- Tue Feb 03, 2015 3:59 pm
#53294
LONDON — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) wrapped up a three-day trade mission to London on Tuesday that was widely seen as an effort to build his stature as a national figure and potential 2016 presidential candidate. But the trip was marred by confused locals, canceled press availabilities, and bad headlines that left the governor's brand battered and bruised.
Business Insider was there to witness some of the journey that liberal operatives and journalists are mocking as a "full-on disaster" and a "trip from hell."
Christie began his visit Sunday by watching a game between the Premier League soccer teams Arsenal and Aston Villa. The New York Times noted many of the Londoners attending the game seemed to have no idea who the governor was. Christie told the paper he was unconcerned about the lack of acknowledgment.
"I don't think I have to worry about that," Christie said. "I'm not running for anything in the United Kingdom anytime soon."
On Monday, Christie visited the city of Cambridge, where he met with representatives of the life-sciences industry, visited a cemetery for American troops who died in World War II, and toured the laboratory at MedImmune, a company that makes vaccines. The lab visit led to the first major firestorm of Christie's trip.
After the tour, MSNBC's Kasie Hunt asked Christie to weigh in on the national debate over a measles outbreak that has been linked to growing numbers of parents who choose not to vaccinate their children. Christie responded by saying the government needed to "balance" the need for vaccines with giving parents a "measure of choice" in whether to inoculate their children.
Christie's comments sparked an immediate backlash from critics, who cast them as an expression of support for the antivaccination movement that has focused on widely debunked claims of a link between vaccines and autism. This controversy dominated the political news cycle and left Christie's office backpedaling and attempting to clarify Christie's remarks.
Following Christie's trip to Cambridge, he met with British Prime Minister David Cameron at Cameron's residence and office, 10 Downing Street. Reporters who covered this event attempted to ask the governor questions, but he merely waved as he departed.
After watching Christie's arrival and departure from Cameron's residence, Business Insider visited a nearby pub, the Red Lion, that is known as a watering hole for London's political set. Once again, it seemed few of the Londoners were aware of Christie or his visit.
"I've never heard of him. Until now," James Stonham, a banker, said when asked about the governor.
Liam Trim, who said he worked in digital marketing, described himself as being interested in American politics. But though he says he is following the 2016 race a bit, he knew nothing about Christie.
"Had heard of Romney dropping out but hadn't heard of Chris Christie before today," Trim said.
One person in the pub, a 22-year-old staffer for a Member of Parliament from Cameron's Conservative Party, said he knew of Christie. However, his impression of the governor wasn't exactly positive.
"I first heard of him because he'd been to over 100 Bruce Springsteen concerts," said the staffer, who wished to remain anonymous because of his job. "Our views of the Republican Party here in Britain aren't high, even among the conservatives."
On Tuesday, Christie woke up to more awful headlines — a New York Times report detailing his penchant for using private jets and luxury hotels. The story noted some of these lavish travel expenses were paid for by other people, including some who had business in the state of New Jersey. According to the paper, this put the governor in "ethically questionable situations."
The Times report also pointed to instances in which Christie's luxurious travel was paid for by taxpayers and noted his well-appointed accommodations in London. During his trip, Christie stayed at the Corinthia, a five-star hotel in which rooms cost a minimum of $600 a night. New Jersey taxpayers are footing the bill for the London trip, and it is estimated to cost them at least $40,000.
Business Insider was there to witness some of the journey that liberal operatives and journalists are mocking as a "full-on disaster" and a "trip from hell."
Christie began his visit Sunday by watching a game between the Premier League soccer teams Arsenal and Aston Villa. The New York Times noted many of the Londoners attending the game seemed to have no idea who the governor was. Christie told the paper he was unconcerned about the lack of acknowledgment.
"I don't think I have to worry about that," Christie said. "I'm not running for anything in the United Kingdom anytime soon."
On Monday, Christie visited the city of Cambridge, where he met with representatives of the life-sciences industry, visited a cemetery for American troops who died in World War II, and toured the laboratory at MedImmune, a company that makes vaccines. The lab visit led to the first major firestorm of Christie's trip.
After the tour, MSNBC's Kasie Hunt asked Christie to weigh in on the national debate over a measles outbreak that has been linked to growing numbers of parents who choose not to vaccinate their children. Christie responded by saying the government needed to "balance" the need for vaccines with giving parents a "measure of choice" in whether to inoculate their children.
Christie's comments sparked an immediate backlash from critics, who cast them as an expression of support for the antivaccination movement that has focused on widely debunked claims of a link between vaccines and autism. This controversy dominated the political news cycle and left Christie's office backpedaling and attempting to clarify Christie's remarks.
Following Christie's trip to Cambridge, he met with British Prime Minister David Cameron at Cameron's residence and office, 10 Downing Street. Reporters who covered this event attempted to ask the governor questions, but he merely waved as he departed.
After watching Christie's arrival and departure from Cameron's residence, Business Insider visited a nearby pub, the Red Lion, that is known as a watering hole for London's political set. Once again, it seemed few of the Londoners were aware of Christie or his visit.
"I've never heard of him. Until now," James Stonham, a banker, said when asked about the governor.
Liam Trim, who said he worked in digital marketing, described himself as being interested in American politics. But though he says he is following the 2016 race a bit, he knew nothing about Christie.
"Had heard of Romney dropping out but hadn't heard of Chris Christie before today," Trim said.
One person in the pub, a 22-year-old staffer for a Member of Parliament from Cameron's Conservative Party, said he knew of Christie. However, his impression of the governor wasn't exactly positive.
"I first heard of him because he'd been to over 100 Bruce Springsteen concerts," said the staffer, who wished to remain anonymous because of his job. "Our views of the Republican Party here in Britain aren't high, even among the conservatives."
On Tuesday, Christie woke up to more awful headlines — a New York Times report detailing his penchant for using private jets and luxury hotels. The story noted some of these lavish travel expenses were paid for by other people, including some who had business in the state of New Jersey. According to the paper, this put the governor in "ethically questionable situations."
The Times report also pointed to instances in which Christie's luxurious travel was paid for by taxpayers and noted his well-appointed accommodations in London. During his trip, Christie stayed at the Corinthia, a five-star hotel in which rooms cost a minimum of $600 a night. New Jersey taxpayers are footing the bill for the London trip, and it is estimated to cost them at least $40,000.
- By johnforbes