CHRISTIE ON THE ATTACK – AT 9:13 A.M. ET:  Chris Christie of New Jersey, who defines the term, "effective governor," has repeatedly denied presidential ambitions.  But an appearance before the board of the conservative Hoover Institution has made a number of observers wonder.  From The Politico:

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie stepped away from the National Governors Association's meeting today for a private talk before the board of the Hoover Institution, a well-heeled Republican-leaning group whose members left, I'm told, impressed -- and with a distinct sense that Christie is eager to keep his name in the national mix.

"It was not just a speech about what he was doing in New Jersey. He went after Obama and Obama’s policies over and over and over again," said one surprised attendee, who noted that Christie had just come from a meeting with the president to the Hoover board's annual winter meeting at the Willard InterContinental hotel. "I came away thinking that he’s trying to keep his options open."

Christie dwelled exclusively on domestic policy, and showed off a detailed grasp that impressed the wonky crowd, the source said. He talked about Medicaid at length, arguing that threats of cuts to children's health care are a red herring, because children's health care is so much cheaper than care for the elderly.

"What was strking was how many times he went after Obama, and not in trivial ways," the attendee said.

COMMENT:  Christie may be catching presidential fever, a chronic disease in politics, for which no cure has been developed.  He would have to run on a one-term record as governor of New Jersey, and his abrasive manner may not be everyone's cup of herbal tea.  And, as we've said here, it may be wrong and even offensive, but his weight will become an issue, if only a quiet one.

And yet, Christie is the kind of officeholder who demands attention.  He's done great things as governor of New Jersey, and, before that, as a U.S. attorney.  He's had more hands-on experience than Obama had when he ran for president, although Obama set the bar pretty low. 

Even though I have some doubts about Christie as a presidential candidate, he would certainly be the bolt from the blue the Republicans need.  No one ever accused him of being just the next guy in line.

March 1, 2011