The Newark Star-Ledger reports:
Romney has given no hints about who he’ll recruit as a running mate or ask to deliver the plum prime-time address. And Christie’s camp won’t comment.
But people who keep close watch over the governor’s career moves privately say keynote speaker makes the most sense because it would allow him to consider a future White House bid while seeking a second term as governor.
In addition, a keynote speech can take a political career to new heights, with Barack Obama’s performance in the 2004 Democratic National Convention a prime example.
....[Former New Jersey Gov. Tom] Kean said this is the kind of balance a keynote speaker must make, giving enough rhetorical red meat for the party faithful while also appealing to independents who can sway elections.
"If you neglect one or another you’re in trouble," said Kean. "You’re talking to troop leaders, but that’s not really your mission. You have to move independent voters to your candidate. That’s more important than anything."
Three things to note:
1. Note that "people who keep close watch over the governor’s career moves" are talking about the idea.
That makes the report sound more like a nudge, nudge from the Christie camp; not from the Romney camp.
2. Having said that, he could be the most electric choice out there. He's one of those rarest of breeds that thrills both moderates and conservatives.
To wit: a recent PPP poll of a potential 2016 race showed Christie leading the field among tea partiers in Iowa, while independents in New Jersey gave him a +22% approval rating.
3. It would be a huge bone for Romney to throw to Christie if he didn't choose him for VP.
Christie has been one of Romney's most helpful and earliest surrogates, and he seems too good, politically, to not in a very substantial way. Keynote could be the key.
[Hat tip: Charlie Mahtesian]
