Chris "Milhous" Christie

by: Adam L

Fri Feb 12, 2010 at 04:15:00 PM EST

"I'm not a dictator," Christie said.

Now, if this is where Christie is one month into his term, then he is in for a long four years.  

Most importantly, and something that Christie should probably learn quickly - if not for the benefit of those who are already his supporters and like his "in your face" style, but for pretty much everyone else in the state and either hasn't formed an opinion of him yet or is skeptical of him (or dictators, for that matter) - is the first rule of Framing 101:

When you say that you are not doing something or acting in a certain way, you are reinforcing the view that you are in fact doing or acting that way.  The use of a negative to caveat the behavior will only get lost on the audience.

Example:  Nixon's "I am not a crook" only had people associate "Nixon" and "crook".

Example: Clinton's "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" only had people reinforce "Clinton" and "sexual relations".

Now, it is fine with me if Christie wants people to think he is a dictator this early in his term as it will drive his negatives up and make it easier for him to be a one-term Governor.  Because frankly, he isn't going to change his behavior based on how much of an arrogant ass people think he is, so letting him twist on his own words is just fine with this guy who likes to focus on the power of words.