Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, who just exited the Republican race for US presidential nomination, was caught on hot mic making disparaging comments about his now-former rivals Nikki Haley and Ron Desantis.
In audio circulating on the internet, Christie described South Carolina governor Nikki Haley as “not up to this” and that she is “going to get smoked”, while adding that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was “petrified”.
The hot mic conversation took place hours before he dropped out of the 2024 Republican presidential race on Wednesday (Jan 10).
Before announcing the suspension of his campaign in Windham, New Hampshire, Christie said Haley “spent $68 million so far just on TV” adverts, and later added that DeSantis had spent “$59 million … and we’ve spent 12 [million]”, as reported by New York Post.
“Who’s punching above their weight and who’s getting a return on their investment?” said Christie, adding, “You know? And she’s going to get smoked. And you and I both know it, she’s not up to this.”
He said “DeSantis called me petrified that I would,” further referring to exiting the race. “He’s probably getting out after Iowa,” another person was heard saying.
I promise you this: I will make sure that in no way do I enable Donald Trump to ever be President of the United States again. That’s more important than my own personal ambition. pic.twitter.com/f9epxUxRM0
— Chris Christie (@GovChristie) January 10, 2024
DeSantis thanks Christie for participating in 2024 campaign
As per a media report, DeSantis had called Christie and thanked him for participating in the 2024 campaign, before the announcement was made.
As per the source, Christie further complained about Haley and also said told DeSantis that she was a “joke,” had “performed terribly” and was “not up to the task.”
I agree with Christie that Nikki Haley is “going to get smoked.”
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) January 10, 2024
After dropping out of the presidential race, Christie also took a dig at former US president Donald Trump.
“I promise you this: I will make sure that in no way do I enable Donald Trump to ever be President of the United States again. That’s more important than my own personal ambition,” he said.
Watch: US Presidential Elections 2024: Race for white house heats up
The exit of Christie came shortly before the final GOP debate had to begin.
The final GOP debate saw a faceoff between only two Republican presidential candidates – former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Christie’s departure from the presidential elections comes five days before the Iowa caucuses, which will be the first of the state-by-state contests in which the preferred candidate for president’s position will be chosen by Republican voters.
In July, the winner of the contests will be anointed the Republican nominee for the presidential candidate, before he or she goes on to challenge the Democratic nominee – most likely Joe Biden – in the general election to be held in November.
(With inputs from agencies)
