It has been noted that former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) was confronted during a question and answer session at the Hudson Institute this week over his past support for former President Donald Trump via Media Ite.
During the Q&A, an audience member told Christie he lost his job for speaking out against Trump and pointedly asked the 2024 presidential candidate how can he support a former “enabler” of Trump.
“I have worked in the federal government for nearly 25 years. I worked for Homeland Security. I took a stand when President Trump was elected. I didn’t like what was going on within that department. I did what I was asked to do as a federal employee. Speak truth to power. Governor,” the questioner began, adding:
“I was fired for blowing the whistle on national security issues. I lost my family. Okay, but I didn’t lose my dignity. Sir, you were part of that administration. As much as I want to be there for you. Now, how can I be here? How can I cast a ballot for you when you were an enabler? I’m sorry, but…”
“I think I got the gist,” jumped in Christie, adding:
Yeah. Look, elections are choices. And I made a choice in 2016 that I didn’t want Hillary Clinton to be president of the United States. And I tried to beat Donald Trump in the primary. I want you to remember he was not my first choice to be president. I was my first choice. That didn’t work out. But it was a mistake. I don’t know how old you are. You look about my age. I don’t know if you’ve never made any mistakes in your life. I suspect you probably have. I think the difference is do you admit your mistakes? And and, you know, anybody else who claims a purity test on any issue politically in our country, Be happy to have the conversation with you and see if you pass it.
But I think what matters more is what you realize you’ve made a mistake. What do you do about it? I’m not saying that they’re trying to cozy up to him. I’m not standing there. I’m trying to rationalize. His conduct. I’m not standing there saying I’m going to pardon him or support him if he were a convicted felon. So, yeah, if it’s a purity test, I think that the majority, the overwhelming majority of our party will fail it.
