An excellent choice. Christie is not a bombthrower or name caller, but he is an extremely forceful, even combative speaker. And for you fans of red meat attacks, I'm sure he won't disappoint.

USA Today:

The choice of Christie as the keynoter, set to be announced today, puts the spotlight on a rising political star with a combative persona and sharp-edged sense of humor. His budget battles with the Democratic-controlled state Legislature and his blunt-spoken demeanor have made him a hero to conservatives and one of the party's biggest fundraisers.

"I'll try to tell some very direct and hard truths to people in the country about the trouble that we're in and the fact that fixing those problems is not going to be easy for any of them," Christie said. He'll cite his experiences in New Jersey as evidence that "the American people are ready to confront those problems head-on and endure some sacrifice."

Asked about his own ambitions - and Barack Obama's progression from Democratic keynoter in 2004 to presidential nominee in 2008 - Christie said he hoped to "come back at the next convention renominating President Romney and Vice President Ryan."

But the 49-year-old governor didn't dismiss the idea that he might have presidential aspirations down the road. "It's what I accomplish or don't accomplish as governor that will be the springboard or not for me," he said. "It's not what you say but what you accomplish."

He also had some advice for Romney and Ryan in their convention speeches, saying they should give Americans "a window" into themselves. "The only path (to victory) is if people conclude they can really trust them, and the only people who can make that case is the candidates themselves," he said.

It will also be announced today that Marco Rubio will introduce Mitt Romney prior to his acceptance speech. Those are two prime slots going to serious presidential contenders in 2016 if Romney is not elected. Of the two, the speech will be more important for Rubio who is not as well known as Christie. The Florida Senator needs to make a good impression with GOP voters and this high profile opportunity shouldn't be squandered.