Christie Claps Back at Sununu’s Haley Endorsement: ‘I’m Not Going Anywhere’
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is not backing down from his presidential bid despite New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu’s endorsement of his rival, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. Christie slammed Sununu’s suggestion that other candidates should drop out of the race and rally behind Haley who is seen as the strongest challenger to former President Donald Trump.
“Chris Sununu is a friend of mine, but he’s dead wrong on this one,” Christie told reporters on Thursday. “I’m not going anywhere so let’s be really clear about that. I’m in this race to win and I have the experience the vision and the courage to lead this country.”
Christie, who is banking on a strong showing in the first-in-the-nation primary on January 23, has positioned himself as a truth-teller and a reformer drawing a contrast with Trump and Haley, whom he accused of being too cozy with the former president. He also criticized Haley for flip-flopping on key issues such as abortion and immigration.
“Nikki Haley is trying to have it both ways she wants to appease the Trump base, but she also wants to appeal to the moderates and independents. She can’t do that. She can’t say one thing in Iowa and another thing in New Hampshire and expect that people won’t notice,” he said.
Christie, who was once a close ally of Trump, has been one of the few Republican candidates to openly denounce the former president’s role in inciting the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol. He has also called for a new direction for the GOP, one that is based on conservative principles not personality cults.
“I’m the only candidate who can take on Trump and beat him. I’m not afraid of him. I know him better than anyone else in this race. And I know how to expose his lies, his failures, and his corruption.” he said.
Christie said he is confident that he can win over the voters of New Hampshire, who value independence, honesty, and leadership. He said he will continue to campaign hard in the Granite State, holding town halls, meeting with local officials, and engaging with the media.
“I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to make a difference. And I’m here to win,” he said.
