As New Jersey Governor Chris Christie travels around the state these days, he's telling folks at his town hall meetings and at boardwalk re-opening ceremonies that his job as Governor has turned into a "sacred mission" to restore and rebuild after Superstorm Sandy.
Fairleigh Dickinson University Political Science Professor Peter Woolley believes this makes Christie, who's got a huge lead over his presumptive Democratic challenger Barbara Buono in all the recent polls, nearly unbeatable.
"No American politician is untouchable or invulnerable," says Woolley, "but some American politicians are very strong, and Chris Christie is certainly one of them."
He points out Christie has taken the recovery from Sandy and turned it into a very strong positive for himself, which speaks to not just responding to a disaster but to broad economic redevelopment.
The result, says Woolley, is that this is really an excellent way for Christie to package himself in just one phrase.
"It's very appealing and purposeful, having a mission-driven life is a popular thing," says Woolley. "Whether you're a corporation or a religious person, or a public figure, you want to have a mission, something people can understand and grasp instantly."
While Christie has embraced his mission, Woolley points out Barbara Buono is struggling with name recognition.
"She's going to continue to have trouble unless she finds her own mission."