He may not win the Republican presidential nomination as polls still have him lagging behind former President Donald Trump and former Governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley. And his gruff, direct approach may not be attractive to those who prefer political rhetoric from candidates who promise to be all things to all people.

Regardless, in the last Republican debate, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie took a refreshing Knute Rockne stance compared to his competitors.  He lambasted Vivek Ramaswamy who provided more in the way of insults than arguments. More importantly, Christie insisted upon a “tell the truth” position rarely exhibited by traditional  politicians.

Christie’s prosecutorial style with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis insisted he give a direct answer to a simple question.

Is Trump fit to be president or not?

DeSantis danced around the question without answering and Christie would not let him get away with it. Regarding Trump, he had the guts to define him for what he is, an indicted defendant whom people need to look beyond when choosing a leader for the future. Perhaps if his numbers were higher, Christie would have avoided some of the haymakers he landed on others who deflected tough questions.

Even if Christie’s campaign falls short in his quest for the Republican nomination, his performance in the last debate –telling it like it is and insisting that others do the same – was a welcome change.

The NCAA  Championship basketball game each year  ends with a short, terrific tribute segment called “One Shining Moment.” Chris Christie had his in the last debate.

It remains to be seen whether there will be more for him.

Steve Kramer is a graduate of Amherst College and a former Assistant Attorney General in Massachusetts.