Chris Christie Keynote Address (Video, Transcript)

Governor Chris Christie, keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention, has faith in Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan, the Republicans, and the American people.

He believes that together we can make America great again.

Here's complete video of the speech:



Here's the transcript.

What I liked about Christie's speech was the optimism.

He didn't bash Obama. In fact, he didn't mention his name.

He laid out the differences between the Republicans and the Democrats. He laid out the choice before the American people. He gave examples of Republican success at reform.

Although the last four years has been a very dark time for so many Americans, hope and change are within reach.

GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE: There is doubt and fear for our future in every corner of our country.

These feelings are real.

This moment is real.

It’s a moment like this where some skeptics wonder if American greatness is over.

How those who have come before us had the spirit and tenacity to lead America to a new era of greatness in the face of challenge.

Not to look around and say “not me,” but to say, “YES, ME.”

I have an answer tonight for the skeptics and the naysayers, the dividers and the defenders of the status quo.

I have faith in us.

I know we can be the men and women our country calls on us to be.

I believe in America and her history.

There’s only one thing missing now. Leadership. It takes leadership that you don’t get from reading a poll.

You see, Mr. President – real leaders don’t follow polls. Real leaders change polls.

That’s what we need to do now.

Change polls through the power of our principles.

Change polls through the strength of our convictions.

Tonight, our duty is to tell the American people the truth.

Americans live the truth of the Obama presidency every day.

He has failed us. He moved the country in the wrong direction.

We need leaders who can take us down the right path.

Change for the better.