NEWS AND OPINION:
He wants Bridgegate in his rearview mirror: A determined Gov. Chris Christie proclaims his intent to run for president Tuesday with all the proper trimmings. He’s released a heartfelt video about his mother’s wisdom and family ties. Then the straight-talking, classic Jersey boy heads back to his old neighborhood — back to the gymnasium of his high school alma mater in the town of Livingston — for his long awaited declaration.
Mr. Christie was president of his class at this very school back in 1980 and a catcher on the baseball team; it is a good backdrop for a campaign narrative that positions him as an everyday guy. No elite upbringing here, no father or brother who were presidents.
But the Garden State will also be in his rearview mirror, and very quickly.
Seven hours after Mr. Christie has his say at the old school, the governor arrives in New Hampshire on the first leg of his “Tell It Like It Is” campaign tour. He’ll go from the urbane and urban streets of Jersey to the country lanes and town halls of the Granite State.
The first stop is, in fact, a town hall meeting in Sandown, followed by a rally at the American Legion Hall in Ashland, and a meet-and-greet at the Pink Cadillac Diner in Rochester, which definitely sounds more New Jersey than New Hampshire.
MR. JINDAL FROWNS ON ’HYPHENATED AMERICANS’
SEE ALSO: Chris Christie launches campaign website ahead of official kickoff
While Chris Christie wants to tell it like it is, a rival aspires to push a few idealistic buttons. Believe Again, the super PAC supporting Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal’s bid for the White House, has dropped about $500,000 on “All Americans,” an introductory campaign ad blitz for Iowa voters, airing for the next two weeks in seven cities across the Hawkeye State.
“It focuses on the idea of America’s historical melting pot being driven by the successful assimilation of every American into the fabric of our country. As a child of immigrants, Gov. Jindal understands the true breadth of the American dream,” says the candidate’s adviser Brad Todd.
But of interest: While Mr. Jindal likes the idea of the traditional melting-pot nation, he wants the citizenry to move away from the idea of “hyphenated Americans,” Mr. Todd notes. Good point.
“Gov. Jindal also believes our immigration system today is broken and those who come to this country to follow the American dream should do so legally, adopt our values, roll up their sleeves and get to work,” the adviser concludes. Good point.
THE GOP STILL VIGILANT ON BENGHAZI
Though the third anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Benghazi is just over two months away, the unanswered questions about the circumstances, the security and the emails involved remain a mystery. The Republican National Committee has not given up the hunt for the truth, even as Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign for the White House picks up speed, money and public approval.
SEE ALSO: Jeb Bush: Same-sex marriage should have been decided by states
The GOP has released “Demand the Server,” a video compilation of reports from major news networks revealing that even big name anchors have their doubts about the emails, and the fate of a pivotal server.
“From Day One, Hillary Clinton has not been telling Americans the truth about her secret email server. Not only were emails not being archived as she originally claimed, but she hasn’t turned everything over either. This is another example of why a growing majority of Americans don’t trust Hillary Clinton and why she must turn her secret server over to a neutral third party for independent review,” declares committee chairman Reince Priebus.
Find the new video, along with other fare, at GOP.com
DEAR FRIEND: SEND MONEY
Tuesday marks a rigid deadline for all political campaign concerns required to report donations to the Federal Election Commission. It also is an excuse for dozens of these organizations to bombard the public with pitches for money — like this short selection of outreaches from among dozens circulating:
From the Democrats: “Majority maker alert: Hillary needs you to read this!” (Act Blue); “Donate $20.16 or more and we’ll send you a pack of our feminist quote postcards for free!’ (Emily’s List); “GOP special interest groups are already spending BIG to try and defeat Democrats. All eyes will be on our FEC report to see if we’re able to defend Democrats in the tightest races around the country!” (The House Majority PAC).
And a few from the Republican side: “Help us reach our $100,000 fundraising goal during our ’Let Freedom Ring’ money bomb” (Marco Rubio for President); “I believe that our religious freedom cannot and should not be violated by an overbearing government bending to the whims of a vocal minority. If you agree, will you stand with me by making a very important contribution” (Rick Santorum for President); “I love my son, and I know he can fix Washington because he’s already done it in Florida. I’m going to ask one last time, contribute $100, $50, $15. And remember, I’m asking, so my wife, ’The Enforcer,’ doesn’t have to. Trust me, you don’t want her following up!” (message from George H.W. Bush, on behalf of Jeb2016, Inc.)
HELPFUL HINTS
“How to survive the next 500 days until Election Day” is a new short film by Patrick Gavin, the man who wrote and produced “Nerd Prom,” an expose about the overblown White House Correspondents Association Dinner. Mr. Gavin is now weary of the “nonstop punditry, the excessive campaign ads and the endless focus on, say, candidate fashion,” he says.
Find the fleeting but insightful project by the former journalist here: Facebook.com/PWGavin
SELFIE EXAMINATION
A cultural moment: SelfieOnAStick.com, which distributes those cheeky selfie sticks for smart phones, is now opening its first ever flagship Selfie On A Stick Store and Photo Booth in Times Square, in New York City. Business must be booming. Among their best sellers: Selfie On A Stick Wired, Selfie On A Stick Bluetooth and Selfie On A Stick Classic.
“When shopping for selfie sticks it’s important to remember that you are placing your very expensive device onto a stick that extends over three feet; you need to make sure that you are using a selfie stick you can trust to securely hold your phone,” advises Dominic Suszanski, president of the New York-based company.
POLL DU JOUR
• 59 percent of Americans disapprove of displaying the Confederate flag in public places; 42 percent of Republicans, 52 percent of independents and 79 percent of Democrats agree.
• 56 percent of Americans have an unfavorable opinion of the Confederate flag; 35 percent of Republicans, 53 percent of independents and 77 percent of Democrats agree.
• 41 percent see the flag as a symbol of racism; 14 percent of Republicans, 34 percent of independents and 70 percent of Democrats agree.
• 35 percent see the flag as a symbol of Southern pride; 68 percent of Republicans, 34 percent of independents and 14 percent of Democrats agree.
• 24 percent approve of displaying the Confederate flag in public places; 40 percent of Republicans, 27 percent of independents and 9 percent of Democrats agree.
• 23 percent have a favorable opinion of the Confederate flag; 40 percent of Republicans, 24 percent of independents and 10 percent of Democrats agree.
Source: A YouGov poll of 998 U.S. adults conducted June 23-25.
• Caterwaul and doggerel to jharper@washingtontimes.com.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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