Chris Christie, George Washington and Hubris

George Washington was the father of our country here in the tri-state area as well as for those other states. Actually, I only pretend to like New York, and as for Connecticut, it's just a place to get great pizza. Love that Sally's Apizza in New Haven!

So I don't like you, New York. I also don't like anyone in my own state who didn't vote for me. What about that is a news flash? What about that is unique to me, Chris Christie, lover of hoagies and families and puppies and the perfect post-Sandy photo op? P.S. That fire on the Jersey Shore last year.... très convenient, eh? But I digress ...

I didn't cause this so-called "traffic jam". I use those quotes -- and if you could see me sitting here on this big fat chair you'd see I'm making air quotes -- because it's ridiculous. That's ridiculous with a capital R. The kind of silly stuff I usually reserve for those late-night Carvel runs when I find out they've run out of rocky road. Don't get me started. (And to that mother of the sixteen-year-old I almost blew up at, I am sincerely sorry and yes, of course he started it!)

Back to me. I love New Jersey. I love the George Washington Bridge. I hired stupid staff! Can you blame a guy? Look at Obama with Biden. Do you think he wants to take responsibility for all the crap--er, missteps--er, steps--that moron--er fine Vice President has taken? NO. Why do you think the Prez and I bonded here on the Jersey Shore? He speaks my language. (Also, to the aforementioned love of pizza runs, the president lets me have 8/10ths of the pie. OK, we reserved a slice for Michelle, but she made us put, ugh!, vegetables on it!)

Look, I did not cause "Bridgegate" just in the same way I did not cause SANDY! It was an act of God, people. Let's get back to the real problems here in New Jersey. Let's get back to my impressive forty-pound weight loss! Let's get back to some sense. Who needs Teaneck anyway? Oh, I'm sorry did I say that outloud? Is this mike on? You told me this was a trial run ...

Damn you, CNN! I will get you! I will get all of you! You are all fired!

Mary Pat, get me some waffles. I am hungry! Now!

...
Photo caption: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Images, photo by White House photographer Pete Souza, Oct. 31, 2012. President Obama and Governor Christie survey damage from Hurricane Sandy.

Looking out for No. 1....sort of

Recently, I wrote an article for a UK trade publication concerning posturing on energy policy during an election year. The idea had been my editor's, but I extrapolated my own take on the angle and sought out sources, entities and publications to flesh out the story.

What I discovered is that finding a true policy during an election year is impossible. Sophisticated circles will even laugh at the notion that what comes out of the president's or Gov. Romney's mouth is count-on-able.

I once had a boyfriend who, wisely, told me once: "I judge my friends based on their count-on-ability." He cherished me in part for that reason, even if both of us moved on to others we probably could not count on.

Remembering that comment, I ask myself how can I trust the candidates' words and deeds as I struggle to substantiate my vote. I am a lifelong Democrat. I've never voted for a Republican ever since I punched my first ballot for Jimmy Carter in 1980. I remember arguing with a businessman about the merits of a second Carter term. Well, we all know what happened next.

This year, as I listen to my mother and friends regale Obama and chastise Romney for everything from possible tax evasion (which proved untrue) to outsourcing (it's not illegal) to promoting traditional family values (don't all men over 60 hope their wives will be homemakers?), I find myself less passionate in my defense. Will I vote for Obama? Absolutely. Am I happy about it? No.

I am particularly horrified by Obama's handling of the Libyan situation. The death of those four Americans was tragic enough without watching the White House figure out a way to downplay what had happened. Can anyone actually convince me it wasn't more convenient to blame it on a rogue video reaction than call it was, an act of terror? And despite the softening of Candy Crowley during the debate, Obama's words following those murders were purposely vague.

Does everyone remember 9-11? How long did it take the Administration to call it what it was? I'm a journalist. I read the news several times each day. I bought the bit about the video, wondering if I could watch it myself. I read about the actress suing the producers. What I didn't read was a clear statement immediately after the murders that called this a terrorist act.

I'm a bit odd. I took no joy out of the bin Laden assassination. I would have preferred to see him in custody. Put up for trial. I am not a supporter of the death penalty in any state or country. I only marginally understand war.

So for Obama to have taken his victory lap after that killing was appalling to me. I remember e-mailing with a UK editor who said it made him uncomfortable, too. I remember thinking the president did this with the next election in mind. Clearly, I was right.

So why am I standing by Obama? I still believe in the Democratic ideals. I believe in equal pay, gay marriage, universal healthcare and ending unnecessary wars. I believe in diplomacy over bombs, and as importantly, alternative energy over fossil fuel pollution. When Mitt Romney derisively addressed the president's interest in reversing climate change, he solidified my position. He probably didn't realize that some of we more moderate Dems were tottering on the fence prior to his statement that:

      "President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans. And to heal the planet. 
My promise is to help you and your family.”

That was a big moment for Romney, when someone who had wanted to investigate other options decided once again to vote liberal.

This is not an easy election. Some of the media chastising about undecideds as somehow flaky or unable to make choices is coarse. I firmly believe that every American of voting age owes it to himself and the country to keep asking the hard questions from now until the very moment he enters the voting booth on Nov. 6.