Christie IMHO is the strongest possible cndidate the Reps could run. That said, I understand the far right hates him because he showed respect for Obama or some such nonsense, so it is possible that there could be a split party with some nutcase like Cruz leading a "third party" movement. If the Reps get in line behind Christie and he then picks a Midwestern or western Veep, it would be formidable, especially if Hillary does not run.

His greatest asset is what you see is what you get. He has his views, and he'll work with people who do not share them. He is a real pragmatist. I personally do not agree with him most of the time, but there's no question in my mind he is a "country first" kind of guy, and that quality is something we need nowadays.