The former governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, is one of those “hit-or-miss” Republicans. He unfortunately misses far more than he hits. I think of him as a broken clock. He is often wrong, but sometimes right. This is mainly due to circumstances that are almost entirely out of his control.
Although he has been singing the same tune on ex-President Donald Trump for more than a year, Christie has become a “go-to Republican” in media circles lately. He is scathing of Trump’s current presidential campaign and tells his “This Week” panelists that “I have repeatedly said that he cannot win a general election.”
Christie stated, “That’s no speculation.” Christie stated, “That’s not speculation.” It’s only gotten worse,” Christie said, pointing out that Trump supported several high-profile candidates in 2022.
Christie also answered a question on Sunday asking him if he believed Trump could defeat Joe Biden in 2024.
Watch:
Republican 2024 hopefuls haven’t launched bids against former Pres. Trump yet because “no one sees any imperative to do it,” @GovChristie tells @JonKarl.
“Who wants to be the first in the pool with Donald Trump?” https://t.co/iBtEOOQvCn pic.twitter.com/cRbhBRDIvv
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) February 5, 2023
Although Christie was once an ally of Trump’s during his 2016 campaign for the presidency (after Christie’s failed campaign), he is now focusing on his criticisms of Trump at times when speculations are running wild about who will be next to throw their hat in the ring (will it even be Christie?). Trump was unable to sit still and stew about the matter.
On his social media platform Truth Social, here’s what Trump wrote about “sloppy” Chris Christie:
Chris Christie, the former governor of New Jersey who failed, spent nearly his entire last year campaigning in New Hampshire to win the Republican nomination for President. His Presidential campaign was just like his term in office. He left with an Approval Rating below 9%. The next day, he endorsed me and then recommended Chris Wray to run for the FBI. How did that happen? He was a savior, but he went down in flames and was then SALVAGED BY ABC FAKE NEWS. He was not what I wanted!
Christie responded that Trump’s comments were just sour grapes, considering that he had no problems with Christie while he was working with Trump on his 2016 presidential campaign.
I’m the target of Donald Trump’s new tantrum. None of his lies about me today bothered him when he asked me to prep him for every general election debate or offered me 3 different cabinet posts. He’s the only man to lose to Biden outside Delaware. That loss to Joe still stings.
— Chris Christie (@GovChristie) February 5, 2023
Christie swore on his own during his attempt to dunk Trump.
Trump is more well-known than Christie. He is a political entity in national politics. It is also known that Trump is a transactional figure. This means that he keeps people who align with his thinking but ends the relationship when it is not beneficial to his ambitions. It’s not a criticism. That’s how he is. This is a common trait in politics. For an example, see Exhibit B in Senator Elizabeth Warren and her eye-opening remarks about Vice President Harris.
Christie is not well-known in the country, but he portrays himself as someone who had a wake-up call about Trump and now supports him. It’s not just a convenient move for Christie. He was seen as Trump’s “body guy” during the 2016 GOP presidential primary season. He went after any GOP member (including Sen. Marco Rubio), who was thought to have a chance at winning the nomination.
Christie was there to support Trump after Trump won Super Tuesday. Some joked that Christie looked like someone from a hostage video.
In response to his appearance w/ Donald Trump on Monday, Chris Christie says, “I wasn’t being held hostage,” … Hmm pic.twitter.com/3zLjkUBIGj
— 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗬 𝗛𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗘𝗦 (@TommySledge) March 3, 2016
Can people change their minds about the people they support? Sure. However, when it comes down to political campaigns or potential candidates for higher office and loyalty is often in short supply, political expediency often wins out over loyalty. We must not forget that Christie last October stated that he was thinking about a presidential run. This means that Christie has a strong interest in trying to bring down Trump.
Christie is telling voters who he really is. He is clinically transactional, then highly adversarial, and it is all for his political ambitions.
