'He is just here to get donations': Internet slams Chris Christie for saying Nikki Haley would ‘eat glass’ to be Trump’s running mate
WASHINGTON, DC: Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie stirred controversy on ABC's 'The View' by claiming that former South Carolina governor and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley would "eat glass" to become Donald Trump's running mate in the upcoming presidential election.
Christie, who has ruled out the possibility for himself, cited an unnamed South Carolina politician as the source of this information. “I said, ‘Am I reading this wrong?’ And he said to me, ‘Governor, she would eat glass to get the vice-presidential nomination under Trump.’ That’s how ambitious she is,” Christie recalled.
Ron DeSantis shuts the door, Nikki Haley's ambiguous stance
Christie praised Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for unequivocally rejecting the idea of being Trump's Vice President, contrasting it with Haley's more ambiguous stance. “Give DeSantis credit for this. He said he would not take vice president under Trump under any circumstances,” he said and added, “Nikki Haley won’t say it.”
DeSantis has been openly critical of Haley in the veepstakes, even launching a satirical website for 'Trump-Nikki 2024.'
Despite the murmurs and increased barbs between Haley and Trump, she has consistently stated on the campaign trail, “I don’t play for second.” However, Trump's allies, including Donald Trump Jr. and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, have expressed concerns about a potential revolt if Haley is chosen as the VP candidate.
“Nikki Haley can’t beat him because she doesn’t want to,” Christie continued. “If lightning struck her tomorrow, and she got the nomination, she’d take it. But that’s not what she’s playing for.”
Chris Christie:
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) January 3, 2024
"I said I wouldn't take Vice President under Trump. Nikki Haley won't say it. I talked to a politician this weekend who knows her really well. He said, 'Governor, she will eat glass to get the Vice Presidential nomination under Trump." pic.twitter.com/YNj648ebl2
The escalating tension between Christie and Haley comes as Haley gains strong poll numbers in New Hampshire, a state critical for Christie's campaign. Some Republicans, including New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, have urged Christie to step aside, believing that his voters would shift to Haley, improving her chances against Trump in the state.
A Super PAC aligned with Haley, SFA Fund Inc, has publicly called on Christie to drop out, asserting that he has a "helpful impact for Trump." Tom Boucher, a former Christie supporter in New Hampshire, has switched allegiance to Haley, claiming she has a better shot at winning.
Responding to criticism, Christie accused Sununu of changing since aligning with Haley. “Since Chris started to work for Nikki Haley and become an employee of Nikki Haley, it’s not the same Chris Sununu anymore,” he said on MSNBC’s 'Morning Joe'.
“How insulting to my voters that you would think that they would immediately just waltz over to Nikki Haley, even though Nikki Haley has called Donald Trump the right president for the right time,” Christie said.
Christie, positioning himself as the Trump attack dog in the 2024 race, clarified that he wouldn't vote for either Biden or Trump, expressing interest in a third option. “I am anxious to see who a third choice might be,” he said, while also attacking environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the New York Post reported.
Social media backlash
However, Christie faced backlash on social media for his comments about Haley, with some accusing him of seeking donations and others dismissing his presidential aspirations.
"He is just here to get donations at this point," one posted on X (formerly Twitter).
"Like it would be offered to him," another quipped.
"Chris Christie would eat the View to be president," someone else joked.
One comment read, "It is cute how he thinks that offer may be extended to him."
Another user insisted, "The fact he's on this show and not being bullied by its host is proof he's a RINO."
Chris Christie would eat the View to be president.
— Michael Sasser (@MichaelSasser_) January 3, 2024
It is cute how he thinks thst offer may be extended to him. 🤡🤡🤡
— Jill (@JillsattheBeach) January 4, 2024
The fact he's on this show and not being bullied by its host is proof he's a RINO.
— Texas Rose 🤠☦️ (@TexasRose1836) January 3, 2024
The New Hampshire primary is scheduled for January 23. According to the latest RealClearPolitics average, Trump leads with 46.3%, followed by Haley at 24.8%, and Christie at 10.5%. Nationally, Haley has moved ahead of DeSantis for the second position in the RCP aggregate, the Post reported.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.