# 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:** 7
**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:** [January 10, 2014, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/121 "2014-01-10T17:00:50Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > I do know this is sort of Bush-esque. Petty. Check Bully. Check Stupid. Check. As regards the scandal. Christie himself seems to be more Cheney-esque, brighter bulb-wise. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2014, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/122 "2014-01-10T17:03:13Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > Wow. It’s amazing to me that the media and democrats are jumping on Christie as hard as they are. It was the media and democrats who decided that Christie is a national front runner for the GOP. (I don’t know of any Republicans who would vote Christie for President.) Apparently, the media and democrats have rescinded their endorsement? How many people, nationwide, care what happens on a bridge in NJ? Yeah, why does the liberal media keep harping on this story. It’s not an important ongoing story - like BENGHAZI!!! ---
**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:** [January 10, 2014, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/123 "2014-01-10T17:06:32Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > And entertaining. Is it wrong that I’m smiling? :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Malthus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85f322/32.png) [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2014, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/124 "2014-01-10T17:12:29Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > The point being that GOP voters don’t consider Christie to be a national front runner for POTUS. > > Many people in NJ and possibly NYC, are probably very concerned. I’m not sure Idaho or New Mexico consider this to be a massive 24/7 news story. > > So someone has been fired and the legislature is holding a hearing(s) to discover the specifics of what happened. Christie’s chances of becoming President haven’t changed. No body has ended up in a NJ landfill. Yet. > > The daily mentioning of this case is one thing. The media obsession with this story is bizarre. And entertaining. This story appears to have legs, even way up here in Canada. My theory: I suspect the important part (for explaining its popularity as a story) is not how culpable Christie may or may not be personally, but the fact that it makes such a good story about petty, vindictive jack-in-office oppression by officials who literally do not give a shit about the public they claim to serve - of which the public in all countries suspects there is much about that there is no evidence for such as these emails. In short, the story has legs because it makes a good story that matches the public mood about politicians generally. Of course it is doing Christie no favours, because even assuming he knew nothing about it, they were his aides. If he was behind it, of course, that will add life to the story without a doubt. The fact that Christie was being mooted as a presidential contender adds spice to the story, but does not in itself explain the story’s popularity. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2014, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/125 "2014-01-10T17:15:19Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > Apparently, the media and democrats have rescinded their endorsement? How many people, nationwide, care what happens on a bridge in NJ? Not just “a” bridge. The busiest bridge in the world, jammed up for no benefit other than petty political vindictiveness. > [@doorhinge](#): > > I don’t consider Christie to be a national political figure so maybe that lowers my expectation of what a NJ ( **or Chicago** ) politician is capable of. Bolding mine. Nicely done. ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2014, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/126 "2014-01-10T17:22:29Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > Wow. It’s amazing to me that the media and democrats are jumping on Christie as hard as they are. It was the media and democrats who decided that Christie is a national front runner for the GOP. (I don’t know of any Republicans who would vote Christie for President.) Apparently, the media and democrats have rescinded their endorsement? How many people, nationwide, care what happens on a bridge in NJ? I don’t know about nationwide, but I bet the family of the lady who died probably cares a whole lot. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2014, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/127 "2014-01-10T17:23:57Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > The point being that GOP voters don’t consider Christie to be a national front runner for POTUS. > Many people in NJ and possibly NYC, are probably very concerned. I’m not sure Idaho or New Mexico consider this to be a massive 24/7 news story. > > So someone has been fired and the legislature is holding a hearing(s) to discover the specifics of what happened. Christie’s chances of becoming President haven’t changed. No body has ended up in a NJ landfill. Yet. > > The daily mentioning of this case is one thing. The media obsession with this story is bizarre. And entertaining. Yes, I’m sure to you it is bizarre that media outlets would continue to report on a developing story about official malfeasance that resulted in at least one unnecessary death. :rolleyes: The rest of your post seems to be an attempt to challenge **adaher** for his title. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2014, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/128 "2014-01-10T17:31:38Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > I don’t consider Christie to be a national political figure so maybe that lowers my expectation of what a NJ (or Chicago) politician is capable of. [Here](http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/299148/chris-christie-goes-national-robert-costa)’s an article from National Review in May 2012 speculating on whether Christie would accept the VP nomination if Romney offered it to him. The article says, “The open question, however, is whether Romney will actually pick up the phone and call — tapping one of the GOP’s brightest rising stars to share the stage.” You may trying to minimize his prominence, but until this story broke, he was a front-runner for the 2016 ticket. (And he may yet overcome this issue.) ---
**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:** [January 10, 2014, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/129 "2014-01-10T17:41:05Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > The daily mentioning of this case is one thing. The media obsession with this story is bizarre. And entertaining. You’re not alone. On the morning commute I was listening to Paul W. Smith on WJR and he opined that he was more concerned about lies about Benghazi and four dead Americans. WTF? The right wingers never say exactly what the lies were, who said them, and what the truth was but by God all they need do is string togther a sentence with “Benghazi” and “lie” together and presto-instant scandal! ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2014, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/130 "2014-01-10T17:48:29Z")
> [@faithfool](#): > > I don’t know about nationwide, but I bet the family of the lady who died probably cares a whole lot. In passing (heh), I heard mention of said family opining that she was already going, that whether or when the EMT arrived wasn’t likely to affect the outcome. Be that as it may, whomsoever set that clusterfuck in motion either didn’t think of such potential consequences or didn’t care. Either way, fuck 'em. ---
**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:** [January 10, 2014, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/131 "2014-01-10T18:06:29Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > The right wingers never say exactly what the lies were, who said them, and what the truth was but by God all they need do is string togther a sentence with “Benghazi” and “lie” together and presto-instant scandal! Though still loud & proud, the percentage clinging to that idiocy is thankfully getting smaller and smaller. The press is not so cowed by the bully anymore, (_great_) thanks to the reporter that broke this story and media such as MSNBC. I remember once the Bush persona was exposed as a naked emperor, the press _did_ start to swarm. Though they didn’t go near far enough, the cumulative chinks in the right wing armor are getting more and more expansive. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2014, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/132 "2014-01-10T18:10:06Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > I mean, if Jesus himself came down from the heavens and announced that Christie was unaware of the machinations of his office, that only means that rather than being a corrupt dillhole, Christie’s an incompetent dillhole. Or that Jesus is one corrupt bastard. He does get paid every Sunday regular despite not providing a demonstrable service which, especially in New Jersey, would suggest some form of racketeering is going on ! ---
**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:** [January 10, 2014, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/133 "2014-01-10T18:15:49Z")
> [@MacCat](#): > > Though still loud & proud, the percentage clinging to that idiocy is thankfully getting smaller and smaller. The press is not so cowed by the bully anymore, (_great_) thanks to the reporter that broke this story and media such as MSNBC. I remember once the Bush persona was exposed as a naked emperor, the press _did_ start to swarm. Though they didn’t go near far enough, the cumulative chinks in the right wing armor are getting more and more expansive. This may be to Christie what Katrina was to Bush. Prior to Katrina, Bush pretty much enjoyed a free pass from the press. Once the bloom was off the rose, they actually started to act like journalists and not cheerleaders. ---
**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:** [January 10, 2014, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/134 "2014-01-10T18:16:03Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > I hope so. But- perhaps the lawyer is just shucking and jiving. Suppose Wildstein gets immunity and then his story matches Christie’s account to a tee? Or he says “It was all my idea and nobody else’s. Sucks to be you and have just granted me immunity”. Before they grant immunity, prosecutors sit down informally and get a “proffer,” a sneak preview of what you’re going to say. And, only if they think you can help nab the target of their investigation do they grant immunity. Wildstein’s lawyer looks like he’s sending a signal that it would be worth pursuing this avenue. ---
**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:** [January 10, 2014, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/135 "2014-01-10T18:20:51Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Before they grant immunity, prosecutors sit down informally and get a “proffer,” a sneak preview of what you’re going to say. And, only if they think you can help nab the target of their investigation do they grant immunity. Wildstein’s lawyer looks like he’s sending a signal that it would be worth pursuing this avenue. Thanks for the info. The lawyer’s hint was about as subtle as a neon sign. One gets the impression that the lawyer was hinting that there was some gold to be mined. Since the scandal officially only extends to the deputy chief of staff, I have to infer that Wildstein knows it goes higher. ---
**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:** [January 10, 2014, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/136 "2014-01-10T18:26:30Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > Thanks for the info. The lawyer’s hint was about as subtle as a neon sign. One gets the impression that the lawyer was hinting that there was some gold to be mined. Since the scandal officially only extends to the deputy chief of staff, I have to infer that Wildstein knows it goes higher. I’m shocked that the actual Chief of Staff is still being considered for Attorney General while this is all in play. ---
**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:** [January 10, 2014, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/137 "2014-01-10T18:32:33Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > I’m shocked that the actual Chief of Staff is still being considered for Attorney General while this is all in play. Is there any way he gets confirmed? ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2014, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/138 "2014-01-10T18:51:29Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > Go on. Hahahaha. OK, which one of those persons listed in your linked article has actually declared that they are running for POTUS. The media is creating news to keep their revenue up. Question - If you HAD to vote for one of those listed in the poll AND only those listed in that poll, which one would you vote for? (FYI - death is not an option.) ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2014, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/139 "2014-01-10T18:57:19Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > Hahahaha. OK, which one of those persons listed in your linked article has actually declared that they are running for POTUS. Several of them, if not all of them, will run for president. The fact that they haven’t declared yet is irrelevant unless you think candidates just wake up one morning and declare that they’re running without doing a bunch of work first. ---
**Author:** ![Trion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ccd318/32.png) [@Trion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trion)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2014, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351/140 "2014-01-10T18:57:40Z")
Must be one of those skewed polls I hear people complain about. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-christie-or-his-staff-intentionally-cause-the-fort-lee-traffic-jam/678351.md?page=8)