Chris Christie’s Advice for Romney: Let Them See Who You Really Are - East Idaho News
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Chris Christie’s Advice for Romney: Let Them See Who You Really Are

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abc christie jake tapper2 lpl 120702 wblog?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1341311776425ABC News(TRENTON, N.J.) — No one would accuse Chris Christie of not telling it like it is, and now the New Jersey governor is telling Mitt Romney that he, too, should be more open.

Admitting they are “stylistically” opposite, Christie told ABC News in an interview at the state capitol that will air Tuesday on Nightline that although “he’s much more reserved,” the presumptive GOP presidential nominee should open up.

“I think he does,” Christie said, referring to Romney adopting less of a reserved style.  “I think he does, and I think he knows that.  I think as time progresses in this campaign, you’re going to see him open himself up more and more to the American people, and let them see who Mitt Romney really is, like I’ve had the opportunity to see.  And I think when they do, they’re going to like what they see.”

Christie is high on most veepstakes lists and in the interview he didn’t deny that he has handed over paperwork or his personal documents to the Romney campaign, saying any “phone calls between me and Mitt Romney are between me and Mitt Romney.”

“I think any of that stuff is up to the Romney campaign to talk about and not up to any of the individual people who might be being vetted to discuss,” the governor said.

Christie said he would “take the call” if Romney picks up the phone and asks him to join the ballot.

“He’s the nominee of my party, and if he calls and he wants to talk about that, I’ll talk to him about it,” he said.  “But that’s up to him, not up to me.”

Christie considered a run himself, but says now he doesn’t regret not taking the plunge because he “love(s) this job” and he “didn’t feel right about leaving.”

He acknowledged that he sat down with his wife Mary Pat and four children before deciding against a presidential run and said he would do the same if Romney asked him to join the ticket.  Christie did give some names that he thought would be good choices if he’s not on the ballot.

When asked if former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin would be on that list — the two have not always had the best relationship — he said he hasn’t “heard her being discussed this time around.”

“I think Gov. [Bob] McDonnell from Virginia is somebody who would be an outstanding choice,” Christie said.  “Sen. [Marco] Rubio would be an outstanding choice.  Sen. [Rob] Portman would be an outstanding choice.  Gov. [Tim] Pawlenty would be an outstanding choice.  You know, Gov. [Mitch] Daniels would be an outstanding choice.  Gov. [Haley] Barbour would be an outstanding choice.  All these folks are really good.  And I think all could add to the ticket and could help Gov. Romney.”

Watch the entire interview with Gov. Chris Christie on Nightline Tuesday at 11:35 p.m. ET.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

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