On Question of Christie, No One Rushes to Judge

Chris Christie was as popular a topic on the Sunday shows today as one might expect, but rather than getting tarred and feathered, guest after guest either came to the New Jersey governor's defense or declined judgment. A rundown of the highlights, as per Politico:

• John McCain: "I thought he did an excellent job by the very lengthy press conference. Having gone through this, I know that you’ve got to answer every question. You can’t leave any question unanswered. I think he can now move on as long as another shoe doesn’t drop."

• Marco Rubio: "We don't know all the facts. I think this is a story that's still developing and we should reserve judgment. And beyond that, I'm just not—don't know that much about it, other than what I've seen reported in the press. I really don't have much to add, other than that. And I wouldn't, you know, delve into the political speculation as well. That would be a mistake."
• Rudy Giuliani: "This has happened to many presidents, many governors, many mayors. It’s happened to the present president at least three or four times." Further, in denying knowledge, Christie put his rep on the line: "If it turns out there’s some evidence that he knew about it, he’s taken a complete risk and his political career is over."
• Reince Priebus: "He trusted people that lied to him, and he fired those people. America is a forgiving people but they’re forgiving when you take ownership, you make mistakes you take corrective action, and that’s what Chris Christie showed."
• Martin O'Malley: Asked if Christie is "damaged goods," the Maryland Democrat said, "I don't know. I don’t know if I could really shed more light on it."

(More Sunday morning talk shows stories.)