On Aug. 29, 2012, Chris Christie took the stage at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida. The conservative Republican governor of deep-blue New Jersey led his speech by talking about the improbability of him even being there. The ideological makeup of his state was only the most recent obstacle he’d faced. “Dad grew up in poverty. … Mom also came from nothing. … She was tough as nails and didn’t suffer fools at all,” Christie told the Washington Examiner. “The truth was she couldn’t afford to. She spoke the truth — bluntly, directly, and without much varnish.” The brash, combative former prosecutor added: “I am her son.” RUNNING FOR VICE PRESIDENT The greatest lesson Christie’s mother taught him was when she said to him: “There would be times in your life when you have to choose between being loved and being respected. She said to always pick being respected, that love without respect was always fleeting — but that respect could grow into real, lasting love,” he said. His mother was referring more to personal relationships, “but I have learned over time that it applies just as much to leadership. In fact, I think that advice applies to America today more than ever. I believe we have become paralyzed by our desire to be loved,” Christie said. Whether he desired it or not, Christie, at the time, was loved enough to cruise to a...