Gov .Chris Christie (R-NJ) intentionally stepped on the third rail of American politics in front of a friendly audience at the American Enterprise Institute. Christie proposed raising the Social Security Retirement Age and drastically overhauling Medicare, although he didn't provide specifics.

Christie also warned candidates he campaigned for in 2010 to "put up or shut up" if they don't want to see him in the district in two years with his arm around a primary opponent.

Christie is a rising star in the Republican party only a year into his first term in office.  He came in third in the CPAC straw poll earlier this month.

Ron Paul won for the second straight year, prompting invited speaker Donald Trump to tell Paul's supporters:  "By the way, Ron Paul cannot get elected. I'm sorry."

Mitt Romney came in second.