Inside Politics: Christie defends Obama praise, but still backs GOP ticket

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie told an Israeli TV interviewer Sunday that President Obama deserves praise for his efforts to help his state recover from Superstorm Sandy, but he is still going to vote for Mitt Romney.

Mr. Christie, a leading Romney surrogate, delivered the keynote speech at the Republican National Convention. Last week, he toured New Jersey’s battered shore towns with Mr. Obama and discussed recovery assistance. The two embraced and had words of praise for each other’s efforts to relieve the misery the storm brought to New Jersey residents.

“Honestly the fact of the matter is that what New Jerseyans expect from their governor is to work for them, not to work for any particular political party,” Mr. Christie said in an interview from New Jersey while insisting that nothing has caused him to waver in supporting Mr. Romney.

“I’m a Republican, I’ve endorsed Mitt Romney and I support him. I intend to vote for him on Tuesday,” Mr. Christie said. “But the fact of the matter is that if the president of the United States comes here and he is willing to help my people, and he does it, then I’m going to say nice things about him because he’s earned it.

“And I’ve said plenty of not-nice things about the president over time — he knows that. And we joked about that when we were together this week,” he said.

WISCONSIN

Ryan joins tailgate party during stop in Green Bay

GREEN BAY — It’s football Sunday, so why not a quick stop outside the home of the Green Bay Packers before a hectic day of campaigning by Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan?

The Wisconsin congressman and his family joined up with a tailgating party across the street from Lambeau Field. Two of running mate Mitt Romney’s five sons, Josh and Matt, were there along with four of Romney’s grandchildren.

Mr. Ryan was wearing yellow and green striped ties and a Packers jacket. He didn’t make formal remarks during the 10-minute visit and didn’t go inside the stadium, where the Packers were taking on the Arizona Cardinals in the afternoon.

Mr. Ryan is heading to Ohio, Minnesota and Colorado for campaign rallies.

Last month, Mr. Ryan dropped in on practice at the Cleveland Browns facility.

OHIO

That’s Joe: Biden calls president by wrong name

LAKEWOOD — Another oops for Vice President Joseph R. Biden. He mistakenly referred to “President Clinton” instead of “President Obama.”

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