Chris Christie criticizes Nikki Haley as an unserious contender in GOP primary
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie Slams Nikki Haley as “Not a Serious Contender”
In a fiery exchange on CBS News’s Face the Nation, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie didn’t hold back in criticizing fellow GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley. Christie questioned Haley’s credibility as a contender due to her lack of criticism against former President Donald Trump.
When asked if he would consider joining forces with Haley to defeat Trump, Christie made it clear that he is the only one actively working towards that goal. He expressed his doubts about Haley’s commitment, especially since she hasn’t ruled out being Trump’s vice president.
“I’m working on defeating Donald Trump. I’m the only one in the race who is working on defeating Donald Trump. When she hasn’t ruled out being his vice president, I don’t think you can take her as a serious contender against him,” Christie said.
“Ron DeSantis and I have both ruled out accepting the vice presidency from Donald Trump. Nikki Haley has not. That’s why she’s not saying strong things against Donald Trump. Why she’s saying he’s fit to be president of the United States,” he added.
Christie didn’t stop there. He called out Haley for her support of Trump despite his controversial remarks about immigrants “poisoning the blood” of the country. Christie strongly disagreed with Haley’s assertion that Trump is fit to be commander in chief while making such inflammatory statements.
“I don’t know how you can take someone like that and say that they’re fit to be president of the United States. This is language and things being said that are just wrong,” Christie said.
Furthermore, Christie disputed claims that Haley is “surging” in New Hampshire, citing recent polls that show both him and Haley trailing closely behind Trump.
“I don’t understand where you talk about surging, Margaret. I know that that’s the talking points up on the teleprompter, but it’s not surging,” he said.
A CBS News poll released on Sunday reveals that Haley has garnered 29% support in the New Hampshire Republican presidential primary, while Christie stands at 10%. Trump still maintains a lead with 44%, but this is Haley’s strongest showing in a poll thus far in the campaign.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
How does Nikki Haley’s unwillingness to condemn Trump’s actions and policies undermine her credibility as a serious contender for the presidency?
Sed his disappointment in Haley’s unwillingness to condemn Trump’s actions and policies, stating that it undermines her credibility as a serious contender for the presidency.
Christie’s criticism stems from Haley’s close association with Trump and her continued support for him even after the deadly Capitol riot on January 6th. Despite the fact that she did make a statement condemning the violence, Christie believes that her failure to hold Trump accountable for his role in inciting the riot and his disregard for democratic norms is a sign of weakness.
Furthermore, Christie argues that Haley’s continued support for Trump raises questions about her judgment and moral compass. He points out that other prominent Republicans, such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have distanced themselves from Trump in light of the Capitol riot, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the preservation of American democracy.
Christie’s criticisms of Haley are not unwarranted. As a former governor and a key member of the GOP, Christie’s opinion carries weight within the party. His willingness to publicly call out Haley highlights the growing divide within the Republican Party over Trump’s influence and the path forward.
While some Republicans, like Haley, continue to align themselves with Trump and his base, others like Christie are pushing for a more moderate and inclusive approach. They believe that the party needs to distance itself from Trump’s divisive rhetoric and move towards a more traditional conservative agenda.
Christie’s remarks on Face the Nation are part of a larger narrative within the Republican Party. As the party seeks to redefine itself in the post-Trump era, there are ongoing debates about which direction to take. Some argue for a return to traditional conservative values, while others believe that Trump’s populism and appeals to working-class voters are the party’s future.
As potential candidates like Haley position themselves for a run in 2024, these debates will only intensify. Christie’s criticism of Haley underscores the challenges she will face in convincing voters that she can provide strong leadership and unite a divided party.
In conclusion, Chris Christie’s criticism of Nikki Haley as “not a serious contender” highlights the challenges she will face in the 2024 presidential race. Christie questions Haley’s credibility due to her lack of criticism against Trump and her unwillingness to hold him accountable for the Capitol riot. As the Republican Party grapples with its identity in the post-Trump era, these debates will continue to shape the future of the party and potential candidates like Haley.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
