Guesswork and speculation there have been plenty of, I'm sure. But as far as I know there are no numbers on this, no surveys conducted, no "market research" done. Once there is — if there is, concerning the governor specifically — remaining unknown would be how an often erratic electorate would see it.
"Chris Christie is no longer ruling out a third-party presidential bid" — on a No Labels ticket — reports Politico, based on a "Good Morning America" interview he did with George Stephanopoulos.
Neither is Christie ruling in a third-party candidacy. He merely "declined to shut the door to the idea," which, if nothing else, keeps the door open for rolling news coverage, a sine qua non of politicians.
Christie added (or claimed) that No Labels has not approached him. It didn't need to. NBC News reported weeks ago that before he dropped out of the Republican race, the organization was contacting his allies and donors about any possible interest.
As Politico explained Christie's reasoning, should he proceed, "a 'strong Republican' on the ticket might be able to chip away at former President Donald Trump’s support, rather than siphon votes from President Joe Biden."
That's where the surveys and market research would come in. Still, neither he, No Labels nor anyone else could accurately predict how the often erratic electorate I mentioned might react. All I do know is that third parties make me nervous.
In January, NBC News also reported that Christie's campaign manager, Maria Comella, "said she had not talked about it with him but added that Christie was clear ... that he was 'not going away.'"
Her remark has the faint sound of a hat touching down in the ring. I have no confidence in No Labels' political acumen, though undeniable was Christie's over the years. I just hope he hasn't lost it simply for the sake of staying "relevant."