Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie took aim Thursday at Fox News’ Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, saying they failed to control the boring Republican primary debate the previous evening.
“I think my weakest moment is everyone’s weakest moment, Poppy, which is that stage of being completely out of control,” Christie told “CNN This Morning” co-host Poppy Harlow. “And I’m disappointed that the moderators didn’t play a stronger role in controlling what was going on.”
“There were some people on stage last night who felt they could go over time, every time – that they could interrupt and have the right to speak on every issue,” Christie added. “And that’s where the moderator has to say ‘no’ and shut it down. And that’s not, that’s not happening.”
“I asked your weakness,” Harlow admonished Christie, “but I don’t think you’ll answer. You get the second most talk time. I’ll just say that.”
Christie is no stranger to interrupting during verbal sparring.
Chris Christie made it to the debate stage, but was disappointed that he couldn’t face Donald Trump. AFP via Getty Images
Fox News advisors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum co-moderate the first Republican debate.Getty Images
At one point, as entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy was wrapping up a piece on climate change, Christie cut off Baier, the channel’s political chief.
“I’ve had enough tonight with a guy who looks like ChatGPT standing here,” Christie growled at Ramaswamy.
About 75 minutes into the debate, Baier and MacCallum had to jump in and remind the candidates to listen and respect the bell that signaled their time to speak was up.
At times during the rhetorical battle, Christie was showered with jeers from the audience who were angered by his unabashed criticism of former President Donald Trump, who was absent from the debate.
Chris Christie catches up with Vivek Ramaswamy:
“I’ve had enough tonight with a guy who looks like ChatGPT standing here.” pic.twitter.com/7XzL08sh7T
— Republican Accountability (@AccountableGOP) August 24, 2023
Chris Christie has a reputation as a powerful debater.Getty Images
“Not every Republican primary voter in America is in the arena,” Christie told CNN when asked about the jibes, then added: “You can’t look to play in the arena.”
It’s not the first time Christie has sparked complaints on the campaign trail. In June, he was booed at a Faith and Freedom Coalition event when he insulted Trump.
But Christie is unwavering in the face of such upheaval.
Eight Republican candidates face off on the debate stage.Getty Images
Perhaps the most talked-about candidate at the first Republican debate was Ramaswamy, who most polls show in third place in the primary race, but Christie insisted he is not the party’s future.
“This is a man who almost never voted and now he wants to insult all of us who have given to the public, been in public life for decades,” he said, “while he sits on the sidelines and snickers and doesn’t vote or participate.”
“He didn’t poll higher than me in New Hampshire, where I was at 14% and in second place. And that’s why this national election is so stupid,” Christie said.
Often, the debate degenerates into pettiness. Getty Images
The RealClearPolitics polling average has Christie in third place in the Granite State at 8%, trailing Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Nationally, the former New Jersey Governor ranks seventh in RCP average.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
