Take a look at Gov. Chris Christie's jam-packed out-of-state and out-of-country itinerary, says one veteran political expert, and you'll know all you need to know about his presidential aspirations.

Governor Chris Christie speaks at his election night event after winning a second term at the Asbury Park Convention Hall
Gov. Chris Christie speaks at his election night event after winning a second term at the Asbury Park Convention Hall (Kena Betancur/Getty Images)
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Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, said Christie is sending clear signals that he has already made up his mind about running for president in 2016.

The governor is scheduled to be in the United Kingdom Feb. 1 through Feb. 3. He is expected to meet with various business leaders, local companies, dignitaries and government officials. This is Christie's fourth international trip since taking office, and the third of his second term. He has traveled to Israel, Canada and Mexico..

"I think this guy might be running for president," Murray said. "Certainly, all these trips are the kinds of things that governors do to show that they are presidential timber. London seems to be one of those places where you have to go if you want to show that you can stand toe-to-toe with a foreign leader."

Christie spoke at meeting of conservatives in Iowa on Saturday. On Feb. 9, he is scheduled to be back in Iowa to deliver remarks at the Dallas County Speaker Series.

Last week, he defended his "Jersey Guy" style.

"Let me ask you, if I was too blunt, too direct, too loud and too 'New Jersey' for Iowa, then why do you people keep inviting me back?" Christie asked. "If the values I'm fighting for every day in New Jersey and across this country are not consistent with your values, why would I come back? I wouldn't."

Christie has formed a political action committee dubbed "Leadership Matters for America." The PAC was created to explore a run for president.

"Obviously, now that the PAC has started, there's no question that it's only a matter of if the candidacy appears viable and that Christie will make the formal announcement, but his own personal decision has been made," Murray said.

On Thursday, Christie was scheduled to have a private meeting with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. The meeting was cancelled because of a scheduling change.

On Feb. 12, Christie is scheduled to give the keynote speech at a Republican fundraiser in Illinois. On Feb. 16, he's expected to attend the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner in New Hampshire, and on Feb. 28 he is slated to speak at a GOP convention in Sacramento, Calif.

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