Chris Christie: An examination of his policies and views

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s Political Views and Policies

Introduction

Former Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, has set himself apart from other GOP presidential contenders by taking a forceful stance against former President Donald Trump. Although Christie’s primary focus is defeating Trump, he also diverges from his rivals on several issues, including abortion, entitlements, immigration, guns, and Ukraine. In this article, we will examine in detail Christie’s political views and policies.

Abortion

Christie describes himself as “pro-life” and believes in exceptions to abortion bans that allow for the termination of pregnancy in cases of rape and incest and when the mother’s life is at risk. However, he states that the federal government should not be involved in the issue of abortion. Instead, states should make decisions on this matter, as it is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.

Entitlements

While some GOP candidates, including Trump, want entitlement programs to be protected, Christie believes that change is necessary. During his presidential campaign in 2015, Christie proposed policies to safeguard Social Security, including an income cap, increasing the retirement age, and means testing. He argues that Social Security’s reserves will eventually be depleted and that some of his proposals, such as raising the retirement age and means testing, are “worthy of discussion.”

Immigration

Christie links border security to the opioid epidemic, calling for a secure border to stop the flow of fentanyl into the country. During his 2016 presidential campaign, he reversed his previous position on creating a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Christie now believes that the government should find a solution to the immigration issue as it learns about the ramifications of immigration policies.

Guns

Christie believes that mental health is a significant factor contributing to mass shootings. Additionally, he has changed his stance on an assault weapons ban, having once supported a ban in the 1990s but opposing it during his 2016 presidential campaign. Christie believes that the government should enforce gun laws severely against criminals instead of focusing on gun laws against law-abiding citizens.

Ukraine

Christie supports U.S. aid to Ukraine and believes that assisting Ukraine in its war against Russia sends a message to other adversaries that the United States supports its allies. Christie argues that the U.S. should help Ukraine defend itself against aggression, though he believes that relying on U.S. troops in Ukraine is not ideal.

Editorial and Advice

Christie’s stances on abortion, entitlements, immigration, guns, and Ukraine demonstrate that he is a pragmatic politician. While some of his policies may not align with the traditional GOP platform or other presidential contenders, his willingness to divert from the norm shows his ability to be flexible and adaptable. His approach on issues, analyzing the situation while keeping his constituents’ interests in mind, is a sign of maturity and responsibility.

From a philosophical standpoint, Christie’s policies may not be perfect, and some may argue that it can cause greater disparities across different states. However, it is also worth considering the United States’ current political climate, where bipartisan consensus is often elusive. Christie’s belief that states should have more power over several critical issues echoes the ideals of federalism, which is vital in a country as large as the United States.

In conclusion, Chris Christie’s political views and policies may not align with the traditional GOP platform or other presidential contenders. Still, his flexible approach to situations, ability to adapt to changing political circumstances, and belief in federalism are hallmarks of a pragmatic politician. While his policies may not be perfect, it is important to remember the current political climate. Ultimately, Christie’s policies may serve as an alternative to the traditional GOP platform in a time when bipartisanship is hard to come by.