Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

hrmjustin

(71,265 posts)
Fri Jan 31, 2014, 07:43 PM Jan 2014

Six Reasons Chris Christie Is Probably Guilty

By Jonathan Chait

The New York Times reports that David Wildstein, the Port Authority official who oversaw punitive lane closings at the George Washington Bridge, had evidence that Chris Christie knew about it. The Times quickly changed its wording to reflect that fact that Wildstein merely says “evidence exists” that Christie knew.

The wording change prompted a familiar Chinese fire drill of reporters, after having rushed to proclaim Christie’s political demise, to mock the Times and caution that Christie may survive this yet. And he might! Sometimes people who appear very guilty turn out to be innocent. (See: Saddam Hussein and weapons of mass destruction.) But usually, people who appear very guilty turn out to be guilty. And Christie appears very guilty.

1. Wildstein is claiming evidence exists that Christie knew. He would look bad if such evidence does not come to light.

2. Wildstein spent time with Christie while the lanes were closed. If you had been ordered to close traffic lines for punitive reasons, and you saw the governor, wouldn’t you either tell him about it, or else already know he approved? Undertaking an action like that without knowing the governor approved it, and without having any desire to take credit, seems like an implausible motivation.

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/01/six-reasons-chris-christie-is-probably-guilty.html?mid=twitter_nymag

16 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

DURHAM D

(32,611 posts)
2. Given that Wildstein actually went to the GWB on the morning it all began
Fri Jan 31, 2014, 07:49 PM
Jan 2014

and he was so proud of his work I bet he took some pics and showed them to the Gov when he saw him the next day or the day after.

flamingdem

(39,313 posts)
3. If he's got the goods why is Christie so adamant
Fri Jan 31, 2014, 08:22 PM
Jan 2014

that he knew nothing? Does he know that Wildstein has nothing concrete?

flamingdem

(39,313 posts)
5. Makes sense if they're just trying to get out in front of the news
Fri Jan 31, 2014, 08:28 PM
Jan 2014

At least it might get him through Super Bowl weekend!

longship

(40,416 posts)
7. Unmentioned are those text messages.
Fri Jan 31, 2014, 08:58 PM
Jan 2014
"Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee."

"Got it."


That is fucking strong evidence that what Kelly meant by traffic problems had already been discussed and planned out. And this was three weeks before the traffic problems occured.

Does anybody credibly believe that Chris Christie was not aware or involved with this at that point? I don't; not for a second.

The problem is demonstrating it.

However, this thing seems to be unraveling faster than a WalMart sweater for the NJ Governor. One can only hope.

Nuclear Unicorn

(19,497 posts)
9. My reflex is to wait for details to finish emerging but this time
Fri Jan 31, 2014, 09:15 PM
Jan 2014

I can't help but think Christie knew. If he abused the power of his office to punish people for their political differences he needs to A) step down or failing that B) not seek re-election/a new elective office.

napkinz

(17,199 posts)
10. NJ Editorial Board On Christie: Impeach Or Resign If He Knew
Sat Feb 1, 2014, 10:58 AM
Feb 2014

Daniel Strauss – January 31, 2014

The editorial board for The New Jersey Star-Ledger is calling for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) to either step down or be impeached if new accusations are proven true.

The editorial board made the call in an editorial published Friday afternoon shortly after The New York Times reported that the former executive that ran the Port Authority of New Jersey and New York said he had evidence proving that the lane closures at the George Washington Bridge were directed by Christie's administration.

"Forget about the White House in 2016. The question now is whether Gov. Chris Christie can survive as governor," the editorial began.

The board cautioned though that the claims of the former official, David Wildstein, needed to be proven true first.

"If this proves to be true, then the governor must resign or be impeached. Because it will show that everything he said at his famous two-hour press conference was a lie," the editorial continued. "And not just a typical political lie -- this was like a Broadway show of lies, and would leave Christie so drained of credibility that he could not possibly govern effectively. He would owe it to the people of New Jersey to step aside. And if he should refuse, then the Legislature should open impeachment hearings." ...


In 2013 the Ledger endorsed Christie for reelection.

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/star-ledger-chris-christie-wildstein-claims-evidence




Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Six Reasons Chris Christi...