Exceptional American

Man, Chris Christie just keeps sounding better and better, doesn't he?

And in a shot at politicians of all stripes, including some 2012 GOP potential contenders, he faulted the refrain supporting “American exceptionalism” that has cropped up in the political dialogue.

“I love when people talk about American exceptionalism,” he said. “But American exceptionalism has to include the courage to do the right thing. “

In a clear shot at congressional Republicans over calls for curbing entitlement programs, he said, “Here's the truth that nobody's talking about. You're going to have to raise the retirement age for Social Security. Woo hoo! I just said it, and I'm still standing here. I did not vaporize into the carpet.

A lot of people were apparently knocked out by his performance: "With just one impressive speech, Chris Christie put three full days opf CPAC speakers to shame." He's more adamant than Mitch Daniels about not seeking the presidency in 2012 ("What can I do short of suicide to convince people I'm not running?") and I suppose we have to take him at his word. But surely is who the times call for.