Though remarks by Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie were well-received at a massive gathering of conservative voters just outside of Washington, D.C., the New York Times downplayed audience enthusiasm in its story covering the event.
The Times reported that Christie “appeared before a ballroom with many empty seats” to partake in a Q&A with conservative radio host Laura Ingraham.
Other outlets were more generous in their descriptions of attendance for Christie’s remarks, which took place at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, where many potential Republican presidential candidates appear to court voters and supporters.
The Washington Post said it was a “packed ballroom” for Christie. USA Today said he stood “before a full house of conservative activists.” And the New Jersey Star-Ledger, a local Jersey paper, called it a “near-packed room.”
During the Q&A session, Christie, a Roman Catholic, was asked what he was giving up for Lent season. “I’m giving up the New York Times for Lent,” he joked to applause.
