Mike DuHaime, Gov. Chris Christie's longtime advisor and top political strategist said the decision of whether or not to run for president in 2016 is tougher to make than most people might think.

Chris Christie responds to a question from Townsquare Media's Eric Scott. (Photo By: Kira Buxton, Townsquare Media NJ)
Chris Christie responds to a question from Townsquare Media's Eric Scott. (Photo By: Kira Buxton, Townsquare Media NJ)
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On Townsquare Media's 'Ask the Governor' program Monday night, Christie insisted he still has not decided if he will run for president or not. He said a formal announcement will come in May or June. Christie explained that no one should interpret the fact that his wife Mary Pat has decided to step down from her high paying job on Wall Street as a sign that he is going to run.

According to DuHaime, the decision is one that takes a lot of careful consideration.

"I think for folks who watch this from the outside, they don't realize what a deeply personal decision this is for anybody who's going to do this. This is an incredible endeavor," said DuHaime. "Running a national campaign, being a candidate with all eyes on you even when you're used to the New York media market and the Philadelphia media market as we here in New Jersey are, there is nothing like running for president."

DuHaime spoke from experience on "Inside Ask the Governor" Monday. He served in senior positions with President George W. Bush, New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, U.S. Sen. John McCain and Christie. He was also political director for the Republican National Committee.

"Putting it in perspective, having been through this grind it is really, really hard. It is hard on the candidate, the candidate's family and the team around them," DuHaime explained.

The governor has repeatedly said he would run for president if it was good for him, good for his family and good for the country. He said if the answer to all three questions is "yes" he will toss his hat in the ring. DuHaime was asked if that means Christie truly has not made up his mind yet.

"I guess not. I guess not. I think it's up to him and up to his timetable," DuHaime said. "Everybody around him really respects that."

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