Former Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey was inadvertently recorded making candid comments about fellow Republicans, including former Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, just before announcing his withdrawal from the presidential race.
In the audio, revealed by The Recount, Christie expressed his belief that Haley would not fare well in the presidential election, saying, “she’s going to get smoked, you and I both know it, she’s not up to this.” He also mentioned a conversation with DeSantis, who Christie claimed seemed “petrified.”
Christie’s remarks were made against the backdrop of recent polling data. According to RealClearPolling’s average from December 10 to January 9, Christie held 3.5% support for the Republican nomination. In contrast, Haley and DeSantis have reportedly spent significantly more on their campaigns, with Christie suggesting that their higher expenditures have not translated into proportional returns.
The former governor has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump and has disputed claims of the Department of Justice being politicized under the Biden administration. Christie’s decision to exit the race and his unguarded comments reflect the intense and often personal nature of the primary contests, as well as the internal dynamics and strategic calculations within the Republican Party.