# Did Christie (or his staff) intentionally cause the Fort Lee traffic jam? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [January 9, 2014, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351 "2014-01-09T13:34:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 47
**Author:** ![MacCat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maccat/32/216_2.png) [@MacCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacCat)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2014, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/921 "2014-03-10T20:08:49Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > A link would be appreciated anyway. Some people do subscribe and even those who don’t might have remaining free views. There goes one of my remaining free views 🙂 [NY Times article](http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/11/nyregion/federal-prosecutors-subpoena-port-authority-for-records-related-to-chairman-a-christie-ally.html?emc=edit_na_20140310&nlid=43071900&_r=0) ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2014, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/922 "2014-03-10T21:29:45Z")
Much appreciated! ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2014, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/923 "2014-03-11T13:26:43Z")
More disgusting details emerge: [Christie used 9/11 wreckage for politically motivated gifts.](http://www.phillymag.com/news/2014/03/11/nyt-christie-turned-twin-towers-wreckage-politically-motivated-gifts/) > [@](#): > > For a state that lost hundreds of lives on Sept. 11, the gifts were emotionally resonant: pieces of steel from the ruins of the World Trade Center. They were presented by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to 20 carefully chosen New Jersey mayors who sat atop a list of 100 whose endorsements Gov. Chris Christie hoped to win. > > At photo opportunities around the mangled pieces of steel, Bill Baroni, Mr. Christie’s top staff appointee at the Port Authority, told audiences how many people wanted a similar remnant of the destroyed buildings, and how special these mayors were. Add this to the pile: shutting down traffic lanes to make a mayor look bad, using federal disaster relief money as a political slush fund, having your top appointee at the Port Authority take a huge legal fee for his firm and then leasing a prime parking lot for $1 per year to the firm that paid him off. Let’s put this bastard and all his cronies in prison. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2014, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/924 "2014-03-11T23:04:02Z")
> [@MacCat](#): > > From the NY Times a short while ago. Not linking because of the pay wall. > > and > > Tick. Tick. Tick… \*Federal prosecutors in Manhattan on Friday **subpoenaed the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for records** related to potential conflicts of interest involving its chairman, David Samson, a prominent New Jersey lawyer and close political ally of Gov. Chris Christie, according to people briefed on the matter. On Monday, **the subpoena was withdrawn** , apparently to clear the way for the investigation to be pursued by federal prosecutors in New Jersey, who had already been reviewing the politically charged closing of access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in September, according to two of those briefed on the matter. …Neither of the federal prosecutor’s offices would comment on the subpoena issued on Friday.\* > **[U.S. Sought Port Authority Records Tied to Chairman (Published 2014)](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/11/nyregion/federal-prosecutors-subpoena-port-authority-for-records-related-to-chairman-a-christie-ally.html?emc=edit_na_20140310&nlid=43071900&_r=1)** > > Federal prosecutors in Manhattan on Friday issued a subpoena for information relating to David Samson, then withdrew it — apparently to clear the way for a federal inquiry in New Jersey. You forgot to mention that the subpoena was withdrawn two days after it was issued. I think it’s also important to note that neither of the federal prosecutor’s offices commented on the subpoena SOOOOOO, who are these alleged people who were allegedly briefed on this matter? And why are they making up answers for the media? ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2014, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/925 "2014-03-11T23:10:00Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > More disgusting details emerge: > Add this to the pile: shutting down traffic lanes to make a mayor look bad, using federal disaster relief money as a political slush fund, having your top appointee at the Port Authority take a huge legal fee for his firm and then leasing a prime parking lot for $1 per year to the firm that paid him off. > > Let’s put this bastard and all his cronies in prison. Which pile? The unproven pile? The discard pile? IIRC, I believe Christie’s parents were married. I don’t know about Samson’s status. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2014, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/926 "2014-03-11T23:30:42Z")
When was “innocent until proven guilty” replaced by “if you haven’t heard a good rumor lately, make one up”? This is politics, so society norms don’t always apply but I would think that some of the rumor-mongers in the media would include a bit more of the truth in their opinion pieces. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2014, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/927 "2014-03-11T23:33:51Z")
The latest published federal audit exonerating the Christie administration as related to the distribution of storm recovery funds, mentions that FEMA temporarily changed the rules, making it easier and quicker for cities to get and receive recovery funds. That seems to shoot holes in Mayor Hoboken’s claim that the Lt Gov threatened to withhold Hoboken funds - in Christie’s name. It seems that Mayor Hoboken could have/should have been talking to FEMA for funds? \*FEMA had initially warned the administration that relying on a no-bid contract, especially over an extended period, could jeopardize federal reimbursements. But according to the audit report released Thursday, the agency signed off on the state’s use of AshBritt during the 60-day emergency period. The inspector general for Homeland Security, which FEMA falls under, conducts thousands of investigations each year that often force towns to return federal dollars.\* > **[Audit clears Christie on no-bid Sandy contract but raises other questions](https://www.nj.com/politics/2014/03/audit_clears_christie_on_no-bid_sandy_contract_but_raises_other_questions.html)** > > The audit by the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general also said municipalities that relied on the contractor past a 60-day emergency period may have violated guidelines from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2014, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/928 "2014-03-11T23:39:57Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > When was “innocent until proven guilty” replaced by “if you haven’t heard a good rumor lately, make one up”? This is politics, so society norms don’t always apply but I would think that some of the rumor-mongers in the media would include a bit more of the truth in their opinion pieces. you keep alleging that the media is spreading rumors rather than reporting facts. Got any examples? Lots of us regular people are jumping to some unflattering conclusions about Gov. Christie, but the media I watch, including MSNBC, are reporting it pretty straight. Saying that there are “unanswered questions” is accurate at this point. ---
**Author:** ![j666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de0a6/32.png) [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2014, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/929 "2014-03-11T23:51:51Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > More disgusting details emerge: [Christie used 9/11 wreckage for politically motivated gifts.](http://www.phillymag.com/news/2014/03/11/nyt-christie-turned-twin-towers-wreckage-politically-motivated-gifts/) Wait, that wasn’t done in private? Why wasn’t it reported on before? ---
**Author:** ![MacCat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maccat/32/216_2.png) [@MacCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacCat)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2014, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/930 "2014-03-12T01:06:51Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > On Monday, **the subpoena was withdrawn** Nice bolding and underlining. and > [@doorhinge](#): > > You forgot to mention that the subpoena was withdrawn two days after it was issued. I didn’t realize that was my job. From [Esquire](http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/chris-christie-attorneys) > [@](#): > > On Monday, the Southern District prosecutor, whose territory includes the Port Authority headquarters in Manhattan, withdrew that subpoena, all sudden like and mysterious. It was a tracer bullet directed across the Hudson at Paul Fishman, the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, whose job it is to investigate all of the multiple aspects of Christiegate. and > [@](#): > > Poor Paul Fishman. Nobody seems to believe that Paul’s going to go hard after indicting Samson, arguably the most powerful lawyer in the state, a 74-year-old fixer and a Christie mentor. and > [@](#): > > Barara – he’s 79 for 79 so far in prosecuting insider-trading cases – sent a simultaneous message to David Samson: You’re dead meat. If Fishman fails to make a case against Samson, Preet Bharara will. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2014, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/931 "2014-03-12T18:50:03Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > you keep alleging that the media is spreading rumors rather than reporting facts. Got any examples? Lots of us regular people are jumping to some unflattering conclusions about Gov. Christie, but the media I watch, including MSNBC, are reporting it pretty straight. Saying that there are “unanswered questions” is accurate at this point. There are no regular people here. 😃 Are you aware that Christie closed the GW Bridge to punish Ft Lee Mayor Sokolich for not endorsing Christie’s re-election bid? It’s been reported by most, if not all, of the media. Are you aware that MSNBC entertainer Kornacki pushed a different version of the “Christie was punishing Sokolich” story by claiming it was about the Harbor Lights development? Did you know that MSNBC entertainer Maddow responded with her own version of Christie-wanted-to-punish-somebody by saying it was due to a feud between Christie and Democrats over state Supreme Court nominees? > **[Maddow Presents Disturbing New Theory On Christie Bridge Scandal](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/rachel-maddow-chris-christie_n_4572367)** > > Maddow Presents Disturbing New Theory On Christie Bridge Scandal Maybe you heard that the closing of the GW Bridge was a national security issue? So many stories, so little time. And not a bit of evidence to tie Christie to any of them. Yet. ---
**Author:** ![MacCat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maccat/32/216_2.png) [@MacCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacCat)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2014, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/932 "2014-03-12T20:18:35Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > Are you aware that Christie closed the GW Bridge to punish Ft Lee Mayor Sokolich for not endorsing Christie’s re-election bid? It’s been **reported by most, if not all, of the media**. “Christie closed the GW Bridge” see your 4th & 5th quotes below. And cite for the bolded above… > [@doorhinge](#): > > Are you aware that MSNBC entertainer Kornacki pushed a different version of the “Christie was punishing Sokolich” story by claiming it was about the Harbor Lights development? Your attempted pejorative “_entertainer_” belongs to FOX “News” who fought and won at SCOTUS to be able to lie as they are entertainers. Kornacki is a fine reporter and his thoughts are quite plausible. [Daily Kos](http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/01/12/1269070/-Bridgegate-Motive-Mystery-Solved) > [@doorhinge](#): > > Did you know that MSNBC entertainer Maddow responded with her own version of Christie-wanted-to-punish-somebody by saying it was due to a feud between Christie and Democrats over state Supreme Court nominees? And again, quite plausible. From [Real Clear Politics](http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2014/01/10/maddow_was_senate_leader_target_of_nj_scandal_121190.html) > [@](#): > > In 2010, Christie refused to reappoint a liberal state Supreme Court justice, John E. Wallace Jr. The move angered New Jersey Democrats, and they refused to confirm Christie’s nominees to replace Wallace. and > [@](#): > > The feud became so intense that Christie called state Democrats “animals” for failing to approve a Republican to a separate seat on the court last summer. Christie called a press conference on Aug. 12, 2013, to blast Democrats for not backing his choice. and > [@](#): > > “Roughly 12 hours after Governor Christie blows up at the Senate Democrats and torpedoes the career of a Supreme Court justice who he likes because he says the Senate Democrats are animals … the leader of those ‘animals’ in the Senate sees her district get the order of destruction from Governor Christie’s deputy chief of staff.” > [@doorhinge](#): > > Maybe you heard that the closing of the GW Bridge was a national security issue? The first and only time I heard anyone say the bridge was closed was _you_, in Post 114 > [@doorhinge](#): > > from Post 114: I would like to know who first floated the idea that Christie closed the bridge in order to punish the mayor of Ft Lee. > [@doorhinge](#): > > So many stories, so little time. And not a bit of evidence to tie Christie to any of them. Yet. Tick. Tick. Tick… ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/933 "2014-03-13T01:24:03Z")
> [@entertainer doorhinge](#): > > There are no regular people here. 😃 > > Are you aware that Christie closed the GW Bridge to punish Ft Lee Mayor Sokolich for not endorsing Christie’s re-election bid? It’s been reported by most, if not all, of the media. > > Are you aware that MSNBC entertainer Kornacki pushed a different version of the “Christie was punishing Sokolich” story by claiming it was about the Harbor Lights development? > > Did you know that MSNBC entertainer Maddow responded with her own version of Christie-wanted-to-punish-somebody by saying it was due to a feud between Christie and Democrats over state Supreme Court nominees? > > [Rachel Maddow Presents New Chris Christie Bridge Scandal Theory | HuffPost Latest News](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/09/rachel-maddow-chris-christie_n_4572367.html) > > Maybe you heard that the closing of the GW Bridge was a national security issue? > > So many stories, so little time. And not a bit of evidence to tie Christie to any of them. Yet. I’m not aware of any media of any note claiming that Christie closed the bridge. I’m not even aware of any media of any note claiming that Christie redirected the traffic. Some have claimed that it looks suspiciously like he did, but that’s about it. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/934 "2014-03-13T16:11:50Z")
> [@MacCat](#): > > “Christie closed the GW Bridge” see your 4th & 5th quotes below. And cite for the bolded above… > > Your attempted pejorative “_entertainer_” belongs to FOX “News” who fought and won at SCOTUS to be able to lie as they are entertainers. Kornacki is a fine reporter and his thoughts are quite plausible. > > And again, quite plausible. > > and > > and (post shortened) It’s also plausible that Chris Christie had absolutely no involvement in the Great NJ Lane reassignment. It’s also plausible that a traffic jam in NJ is being used to clear away an obsticle to Hillary’s election. There are many “plausible” possibilities. What is missing, after 4 or 6 investigations and numerous stories invented/championed by the media and bloggers, is proof that Christie was involved. Port Authority’s Wildstein is involved. And there’s proof. Port Authority’s Baroni is involved. Kelly is involved. The media is even fighting amongst themselves as to which plausible version of Christie’s involvment is more plausible. MSNBC evening lineup entertainer Maddow debunked the “punish Sokolich for not supporting Christie’s election” story with her own version by suggesting it was because of a feud between Christie and Democrats over state Supreme Court nominees. Which version of Christie wanting to punish Sokolich is more plausible? Which version has any evidence supporting it? ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/935 "2014-03-13T16:24:24Z")
I think the “entertainer” label tacked onto MSNBC’s reporters is quite silly and isn’t helping to make whatever point it is that you have. Their shows are well researched and presented in a factual manner, they invite guests of different perspectives and allow them to make their points with civility, though they often pin their ears back in refuting them with facts. You’re free to take or leave my advice, but if I were you I’d lay off the cheap shots on the MSNBC guys. So now we know that: [ul] [li]9/11 wreckage was doled out as political souvenirs to curry favor among NJ politicians.[/li][li]Four weeks of traffic gridlock were planned for the city whose mayor declined to endorse Christie, although only four days of mayhem were allowed to transpire.[/li][li]Federal relief funds were used as a political slush fund to blackmail the mayor of Hoboken into doing Christie’s bidding.[/li][li]The Christie appointed head of the Port Authority took millions in legal fees from a NJ parking lot, then turned around and leased the PA property to the company for $1 per year.[/li][/ul] Knowing all of this, you continue to act as though Christie is as pure as the driven snow and the subject of a witchhunt. If Christie isn’t a crook, he’s the only one in the bunch who isn’t. ---
**Author:** ![MacCat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maccat/32/216_2.png) [@MacCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacCat)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/936 "2014-03-13T16:59:11Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > It’s also plausible that Chris Christie had absolutely no involvement in the Great NJ Lane reassignment. Possible yes, plausible no. > [@doorhinge](#): > > It’s also plausible that a traffic jam in NJ is being used to clear away an obsticle to Hillary’s election. Not likely. > [@doorhinge](#): > > There are many “plausible” possibilities. Tell us _some of the many_ “plausible” possibilities. > [@doorhinge](#): > > What is missing, after 4 or 6 investigations and numerous stories invented/championed by the media and bloggers, is proof that Christie was involved. I don’t see many here claiming there is proof of his involvement. It’s not “ **after** 4 or 6 investigations”, the investigations are ongoing, much to your apparent discomfort and dismay. > [@doorhinge](#): > > Port Authority’s Wildstein is involved. And there’s proof. Port Authority’s Baroni is involved. Kelly is involved. Yes, we all know those three Christie employees are involved. > [@doorhinge](#): > > The media is even fighting amongst themselves as to which plausible version of Christie’s involvment is more plausible. MSNBC evening lineup entertainer Maddow debunked the “punish Sokolich for not supporting Christie’s election” story with her own version by suggesting it was because of a feud between Christie and Democrats over state Supreme Court nominees. Which version of Christie wanting to punish Sokolich is more plausible? Which version has any evidence supporting it? The evidence is being discovered through painstaking investigation, made even more drawn out by his crony appointees claiming the 5th. It might not be just one of the scenarios, but two or three. I lean towards a combination of Maddow’s and Kornacki’s and not so much the “Christie wanting to punish Sokolich” version. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/937 "2014-03-13T17:01:24Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > I think the “entertainer” label tacked onto MSNBC’s reporters is quite silly and isn’t helping to make whatever point it is that you have. Their shows are well researched and presented in a factual manner, they invite guests of different perspectives and allow them to make their points with civility, though they often pin their ears back in refuting them with facts. You’re free to take or leave my advice, but if I were you I’d lay off the cheap shots on the MSNBC guys. > > So now we know that: > [ul] > [li]9/11 wreckage was doled out as political souvenirs to curry favor among NJ politicians.[/li][li]Four weeks of traffic gridlock were planned for the city whose mayor declined to endorse Christie, although only four days of mayhem were allowed to transpire.[/li][li]Federal relief funds were used as a political slush fund to blackmail the mayor of Hoboken into doing Christie’s bidding.[/li][li]The Christie appointed head of the Port Authority took millions in legal fees from a NJ parking lot, then turned around and leased the PA property to the company for $1 per year.[/li][/ul] > > Knowing all of this, you continue to act as though Christie is as pure as the driven snow and the subject of a witchhunt. If Christie isn’t a crook, he’s the only one in the bunch who isn’t. Which item in your list proves that Christie was involved in the Great NJ Lane Reassignment? Which commentator in the MSNBC evening line up is considered a news reporter? Television hosts, political commentators, pundits, news anchors, but not news reporters. “Entertainer” is an adequate description of them. I’ve never suggested that Christie is pure as the driven snow. That’s your interpretation. I have suggested that questioning Kelly’s EX-inlaws and what’s-his-name’s landlord certainly looks like a fishing expedition and witchhunt. Maybe they’re just trolling, instead? ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/938 "2014-03-13T17:06:22Z")
> [@MacCat](#): > > … > Quote: > Originally Posted by doorhinge View Post > > Port Authority’s Wildstein is involved. And there’s proof. Port Authority’s Baroni is involved. Kelly is involved. > > Yes, we all know those three Christie employees are involved. (post shortened for clarity) Who is this “we” you are referring to and when did Port Authority’s Wildstein and Baroni become Christie “employees”? ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/939 "2014-03-13T17:15:22Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > Which item in your list proves that Christie was involved in the Great NJ Lane Reassignment? > > Which commentator in the MSNBC evening line up is considered a news reporter? Television hosts, political commentators, pundits, news anchors, but not news reporters. “Entertainer” is an adequate description of them. > > I’ve never suggested that Christie is pure as the driven snow. That’s your interpretation. I have suggested that questioning Kelly’s EX-inlaws and what’s-his-name’s landlord certainly looks like a fishing expedition and witchhunt. Maybe they’re just trolling, instead? The distinction between reporter and commentator is a bit semantic. Maddow, for example, has a research staff that gathers factual information to be presented during the show. Does Maddow collect the news, as a journalist? No. But she does painstaking research to tell us what the news is. Journalism needs two parties- one to collect the information and another to gather it, compare it to other sources, and present the conclusion. This goes far beyond entertainment. Rush Limbaugh, he’s an entertainer. He doesn’t critique sources, if it smears the Democrats he runs with it. Ditto all the right wing blowhards such as Levine, Savage, Hannity, etc. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2014, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/940 "2014-03-13T17:23:59Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > The distinction between reporter and commentator is a bit semantic. Maddow, for example, has a research staff that gathers factual information to be presented during the show. Does Maddow collect the news, as a journalist? No. But she does painstaking research to tell us what the news is. Journalism needs two parties- one to collect the information and another to gather it, compare it to other sources, and present the conclusion. This goes far beyond entertainment. Rush Limbaugh, he’s an entertainer. He doesn’t critique sources, if it smears the Democrats he runs with it. Ditto all the right wing blowhards such as Levine, Savage, Hannity, etc. So Maddow isn’t a news reporter. “We” (you and eye) could/might consider her research staff to be news reporters. Nah, they’re research staff. I don’t see a difference between what Limbaugh and Maddow do for a living. I do see a difference between HOW they do their job. I can watch Maddow “perform” her job but I simply can not watch Limbaugh “perform” his. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351.md?page=46) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351.md?page=48)