Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s debate night ended on an odd note: he was visibly upset at being asked a question about aliens during Tuesday’s Republican campaign.
Christie, who positioned himself as an anti-Trump candidate and often an antagonist to Vivek Ramaswamy throughout the night, was quizzed by moderator Martha MacCallum during the alien blitz.
“Now on to something extraordinary, and that’s for you, Governor Christie, do you believe in the recent spike in UFO encounters?” MacCallum asked.
The ex-governor immediately cut him off: ‘I understand the UFO question?’ Come on man!’ He continued to respond to the question by shaking his head and looking disbelieving.
MacCallum continued, “We’ve heard a lot of testimonies in Congress and people are taking this a lot more seriously and we’re hearing that there’s a lot of things going on that people don’t know about.” Would you tell the American people what the government is about know these possible encounters?
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s debate night ended on an odd note: he was visibly upset that he was being asked a question about extraterrestrials
Christie tried to get a laugh line in a nod to his home state.
“Speaking of a woman from New Jersey in particular, I find it appalling that just because I’m from New Jersey, you asked me about unidentified flying objects and Martians.” We’re different, but we’re not that different.
The former governor then tried to turn the question into a serious answer by denouncing one of his favorite enemies: the teachers’ unions, and echoed Senator Tim Scott’s earlier response on education in America.
“The job of the President of the United States is to be equal with the American people on all issues. The job of the President of the United States is to stand for the truth. “The job of the President of the United States is to set an example for our children.”
“Whether it was UFOs or this problem of education – and Tim is right, by the way – I started this in 2010, going head-to-head against the New Jersey teachers’ union and taking them to an all-time low in popularity because they tested themselves in front of our children.’
“This is the greatest threat to our country, not UFOs,” he concluded.
As the crowd booed and all the contestants erupted, Chris Christie broke in and ranted at Ramaswamy.
“I’ve had enough tonight,” the former New Jersey governor said, describing Ramaswamy as “ChatGPT standing up here.”
Christie, who spent the night positioning himself as an anti-Trump candidate and often an antagonist to Vivek Ramaswamy, was questioned by moderator Martha MacCallum during the blitz round
The former governor then tried to turn the question into a serious answer by attacking one of his favorite enemies – the teachers’ union
“The last person in one of those debates to stand center stage and say this as a skinny guy with an odd last name… was Barack Obama.” “I’m afraid we’re dealing with the same kind of amateurs tonight that be on stage tonight.”
The moderators of the Fox News-moderated debate asked about former President Donald Trump during the second hour of the debate – although the latter skipped the debate.
The candidates were asked to raise their hand if they would live up to their promise to support the eventual Republican nominee, even if it is Donald Trump.
Everyone but Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson raised their hands. Ramaswamy was first in the air. DeSantis and Pence were late in doing so, and Christie clearly wasn’t thrilled as he kind of waved his hand.
The former president’s question prompted another row between the candidates – this time between Christie and Ramaswamy.
When asked about his lackluster hand raise, Christie replied, “Here’s the bottom line.” Someone needs to stop normalizing this behavior. Regardless of whether you believe the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct falls under the Office of the President of the United States.”
Many in the audience booed him. “That’s the great thing about this country. Booing is allowed, but it doesn’t change the truth,” he replied.
Ramaswamy jumped in and attacked him: “Let’s just tell the truth.” Trump was the best president of the 21st century. Chris Christie, your claim that Donald Trump is motivated by revenge and resentment would have more credibility if your campaign were not based on revenge and resentment against a single man.
Chris Christie and Vivek Ramaswamy argued several times during the debate
The candidates were asked to raise their hand if they would live up to their promise to support the eventual Republican nominee, even if it is Donald Trump. Everyone but Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson raised their hands. Ramaswamy was first in the air. DeSantis and Pence were late in doing so, and Christie clearly wasn’t thrilled as he kind of waved his hand
Chris Christie and Mike Pence chat during a commercial break
Former South Carolina Gov. and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley (R) looks on as (from left) former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former US Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy speaking during a commercial break
The two men yelled at each other.
Christie berated Ramaswamy for his lack of experience: “You have never done it, just as you have never done anything to further the interests of this administration other than running yourself as a candidate.” I have served as a US Attorney and Governor. I will bow to no one.’
Candidates were also asked if Mike Pence did the right thing as vice president on Jan. 6, 2021, when he confirmed Joe Biden as the Electoral College winner.
“Mike has done his duty.” Will we focus on that in the future? “The warm up of that?” DeSantis said. “The Democrats would love that.” I’m not leaving Biden hanging around in the basement. “We will take him to wherever I am in this country and hold him accountable.”
Christie defended Pence, who has been criticized by some Trump supporters and called a “traitor”.
“Mike Pence stood up for the Constitution and he deserves – and it’s not begrudgingly – our thanks as Americans for putting his oath of office and the United States Constitution above personal, political and unfair pressure,” he said.