N.J. Gov: Obama Needs to 'Show Up' in Debt Ceiling Talks

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie suggested President Barack Obama borrow a page from his book and personally engage in budget talks with lawmakers.

The Republican governor, speaking Friday morning with NBC's Today Show, said Obama needs to get involved, suggesting the president show up for talks concerning the debt ceiling.

Everybody needs to bring skin to the game, Christie said. First, the president can show up. You can't negotiate through a secondary person.

On Thursday, bipartisan negotiations led by Vice President Joe Biden to reduce the deficit crumbled, as U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., announced he was suspending his participation as the talks have reached an impasse over taxes.

Regardless of the progress that has been made, the tax issue must be resolved before discussions can continue, Cantor said in a statement. I will not be participating in [Thursday's] meeting and I believe it is time for the president to speak clearly and resolve the tax issue.

In New Jersey, Christie won approval from Democratic-controlled New Jersey Assembly on his bill to require public employees to pay more for their pension and health care benefits.

Christie, who has received GOP praise for his handling of the state budget woes, also fought back against chatter that he is interested in running for president.

I'm governor. I want to be governor. I'm not running for president, Christie told Matt Lauer when asked whether he and former New York City Mayor Rudi Giuliani discussed a potential presidential race when they recently met for lunch.

I care about the future of our country, and I want us to have the best possible candidate in our party to run for president, but it's not going to be me, Christie said.