the field. George H.W. Bush, Bob Dole, George W. Bush, John McCain and Mitt Romney were all far more establishment types than conservative warriors. And they all won.

How low information can you be?!?!?!?