Does Chris Christie think he has nine political lives?
New Jersey’s infamous “Bridgegate” governor-turned-political pundit on Monday teased the idea of reviving his rivalry against President Trump by taking another whack at running for president in 2024.
Christie, who unsuccessfully ran for president in the 2016 GOP primary and assisted Trump in his preparations for his disastrous first presidential debate against then-Democratic challenger Joe Biden, told radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt that he “would not rule it out” when asked if he’d run for president again even if that means jeopardizing his decades-long friendship with Trump.
Amid his refusal to concede and his flailing legal campaign challenging the election results, Trump reportedly has indicated to his confidants that a 2024 presidential run is on the table. But on Sunday, Axios reported that Trump is holding off on announcing any 2024 bid until at least after Inauguration Day because he apparently fears that the move would signal to his loyal supporters that he’s given up on his long-shot chances of overturning the election.
Speaking to Hewitt, Christie reiterated his criticism over Trump’s fruitless legal battles and expressed that he is open to launching another presidential bid regardless of whether Trump seeks a second term.
Asked whether “Christie2024” will be a “URL already be reserved,” Christie replied: “ChrisChristie.com is, sir.”
“So we’re gonna keep that one and we’ll see where we go from here,” Christie said.
Christie’s recent criticisms of his friend Trump come after he emerged as one of the few Republicans to gently suggest a day after President-elect Joe Biden’s victory was projected last month that the sitting president should give up on his legal battles falsely alleging election fraud.
“Friendship means that you will listen to somebody, give them their opportunity and if they don’t come forward with the proof, then it’s time to move on,” Christie told ABC News a day after Biden’s projected win.
In recent weeks, the former New Jersey governor blasted Trump’s legal team for being a “national embarrassment” and for showcasing their “absurdity” in contesting election results.
Listen to Christie’s remarks here.
