New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is expected to announce on Tuesday morning that he’s running for president, sought to show a softer side in a new video released on Sunday night.
In the two-minute spot, paid for by Christie for President 2016, the Republican attempts to explain his bold demeanor, a trait of his that has been criticized in the past.
“I get accused a lot of times of being too blunt and too direct and saying what’s on my mind a little too loudly,” the governor is seen telling a crowd at one of his famous town hall meetings, noting his Sicilian mother’s influence on his life.
“I know if my mom were still alive, she would tell me, ‘I taught you that in a trusting relationship, you don’t hold anything back. And if you’re going to run for president of the United States and you’re going to ask these people for their vote, that is the single most trusting thing they can do as a citizen, is to give you their support. So you better tell them exactly what you’re thinking and exactly what you’re feeling.’”
Christie’s wife, Mary Pat, sent an email to supporters with the subject “My husband: telling it like it is” on Sunday night with a link to the preview video, asking recipients to share it to “help us build the excitement leading up toTuesday.”
While Christie has not directly said he’s throwing his hat into the 2016 ring, all indications point to yes.
Team Christie has been building its roster and has said the governor will make his “special announcement” on Tuesday at his alma mater, Livingston High School. The governor has also gone live with a presidential campaign website, tweeting a link to it and writing “Sitting on the sidelines is not an option.”
Christie, who would enter the race near the back of the pack of the emerging 2016 field, is expected to head directly to Sandown, N.H. after his announcement on Tuesday to hold a town-hall style event.