Christie’s Mexico trip could aid presidential hopes

Gov. Chris Christie will be in Mexico until Sept. 5 on a trade mission to promote increased relationship, job creation and higher education opportunities between New Jersey and Mexico.  But some political pundits think the trip goes beyond a trade mission.   

Ben Dworkin, a political science professor at Rider University, said the mission could also help the governor's presidential hopes, but Christie must be careful not to give his critics ammunition.

"First of all, I've said we will know that Christie's running for president when he starts talking about foreign policy and taking trips like this, so if there are any remaining doubters out there I think this trip should convince them," Dworkin said.

The upside to Christie's trip is it will give the governor exposure to Mexico's government and its financial elite, according to Dworkin.

"It gives him a chance to demonstrate that he can be a statesman. It gives him a chance to deliver on new investment for New Jersey if he comes home with new investment from Mexico of a couple hundred million dollars, and new jobs," Dworkin said.

But there are potential perils and pitfalls for the governor.

"Any kind of faux pas will lend support to those critics of the governor who are going to claim that he's not ready for prime time on the international stage." Dworkin said.

During his trip, Christie is scheduled to meet with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, deliver keynote speeches, attend a higher education agreement signing ceremony, meet with the Latino coalition, attend a press conference with Gov. Rafael Moren Valle and take part in a reception at Mexican Ambassador Sandra Fuentes' residence.

Christie will be traveling with business and community leaders from New Jersey who will attend and participate in the different facets of the trip's itinerary.