Politico reports:

He doesn’t actually say the name Donald Trump when he lays out what’s wrong with the Republican Party.

But it’s obvious who Chris Christie is talking about in recent speeches, interviews and in a new book that’s set for release next week.

The former New Jersey governor has launched what amounts to a de facto exploratory bid for president, and it’s already put him on a collision course with his longtime political ally.

While Christie’s criticism of the party’s focus on the 2020 election results and subtle knocks on other aspects of Trump’s term are designed to create a distinct lane for him in the 2024 primary, he’s also courting confrontation with a former president who still commands the loyalty of the Republican base.

“He’s traveling the country, saying what he learned and saying he’s not afraid of Donald Trump. That sets him out in a different lane from anyone else who might run for president in the party,” said veteran Republican strategist Scott Reed. “Christie is a guy who knows how to create a narrative. He can throw a punch and he can take a punch.” [Continue reading…]