Bill O'Reilly: Chris Christie's July 4th beach escapade was an intentional outrage to land a media gig

Speaking on Glenn Beck's radio show, former Fox star Bill O'Reilly claimed that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was pleased that he outraged most of the country by turning a state-owned beach into his private sandbox while it was closed to the public during the July 4th weekend.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, O'Reilly said Christie is looking for a life outside of politics and might feel that he can turn the outrage into a career in media as a "controversial" character that would drive ratings.

"So he’s the only one on the beach, and then he allows himself to be photographed in a lounge chair with his grin on his face," O'Reilly explained to Beck on Friday miring. "He knows what he’s doing. He’s engendering controversy to get his name out there so he’ll get some kind of media play."

"What better way to get his name out there as a controversial guy," O'Reilly continued. "That's what he’s angling for, and I think he’s going to get some kind of media contract too."

Christie has already made a name for himseff outside of politics, with high profile appearances in the private owner's box of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, and has been rumored to be interested in sport talk radio with its more "in your face" commentary.

According to NJ.com, Christie has been under consideration as a replacement host, taking over for Mike Francesca on WFAN.

"I would certainly at least want to consider him," WFAN program director Mark Chernoff stated. "If he's interested and we're interested, it's worth pursuing."

As for the continuing fallout over Christie's holiday stunt, a New Jersey Democratic lawmaker has proposed a bill that would allow the general public to rent out the house on Island Beach State Park currently reserved for the use of the governor.