No convention speaking for Christie

Former Gov. Chris Christie will not be among the speakers at this week’s Republican National Convention.

Christie, one of the GOP’s strongest communicators, was the keynote speaker at the 2012 convention and delivered a major address ripping Hillary Clinton four years ago.

Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis), who was a Democratic state senator during Christie’s eight years as governor, is the only New Jersey official with a convention speaking role. 

Instead, the beleaguered former governor is expected to offer his analysis of the convention from his perch as a paid ABC News contributor.

The 2016 presidential candidate has enjoyed an up-and-down relationship with President Donald Trump.

He endorsed Trump shortly after the former governor’s dismal performance in the New Hampshire primary and was a finalist for the GOP vice presidential nomination.

His consolation prize was to head the Trump transition team. But just days after Trump won the presidency, Christie was tossed from that role and replaced by Vice President-elect Mike Pence.

Christie wanted to be Trump’s attorney general, but the job instead went to Jeff Sessions.  He claims he turned down other cabinet appointments.

Later, Christie made a bid for Republican National Chairman, but Trump rebuffed him and went with Ronna McDaniel.

The former governor, who left office with approval ratings in the teens, was also short-listed for White House Chief of Staff several times.  He was reportedly close in 2018, but withdrew his name from consideration.

Still, Trump and Christie reportedly remain in close contact.  Christie is expected to play Joe Biden in debate preparations.