New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Speaks on American Exceptionalism at Reagan Library

At the invitation of former First Lady, Nancy Reagan, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie addressed the Reagan Library. He talked about American exceptionalism. Remember that? Remind yourself what it was by watching the video of his rousing speech here.

Note the verb "was" and the past tense of the American exceptionalism we knew. We've lost it. And we've lost it in the space of the last two and a half years.

Gov. Christie pointed to the exceptionalism about which Obama spoke as an Illinois Senator in 2004. At the time, Obama spoke his vision of "united states," undivided by races, creeds, colors, cultures, or politics.

"Seven years later," Christie said in his speech, "President Obama prepares to divide our nation to achieve re-election. This is not a leadership style, this is a re-election strategy.

...Telling those who are scared and struggling that the only way their lives can get better is to diminish the success of others.

...Trying to cynically convince those who are suffering that the American economic pie is no longer a growing one that can provide more prosperity for all who work hard.

...Insisting that we must tax and take and demonize those who have already achieved the American Dream.

That may turn out to be a good re-election strategy for President Obama, but is a demoralizing message for America," Christie concluded with resounding applause.

Trust those who CAN bring change
When I listen to guys like Chris Christie, who is raising New Jersey out its debt-ridden entitlement mire, and Rick Perry, who enables Americans in Texas to make a living again, I have the hope we were promised that change can make for American exceptionalism again. The hope and change that Obama promised vanished with his inauguration.

If New Jersey can change...
Note also that Republican Chris Christie became governor by election in a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat state. If such a change in established ways can come about in New Jersey, it can come about for the United States. All of the states of this nation need a unified approach for the change required to save us all.

Nice guy, but...
Politics aside, for those of you who believe Obama is still a nice guy, you wouldn't get much of an argument from me on that. Some of my best friends are Democrats with liberal views on life, but I wouldn't cast my vote for or against them on that account.

Restore American exceptionalism
Similarly, think what you would do to restore the exceptionalism we once knew in these United States. Then back with your entire mind, heart, and soul the individual with demonstrated ability to bring back what we lost.

Source: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/09/27/christie_addresses_reagan_library_obama_a_bystander_in_the_oval_office.html