Chris Christie Delivers RNC Keynote Address
One of the most anticipated speeches of the Republican Convention is the keynote address, typically given on Tuesday night. The Republicans chose New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a colorful politician who some party leaders hoped would run for President.
Christie declined the invitation for higher office and decided to back Mitt Romney. He began his speech in support of Romney’s presidency by talking about his own background, a similar theme with every speaker during this first full session of the convention.
“I am the son of an Irish father and a Sicilian mother,” he said. “Mom was tough as nails and didn't suffer fools at all. The truth was she couldn't afford to. She spoke the truth—bluntly, directly, and without much varnish.”
That’s a characteristic Christie is also famous for, which proved true as he took on the Democratic administration’s handling of health care legislation and the national debt. He drove home the evening’s message of “We Built It,” by defining a list of differences between the Republican and Democratic party philosophies.
"We believe in telling seniors the truth about our overburdened entitlements," he said. "We know seniors not only want these programs to survive, but they just as badly want them secured for their grandchildren."
He then drew comparisons between the Democratic and Republican parties.
"We believe in telling seniors the truth about our overburdened entitlements," he said. "They believe seniors will always put themselves ahead of their grandchildren."
Delegates seemed inspired by Christie's speech as they filed out of the convention center after the speech, which ended around 11 p.m.
“When he was talking about some of the problems that we have right now and what we need to do to correct them, I think he was very straightforward with it and that’s a good thing," said California delegate Maurice Lieberman. "We need more of that.”
Victor Marani, also a delegate from California, agreed.
“Governor Christie is the most genuine person you are ever going to see in politics," he told Scholastic News. "He’s straightforward, he tells it to you the way it is, and he speaks right to you, which is very important."
PHOTO: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (CREDIT: Charles Dharapak/AP Images)
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