New Jersey Governor Chris Christie might want to consider holding onto his super-storm Sandy fleece, at least until 2016. In a new web video featuring a cast of political analysts and celebrities--including Jon Bon Jovi, Alec Baldwin, long-time Hillary Clinton aide James Carville, Morning Joe’s Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, and Saturday Night Live’s Bobby Moynihan--the Republican governor attempts to retrieve his monogrammed fleece after slowly realizing that the article of clothing has become part of his political persona.
Christie first becomes notified of his missing fleece from a staffer who is concerned about the "implications that this is going to have on [his] brand."
"Listen, the fleece was so last year," Christie replies. "Think about it: I’m back in the ‘Time 100 Most Influential People in the World,’ Bruce is my new best friend, I’m friends with Bon Jovi and now I’m back on Morning Joe."
But as he's told by Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski that his approval rating is quickly plummeting and after he gets rejected by Bruce Springsteen's bouncer at the legendary Asbury Park music venue Stone Pony, the governor realizes that he can't go anywhere or accomplish anything without his navy fleece.
In a later scene, Christie runs after rock star Jon Bon Jovi, who barely acknowledges him. Bon Jovi whispers to his manager, "There’s that guy again — he ain’t nothin’ without his fleece."
This realization prompts Christie to get on the phone with several high-profile celebrities, politicians and supporters, asking them if they've seen his fleece. Christie even asks SNL comedian Bobby Moynihan if he could have his fleece.
The saga ends when Democratic strategist James Carville later calls another potential 2016 contender, Hillary Clinton, warning her that Christie is looking for it. The web video ends with actor Alec Baldwin discovering his wife stole Christie's fleece because she's "his biggest fan."
Christie's popularity remains high, as evident in the NBC News/Marist poll released Wednesday. In New Jersey, the governor holds a significant advantage over his Democratic challenger, Barbara Buono, 60%--28%. Also, 42% of Obama voters support Gov. Christie and 69% approve of Christie’s job performance, and a large majority--82%--back his handling of Hurricane Sandy cleanup.
The poll shows Hillary Clinton beating Chris Christie in a hypothetical 2016 matchup in New Jersey: 52% to 41%--while 55 % of New Jersey registered voters also said they do not want their governor to run for president.