United States: Republican Chris Christie, former governor of New Jersey, announces his candidacy for president

He presents himself as the only candidate who can stand up to Donald Trump. Republican Chris Christie, the former governor of New Jersey, announced on Tuesday, June 6, that he will participate in the 2024 presidential election, after registering his candidacy with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

In 2016, Chris Christie had already sought the nomination in the Republican primary before bowing out and endorsing Donald Trump. At that time, he became one of his close advisers. But she says she broke up with him when the tycoon refused to concede a 2020 presidential defeat to Democrat Joe Biden.

If 60-year-old Chris Christie, who is still very low in the polls, fired a few salvos at the current president — a man — on Tuesday. “events overtook” because “He’s not what he used to be”– he said, referring to his age – he especially started attacking Donald Trump, the favorite in public opinion polls, portraying his supporters as lonely, self-centered and dishonest.

fighting style

Former Republican President “Always finds someone or something to blame for what goes wrong, but always finds a way to take credit for what works”criticized Mr Christie, who is known for his combative style, during a rally in New Hampshire.

former president “He made us smaller by dividing us even more and pitting us against each other”, he also started. Chris Christie also mocked what he called Donald Trump’s failed promises, including his promise to build a wall along the entire southern border of the United States and make Mexico pay for it.

Chris Christie also suggested the former president might “fear” to debate some of his Republican opponents. The first such exchange was scheduled for August 23 in Wisconsin. Mr. Trump has hinted that he might miss at least one of the first two debates. “If he really cares about the country – and I highly doubt it – then he should go and not be afraid.”Mr. Christie also said during a radio broadcast.

took an aggressive strategy

The former governor also criticized Donald Trump for the many investigations he has been subjected to, and he has a “Putin’s doll” After the businessman’s ambiguous statement about the war in Ukraine.

The new candidate is adopting this aggressive strategy. “The reason why I follow Mr. Trump is twofold”He explained: “First of all, he deserves it. And secondly, this is the way to win. »

The billionaire immediately responded to the attacks and Chris Christie’s speech “Hard to watch” and “boring”. “This is what you get with a failed governor”he added.

Mr. Christie joins an already crowded right-wing White House field, such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, US Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina or former Vice President Mike Pence, who is expected to formally announce his candidacy on Wednesday.

For Donald Trump, the proliferation of Republican candidates could be good news: A primary with dozens of candidates willing to block the path to the septuagenarian could ultimately lead to a dispersal of votes in his favor.