Chris Christie to Audition for WFAN Sports Talk-Radio Gig Next Week

[DonViejo]

By Adam K. Raymond

July 7, 2017
10:09 am

Chris Christie’s combative personality carried him far in politics, but it couldn’t carry him to the top. Now, more than a year after ending his campaign for the White House and just a week after a trip to the beach that might have ended his political career forever, the New Jersey governor is auditioning for a new job where loudmouth bullies tend to thrive: sports talk radio.

On Monday and Tuesday of next week, Christie will host WFAN’s afternoon drive-time show while regular host and real-life Drunk Uncle, Mike Francesa, is on vacation. A superstar of the sports talk-radio world who’s recently ripped the idea of female NBA coaches and defended his right to say “Oriental,” Francesa, known to some as the Sports Pope, is retiring in December.

In January, Francesa endorsed Christie’s candidacy. “The thing he’s got going is he’s got a brand, and that’s the hardest thing to do. You have to have people recognize you and care about you, and he’s already got that,” he told Newsday.

Christie also has radio experience. He’s hosted a show called “Ask the Governor” on New Jersey 101.5 and served as a fill-in host alongside Craig Carton on WFAN’s morning show. Last year, that gig led one caller to challenge Christie’s commitment to serving as governor.

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http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2017/07/chris-christie-auditioning-for-wfan-sports-talk-radio-gig.html

[VMA131Marine]

1. Whatever your opinion of Christie as governor ...

.. and mine is pretty low. He's actually pretty good on the radio. At least there he can't do any more damage.

[gratuitous]

2. I saw a clip of Christie working a room

He's quite skillful at speaking off the cuff, and in the clip, he singled out one boy for attention and was generous in his comments. I'm sure it made the kid's day if not his year. Sports radio would seem to be a natural for Christie. As averse as he is to taking responsibility for anything, he's very good at ladling out blame for everyone else's shortcomings, real or perceived. Also, if you say something completely fatuous on sports radio, nobody holds you accountable as long as listeners keep tuning in. Being totally wrong most of the time doesn't damage a yakker's brand in the least.

And finally, Christie has a face that's just made for radio.