Former presidential candidate Mitt Romney's campaign team used the word "fish" as a codename for potential vice-presidential running mates — and Chris Christie was given the name "Pufferfish", according to a new book.
The book, "Double Down" by journalists Mark Halperin and John Heilemann, says the search for a running mate was called "Goldfish," and his vetting aides called the five finalists for the position by fishy names.
As well as Christie, they was former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty (Lakefish), Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio (Filet-O-Fish), Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida (Pescado), and Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin (Fishconsin).
Editor's Note:
ObamaCare Secrets Revealed
The book, a sequel to the best-seller "Game Change" about the 2008 race, reveals that Romney made fun of Christie's then-extensive stomach, and ultimately decided against having him as his vice-president based partially on concerns about his health.
"Romney marveled at Christie’s girth, his difficulties in making his way down the narrow aisle of the campaign bus," say the book's authors. "Watching a video of Christie without his suit jacket on, Romney cackled to his aides, 'Guys! Look at that!'"
Christie, who is viewed as a potential presidential candidate for 2016, underwent lap band surgery in February to help him win his longtime battle with weight which has dogged his political career. But he recently released a report from his doctor that says he "has no medical limitations and is fit to serve as the governor."
Christie has made fun of his own weight problems during appearances on late-night television, including pulling a doughnut out of his pocket during an appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman.
But there was no love lost for Romney on Christie's side either, as the governor even described Romney's team as a "gaggle of clowns who couldn't organize a one-ring circus,"
according to Washington Post.
The book also reveals that President Barack Obama's aides thought about
dumping Joe Biden as his vice-president at the last election in favor of Hillary Clinton
Editor's Note:
ObamaCare Secrets Revealed