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Gov. Christie Says He Was Reflecting, Not Snoozing, At Springsteen Concert

By David Madden

TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- It's a story that's taken on a life of its own. Did New Jersey governor Chris Christie fall asleep at a Bruce Springsteen concert in New York?

The New York Post has a report suggesting he did, but the Boss of the Garden State insists the tabloid got it wrong.

The report says Christie had his eyes closed, head in hand, at Madison Square Garden a week and a half ago as Springsteen sang "Rocky Ground."  Someone took a picture and sent it to the paper.

The governor says that song was "spiritual" and he was just taking in the moment.

"I sat up on the seat and I put my head back, closed my eyes, and listened to the song," he tells reporters.

He adds that appreciates no one photographing him fist-pumping and dancing at other points in the three-hour show.

Christie believes the tipster linked his picture to an earlier moment when Springsteen waxed political on stage and someone in the crowd yelled, "Wake up, Governor!"

But Christie embarrassed himself when he told reporters that his wife had skipped the Springsteen show.  Mary Pat, attending yesterday's press conference, reminded hubby that she was, in fact, there.

"It was dark. What did I know? I was a little tired," the red-faced gov replied with a smile.

 

 

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