J. Scott Applewhite / AP

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Win McNamee / Getty Images

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie talks with Joe Scarborough of MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on the floor before the start of the abbreviated first day of the Republican National Convention.

Slideshow: Chris Christie

Mel Evans / AP

The N.J. politician's straight-talk and tough policies put him in the national spotlight — but after considering a presidential bid, the governor decided he wasn't ready.

Launch slideshow

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was swamped by journalists as he entered  the floor before the start of the abbreviated first day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida. The RNC is scheduled to convene today, but will hold its first full session tomorrow after being delayed due to Tropical Storm Isaac.  Gov. Christie will give his keynote address on Tuesday night. Christie is scheduled to appear tomorrow on Morning Joe with Joe Scarborough.

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