Why This Isn't the Final Nail in the Christie Coffin

img from Bloomberg

Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey, has been caught up in some unflattering headlines, concerning the closures of several lanes of the  George Washington Bridge and the less-than-legal reasons behind their closures. Facing a class-action lawsuit as well as a media circus, many are wondering about what this means for Christie's political aspirations (Public Policy Polling reported that Christie had a pretty good chance of holding his own against Hillary Clinton, if she chooses to run). 

So what does this scandal mean for Christie?

How do Americans feel about one scandal in one state?

And how will they feel about it in two years?

Many are saying Christie is done, finished, and destined to live out his life as a typical, disgraced New Jersey politician. I however, do not see this as the final (and really only) nail in his coffin. Popular with as many Democrats as he is Republicans, Christie gained a ton of notoriety during Hurricane Sandy, and it's aftermath. His gruff manner has been a matter of discussion across media outlets, but American's seem to like his attitude. Never afraid to stand by his beliefs, rather than spew party line, Christie has been willing to make friends across the aisle, notably President Obama.

Christie's political aspirations will be decided by the press, that much is true-- it's the nature of political primaries puts the onus on the media to help the public differentiate between candidates. If Christie can survive this scandal, create a positive media cycle, I see hope. If his camp is only defensive, only tripping over themselves to apologize, creating a "spiral of silence" in the media and for political supporters, I think we may see his political aspirations wane and die.

Handled properly, this will make Christie stand out come primary season (the one time candidates want any type of press). His office needs to get in control now. Hire a strategic communications firm, find a real-life Olivia Pope. Who knows, if Christie really had a hands-off role in these closures, Dems may have an easier time forgiving him than Republicans will be for "forgiving" Hillary for Benghazi (but that my friends is for another day).

The Importance of Giving (Politically)

Okay, I just gotta tell you something. You need to be donating to a political cause.

At the end of the month, after bills, food, gas, and typically a splurge or two (I'm still trying to figure out how to be fiscally responsible), there usually isn't a ton left over. I know I'm not alone in this phenomenon, but regardless, everyone should be giving politically; either to a Political Action Committee (PAC or Super-PAC) or a committee (Republican National Committee or Democratic National Committee), or a candidate. 

Everyone talks about how money makes the world go round, and in politics, it's the same. The party/candidate/ group with the most funds has an extreme advantage of the competitor. Money makes or breaks campaigns and it makes or breaks legislation. I know this isn't what the Founding Fathers might have hoped for, but it is the law of the land now.

But what about you? Why should you be donating politically?

One

You can impact a campaign or organization when they need you most. Some may argue that voting day is when they need you most, but what happens if the group or candidate doesn't get on the ballot due to lack of funds? Exactly.

Two

It doesn't have to be a ton of money. $5, $10, $15 dollars is all it has to be if that's all you can afford. Political giving is all about the mob mentality, especially when it comes to the big donors. No one likes betting on a loser, and your monetary backing of a group, interest, candidate, shows other donors they should donate too.

Three

Giving politically is different than giving to a local charity, in the fact that you benefit. Giving to a party, interest, PAC whatever that you believe in can benefit your live, work or family in the future. If the environment is important, donate to a candidate who advocates for the environment or a politically active environmental group. Do you think taxes are too damn high? Give to a candidate with a track record of tax cuts. When you give to campaigns or groups, you are controlling democracy

Whether you are giving locally, state-wide, or nationally, just plan on giving; the earlier the better!

2014 is here and 2016 will be here before we know it

Have you ever donated to a political organization or campaign before?
Why or why not?