Jimmy Fallon’s “Tebowie” character addressed Tim Tebow’s signing with the New England Patriots. (NBC video still)
Chris Christie acquired some new nicknames Wednesday.
The Love Gov. CC. Christie Kreme, a play off of the popular donut brand … y’know, because of his weight and all.
But during his latest appearance on late-night television, New Jersey’s governor didn’t chomp on pastries. Instead he slow-jammed the news with Jimmy Fallon and company, using song and setup to explain the state’s upcoming special election to fill late Sen. Frank Lautenberg’s seat.
That special election – held three weeks before Election Day – will cost NJ taxpayers $12 million. Opponents argue that the special election was devised to bolster Christie’s own re-election chances.
‘The Love Gov’ took to the microphone, explaining his decision.
“I had the choice to either appoint a hand-picked replacement, or let the people vote on their new senator,” Christie said. “As governor, I have a responsibility to ensure the citizens of New Jersey have a voice in Washington. That’s why this special election is hugely important.”
The camera panned and focused on Fallon, standing adjacent to Christie.
“Ah … yeah. Chris Christie’s about to give New jersey a huge election … and he’s putting in the hands of the people. So watch out. Cause it’s coming prematurely, October 16 to be exact,” Fallon said.
The jam continued – as it has in previous installments with President Obama and newscaster Brian Williams – bouncing between the guest, Fallon, and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, the lead singer of Fallon’s house band The Roots.
After Christie mentioned New Jersey’s political needs, Fallon took a shot at Christie’s weight.
“When he sits around the House or Representatives, he really sits around the House of Representatives,” Fallon quipped, at which point Christie stared down Fallon, the politician shaking his head.
Fallon’s statements about political effort allowed Trotter to rip one of New York’s mayoral candidates.
“You gotta work hard to be a leader/ But not quite as hard as Anthony Weiner,” Trotter sang, laughing.
Fallon goaded Christie, hinting at his presidential ambitions.
“C’mon Jimmy. Do you really think I’d come on this show to announce a presidential run?” Christie said.
“Say what you want,” Fallon responded, “but we all know in 2016 …”
“Baby you were born to run,” Trotter sang, busting out lyrics from Christie’s favorite musician, Bruce Springsteen.
Following the appearance by “The Love Gov,” the music continued with Fallon’s “Tebowie” character – a mix between football player Tim Tebow and singer David Bowie adorned in face paint and football pads.
The skit addressed Tebow’s recent signing with the New England Patriots to the tune of Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel.”
“Most famous backup in the world/ We’re not sure if you had sex with a girl/ You barely played but that’s alright/ Your biggest fan is Jesus Christ,” Tebowie sang, highlighting the player’s disappointing season with the New York Jets.
“Tebow Tebow, it’s Tom Brady’s show/ Will you play? I don’t think so.”
The skit ended with Tebow’s famous pose, a moment to celebrate a glam rock sports icon moving onto a new team.