This is What’s Trending Today…

Chris Christie is the governor of New Jersey. Until recently, he was also a candidate for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination. He suspended his campaign in February.

And this week, Chris Christie became an Internet meme.

March 1 was Super Tuesday in the U.S. It was the most important day of the 2016 presidential election year so far because many states held their primary elections or caucuses.

Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump, with former rival candidate Governor Chris Christie, left, at his side, speaks at a news conference in Palm Beach, Fla., March 1, 2016.
Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump, with former rival candidate Governor Chris Christie, left, at his side, speaks at a news conference in Palm Beach, Fla., March 1, 2016.

On Super Tuesday, Chris Christie was no longer among the presidential candidates. He recently announced his support for businessman and presidential candidate Donald Trump.

The governor joined Trump on stage Tuesday night, but he looked like he wanted to be somewhere else. And social media users took notice.

Christie introduced Trump on Tuesday to a crowd of supporters in Florida. He then stood behind the candidate, as Trump spoke after winning seven states on Super Tuesday.

During Trump’s speech, Christie looked left; then, he looked right. He looked at the back of Trump’s head. He offered an awkward smile and, at times, he applauded. But, he mostly looked afraid and worried.

One writer from The Washington Post newspaper said “it looked as if Christie had seen a ghost.”

Esquire magazine wrote “However awful your night was, it wasn’t as bad as Chris Christie’s.”

Some people said it looked like Christie was silently screaming for help. Or asking to be “airlifted” out of the room.

New York Magazine offered this advice: “Blink twice if you need help, Chris Christie.”

And that’s What’s Trending Today.

Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

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Words in This Story

awkward – adj. clumsy or not graceful

applaud – v. to show signs of approval at a play, speech, sporting event, in which people strike their hands together over and over

awful – adj. bad or unpleasant

scream – v. to suddenly cry out in a loud and high voice because of pain, surprise, etc.

blink – v. to close and then open your eyes very quickly

introduced – v. present or offer to someone