Chris Christie Launches 2024 Campaign, Criticizes Trump
June 7, 2023: Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie officially began his second presidential campaign on Tuesday, delivering a scathing critique of former President Donald Trump. In a town hall event in New Hampshire, Christie, who previously supported and advised Trump, expressed regret for his past endorsement and called on Republicans to reject the front-runner for the GOP nomination.
Christie warned about the dangers of a leader who never admits fault, always blames others, and never loses. He criticized Trump’s personality-driven approach and described him as a “lonely, self-consumed mirror hog” threatening the country.
After nearly 30 minutes of speaking, Christie made his candidacy official, declaring his intention to seek the Republican nomination for President of the United States in 2024.
Christie is scheduled to participate in a CNN town hall in New York, where he will answer questions from Republicans from the first four GOP nominating states and voters from New Jersey and New York who plan to participate in the 2024 Republican primary.
His announcement came shortly after New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu decided not to run, just before former Vice President Mike Pence officially entered the race. Christie aims to appeal to more traditionally conservative Republicans and position himself as a foil to Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
With a crowded field of candidates, Christie hopes to gain support even without majority backing among Republicans, as has been the case in previous elections. Several contenders, including Trump, DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Asa Hutchinson, and Tim Scott, have already launched their campaigns, and Pence and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum are expected to join soon.
Christie emphasized his ability to engage in combat while advocating for compromise, contrasting himself with DeSantis. He criticized DeSantis and Trump for their unclear stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and dismissed other candidates’ focus on “small” issues associated with “woke ideology.”
Christie’s campaign strategy centers on his belief that he is well-positioned to challenge Trump in the primary while also appealing to independent voters in a potential general election against President Joe Biden. He has the support of a new super PAC called “Tell It Like It Is,” formed by allies in anticipation of his campaign.
In his remarks, Christie offered a less provocative assessment of Biden, accusing him of dividing voters but acknowledging their long-standing relationship. He criticized Biden for being “timid,” “quiet,” and not regularly communicating with the American people, attributing these qualities to his age.
Christie’s journey in presidential politics began in 2011 when he contemplated running against then-President Barack Obama but ultimately decided against it. His standing with Republicans diminished ahead of the 2016 election. His 2016 campaign was short-lived, highlighted by his memorable takedown of Florida Senator Marco Rubio during a debate.
Although both Christie and Rubio withdrew from the race, Christie went on to endorse Trump and led his transition team. However, he distanced himself from Trump after the 2020 election, becoming one of his chief Republican critics.
Christie’s campaign faced challenges, including the “Bridgegate” scandal during his tenure as governor. While he was cleared of any knowledge of the politically motivated lane closures on the George Washington Bridge, the controversy has continued to haunt him.
As Christie embarks on his campaign, he aims to distinguish himself from Trump and position himself as a viable alternative for the Republican Party. He hopes to garner support from diverse voters and challenge the prevailing notion of a monolithic “Trump voter” bloc.
