NEW CASTLE —
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is the sort of politician who attracts attention.
For an elected official, he displays a remarkable degree of candor, often favoring bluntness over diplomacy. It has won him both admirers — and detractors — across a broad ideological range.
A staunch fiscal conservative, the Republican Christie has angered traditional Democratic constituencies such as public labor unions with his demands that government costs must be reduced. Meanwhile, he hammered GOP leaders in Congress when they were slow to approve emergency aid funds for his state’s victims of Superstorm Sandy.
Because of his success — particularly in a state that’s heavily Democratic — Christie is getting consideration as a possible presidential contender in 2016. He has been vague about his intentions in that regard — as all would-be candidates are this far out.
However, he hasn’t rejected the notion of running.
To the contrary, Christie has been dealing with an issue that could be front and center should he decide to seek the White House: His weight.
Christie, as you may have observed, is a man of considerable girth. His actual weight and related data are not public record. But it has been a subject of popular conversation ever since he ran for governor.
And it’s obvious Christie isn’t particularly pleased with that fact. On various occasions, he has responded to questions about his weight by telling people to mind their own business.
Yet there was Christie, on a recent episode of David Letterman’s late-night talk show, poking fun at his weight while taking shots at his health-related critics. He insisted that despite appearances, he is “the healthiest fat guy you’ve ever seen in your life.”
But by the end of his appearance on the program, Christie was announcing that he intends to initiate a weight-loss program, assuring viewers, “There is a plan. Whether it’s successful or not, you’ll all be able to notice.”
For veteran political observers, this admission by Christie is tantamount to a presidential campaign announcement. Why else would the governor go on national television to talk about a seemingly personal issue in this manner, while reassuring the public he is working on his weight?
While Christie is by no means the only American carrying around extra pounds, you can be sure his weight will become an issue should he run for president. The duties of chief executive are physically demanding, and the overall health of those running for office becomes a consideration.
Should he run for the White House, Christie’s weight may not be the overriding concern, but it will be a factor. He needs to address it in constructive fashion.
And in doing so, maybe he can be a role model for other Americans hoping to shed a few pounds.
Editorials
Our Opinion: New Jersey’s governor tackles his pound problem
- Editorials
-
-
Our Opinion: Privatization of county jail is worthy of examination
Generally speaking, we support government efforts to seek more efficient ways to provide essential services. So we have no problem with the decision by the Lawrence County commissioners to solicit proposals for the private operation of the county jail.
-
Our Opinion: We endorse candidates for New Castle board
The New Castle school district is often a study in contrasts. There are complaints about the district on everything from taxes to nepotism, from test scores to ethical slights. Yet at the same time, plenty of students within the district excel. It’s a tribute to the hard work of those students, their families and the educators who support them.
-
Our Opinion: You should be frightened, outraged by IRS abuse of power
When people talk about government posing a threat to citizens, a common topic these days is unmanned drones. But a more credible threat may be the Internal Revenue Service. This agency, responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing related rules, has the ability to make life miserable for the average individual.
-
Our Opinion: Our endorsements for City Council race
The city of New Castle needs help. Financially distressed and operating under Pennsylvania’s Act 47, New Castle must find ways to reverse its population loss and fiscal challenges.
-
Our Opinion: Court frowns on gerrymandering, but only slightly
Pennsylvania legislators have received the green light to put their own political interests ahead of yours. That’s a key point in the latest Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on legislative apportionment in the commonwealth.
-
Our Opinion: Study says distracted driving deaths are under reported
Suppose you operated a piece of heavy machinery at your job. And suppose it’s machinery that moves quickly with little effort. What would happen if you decided to take one hand off that equipment — while it was still in motion — and instead focused your attention on a telephone call?
-
Our Opinion: Senate seeks to give states more taxing power
Congress is taking a stab at tax fairness. At least, where states are concerned. If you’re looking for meaningful reform of the federal tax code, that’s going to have to wait.
-
Our Opinion: Look at handling of bombing suspects is warranted
We welcome an investigation into the handling of intelligence related to suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing. That probe may reveal little of value.
-
Our Opinion: Right to know reveals intermediate unit problem
At this point, we have few details regarding the resignation of the director of this region’s intermediate unit. Apparently, there was a problem with purchases Cecelia H. Yauger made with a government credit card through the state agency that provides support services to area school districts.
-
Our Opinion: New wave of ethics initiatives arrives in Harrisburg
There may be hope yet for Harrisburg. Recent signs suggest that even lawmakers are grasping that the ethics situation in the state capital is taking its toll. Maybe they are hearing from constituents who are fed up with the commonwealth’s seemingly endless string of scandals.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
