This week, the Sunday shows grade Chris Christie's response to scandal.
RUDY GIULIANI: "If, for some reason, it's not true, the man has put his political career completely at risk." (Via ABC)
Plus, reaction to Robert Gates' controversial memoirs.
MARCO RUBIO: "I don't think we can ignore what's in that book, and I think for many of us, it confirms our worst fears." (Via CBS)
For National Journal, I'm Zach Toombs. Predictably, most of Sunday morning's political talk focused on New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie — a potential 2016 candidate now caught up in a major scandal.
Though there were surprisingly few punches thrown at Christie on Sunday, even from Democrats like Gov. Martin O'Malley, who might also angle for the White House in two years.
CANDY CROWLEY: "Is he damaged goods?"
O'MALLEY: "Oh, I don't know. ... I think this is something for the people of New Jersey and the authorities up there to get to the bottom of." (Via CNN)
And among Republicans, there was praise for Christie's handling of the controversy and especially for his frank and lengthy news conference last week. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani had this to say. (Via BBC, WVEC)
PRIEBUS: "America is a forgiving people. But they're forgiving when you take ownership, you admit mistakes, you take corrective action. And that's what Chris Christie showed." (Via NBC)
GIULIANI: "If it turns out there's some evidence that he knew about it, he's taken the complete risk that his political career is over. I don't think he'd do that if there's any suggestion he knew about this." (Via ABC)
Sunday also saw discussion of the new memoirs from former Defense Secretary Robert Gates. The book heavily criticized the Obama White House, claiming the president doesn't believe in his own plan for the Afghan War. Sure enough, Republicans like Marco Rubio had something to say about that. (Via The White House, Amazon)
RUBIO: "This confirms our worst fears — that this is an administration that lacks a strategic foreign policy and is in fact largely driven by politics and tactics. ... He also announced an exit date and strategy, thereby emboldening the Taliban." (Via CBS)
Also notable: Both Rubio and John McCain said Gates actually should've waited to release his book — with Rubio saying it undermines the president's ability to conduct foreign policy.
