The Christie Tracker

OK, you caught us. The Christie Tracker Podcast actually wrapped up back in November of 2016 - after the Bridgegate trial of former Christie staffer, Bridget Anne Kelly and former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority, Bill Baroni. But because Tuesday, January 16th marks the last day in office for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, we had to temporarily reemerge. We bribed them with hot coffee and free EZ Pass for a month, so WNYC's Matt Katz and Nancy Solomon came back for one more round on the podcast. They join host David Furst for a last look back on the Gov's two terms in office. Chris Christie dominated the state's political stage like no other. He claims New Jersey is "much, much better than it was eight years ago." But he finishes his term with the lowest approval rating of any governor in state history and may be remembered more for Bridgegate, Beachgate and endorsing Donald Trump than anything else. Matt and Nancy highlight some of the moments that helped shape his legacy. Nancy says, "To me, it's all about how good of a communicator he is and how personable he is... and then all of the ways that he perverted our state government for his own purposes." And while they were at it, the crew selected a few of their favorite episodes of the Christie Tracker Podcast: MATT's PICK: Christie's Bold Defense of Muslim-Americans (Four Years Ago) On this show from November of 2015, we turned back the clock to a time well before the presidential primaries, when Gov. Christie was letting loose with his bold support for a Muslim-American judge. NANCY's PICK: Chris Christie Through the Looking Glass Things get curious. The man who deleted texts during Bridgegate investigation gets offended when Hillary Clinton's emails are erased. Matt picks apart every word of the governor's recent statements. And what does Alice in Wonderland have to do with Chris Christie? All will be explained in this episode from August 26, 2015. DAVID's pick: Chris Christie: The Springsteen Tracker If you're with the Gov at a Bruce show, don't even think about leaving early. Back in October of 2015, Matt explained Christie's Springsteen legendary obsession.        

The Bridgegate trial is done. Governor Christie is heading into his last year in office. And the Christie Tracker Podcast is closing up shop. Before we go, our resident Bridgegate-ologists, WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein, join us to answer your questions. Former Christie associates Bridget Kelly and Bill Baroni plan to appeal their guilty verdicts. But the Gov is certainly ready to move on. Speaking about Bridgegate on NJ 101.5's Ask The Governor show this week he said, "I'm DONE with this... the people of New Jersey are done with it, it's over. And I know that it won't allow for the liberal media in this state to continue to beat on the Republican governor. But they'll find something else to do." Speaking with host David Furst, Matt Katz says, "Never has the governor specifically addressed those allegations that came up in the trial and told us what is, exactly, wrong with them. He's just given blanket denials." WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein (Photo: Arun Venugopal)  

The Trial is done. The guilty verdicts are in. So in an effort to turn the page on this chaotic chapter in New Jersey's history, we present Bridgegatepalooza - - a wrap-up of the political retribution scheme that derailed the rising star of the national Republican party, and ended – we thought – the political future of Chris Christie. Host David Furst is joined by a group of reporters who covered the Bridgegate saga as it unfolded. Shawn Boburg, formerly with the Record now with the Washington Post… Heather Haddon and Ted Mann with the Wall Street Journal... Tom Moran, the Star-Ledger's Editorial Page Editor... and of course, WNYC's Andrea Bernstein and Matt Katz. Looking back after the trial, Ted Mann says, "These are people who didn't think they were gonna get caught. And when they didn't think they were gonna get caught, they weren't weeping and they weren't appealing to you to consider their backgrounds in public service… They were speaking very nastily about their fellow human beings and they were doing things that they would never justify in the light of day."  

After seven weeks, the Bridgegate trial is done and the verdicts are in. Former Chris Christie staffer, Bridget Anne Kelly and Bill Baroni, the former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority, were found guilty on all counts. Both sides are vowing to appeal. And even though testimony during the trial indicated otherwise, Governor Christie says the jury confirmed everything he has said all along – that he knew nothing about a plot to close lanes at the George Washington Bridge. Meanwhile, the governor has a Nov. 23rd court date to deal with a citizen's complaint in Bergen County, accusing him of misconduct. And the possibility of a new legislative investigation into Bridgegate has been raised. WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein join us to reflect on the verdicts and help us get a handle on where this is heading. The governor appeared on CBS This Morning in an attempt to minimize the damage. But speaking with host David Furst, Matt Katz says "There are four high level people - we should remember this - four high level people who have been convicted of federal crimes who served… high up in this administration."

Now in week 7, the Bridgegate trial is in the hands of the jury. And so as we wait for verdicts for former Christie staffer Bridget Kelly and former Port Authority appointee Bill Baroni, WNYC's Andrea Bernstein and Matt Katz join us with a few closing arguments of their own. There were a lot of details and characters for the jury to keep track of over the last 6 weeks of testimony. Speaking with host David Furst, Matt and Andrea detail the drama that played out in court when juror questions were presented to the judge. At one point, tempers flared over a sensitive question. Judge Wigenton ruled that regardless of motive, Kelly and Baroni could be guilty of conspiracy. Matt Katz says that resulted in Bridget Kelly's attorney "throwing his head back and slumping in his chair" and telling the judge that she was directing a verdict of guilty.  

Former Christie staffer Bridget Kelly finally hit the stand in week 6 of the Bridgegate Trial. Governor Christie has always maintained that he had no knowledge about the plan - prior to or during the lane closures at the George Washington Bridge. Kelly testified that she told him once before and twice during the 5-day shutdown. She even offered up a counter explanation for her infamous "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee" email. And Kelly testified that she was afraid of the governor. She says, "I was gun shy. I was scared. But he would then turn it on, and be charming. It was a confusing, frightening time." WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein and the Star-Ledger's Tom Moran join us for a full breakdown of week 6. And Andrea poses an interesting question. Did this whole thing spiral out of control because Bridget Kelly wanted to sit with the cool kids? Andrea says that Kelly may have been motivated by a desire to be accepted by Christie's inner circle. Tom adds, "She seems like someone who really wants to be included in the club and she's just on the outer edge of it and almost in there. And a lot of the stuff she does it to ingratiate herself with them." Matt takes it one step further: "This is a weakness that all of these characters had."  

Bill Baroni, the former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority was on the stand this week in the Bridgegate trial. He, and former Christie staffer Bridget Kelly, are on trial for allegedly orchestrating the lane closures leading to the George Washington Bridge in a scheme to punish the Mayor of Fort Lee for not endorsing Governor Christie's reelection bid. WNYC's Andrea Bernstein and Matt Katz bring us the latest. Speaking with host David Furst, Matt says Baroni's 'basic argument was that David Wildstein, the admitted co-conspirator, was actually the one that called the shots in closing these lanes.' Bill Baroni was Wildstein's boss. But Baroni testifies that Wildstein operated outside of the Port Authority's power structure - and answered only to Trenton.  

We're only a third of the way through the Bridgegate trial. Testimony from the prosecution's star witness David Wildstein wrapped up last week. The former port authority official has implicated nearly everyone in Governor Christie's orbit – including Christie and Governor Cuomo. WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein join us to detail the high emotions on display last week and to look forward to the testimonies of former Christie staffer, Bridget Anne Kelly and former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority, Bill Baroni. We'll also consider what kind of Chris Christie will emerge after the trial wraps up and the 2016 election is history. Speaking with host David Furst, Matt says in New Jersey 'he may very well go down as one of the most unpopular governors of all time.' And in the next breath? He says he may run for president in 2020. Plus: Listen to what Bridgegate and the musical Hamilton may have in common.  

It was another busy week in Christie world. Over the past several days, Governor Christie announced a deal to allow a gas tax hike to pay for transportation projects in New Jersey... he called Donald Trump a genius on Fox News Sunday for losing nearly a billion dollars in 1995... and, after a long weekend, former port authority official David Wildstein was back on the stand for week 3 of the Bridgegate trial. WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein and the Star-Ledger's Tom Moran join us with the latest. Speaking with host David Furst, Matt says defense attorneys have been working hard to portray Wildstein as a 'crazy, lying lunatic.' Meanwhile, Matt adds, 'Wildstein has said that basically, almost every person close to Christie knew during the period of the cover-up.' According to testimony from Wildstein, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo knew more about efforts to cover up the lane-closure scheme than he let on. Andrea breaks down what we know so far.  

Week 2 of the Bridgegate trial featured more show-stopping testimony from David Wildstein. The former Port Authority official who has pleaded guilty in the lane closure scandal, said governor Chris Christie knew about the traffic at the George Washington Bridge while it was happening. And, according to Wildstein's testimony, when the governor was informed about the gridlock in Fort Lee – just before a ceremony to honor victims of 9/11, no less – he laughed. WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein join us with the latest on the trial. This week, we dig deep into Wildstein's testimony. Speaking with host David Furst, Matt says it's all starting to make sense why 'Wildstein would have been able to get away with it and why there would have been such an attempt at a cover-up.' Plus, we look at another ex-Christie confidante who has emerged as a key figure in the Bridgegate saga, the governor's former campaign manager – and current national field director for the Trump campaign – Bill Stepien.  

The Bridgegate trial has begun for former Christie staffer, Bridget Anne Kelly and Bill Baroni, the former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority. And Chris Christie's name has been coming up a lot in federal court in Newark. On the very first day, prosecutors came out and said the governor knew about the politically motivated lane closures leading to the George Washington Bridge while they were happening. We kick off season two of the Christie Tracker Podcast: The Bridgegate Trial with WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein, who are witnessing every minute of the trial as it unfolds. They join host David Furst for analysis, behind the scenes stories from the trial (including Matt and his computer being detained by the U.S. Marshall) and the latest on how this all might affect Chris Christie's involvement in the 2016 election. Andrea says one of the reasons why the Bridgegate saga continues to be fascinating is because 'it's Hamlet meets American Hustle.'

We've been on hiatus for a while. But summer break is over. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band wrapped up their tour. Beach season is done. And we got kicked out of the rental in Manasquan. Oh, and the Bridgegate trial is finally underway for former Governor Christie staffer, Bridget Anne Kelly and Bill Baroni, the former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority. So it was time to reemerge. We're re-launching with a new season of podcasts starting this Wednesday, September 21st. And we'll be joined once again by WNYC's award-winning team of Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein. Download a new show every week for analysis, behind the scenes stories from the trial and the latest on how it all might affect Chris Christie's involvement in the 2016 election.  

From Bridgegate to the Chairman's Flight... and from the scuttling of the ARC Hudson River tunnel project to the precarious finances of state's depleted transportation trust fund, the Christie administration has been defined by controversy related to travel and transportation. This week, it was revealed that New Jersey taxpayers have shelled out nearly $1.8 million for his Executive Protection Unit when Governor Christie goes out of state. NJPR's Matt Katz joins host David Furst to discuss what he calls the governor's Achilles heel. “Travel and Christie's personal political ambitions have always been intertwined.” Matt takes us way back to the time before he was U.S. Attorney for New Jersey to show how travel-related issues dogged Christie throughout his career. We're also joined by reporter, Ginger Gibson. She covered Christie's personal use of state police helicopters for the Star-Ledger during his first term. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker and Matt's new book, American Governor: Chris Christie's Bridge to Redemption.    

Depending on who you were talking to, it was either the most shocking thing the governor has ever done or not surprising at all. But certainly everyone was talking about it. Chris Christie's endorsement of Donald Trump sent the political world reeling and had New Jersey residents wondering when they might ever see their governor again. Just over two weeks after suspending his own presidential bid, the governor was back out on the campaign trail – this time working for his buddy, Donald. NJPR's Matt Katz joins us to try to make sense of the situation. He tells host David Furst that even “some members of his inner circle were shocked by this.” We also speak with Jennifer Rubin who writes the conservative Right Turn blog for the Washington Post. In the past, she has been an admirer of the governor. But after the Trump endorsement, she unleashed a series of tweets and columns that, uh, did not hold back – as headlines like “Chris Christie is Now Ruined” made perfectly clear. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker and Matt's new book, American Governor: Chris Christie's Bridge to Redemption.  

With Governor Christie out of the presidential race and his budget speech out of the way, the Christie Tracker Podcast is shifting to a bi-weekly schedule. But we've left you with a mashup of Christie-speak from the campaign trail. (See if you can guess which three-letter phrase seemed to pop up more than any other during his TV, town hall and debate appearances.) And join us here next Wednesday, March 2nd. We'll be back with New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz and all the latest Christie news. Until then, you can always re-read Matt's book, American Governor: Chris Christie's Bridge to Redemption or check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

It was the first sight most New Jerseyans had of Chris Christie since he dropped out of the presidential race. The governor was back behind a podium, addressing a joint session of the state legislature. Never one to do anything on a small scale, his annual budget speech provided the perfect vehicle for his return to Jersey politics, full time. For once, Christie had no hybrid title. No "Presidential Candidate" or even "RGA Chairman" to preface his actual job: governor. And this time, his speech wasn't aimed over the heads of New Jersey residents at a potential national audience of Republican primary voters. But what did he say? NJPR's Matt Katz says it was "Pensions 2.0." Matt joins host David Furst for analysis and shares his thoughts on Christie's return to Jersey. Plus: Michael Aron, Chief Political Correspondent for NJTV offers a unique perspective on Christie's resiliency. Aron has known Chris Christie since his days as U.S. Attorney. And he has interviewed every NJ governor since Tom Kean. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie delivers his FY 2017 budget address, 2-16-16. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker and Matt's new book, American Governor: Chris Christie's Bridge to Redemption.  

Chris Christie has suspended his campaign for the White House. In a statement he said, "I leave the race without an ounce of regret." This week, we look back on his quest to become the next president. And NJPR's Matt Katz explains what went wrong for the Gov in New Hampshire. Christie spent more than 70 days campaigning in the Granite State. He held 76 town hall events there. But in the end, he could only muster a 6th place finish - last among the three remaining governors in the race. Plus: New Jersey Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto joins host David Furst to imagine what working with a returning Governor Christie might be like. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie addresses supporters in New Hampshire, Feb. 9, 2016.  Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker and Matt's new book, American Governor: Chris Christie's Bridge to Redemption.  

After months of campaigning, primary season just got real. And real ugly for Team Christie. Iowa dealt a major blow to the guy hoping to be the top governor coming out of the caucuses. Instead, he came in 10th overall - and dead last in the governors sweepstakes, behind Bush, Kasich and, yes, Huckabee. Senior Editor for Politics & Policy for WNYC News, Andrea Bernstein and New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz join us to pick up the pieces of the Christie campaign and see if it can be put back together again in time for voting in New Hampshire. As Christie unleashes a torrent of Town Halls on the Granite State, Andrea tells host David Furst the campaign's response to Iowa has been, "Move along, there's nothing to see here." Also: Wall Street Journal reporter, Aruna Viswanatha joins us to talk about hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen. This past weekend we learned he gave $4 million dollars to America Leads, the super PAC supporting Governor Christie. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks at the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 22, 2015. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker and Matt's new book, American Governor: Chris Christie's Bridge to Redemption.  

First, Governor Christie says he's not coming back to New Jersey. Then, he arrives in time for the winter storm and says he was planning to all along – if the situation demanded his presence. He leaves after less than 40 hours and rushes back to New Hampshire for more campaigning (and a Patriots game). After the storm, he says there's “no residual flooding damage.” “I don't know what you expect me to do? You want me to go down there with a mop?” Then, facing criticism, he returns to Jersey and clarifies. It all seemed so… indecisive. NJPR's Matt Katz joins host David Furst to talk about the governor's case of winter storm whiplash. Matt's new book is American Governor: Chris Christie's Bridge to Redemption. We're also joined by Josh Rogers, Senior Political Reporter for New Hampshire Public Radio, with the latest on Christie's standing in the state. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, press briefing on snow storm preparedness in Newark, NJ, Jan 22, 2016  Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

Wait no more, Gov. American Governor: Chris Christie's Bridge to Redemption is officially on the shelves this week. Back when he inked a deal to write a book about New Jersey's popular governor, Matt Katz didn't know – and therefore nobody knew –  the word Bridgegate. Now, over two years later, Christie is running for president in an entirely changed political landscape. American Governor tells the story of the Governor's rise, fall and attempted comeback. This week, New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz joins host David Furst to talk about the book, and what it's like covering the man he calls the “most compelling politician in America today.” American Governor manages to reveal new details about the governor's life – no small feat considering its subject's famously open emotions and expansive storytelling. On the podcast, Matt shares stories about Christie's marital difficulties and the “fight closet” he uses with Mary Pat. But yeah, five years on the beat have taken their toll. He dreams about Christie now. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie meets with Matt Katz and reporters for annual, off-the-record summer drinks at the Jersey Shore in 2014.  Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

He's fighting an uphill presidential campaign and still losing popularity at home, but Governor Christie reminded the state house – and a national audience – of his considerable gifts as a politician. In his annual State of the State speech, he brazenly took credit for saving New Jersey's economy and railed against Democrats in Trenton for moving ahead with a plan to constitutionally mandate payments into the state pension system. He announced he would dedicate $100 million to help fight substance abuse. He worked the camera like a pro. And when he delivered lines like “our best days lie ahead” it was hard to tell if he was talking to New Jersey or voters in the early primary states. But for all of the skills on display, NJPR's Matt Katz says the performance may not have generated more than “a harrumph from the back row of Assembly chambers.” Matt joins us this week to “audio-tweet” the speech. He's the author of the new book, American Governor: Chris Christie's Bridge to Redemption. Along with Host David Furst, Matt highlights what Christie said – and what he didn't say – in 2016's State of the State. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

261. That's how many days Governor Christie spent out of New Jersey in 2015. And according to New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz, “There's not much really happening in terms of the governance of New Jersey.” As state matters are squeezed between the governor's campaign stops and TV appearances, Matt says Trenton has “basically ground to a halt.” But next week, Christie will take a break from campaigning to appear in Trenton for his annual state of the state speech. As the governor reacquaints himself with the Garden State, Matt joins host David Furst to talk about the criticism the absentee governor is facing on the trail – and takes a look at what his presidential campaign is costing New Jersey taxpayers. Also: Governor Christie often talks about his time “prosecuting terrorists” as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. One of his most celebrated convictions is back in the news this week, with three of the men who were convicted of plotting a terrorist attack on Fort Dix back in a New Jersey courtroom. We examine a case that Christie talks about as one of the highlights of his career with Murtaza Hussain. He has written extensively about the “Fort Dix Five” for The Intercept, and says the case deserves more scrutiny. Bonus: For further listening on Christie's track record of prosecuting terrorists in the years following 9/11 - here's our discussion on the conviction of Hemant Lakhani. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Ah, schooldays. Things were different for Chris Christie back at the ol' University of Delaware. The carefree scamp would spend his days building coalitions while running for president of the student body. He'd relax by fighting to secure an endorsement from the school newspaper. OK. So nothing has changed. By the time he hit college, Christie was already a seasoned vet. This is a guy who was president of his class in 9th, 10th, 11th AND 12th grades. This week, NJPR's Matt Katz turns back the clock and remembers Christie's time in Delaware – where Matt says the governor-to-be developed his political style. Chris Christie, 1983, in University of Delaware student newspaper, The Review. (The Review) Also: According to our stats, Christie has spent all or part of 60% of his days in 2015 out of New Jersey. The Star-Ledger's Tom Moran argues his absence is contributing to a “perfect storm of paralysis” in Trenton. Tom joins host David Furst to talk about what's NOT getting done. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

In basketball, the head fake can be used to trick a defender. Essentially, you pretend like you're gonna go one way... and then you do something else. It can work in politics too. Like when Governor Christie said he was going to direct the New Jersey Department of Human Services not to participate in the settlement of Syrian refugees. And then? Well, nothing. NJPR's Matt Katz says Christie is a pro at the political head fake. This week, he tells host David Furst about those times when he indicated to a conservative audience he was going to do something to make them happy but then actually does nothing at all. But was Matt ready for the ultimate FAKE head fake? Also: The Garden State met the Granite State when Gov. Christie bused a bunch of NJ residents up to New Hampshire to assist with campaigning. One of the travelers was none other than Christie superfan, Angel Cordero. It's unlikely you'll ever meet a more enthusiastic supporter than this Camden resident. And New Hampshire may never be the same. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.    

GOP debate #5 is a wrap. Governor Christie was back on the main stage and needed to make the most of this moment. With less than two months to go before the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary, it's getting to be do-or-die time for all candidates not named Trump. Ted Cruz is surging in the polls and Governor Christie may have jumped to second place in New Hampshire, but the brightest glare of the spotlight still shines on orange hair. So how did Christie do? New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz and WNYC's Andrea Bernstein were hard at work fact-checking and live-tweeting during the fifth debate. Today, they join us to AUDIO-tweet Christie's performance ... in real time. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

The Star-Ledger's Tom Moran has been locked in a war of words with Grant Bosse, Editorial Page Editor of New Hampshire's Union Leader, over the paper's endorsement of Christie. Moran says the Leader didn't do its homework. Bosse calls The Star-Ledger Christie's “crazy ex-girlfriend.” We bring the editors together to debate endorsements and the vetting process. Also: It's tough to be perfect out there. With dozens of town hall events and TV appearances running back-to-back during this primary, there has been plenty of opportunity for Governor Christie to say something, shall we say, not entirely true. Matt Katz joins host David Furst to discuss his list of the top-ten times Christie didn't tell the whole truth on the campaign trail. We'll break down those moments that go by so quickly in town hall discussions - when Christie manipulates statistics to accentuate his conservative cred... or just gets stuff wrong. And: In the immortal words of Ron Burgundy, “Boy. That escalated quickly.” We have the latest on the burgeoning battle between Christie and Donald Trump. Among other instantly infamous remarks, the front-runner claimed this week that the Gov “totally knew about” Bridgegate. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

For months, pundits have been saying that Governor Christie's presidential aspirations were dead in the water. But lately, whispers about a potential Christie comeback have increased in volume. The argument goes like this: after the terrorist attacks in Paris, everything changed. And Christie, who has long positioned himself as the law-and-order national-security guy, is the candidate primary voters will run to in a time of uncertainty and fear. It still hasn't really shown up in any polls. But this week, the Gov picked up a key endorsement from New Hampshire's biggest paper. A nod from the Union Leader has traditionally meant an 11-percentage-point bump in the polls. And in a sure sign of renewed status, Donald Trump has started attacking him via Twitter. NJPR's Matt Katz and Tom Moran, editorial page editor for the Star-Ledger, join us from the Granite State. They discuss with host David Furst how Christie's town hall events have changed over the last month. We'll also discuss two brewing feuds. One, naturally, with Trump. The other with New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association President, Pat Colligan. The name calling has become, well, piggish. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

From Governor Christie's comments about Syrian orphans to Donald Trump's assertion that he saw thousands cheering in Jersey City on 9/11, New Jersey has become a central part of the national discussion on refugees and terrorism in the aftermath of the Paris attacks. In his response to Trump's claims about Jersey City, Governor Christie was accused of going easy on the front runner. Instead of issuing a blunt denial that the widely discredited rumor was fiction, Christie said simply, “I do not remember that. It's not something that was part of my recollection. I think if it had happened, I would remember it. But, you know, there could be things I forget too.” To help us make sense of the refugee rhetoric, we're joined by dueling Matts: Matt Katz who covers Governor Christie for NJPR and Matt Rooney, who runs the conservative Save Jersey blog. Matt Rooney says Chris Christie shouldn't have to answer for everything Trump says. Rooney poses the question, “How much should we go at Donald Trump and try to correct him... in so doing, are we actually building him up?” But Matt Katz says, “Trump was slandering residents of Christie's home state,” and the governor's tepid response doesn't cut it. This week, we turn back the clock to recall a side of Christie that has remained submerged through much of the primary – as we remember the times when the governor let loose with bold support for a Muslim-American judge. Also: Patrick Colligan, President of the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association tells host David Furst why he's been warning officers across the country against supporting Christie's presidential bid. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

In the days following the terrorist attacks in Paris, shock and sorrow quickly shifted to outrage and blame on the Republican campaign trail. From Donald Trump saying he would consider closing mosques to calls for religious tests for refugees, candidates seemed to be in a race to out-hawk each other. And Chris Christie was not to be outdone. He sent a letter to President Obama saying he would no longer accept Syrian refugees in New Jersey and told radio host Hugh Hewitt he wouldn't even allow orphaned refugees under the age of five in the country. It was a quick flip from two months ago when he said America should play a compassionate role and take in refugees. Obama responded to the refugee ruckus while speaking in the Philippines. "When candidates say, 'we won't admit 3-year-old orphans,' that's political posturing." This week on the podcast, NJPR's Matt Katz and Tom Moran, Editorial Page Editor for The Star-Ledger, join us to talk about the governor's hardening position and his strategy moving forward. Also: The lawyers for former Christie staffer Bridget Anne Kelly and former Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni filed defense motions in federal court last week. And yes, that means Bridgegate is back in the news. WNYC's Senior Editor for Politics and Policy, Andrea Bernstein joins host David Furst to discuss what she learned from the filings. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

It's been a bumpy month on the Christie Campaign Express. At first, things were looking up. There was a good response to his 3rd debate performance, a bump in the polls in New Hampshire, and then a video of him talking compassionately about drug addiction went viral. It seemed like the moment his campaign had been waiting for. Then, the sudden jolt: when he was booted off the main stage for the 4th debate due to low national poll numbers. New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz discusses whether Christie made lemonade out of lemons with host David Furst. Also this week: weighing Christie's words in that viral video against his actions when it comes to supporting drug treatment programs. Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Amy Rosenberg looks at Christie's record and the threatened closure of the only treatment center in south Jersey. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

Senator Ted Cruz. Governor Chris Christie. Neither man lacks for confidence. Or ambition. Both are fighting for a shot to take on the Democratic challenger in the 2016 presidential race. And both had widely talked about moments during the CNBC debate that came via their attacks on the media. This week, NJPR's Matt Katz and special guest Ben Philpott from KUT's The Ticket 2016 podcast, join us for an in-depth look at two forceful candidates who have been struggling to be heard in a crowded primary. They represent two different strands of the Republican Party. And stylistically, they couldn't be further apart. Ted likes Star Wars. Christie? Springsteen. The Gov rarely talks about faith. The Senator brings religion front-and-center. Ben Philpott says Cruz is “always on” and “doesn't come off as a guy you'd want to go to a bar with,” while Christie, according to Katz, “can seem like the guy next to you at the airport bar.” Speaking with host David Furst, Ben and Matt consider who might be best-positioned to pick up votes if the front-runners begin to falter. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.

52 times the New Jersey legislature attempted to override a Christie veto. 52 times it ended in failure, with nearly every Republican legislator voting against an override. But streaks are meant to be broken. And this time things were different. NJPR's Matt Katz and Bergen Record columnist Charles Stile join us to consider what this moment means for New Jersey. Also: The New York Times editorial board called Christie's comments about the Black Lives Matter movement “racially poisonous.” And much has been said about the extreme statements he made about the movement and President Obama on CBS's Face the Nation this weekend. But what about his assertion that he's the law and order candidate – and, by extension, the one that cares most about police? John Reitmeyer with NJ Spotlight joins host David Furst to discuss the governor's relationship with cops in New Jersey. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

Is the campaign money bag half full or half empty? Or wait, maybe the bag is just way too small. Reaction to the first fundraising reports from Governor Christie's presidential campaign varied. Christie's team said they were pleased about how much money they had. Pundits called it a disappointing haul. NJPR's Matt Katz says "It's what you would expect from someone who is now clearly a second-tier candidate." This week, Matt joins host David Furst to assess the state of the finances. Also: We address reports of dwindling support for Governor Christie's presidential campaign among New Jersey Republicans with State Assembly Minority Leader, Jon Bramnick. Plus, we ask about his side career as a stand-up comic - not the safest gig for a politician on the eve of a general election. But, Bramnick notes, "all comedy is a risky proposition." Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.    

To understand Chris Christie you need to consider his Bruce Springsteen obsession. Come on, the man has been to over 130 Bruce shows. This week, the Christie Tracker Podcast looks at Christie, the Springsteen super fan – who follows Bruce to shows, writes about him on message boards and trades tapes with fellow fans. New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz guides us through Christie's life of worship at the Church of Springsteen and explains why messages posted 15 years ago shed light on the governor's personality today. We ponder how Christie could be so attracted to the musical messages of a political polar opposite. And speaking with host David Furst, Matt explains why he finds the old posts endearing. As he puts it, ‘This is a total geek, geeking out with other geeks.' Also: Christie was back in the state with the country's first primary last week. He held several town hall meetings in New Hampshire and some polls suggest he may be starting to gain a little traction there. Scott Conroy, Senior Political Reporter with the Huffington Post joins us to wrap up the week. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.    

It's enough to make a guy want to spend some quality campaign time in New Hampshire. Governor Christie spent much of last week preparing for a natural disaster. But as Joaquin headed out to sea, the governor was stuck at a storm press conference in south Jersey – trying to avoid questions about a resigning cabinet member. Departing Transportation Commissioner Jamie Fox had been the subject of multiple news reports linking him to both the Bridgegate and the Chairman's Flight scandals. So a week that was meant to showcase leadership during a crisis ended with Fox's resignation in what has become a tradition for the Christie Administration -- the Friday 5 p.m. news dump. NJPR's Matt Katz joins host David Furst for a recap. Describing the governor's carefully orchestrated Joaquin press conferences, Matt says “This was a potential moment for him and he wasn't going to let it pass by.” Also: Christie replaced the two top attorneys in the governor's office with an expert on electronic data collection and an authority on political corruption. We look at what may be behind these moves. And - Matt presents his list of Governor Christie's Top Seven Friday Afternoon News Dumps. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

Jamie Fox. Christie cabinet member, former United Airlines lobbyist, long-time New Jersey political operative. Oh, and a guy with connections to both the Bridgegate and the Chairman's Flight scandals. NJPR's Matt Katz joins host David Furst to talk about his reporting on a man who has somehow avoided the scrutiny of legislators investigating Bridgegate. Fox worked for three out of the last four Democratic governors. He's currently Christie's transportation commissioner. Matt says even though he is “linked to two of the most notorious scandals to hit the administration,” Republicans AND Democrats in New Jersey seem to leave Fox alone. Also: Governor Christie was left for dead in the Hawkeye State, with polling numbers placing him near the back of the pack. This week, he picked up big endorsements from Iowa business leaders and was back in the state for another town hall event. On one hand, the endorsements carry a lot of symbolic power. They come from a group that tried to recruit him to run for president in 2012 but, until now, shied away from supporting Christie this time. Joel Aschbrenner, reporter with The Des Moines Register, joins us to assess what value these endorsements have for the average voter. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

After a few weeks as "The Law and Order Guy" and "That Guy Who Wants to Use FedEx to Track Immigrants," Governor Christie is shape-shifting again. This time, he's the Common Man of the People and Defender of the Middle Class. NJPR's Matt Katz and the Star-Ledger's Tom Moran join host David Furst to discuss the latest message from the campaign trail, and how this one might actually work better.  We'll also explain what Governor Christie has done to weaken the state's Election Law Enforcement Commission and how it all may be part of a plan to help out his best Democrat bud, Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo. Also this week: Cronyism in the New Jersey National Guard. Widespread discontent among the ranks and charges of racism. Add to that, the detail that Christie has given the overweight head of the NJ National Guard 90 days to slim down and "meet his obligations." Washington Post Reporter, Craig Whitlock joins us to discuss how the guard has become "dysfunctional" under Governor Christie. Whitlock says, "I've covered the military at a national level for several years... and I've never seen an instance where you have such a high percentage of the... senior command staff filing complaints." Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

The scrapheap of officials laid to waste by Bridgegate and its spin-off scandals expanded last week to include three United Airlines executives. United says the resignations are related to the investigation into the airline's dealings with the Port Authority – and with former Port Authority Chair, David Samson, an appointee and close confidante of Governor Christie. Samson is under investigation for getting favors from the airline in exchange for lower costs for United at the Port Authority owned airport in Newark. One of the favors was the so-called "Chairman's Flight," a special flight route from Newark to South Carolina allegedly created at the request of Samson. Governor Christie spoke about the story on NBC's Meet the Press and on his monthly radio call-in show, Ask The Governor. His advice: "Let's stop reading newspapers." On the podcast this week: grab a scuba mask, bring along an extra tank of oxygen and join us for a deep dive into what the governor is saying about the allegations, and what he is not saying. Don't worry. It'll be easy to follow along. Host David Furst is joined by Matt Katz who covers Governor Christie for WNYC and NJPR and by Andrea Bernstein, Senior Editor for Politics & Policy for WNYC News. Andrea says “What's being investigated here is bribery, pure and simple. Quid pro quo.” Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.    

It's hard to pinpoint exactly why Governor Christie's presidential campaign hasn't caught fire. But his decline in the polls started with a traffic jam back on September 9th, 2013. Two years later, we consider what we still don't know about Bridgegate. Host David Furst is joined by Andrea Bernstein, Senior Editor for Politics & Policy for WNYC News and Tom Moran, Editorial Page Editor for The Star-Ledger. Here's the scenario. The governor has been given a healthy dose of truth serum. And he's granted Andrea and Tom a no-holds-barred interview. What to ask first? Andrea says it all starts with her most obvious question for the governor; “What did you know and when did you know it?” Meanwhile, United Airline's CEO Jeff Smisek and two vice presidents resigned this week. United says the move was connected with the company's internal investigation into its dealings with the Port Authority - and former Chair, and Christie appointee, David Samson. The U.S. Attorney in New Jersey is looking into whether the airline provided a special flight route, known as the "chairman's flight" for Samson in exchange for fee reductions and other benefits. Plus: It's been five years since Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg appeared on Oprah! with Chris Christie and Cory Booker to announce a $100 million gift to Newark schools. Reporter Dale Russakoff picks through the pieces of this fascinating recent history in her new book, "The Prize - Who's In Charge of America's Schools?" Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

The summer of 2013. It doesn't seem that distant. But it might as well be a political lifetime ago for Chris Christie. This was post-Sandy and pre-Bridgegate. The governor was soaring in the polls and coasting to reelection. Today? According to New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz, the guy who never had a hard time getting attention is fighting for crumbs from the national press. He says, “It seems like this magic he had to make headlines, to cut through the noise, is lost.” Matt joins us for a sobering comparison between summer '13 and summer '15 – including a moment this week when Donald Trump out-Christied Christie in his own backyard. Also this week: When you're down in the polls it's good to have a supporter like Angel Cordero in your corner. The activist for school choice and Camden issues might be best known for his unabashed Gov-love. You may have seen him before. He was that super-enthusiastic guy in the bleachers during Christie's presidential announcement in Livingston. And he joins host David Furst this week on the Christie Tracker Podcast. Activist Angel Cordero is among the Christie faithful. (William Thomas Cain/Getty)   Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.    

Watching TV this month, you'd be forgiven for feeling like someone slipped something funny in your tea. It's no shock that Governor Christie has aggressively taken on Hillary Clinton's email scandal. What is surprising is that he willingly offered up his own behavior during the Bridgegate investigation as a point of comparison. The same guy who deleted texts sent while a legislative hearing into the lane closures was taking place, says on CNN: "Can you imagine if after the bridge investigation began, I came out and said, 'Oh by the way, I've done all of my business as governor on a private email server and I've deleted now 30,000 of those emails. But trust me, none of it had to do with the bridge?' Give me a break!" Asked about the texts that he deleted on CBS's Face the Nation this weekend he says, "We had 12 missing text messages that were sent to me by someone when we weren't under investigation and didn't even know what was going on. Mrs. Clinton deleted emails when she was under subpoena. You know, in my neck of the woods we call that obstruction of justice." Ok. Next question. But… wait, what? Interviews go by so fast on TV. Luckily, we're armed with a pause button and New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz. This week, Matt joins Host David Furst to analyze every word of the governor's statements. Regarding the Face the Nation quote? Matt says "I count five things that are at least misleading." We'll break 'em down in detail.   This is the only email that has so far been publicly released from Gov. Chris Christie about Bridgegate. He is changing the resignation statement of David Wildstein, who ordered the lanes closed.   Also, NJ Advance Media's Matt Arco joins us with analysis on the governor's latest trip to Iowa and his ever-hardening immigration position. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

With Mike DuHaime the ballot box is never half-empty. While much of the media has been posting death notices for the Chris Christie campaign, Mike DuHaime, Chief Strategist for his presidential run, joins us to offer a different view. As New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz puts it, he is “the guy you want to talk to if you're on your death bed - he's extremely optimistic.” But Mike DuHaime has been down before. While pundits salivate over Donald Trump's surge in the polls and Jeb Bush's massive campaign war chest, DuHaime finds hope in recent New Jersey history. Speaking with Christie Tracker Podcast host, David Furst he says, “It is not the candidate with the most money that always wins. In Governor Christie's own experience running against John Corzine in New Jersey in 2009, we got outspent 3-1 – as a challenger in a very deep blue state. And we still won. Because he was the better candidate.” Mike DuHaime takes questions from Matt Katz and David Furst on the current state of the campaign. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.