Cut Governor Christie Some Slack
By Kathryn Jean Lopez

There’s a remarkable amount of chatter on Twitter and elsewhere about Governor Christie’s decision to let the president come to his state, as a political matter. Feedback to me today insists that the governor should have done a Bloomberg and said no-thanks when the White House called and that by appearing with President Obama, Chris Christie is somehow sending a message to or about Mitt Romney.

(I am on Twitter at @KathrynLopez, by the way.)

Having the president come to New York City is a pain on the best days. Mike Bloomberg made the decision that was best for his city. And Anderson Cooper and everyone else will notice New York’s pain. By appearing with the president, Chris Christie ensured that we pay attention to the likes of Mantoloking, which has now been literally severed from the state, according to a local NBC News report tonight. Houses that survived the hurricane’s initial hit began to burn last night.

Chris Christie made a good communications decision for his state, for one thing, and I take him at his word about what it has to do with electoral politics: Nothing. (See Bob) It was a responsible leadership move: There are people with ties to those suffering in New Jersey who do have electricity and are watching. And the points he made today about giving thanks for our lives are essential ones to move forward with, important for leaders at a time of crisis to remind us of, as crisis hands them powerful platforms.

Read the whole thing.