Christie cancels event after scandal revelations

Jan. 8, 2014, 4:24 PM UTC / Updated Jan. 8, 2014, 4:30 PM UTC

By Steve Benen, Steve Benen

For the last month, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) acted like the controversy surrounding Fort Lee and the George Washington Bridge was trivia. He was unfazed, laughing off questions, telling reporters, "It's just not that big a deal."

As it turns out, now that the scandal has been tied directly to the governor's office, Christie's posture has changed.

After the emails were released on Wednesday, Mr. Christie canceled his one public event for the day, which had been billed as an announcement of progress in the recovery from Hurricane Sandy.

Imagine that.

For those looking to brush up on the details of this story, MaddowBlog was the first national outlet to highlight this controversy, and all of our previous coverage is online:

Jan. 8: Revelations connect Christie, bridge scandal

Jan. 2: 'It came from a higher authority'

Dec. 27: Christie aides 'knew full well' about traffic chaos

Dec. 26: No one likes a bully

Dec. 23: Bridge controversy still tripping up Christie

Dec. 18: 100 days later, Christie aides lawyer up

Dec. 17: A bridge over troubled political waters

Dec. 16: A Bridge to Somewhere

Dec. 11: The time for 'jokes and fairy tales' is over

Dec. 10: A bridge too far

Dec. 9: Chris Christie's traffic jam?

ADDING VIDEO: Previous coverage on The Rachel Maddow Show