Chris Christie Criticizes Trump’s VP Pick as Inconsistent with Unity Message in New York Times Op-Ed
New York, NY – Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has publicly criticized former President Donald Trump for selecting Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his vice-presidential candidate, arguing that the choice undermines Trump’s recent message of national unity.
In a New York Times op-ed, Christie stated, “Clearly, this is not a message of unity in the face of what could have been a national tragedy.” He was referring to the assassination attempt on Trump at a Pennsylvania campaign rally, after which Trump has been promoting a message of national unity.
Christie expressed his concern that Vance’s selection does not align with Trump’s new rhetoric. He argued that Trump’s choice to select Vance, known for his strong allegiance to Trump, fails to reach out to the broader Republican Party and the general electorate.
“Mr. Trump’s selection of Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate doubles down on the portion of the party already completely devoted to him rather than reaches out to the broader party and beyond,” Christie wrote.
Christie specifically took issue with Vance’s reaction to the assassination attempt. Vance had attributed the incident to the Biden campaign’s anti-Trump rhetoric in a post on social media. Christie wrote, “Mr. Trump has the opportunity to rein in some of the worst rhetorical impulses of the Republican Party at its convention this week. Early indications are less than promising.”
Christie emphasized the need for a sustained commitment to unity beyond the immediate political moment. In a tweet, he said, “It is not enough for this just to be a momentary call for unity. This change has to go beyond this week, next month and the November election. Otherwise, all we are left with is just another fleeting political moment.”
He also criticized Vance for blaming the failed assassination on former President Trump on the rhetoric of Joe Biden and the Democrat Party.
“The central premise of the Biden campaign is that President Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs,” Vance said. “That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination.”
