TRENTON, N.J. (AP) – Gov. Chris Christie’s decision to endorse Donald Trump back in February brought him plenty of derision at the time. But it’s bringing rewards now that it’s clear he bet on the winner.
With Trump having effectively clinched the Republican presidential nomination following a bruising primary fight, Christie now sees vindication of what had been a divisive choice in his home state and his inner circle. Trump on Monday tapped Christie to lead the transition team that will usher in the new administration if he wins the presidency in the fall. It’s a plum post that could lead to more.
“How did I go from being an idiot 68 days ago to prescient 68 days later?” Christie asked mischievously last week.
Christie has been a key adviser to Trump behind the scenes as well as a presence on the stage. As chairman of the transition team, he will lead a wide-ranging effort to prepare for a potential transfer of power, giving him influence in the selection of White House and administration staff and in the development of a president-elect’s first steps.
Trump’s rise comes when Christie’s favorability in New Jersey is at an all-time low and the end of his second and final term as governor is approaching in 2018 – all after his own GOP presidential candidacy failed.