The Paradox of Christie's Decision Not To Run for President

I find it ironic that Chris Christie's final announcement that he won't seek the presidency next year makes him that much more desirable in many voters' eyes.

In his speech today, he reiterated his sense of a need to fulfill his obligation to New Jersey's residents by completing his term and finishing the job he started. He said it wasn't yet his time.

For many voters, his commitment and sense of duty set him apart.

And if he had announced today that he had changed his mind, and decided to run, he would have been seen by many as simply expedient. Not to mention that he'd have reversed himself on a series of declarations that he was not running.

Which would make him less trustworthy.

So Christie's decision seemed to me to result in the height of irony.