Transcript: Interview with 2024 Republican Presidential Candidate Chris Christie
MARGARET BRENNAN: It’s great to have former New Jersey Governor and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie back on our program. Let’s get right into it. Has the RNC informed you of your qualification for the December 6 debate, and if not, will you withdraw from the race?
CHRIS CHRISTIE: While the RNC has not disclosed the list of candidates for the debate, I am confident of my qualification. We have met all the necessary requirements.
MARGARET BRENNAN: But considering you’ve mentioned that you plan to stay in the race until the convention, does the field need to unite to defeat Donald Trump, whom you view as one of your primary rivals?
CHRISTIE: The field has already consolidated significantly compared to past non-incumbent races. Past elections had more candidates at this stage, and I expect further consolidation after the Iowa and New Hampshire votes.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Isn’t it a different scenario with the 45th President in the race, a well-known figure with a platform? How does that impact the race?
CHRISTIE: The difference is that he currently faces 91 indictments and a pending criminal trial, where his former chief of staff and the Freedom Caucus’s founder are set to testify against him. There are many unique factors at play, making it difficult to predict the outcome.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Why hasn’t this affected the GOP electorate, as polling suggests Trump is leading despite these circumstances?
CHRISTIE: Polling may not accurately reflect voter sentiment, as evidenced by past elections and their outcomes. Voters’ opinions can shift, and I don’t believe people always tell the truth to pollsters.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Let’s shift the discussion to national security, a topic of importance to voters. You recently visited Israel and Ukraine. What prompted your visits?
CHRISTIE: As a prospective president, one should witness these matters firsthand to understand the implications. My visit to Israel exposed me to the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas, instilling in me the necessity of Israel responding to military threats.
MARGARET BRENNAN: On another critical issue—abortion—do you worry about its impact on the election and how do you plan to address it nationally?
CHRISTIE: I advocate for a states’ rights approach to abortion, allowing individual states to make decisions. It’s crucial to be consistent, and I’m troubled by the disparate views held by candidates on this issue.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Is it favorable for the party not to set a national policy on abortion?
CHRISTIE: I firmly believe in following the Constitution and letting the states determine their abortion policies. Candidates should provide clear and unwavering positions on this matter.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Finally, what are your thoughts on Liz Cheney’s recent comments about the U.S. potentially heading towards a dictatorship under Trump?
CHRISTIE: These are critical times, and it’s important to assess the current political climate and remain vigilant against any potential threats to democracy. The events following Super Tuesday will undoubtedly be significant.
[COMMERCIAL BREAK]
MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome back to Face The Nation. We continue our conversation with 2024 Republican Presidential Candidate Chris Christie, addressing various pressing issues.
CHRISTIE: It’s a pleasure to continue the dialogue.
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