Republicans Still Waiting for Superman

Making News

Christie Plays It Coy ()

First, this news update on Republican presidential politics. Last night at the Reagan Library in California, Chris Christie talked about America's greatness, disparaged both President Obama and Congress — and then got another chance to take himself out of the race for president. Chris Cillizza is White House reporter for the Washington Post. He also writes its blog, The Fix.

Guests:

• Chris Cillizza: Washington Post, @thefix

Main Topic

Chris Christie: The Man Who Didn't Say 'No' ()

Rick Perry's performance in last week's debate of GOP presidential candidates has been called a "train wreck," and "close to disqualifying" by fellow Republicans cool to Mitt Romney. GOP pundits, professionals and political donors are looking for somebody new, but after denying any interest, the Governor of New Jersey is now playing it coy. What did he say, and what didn't he say last night at the Reagan Library in California. If he did get in, who would he hurt most?  Could he mount an effective campaign in time for next year's primaries? Can anybody unite the Republican Party?

Guests:

• Brigid Harrison: Montclair State University
• Jonathan Tobin: Commentary magazine, @TobinCommentary
• Wayne Slater: Dallas Morning News, @WayneSlater
• John Hawkins: RightWingNews.com, @johnhawkinsrwn
• Scott Huffmon: Winthrop University, @winthroppoll

Links:

• Christie's speech at the Perspectives on Leadership Forum
• Tobin on Christie's 'no' as a boost for Romney
• Slater on GOP concern over Perry's shaky debate performance

Reporter's Notebook

Convicted Murderer Captured in Portugal after 41-Year Manhunt ()

Convicted of a string of armed robberies and the 1962 murder of a New Jersey gas station owner, George Wright escaped from state prison in 1970 and joined the Black Liberation Army in Detroit. Two years later he hijacked a plane and demanded that FBI agents deliver a million in ransom money — clad only in bathing suits. The plane was flown to Algeria and now, after 41 years on the run, Wright's been captured in Portugal, living quietly with a wife and two children in the beach resort of Sintra. Charlie Webster of the Ashbury Park Press in New Jersey says Wright was tracked down by the New York-New Jersey Fugitive Task force, which "blew the dust" off his case eight years ago.

Guests:

• Charlie Webster: Asbury Park Press