New Jersey Governor Chris Christie “kind of” apologized for the intentional closure of traffic lanes to the busiest bridge in the world as political payback to his rivals.  “Kind of”, in that the presumed republican presidential hopeful, as expected, hung the whole thing on two aides while claiming he was misled.

“I had no knowledge or involvement in this issue, in its planning or its execution, and I am stunned by the abject stupidity that was shown here,” he said, adding that “that doesn't matter; I’m ultimately responsible.”

In a marathon two-hour news conference (the only marathon this guy ever ran), Christie said he was “embarrassed” and “humiliated” over the growing scandal.  He sacked Deputy Chief of Staff Bridget Anne Kelly without first having met her face to face on the subject.  And he cut off political aide Bill Stepien from leading the state Republican Party and working for the Republican Governors Association which Christie leads, for his involvement.

The New York Times this week revealed emails and text messages that showed how a Christie staffer ordered local access lanes to the George Washington Bridge be closed. The emails suggested that the move was retaliation for Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich's failure to endorse Christie for reelection.

“Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee,” Christie’s aide Kelly wrote just before the closures.

The lane closures caused massive traffic problems in Fort Lee, and local officials and first responders were not notified ahead of time.  A 91-year old woman died when an ambulance dispatched to her was delayed by traffic on that fateful day.  Officials haven’t publicly connected “A” to “B” in the episode.

Christie went to great lengths to deny that he was angry, engaged in political payback, or promoting a brutish culture. “I am who I am, but I am not a bully,” he said.

Others disagree.

Tales of over-the-top retribution and petty behavior have dogged Christie for years.  And although America has in the past loved more than its share of bullies, Christie’s act might have gone too far, too often.