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In Oprah Interview, Christie Has Praise for ... Obama

Don't underestimate the president, Christie warns

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 13, 2012 6:50 AM CST

(Newser) – Chris Christie had surprisingly positive words for Barack Obama in a recent sit-down with Oprah Winfrey, calling him "very charismatic" and "genuine." Asked about the president's chances for re-election, Christie replied, "I think those who underestimate Barack Obama underestimate him at their own peril. He is as good a politician as I've ever seen. ... I think what he says he believes, he believes. That's a very dangerous politician." The interview airs Sunday at 9pm EST on Oprah's Next Chapter, but the AP has a preview.

Christie did, of course, also have some critiques for Obama: "The only person who can call a truce, when Congress is at war at itself, is the president," he says in a preview clip on Oprah.com, adding that Washington is not showing a willingness to compromise right now, and "the only person who can make that happen is the president." He should have made adversaries like John Boehner his "best friend in the whole world," Christie suggests. Click for more from the interview, in which Christie also discusses why he didn't run for president, his struggle with weight, Facebook, and donuts.

In this Oct. 27, 2011 photo released by Harpo Inc., Oprah Winfrey, right, listens to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie during an interview for Oprah's Next Chapter, airing Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012 on OWN.
In this Oct. 27, 2011 photo released by Harpo Inc., Oprah Winfrey, right, listens to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie during an interview for "Oprah's Next Chapter", airing Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012 on OWN.   (AP Photo/Harpo, Inc. George Burns)
Oprah Winfrey poses with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and his wife Mary Pat during an interview at the Christie home in Mendham, NJ, for Oprah's Next Chapter, airing Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012 on OWN.
Oprah Winfrey poses with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and his wife Mary Pat during an interview at the Christie home in Mendham, NJ, for "Oprah's Next Chapter", airing Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012 on OWN.   (AP Photo/Harpo, Inc. George Burns)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 18 comments
jhall
Jan 16, 2012 2:49 PM CST
Apparenty the Newser comment policy has no meaning . . . "We have a no-jerk policy at Newser" I think it says.  Seems like some of the comments on this story are pretty nasty and insulting.  Christie wasn't complimenting Obama.  He said a smart, genuine polititian who doesn't know how to govern is the most dangerous kind.  He said that Obama was charismatic, by definition that he has the ability to inspire enthusiasm, interest, or affection in others by means of personal charm or influence.  I'm betting that most of this group didn't watch the interview.  Don't underestimate Obama's intentions.  He is dangerous.  That was Christie's message and it was no different from every other time he has addressed the issue of Barak Obama. 
thezenhaitian
Jan 14, 2012 7:05 PM CST
At last, the two heavyweights meet.
Shannonals
Jan 13, 2012 5:28 PM CST
Wasn't Christie standing on stage with Romney a few days ago bad mouthing Obama?  You know, the one he hinted at a sexual joke at some woman heckling him from the crowd. 
 

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