Chris Christie Confirmed as RNC Keynote

Rising star Chris Christie will be delivering the keynote address at the Republican National Convention, GOP sources have confirmed. The outspoken New Jersey governor says he plans to make an "emphatic argument" in favor of the GOP approach. "I'll try to tell some very direct and hard truths to people in the country about the trouble that we're in and the fact that fixing those problems is not going to be easy for any of them," Christie tells USA Today. His experiences in New Jersey, he says, are evidence that "the American people are ready to confront those problems head-on, and endure some sacrifice."

Christie "has proven how bold Republican leadership gets results," RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said in a statement. "He has fearlessly tackled his state’s most difficult challenges, while looking out for hardworking taxpayers." Asked about his own political future—and Obama's path from 2004 Democratic keynote speaker to president—Christie said he hopes to "come back at the next convention renominating President Romney and Vice President Ryan"—but acknowledges that he sees his accomplishments as governor as a springboard for future ambitions. (More Chris Christie stories.)