Contact CU Independent News Staff Lorelle Lynch at Lorelle.Lynch@colorado.edu.
Chris Christie was in attack mode Wednesday night at the GOP debate, calling out not only some of his Republican opponents, but one woman in particular: Hillary Clinton. The Governor of New Jersey was quick to add several remarks against the Democratic candidate, calling her a pessimist in his 30-second opening statement.
“But I know who the pessimist is. It’s Hillary Clinton. And you put me on that stage against her next September, she won’t get within 10 miles of the White House. Take it to the bank.”
Christie continued to bash Clinton, criticizing her relationships with pharmaceutical companies, her tax legislation and even her ability to secure a presidential bid. When Christie wasn’t attacking Hillary’s policies or behavior, he turned his sights on CNBC, who had been the subject of considerable criticism from the other candidates. Christie had an issue with some of the topics the moderators discussed, particularly their question for Jeb Bush on his fantasy football league.
“In the context of everything we’re dealing with in this country you think the 40-year-old landscaper sitting out, watching, struggling every day to make ends meet for his family and for the men and women he employs gives a darn about whether the federal government is going to regulate fantasy football?” Christie said.
When Christie wasn’t dealing with moderators, he was defending his policies as the governor of New Jersey. With his state having some of the highest foreclosure rates, and with businesses leaving the state, economic policy is a topic that required Christie to stay on the defensive. He was quick to use New Jersey’s increase in solar energy to highlight the growing energy economy in the state.
In the end, Christie had little speaking time. His use of it can also be criticized, as he was barely able to defend any of the policies he’s put forward. When asked about his Social Security plan, Christie was quick to slash any dreams of giving entitlements to some Americans who have worked for it, telling viewers that the entitlements they were promised were probably not there anymore. He instead proposed raising the Social Security age by 2 years and capping off Americans who earned more than $80,000 a year.
Did Christie have a great performance? He could have been more effective had he stuck to his talking points and not used his time taking on a Democratic candidate who not present. Overall, he still has a long way to go if he is to be a contender for the nomination.
