Matt Katz, WNYC and New Jersey Public Radio reporter who covers Chris Christie and is the creator of The Christie Tracker and the author of American Governor: Chris Christie's Bridge to Redemption (Threshold Editions, 2016), offers his insider's view of New Jersey's governor.
Matt Katz on the governor's "dominant presence:"
As a reporter who was often on the receiving end of the governor's sarcasm, or even what some would call intimidation, Matt acknowledges the governor tried to kick him out of his office once (when Matt asked too many Bridgegate questions, of course).
"He is a dominant presence, but I would like to think it doesn’t affect my coverage."
But, Matt says, when that same dominant presence shows up at press conferences (rules include: raise your hand, no follow up questions), it is effective at moving the narrative along.
Matt Katz on the governor's friends in high places:
Gov. Christie has partied with Jamie Foxx, George Clooney, Sofia Vergara, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
"He's become accustomed to the high life."
Matt Katz on the governor's "Achilles Heel" -- travel:
“Getting from place to place is a weakness for him that’s been something of a liability.”
Matt Katz on Gov. Christie's presidential chances:
He surged in New Hampshire in December, but he's now in a slump. Rubio, Jeb and Kasich have gone after him lately, and if Gov. Christie loses big in NH, his presidential campaign is probably done.
Matt Katz's (totally unverified) thoughts on Governor Christie's future job opportunities (assuming he's not our next president...):
NFL commissioner, U.S. Attorney General or...mayor of New York City (!?).
→ Events: Matt Katz has a few book signings and talks coming up:
Tuesday, January 26 from 6-8 p.m. at Rutgers, Eagleton Institute of Politics, 191 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, N.J.
Words Bookstore, 179 Maplewood Ave. in Maplewood, N.J., on Thursday, January 28 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
And he'll be at the Princeton Public Library, which is located at 65 Witherspoon Street in Princeton, N.J. on Thursday, February 4 at 7 p.m.
.@mattkatz00 in the studio, talking about his new book all about @GovChristie: pic.twitter.com/T8V7cxqDyx
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) January 20, 2016