Responding to the backlash he received from the audience for criticizing former President Donald Trump, Republican presidential candidate and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie defended his remarks during an appearance on ABC News’s “This Week.” Despite facing boos from the religious conservative crowd at the Faith and Freedom Coalition conference, Christie stood by his message, emphasizing the importance of character in a president.
While acknowledging the predominantly pro-Trump crowd’s negative reaction, Christie asserted that people need to take responsibility for their actions and that the truth needs to be heard, even if it’s uncomfortable. He noted that his anti-Trump stance is resonating with voters, citing his third-place position in New Hampshire with 9% of the vote in recent polls.
Christie also criticized Trump during the conference, stating that he felt let down by the former president and that he didn’t take responsibility for his mistakes. This led to further shouting and booing from the audience, with some expressing their support for Trump. However, Christie remained undeterred and stated that his message is gaining traction among voters.
Highlighting the high stakes of the next election and expressing concerns about President Joe Biden’s age and record, Christie criticized Biden’s presidency and raised doubts about having him or Vice President Kamala Harris in power for an extended period. He also blamed Trump for Republican losses in previous elections, calling him a “three-time loser.”
During Trump’s speech at the conference the following day, he referenced the crowd’s reaction to Christie, mentioning the incident and mocking him being booed off the stage. The audience responded enthusiastically, chanting “We love Trump!”
Despite facing opposition, Christie remains committed to his campaign and his message, aiming to offer an alternative perspective within the Republican Party.