The Christie Tracker

OK, you caught us. The Christie Tracker Podcast actually wrapped up back in November of 2016 - after the Bridgegate trial of former Christie staffer, Bridget Anne Kelly and former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority, Bill Baroni. But because Tuesday, January 16th marks the last day in office for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, we had to temporarily reemerge. We bribed them with hot coffee and free EZ Pass for a month, so WNYC's Matt Katz and Nancy Solomon came back for one more round on the podcast. They join host David Furst for a last look back on the Gov's two terms in office. Chris Christie dominated the state's political stage like no other. He claims New Jersey is "much, much better than it was eight years ago." But he finishes his term with the lowest approval rating of any governor in state history and may be remembered more for Bridgegate, Beachgate and endorsing Donald Trump than anything else. Matt and Nancy highlight some of the moments that helped shape his legacy. Nancy says, "To me, it's all about how good of a communicator he is and how personable he is... and then all of the ways that he perverted our state government for his own purposes." And while they were at it, the crew selected a few of their favorite episodes of the Christie Tracker Podcast: MATT's PICK: Christie's Bold Defense of Muslim-Americans (Four Years Ago) On this show from November of 2015, we turned back the clock to a time well before the presidential primaries, when Gov. Christie was letting loose with his bold support for a Muslim-American judge. NANCY's PICK: Chris Christie Through the Looking Glass Things get curious. The man who deleted texts during Bridgegate investigation gets offended when Hillary Clinton's emails are erased. Matt picks apart every word of the governor's recent statements. And what does Alice in Wonderland have to do with Chris Christie? All will be explained in this episode from August 26, 2015. DAVID's pick: Chris Christie: The Springsteen Tracker If you're with the Gov at a Bruce show, don’t even think about leaving early. Back in October of 2015, Matt explained Christie's Springsteen legendary obsession.        

The Bridgegate trial is done. Governor Christie is heading into his last year in office. And the Christie Tracker Podcast is closing up shop. Before we go, our resident Bridgegate-ologists, WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein, join us to answer your questions. Former Christie associates Bridget Kelly and Bill Baroni plan to appeal their guilty verdicts. But the Gov is certainly ready to move on. Speaking about Bridgegate on NJ 101.5's Ask The Governor show this week he said, "I'm DONE with this... the people of New Jersey are done with it, it's over. And I know that it won't allow for the liberal media in this state to continue to beat on the Republican governor. But they'll find something else to do." Speaking with host David Furst, Matt Katz says, "Never has the governor specifically addressed those allegations that came up in the trial and told us what is, exactly, wrong with them. He's just given blanket denials." WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more. Listen to more shows from WNYC Studios: http://wny.cc/yzc4304odXp  

The Trial is done. The guilty verdicts are in. So in an effort to turn the page on this chaotic chapter in New Jersey's history, we present Bridgegatepalooza - - a wrap-up of the political retribution scheme that derailed the rising star of the national Republican party, and ended – we thought – the political future of Chris Christie. Host David Furst is joined by a group of reporters who covered the Bridgegate saga as it unfolded. Shawn Boburg, formerly with the Record now with the Washington Post… Heather Haddon and Ted Mann with the Wall Street Journal... Tom Moran, the Star-Ledger's Editorial Page Editor... and of course, WNYC's Andrea Bernstein and Matt Katz. Looking back after the trial, Ted Mann says, "These are people who didn't think they were gonna get caught. And when they didn’t think they were gonna get caught, they weren't weeping and they weren't appealing to you to consider their backgrounds in public service… They were speaking very nastily about their fellow human beings and they were doing things that they would never justify in the light of day." WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more. Listen to more shows from WNYC Studios: http://wny.cc/yzc4304odXp  

After seven weeks, the Bridgegate trial is done and the verdicts are in. Former Chris Christie staffer, Bridget Anne Kelly and Bill Baroni, the former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority, were found guilty on all counts. Both sides are vowing to appeal. And even though testimony during the trial indicated otherwise, Governor Christie says the jury confirmed everything he has said all along – that he knew nothing about a plot to close lanes at the George Washington Bridge. Meanwhile, the governor has a Nov. 23rd court date to deal with a citizen's complaint in Bergen County, accusing him of misconduct. And the possibility of a new legislative investigation into Bridgegate has been raised. WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein join us to reflect on the verdicts and help us get a handle on where this is heading. The governor appeared on CBS This Morning in an attempt to minimize the damage. But speaking with host David Furst, Matt Katz says "There are four high level people - we should remember this - four high level people who have been convicted of federal crimes who served… high up in this administration." WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more. Listen to more shows from WNYC Studios: http://wny.cc/yzc4304odXp  

Now in week 7, the Bridgegate trial is in the hands of the jury. And so as we wait for verdicts for former Christie staffer Bridget Kelly and former Port Authority appointee Bill Baroni, WNYC's Andrea Bernstein and Matt Katz join us with a few closing arguments of their own. There were a lot of details and characters for the jury to keep track of over the last 6 weeks of testimony. Speaking with host David Furst, Matt and Andrea detail the drama that played out in court when juror questions were presented to the judge. At one point, tempers flared over a sensitive question. Judge Wigenton ruled that regardless of motive, Kelly and Baroni could be guilty of conspiracy. Matt Katz says that resulted in Bridget Kelly's attorney "throwing his head back and slumping in his chair" and telling the judge that she was directing a verdict of guilty. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more. Listen to more shows from WNYC Studios: http://wny.cc/yzc4304odXp  

Former Christie staffer Bridget Kelly finally hit the stand in week 6 of the Bridgegate Trial. Governor Christie has always maintained that he had no knowledge about the plan - prior to or during the lane closures at the George Washington Bridge. Kelly testified that she told him once before and twice during the 5-day shutdown. She even offered up a counter explanation for her infamous "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee" email. And Kelly testified that she was afraid of the governor. She says, "I was gun shy. I was scared. But he would then turn it on, and be charming. It was a confusing, frightening time." WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein and the Star-Ledger's Tom Moran join us for a full breakdown of week 6. And Andrea poses an interesting question. Did this whole thing spiral out of control because Bridget Kelly wanted to sit with the cool kids? Andrea says that Kelly may have been motivated by a desire to be accepted by Christie's inner circle. Tom adds, "She seems like someone who really wants to be included in the club and she's just on the outer edge of it and almost in there. And a lot of the stuff she does it to ingratiate herself with them." Matt takes it one step further: "This is a weakness that all of these characters had." WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more. Listen to more shows from WNYC Studios: http://wny.cc/yzc4304odXp  

Bill Baroni, the former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority was on the stand this week in the Bridgegate trial. He, and former Christie staffer Bridget Kelly, are on trial for allegedly orchestrating the lane closures leading to the George Washington Bridge in a scheme to punish the Mayor of Fort Lee for not endorsing Governor Christie's reelection bid. WNYC's Andrea Bernstein and Matt Katz bring us the latest. Speaking with host David Furst, Matt says Baroni's 'basic argument was that David Wildstein, the admitted co-conspirator, was actually the one that called the shots in closing these lanes.' Bill Baroni was Wildstein's boss. But Baroni testifies that Wildstein operated outside of the Port Authority's power structure - and answered only to Trenton. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more. Listen to more shows from WNYC Studios: http://wny.cc/yzc4304odXp  

We're only a third of the way through the Bridgegate trial. Testimony from the prosecution's star witness David Wildstein wrapped up last week. The former port authority official has implicated nearly everyone in Governor Christie's orbit – including Christie and Governor Cuomo. WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein join us to detail the high emotions on display last week and to look forward to the testimonies of former Christie staffer, Bridget Anne Kelly and former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority, Bill Baroni. We'll also consider what kind of Chris Christie will emerge after the trial wraps up and the 2016 election is history. Speaking with host David Furst, Matt says in New Jersey 'he may very well go down as one of the most unpopular governors of all time.' And in the next breath? He says he may run for president in 2020. Plus: Listen to what Bridgegate and the musical Hamilton may have in common. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more. Listen to more shows from WNYC Studios: http://wny.cc/yzc4304odXp  

It was another busy week in Christie world. Over the past several days, Governor Christie announced a deal to allow a gas tax hike to pay for transportation projects in New Jersey... he called Donald Trump a genius on Fox News Sunday for losing nearly a billion dollars in 1995... and, after a long weekend, former port authority official David Wildstein was back on the stand for week 3 of the Bridgegate trial. WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein and the Star-Ledger's Tom Moran join us with the latest. Speaking with host David Furst, Matt says defense attorneys have been working hard to portray Wildstein as a 'crazy, lying lunatic.' Meanwhile, Matt adds, 'Wildstein has said that basically, almost every person close to Christie knew during the period of the cover-up.' According to testimony from Wildstein, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo knew more about efforts to cover up the lane-closure scheme than he let on. Andrea breaks down what we know so far. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more. Listen to more shows from WNYC Studios: http://wny.cc/yzc4304odXp  

Week 2 of the Bridgegate trial featured more show-stopping testimony from David Wildstein. The former Port Authority official who has pleaded guilty in the lane closure scandal, said governor Chris Christie knew about the traffic at the George Washington Bridge while it was happening. And, according to Wildstein's testimony, when the governor was informed about the gridlock in Fort Lee – just before a ceremony to honor victims of 9/11, no less – he laughed. WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein join us with the latest on the trial. This week, we dig deep into Wildstein's testimony. Speaking with host David Furst, Matt says it's all starting to make sense why 'Wildstein would have been able to get away with it and why there would have been such an attempt at a cover-up.' Plus, we look at another ex-Christie confidante who has emerged as a key figure in the Bridgegate saga, the governor's former campaign manager – and current national field director for the Trump campaign – Bill Stepien. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more. Listen to more shows from WNYC Studios: http://wny.cc/yzc4304odXp  

The 'Bridgegate trial' has begun for former Christie staffer, Bridget Anne Kelly and Bill Baroni, the former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority. And Chris Christie's name has been coming up a lot in federal court in Newark. On the very first day, prosecutors came out and said the governor knew about the politically motivated lane closures leading to the George Washington Bridge while they were happening. We kick off season two of the Christie Tracker Podcast: The Bridgegate Trial with WNYC's Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein, who are witnessing every minute of the trial unfold. They join host David Furst for analysis, behind the scenes stories from the trial and the latest on how this all might affect Chris Christie's involvement in the 2016 election. Andrea says one of the reasons why the Bridgegate saga continues to be fascinating is because 'it's Hamlet meets American Hustle.' WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Radiolab, Here's The Thing with Alec Baldwin, Death Sex & Money and many more. Listen to more shows from WNYC Studios: http://wny.cc/yzc4304odXp  

We've been on hiatus for a while. But summer break is over. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band wrapped up their tour. Beach season is done. And we got kicked out of the rental in Manasquan. Oh, and the Bridgegate trial is finally underway for former Governor Christie staffer, Bridget Anne Kelly and Bill Baroni, the former Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority. So it was time to reemerge. We're re-launching with a new season of podcasts starting this Wednesday, September 21st. And we'll be joined once again by WNYC's award-winning team of Matt Katz and Andrea Bernstein. Download a new show every week for analysis, behind the scenes stories from the trial and the latest on how it all might affect Chris Christie's involvement in the 2016 election. 

From Bridgegate to the Chairman’s Flight... and from the scuttling of the ARC Hudson River tunnel project to the precarious finances of state’s depleted transportation trust fund, the Christie administration has been defined by controversy related to travel and transportation.  This week, it was revealed that New Jersey taxpayers have shelled out nearly $1.8 million for his Executive Protection Unit when Governor Christie goes out of state. NJPR’s Matt Katz joins host David Furst to discuss what he calls the governor’s Achilles heel. “Travel and Christie’s personal political ambitions have always been intertwined.” Matt takes us way back to the time before he was U.S. Attorney for New Jersey to show how travel-related issues dogged Christie throughout his career. We’re also joined by reporter, Ginger Gibson. She covered Christie’s personal use of state police helicopters for the Star-Ledger during his first term. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker and Matt’s new book, American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption.  

Depending on who you were talking to, it was either the most shocking thing the governor has ever done or not surprising at all. But certainly everyone was talking about it. Chris Christie’s endorsement of Donald Trump sent the political world reeling and had New Jersey residents wondering when they might ever see their governor again. Just over two weeks after suspending his own presidential bid, the governor was back out on the campaign trail – this time working for his buddy, Donald. NJPR’s Matt Katz joins us to try to make sense of the situation. He tells host David Furst that even “some members of his inner circle were shocked by this.” We also speak with Jennifer Rubin who writes the conservative Right Turn blog for the Washington Post. In the past, she has been an admirer of the governor. But after the Trump endorsement, she unleashed a series of tweets and columns that, uh, did not hold back – as headlines like “Chris Christie is Now Ruined” made perfectly clear. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker and Matt’s new book, American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption.  

With Governor Christie out of the presidential race and his budget speech out of the way, the Christie Tracker Podcast is shifting to a bi-weekly schedule. But we've left you with a mashup of Christie-speak from the campaign trail. (See if you can guess which three-letter phrase seemed to pop up more than any other during his TV, town hall and debate appearances.) And join us here next Wednesday, March 2nd. We'll be back with New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz and all the latest Christie news. Until then, you can always re-read Matt's book, American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption or check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

It was the first sight most New Jerseyans had of Chris Christie since he dropped out of the presidential race. The governor was back behind a podium, addressing a joint session of the state legislature. Never one to do anything on a small scale, his annual budget speech provided the perfect vehicle for his return to Jersey politics, full time. For once, Christie had no hybrid title. No "Presidential Candidate" or even "RGA Chairman" to preface his actual job: governor. And this time, his speech wasn't aimed over the heads of New Jersey residents at a potential national audience of Republican primary voters. But what did he say? NJPR's Matt Katz says it was "Pensions 2.0." Matt joins host David Furst for analysis and shares his thoughts on Christie's return to Jersey. Plus: Michael Aron, Chief Political Correspondent for NJTV offers a unique perspective on Christie's resiliency. Aron has known Chris Christie since his days as U.S. Attorney. And he has interviewed every NJ governor since Tom Kean. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie delivers his FY 2017 budget address, 2-16-16. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker and Matt’s new book, American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption.  

Chris Christie has suspended his campaign for the White House. In a statement he said, "I leave the race without an ounce of regret." This week, we look back on his quest to become the next president. And NJPR's Matt Katz explains what went wrong for the Gov in New Hampshire. Christie spent more than 70 days campaigning in the Granite State. He held 76 town hall events there. But in the end, he could only muster a 6th place finish - last among the three remaining governors in the race. Plus: New Jersey Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto joins host David Furst to imagine what working with a returning Governor Christie might be like. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie addresses supporters in New Hampshire, Feb. 9, 2016.  Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker and Matt’s new book, American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption.  

After months of campaigning, primary season just got real. And real ugly for Team Christie. Iowa dealt a major blow to the guy hoping to be the top governor coming out of the caucuses. Instead, he came in 10th overall - and dead last in the governors sweepstakes, behind Bush, Kasich and, yes, Huckabee. Senior Editor for Politics & Policy for WNYC News, Andrea Bernstein and New Jersey Public Radio’s Matt Katz join us to pick up the pieces of the Christie campaign and see if it can be put back together again in time for voting in New Hampshire. As Christie unleashes a torrent of Town Halls on the Granite State, Andrea tells host David Furst the campaign's response to Iowa has been, "Move along, there's nothing to see here." Also: Wall Street Journal reporter, Aruna Viswanatha joins us to talk about hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen. This past weekend we learned he gave $4 million dollars to America Leads, the super PAC supporting Governor Christie. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks at the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 22, 2015. Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker and Matt’s new book, American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption.  

First, Governor Christie says he’s not coming back to New Jersey. Then, he arrives in time for the winter storm and says he was planning to all along – if the situation demanded his presence. He leaves after less than 40 hours and rushes back to New Hampshire for more campaigning (and a Patriots game). After the storm, he says there’s “no residual flooding damage.” “I don’t know what you expect me to do? You want me to go down there with a mop?” Then, facing criticism, he returns to Jersey and clarifies. It all seemed so… indecisive. NJPR’s Matt Katz joins host David Furst to talk about the governor’s case of winter storm whiplash. Matt’s new book is American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption. We're also joined by Josh Rogers, Senior Political Reporter for New Hampshire Public Radio, with the latest on Christie's standing in the state. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, press briefing on snow storm preparedness in Newark, NJ, Jan 22, 2016  Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.  

Wait no more, Gov. American Governor: Chris Christie’s Bridge to Redemption is officially on the shelves this week. Back when he inked a deal to write a book about New Jersey’s popular governor, Matt Katz didn't know – and therefore nobody knew –  the word Bridgegate. Now, over two years later, Christie is running for president in an entirely changed political landscape. American Governor tells the story of the Governor’s rise, fall and attempted comeback. This week, New Jersey Public Radio's Matt Katz joins host David Furst to talk about the book, and what it’s like covering the man he calls the “most compelling politician in America today.” American Governor manages to reveal new details about the governor’s life – no small feat considering its subject’s famously open emotions and expansive storytelling. On the podcast, Matt shares stories about Christie’s marital difficulties and the “fight closet” he uses with Mary Pat. But yeah, five years on the beat have taken their toll. He dreams about Christie now. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie meets with Matt Katz and reporters for annual, off-the-record summer drinks at the Jersey Shore in 2014.  Check out the WNYC Data News App: The Christie Tracker.