welcome to the both of you. >> thank you. >> good morning, alex. >> ron, the governor didn't exactly slam the door shut. he said i'm feeling it, too. but the question is, why is the gop so obsessed with christie? >> well, i think he's a successful governor and a blue state of new jersey. he's done very well to help balance the budget and work across the party lines with the democratic legislation to balance the budget but the fact of the matter is, alex, i think this is a lot of courtship or could he? i don't think he runs. i think he is enjoying his moment. >> okay. that may well be the case. tara, david axelrod that president obama's facing a titanic struggle to re-election in 2012. were governor christie to make a run on the white house, how would that affect the president's chances in 2012? could he be the most formidable opponent throughout? >> i think the governor would be a formidable opponent but if he runs which i don't think he