More proof has emerged that Gov. Christie has the self-awareness of a carburetor, and it relates to another pathological interpretation of his consistently lousy poll numbers.

He told an Iowa audience that his 33-percent approval rating back home is a reflection of his ability to keep his promises and make tough decisions - which is a remarkable analysis, given that few can remember any promises he's kept or actual decisions he's made lately.

Every recent poll indicates that the contempt of his fellow New Jerseyans has less to do with actual governing, and was earned by chronic absences and a lack of credibility since his administration was disemboweled by Bridgegate.

But as long as he went there: He has broken virtually every major promise since his vow to safeguard pensions and protect property tax rebates.

And what decision has run counter to public opinion exactly?

New Jerseyans loved pension reform. They adored the property tax cap. They were all aboard with binding arbitration reform and tenure reform. They even agreed with his decision not to raise the gas tax - not because they cared a whit about his pledge to political sociopath Grover Norquist, but because it's the last pocketbook issue we seem able to influence - and if a few bridges fall down, we're confident our governor will find a way to rationalize it.

But that current 62 percent disapproval rating, he asserts, is "because I do things."

Of course, he said this in Iowa, a safe distance from New Jersey, where nobody has ever mistaken rotten tomatoes and poison darts for rose pedals.

We've heard this kind of rationalization before, notably during the cringe-worthy interview with Fox News last May, when Christie suggested the 65 percent majority that called him lousy presidential material was only proof that New Jerseyans loved him:

"A lot of those people in that 65 percent want me to stay," he deadpanned, to the envy of stage actors everywhere.

(Pause here for nostalgic eye-roll.)

It's OK for a presidential candidate to be caught in the eye of his or her own hurricane, or have a delusional sense of his popularity. That goes with the territory.

But this is fantasy on a grand scale, on the biggest stage. Enjoy the show while it lasts, Iowa.

More: Recent Star-Ledger editorials.

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