Take this political snafu with Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) as another running joke during the Trump era of politics. The former presidential candidate has been the the subject of ridicule after he was caught hanging out on a beach with his family after closing it to the public.
The New York Times reports public beaches and parks were closed for the holiday weekend due to the state’s current government shutdown. That didn’t seem to be a problem for the politician and his family. On Sunday (July 2), photos taken by the The Star-Ledger of New Jersey revealed Christie soaking up the sun with his family at Island Beach State Park.
There are so many to choose from, but I personally think this is the most devastating of @AndyMills_NJ's Christie photos. pic.twitter.com/AAEyJbgzEj
— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) July 3, 2017
Because of his political status, the 54-year-old was allowed to use to the beach house at the park provided by the state. After his beach trip, Christie took a state-funded helicopter to a press conference and provided no apologies for enjoying the perks of a government position.
“I traveled there and I traveled back and I’ll travel back again,” Christie said. “That’s where my family is sleeping, so that’s where I’ll sleep tonight. When I have a choice between sleeping with my family, and sleeping alone, I generally like to sleep where my family is.”
When asked if his actions were fair to the thousands of residents and tourists blocked from the beach, Christie said, “That’s just the way it goes. Run for governor, and you can have a residence there.”
Christie caught the most criticism on social media where he was dragged for really not giving a f**k.
Boy when Chris Christie destroys himself he really destroys himself.
— John Podhoretz (@jpodhoretz) July 3, 2017
I don't think it's possible for Americans to dislike politicians more than they do right now
Chris Christie: Hold my beer pic.twitter.com/h9V6Xt5sqG
— Michael Cohen (@speechboy71) July 3, 2017
Chris Christie is a perfect analogy for the @GOP & @realDonaldTrump. Let the privileged have everything while everyone else gets shut out. https://t.co/BAsVjarkNL
— Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) July 3, 2017
Chris Christie closing the beach to the public and only opening it up for himself is the most real life Cartman/South Park thing ever.
— Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) July 3, 2017
https://twitter.com/Bklyn_Rock/status/881714388524314625
Chris Christie was not "NOT ON THE BEACH" he was "MODERN DAY NOT ON THE BEACH" https://t.co/Uw0agzYYVQ pic.twitter.com/SVbWe0wQYy
— Judd Legum (@JuddLegum) July 3, 2017
To make things worse, Christie’s spokesperson argued with reporters that the governor never got to enjoy the sun.“The governor was on the beach briefly. He did not get any sun,” Brian Murray said. “He had a baseball hat on.”
Christie added, “I didn’t get any sun today.”
Since his failed bid for president and alignment with running mate Donald Trump, Christie’s approval rating dropped to 26 percent in April 2016 and a hard-hitting 15 percent in mid-June.
Christie is expected to exit from his governor role when his eight-year term ends in January 2018.
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