Former New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie warned if former President Donald Trump continues to skip the GOP primary debates, he would start following the former president around the country.
Christie made the remarks during a Sunday interview with Howard Kurtz on Fox News’s “Media Buzz.”
“But did Trump defuse your strategy of going toe-to-toe with him by staying off the debate stage and saying since he’s gotten a big lead nationally in the national polls, that he is not going to do any of the debates?” Kurtz asked.
Christie responded, “Well, if he doesn’t do any of the debates, Howie, you know, we’re gonna give him another chance. I’m sure he’s not coming to the Reagan debate. We’ll give him another chance in Alabama. But if he doesn’t come there, then I’m going to follow him around the country. Wherever he goes, I’ll go. And we’ll wind up talking to each other one way or the other. And he knows that’s true.”
“You’re going to change your travel schedule to go where Trump goes?” Kurtz asked.
“You bet,” Christie responded.
WATCH:
Chris Christie on Donald Trump skipping debates: “If he doesn't come [to the Alabama debate], then I'm going to follow him around the country. Wherever he goes, I'll go. And we'll wind up talking to each other one way or the other. And he knows that's true.” pic.twitter.com/fPKJqyZqVf
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) September 11, 2023
The 77-year-old former president announced late last month that he would skip Republican Party primary debates, but it was unclear if he meant all future debates or just the first two.
At the time, Trump cited a CBS News poll that showed his lead over the other candidates in national polling, declaring: “I WILL THEREFORE NOT BE DOING THE DEBATES!”
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RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said earlier in the day that she is “still holding out hope that [former] President Trump will come” because it’s “so important that the American people hear from all the candidates.”
Related: Trump Announces He Will Not Participate In The Republican Primary Debates