Christie to Ramaswamy: ‘So keep your mouth shut for a moment’

Chris Christie had had enough.

After remaining largely silent for the first 25 minutes of the Republican presidential debate, former New Jersey Governor Christie stepped into the spotlight — and faced an attack on Nikki Haley by Vivek Ramaswamy — with the blunt force that has become his political trademark .

“Let me tell you something,” Mr. Christie barked at Mr. Ramaswamy, waving his hand after Mr. Ramaswamy suggested that Ms. Haley lacked basic knowledge about the war in Ukraine. “This is the fourth debate in which you would be voted the most annoying freeloader in America in the first twenty minutes. So shut up for a moment.”

Mr. Ramaswamy managed a quick laugh and quickly tried to interrupt him. But Mr. Christie retained control of the microphone and shouted at his rival across the stage in Alabama that he had not finished speaking yet. Mr Ramaswamy, who had been aggressive with his debate disruptions, resigned.

But not for long. Mr. Ramaswamy bided his time, but then things turned ugly.

“Chris, your version of foreign policy experience was closing a bridge from New Jersey to New York,” Mr. Ramaswamy quickly shot back, glaring at Mr. Christie across the stage and wagged his right index finger at him.

It was a digression from Christie’s most devastating political moment, when his administration in New Jersey effectively closed a busy bridge to New York in political retaliation against a small-town mayor who had not supported his re-election bid. And Mr Ramaswamy had another sharp dig in store, aimed at Mr Christie’s weight.

“So do everyone a favor,” Mr. Ramaswamy told Mr. Christie. “Just finish that stage, enjoy a nice meal and leave this race.”