It doesn’t matter what “We” think of Christie or how poorly he’s handled this crisis, the fact is that the MSM will go after every Republican (or conservative, if one should emerge) candidate, and flay them skin from bone.
Bridge-gate just gave them an opportunity. If not this, it would have been something else, but this is perfect for them because it reinforces the “bully” image they’d already started to develop.
That image didn't come out of nowhere any more than Romney being a flip-flopper or McCain being a crazy old man did. If the shoe fits...