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In 2012, just six days before the presidential election, Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie did the unforgivable by embracing President Barack Obama, who had come to the state to view the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy.
The "hug" or embrace (Screen shot from Fox News video)
Republicans were furious, particularly because it was so close to the election. They saw it as an endorsement of sorts. Christie insisted he was just showing appreciation and trying to get all the help he could for his constituents. Some defended Chrisite, insisting it really wasn't a hug, but rather a bit of a friendly embrace.
Well, now we learn that Gov. Rick Snyder wants to meet with the president when he comes to visit Flint on Wednesday, according to a report by Paul Egan and Todd Spangler of the Detroit Free Press. A presidential spokesman said he's glad Snyder's schedule has opened up after reports that he'd be too busy to meet. It's unclear if Snyder will get much more than an airport greeting.
The good news and bad news for Snyder is that he has no political capital left since the Flint scandal blew up in his face. He's no longer mentioned as a vice presidential prospect. And no candidate in the March primary sought his endorsement, and no one is likely to want it in November.
He's got nothing to lose. So don't be shy, Gov.
You can make a big impression and give the president a big hug -- bigger than Chris Christie served up -- and not worry about the political ramifications.
No one in the Republican party will really care. And who knows, maybe it'll soften up the president and help the people of Flint.
