#TellingItLikeItIs: Chris Christie’s hashtag is hijacked by critics over his record

If a presidential candidate isn’t being attacked online, are they actually running? First, Jeb Bush’s overly excited logo that caused him grief, then came the Donald’s implosion. Today, a hashtag has gone off the rails for Chris Christie.

The New Jersey governor announced he’s joining the crowded Republican pack currently running for president. He launched it with the hashtag #TellingItLikeItIs, a nod to his brutish personality.

“Less than 10 out. I’m ready #TellingItLikeItIs,” he tweeted. What happened next should come as a surprise to no one.

It wasn’t long before his campaign lost control of the hashtag and Twitter users began pointing out the his record’s flaws. Social media analytics service Topsy measured 4,000 tweets with the hashtag, a majority of them skewing negative.

His harshest critics used the hashtag to attack his record, like this one from the New Jersey Education Association:

Other teachers, with whom Christie has fought publicly over pensions, also joined in the trolling:

Planned Parenthood used the hashtag to call out Christie’s track record on women’s health.

And others pounded Christie over his handling of Hurricane Sandy.

Welcome to the campaign trail, Chris — it’s going to be a long one. But don’t blame us for #TellingItLikeItIs.

https://digiday.com/?p=123978

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