New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) got his grove on Wednesday night when he appeared on the “Slow Jam the News” segment of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
The Governor used his time on the R&B style segment to speak about New Jersey’s upcoming special election, which will take place on October 16th, to fill the vacant Senate seat of the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D). He also found time to joke about his weight and chances of running for President in 2016.
Initially addressing his decision to host a special election less than three weeks before the Nov. 5 general election, Christie said that he preferred to let the voters decide who they wanted to represent them – and not force a hand-picked replacement on them.
“As you know, New Jersey has a vacant seat in the U.S. Senate,” Christie said in a slow, low voice, as the house band played in the background. “I had the chance to either appoint a hand-picked replacement or let the people vote on their new Senator….What we don’t need is another unelected politician just sitting around the Congress, whether it’s in the Senate or the House of Representatives.”
He even managed to fit in a quip about his weight while stressing the importance of the election.
“As governor, I have a responsibility to ensure the citizens of New Jersey have a voice in Washington. Thats why this special election is HUGELY important,” Christie stated.
Fallon also joked about the governor’s largesse. “Take it from my man the Love Gov, when he sits around the House of Representatives, he really sits around the House of Representatives.”
Trying to bait the vociferous governor into announcing whether he will run for president in 2016, Fallon added, “Now, look at you, sounding all Presidential-like, you got something you want to announce on the show right now?” to which Christie replied, “Come on, Jimmy. Do you really think I’d come on this show to announce a presidential run?”
Kimmel was not completely convinced by Christie’s response, and pried on further. “Say what you want, but we all know in 2016… ” The house band then cut in singing lyrics from the Springsteen hit, “Baby, you were born to run!”
Christie’s “slow jam” performance marked his third appearance on the show. The last time the Governor was on the show, in 2012, he performed a song by his favorite musician, Bruce Springsteen.
Watch the hilarious segment below:
