on Dec 07, 2023)In the fourth Republican presidential debate, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley found herself the target of numerous attacks, particularly from Florida governor Ron DeSantis. This confrontation comes just weeks before the Republican Party’s initial nominating event in Iowa, where both Haley and DeSantis are competing to be recognized as the primary alternative to the absent former President Donald Trump. Trump continues to lead in opinion polls as the January 15 Iowa contest approaches.
The debate, which also featured tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, was marked by a series of deeply personal attacks amidst discussions on various topics, including the war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and issues concerning the US southern border.
Chris Christie engaged in a heated confrontation with Vivek Ramaswamy, criticizing the entrepreneur and fellow presidential candidate for his constant interruptions and for attacking fellow candidate Nikki Haley.
Christie expressed his frustration with Ramaswamy’s behavior in the debates, stating, “This is the fourth debate that you would be voted in the first 20 minutes as the most obnoxious blowhard in America. So shut up for a little while.” This exchange occurred during the event hosted by NewsNation.
The former New Jersey governor challenged Ramaswamy’s representation of his stance on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, asserting that Ramaswamy often denies statements he’s made, despite video evidence. Christie remarked, “It’s exactly what you said. You do this at every debate.”
Christie also defended Haley, who has been a frequent target of Ramaswamy’s criticisms in recent debates. He criticized Ramaswamy for attacking Haley’s intelligence rather than her political positions, saying, “We’re now 25 minutes into this debate and he has insulted Nikki Haley’s basic intelligence.”Highlighting his long-standing acquaintance with Haley, Christie added, “Nikki and I disagree on some issues, but I’ll tell you this: I’ve known her for 12 years, which is longer than he’s even started to vote in the Republican primary. And while we disagree about some issues that we disagree about, who should be President of the United States, what we don’t disagree [about] is: This is a smart, accomplished woman, and you should stop insulting her.”The rivalry between Haley and Ramaswamy has intensified over the past six months, paralleling Haley’s rise in the polls. Meanwhile, Christie has positioned himself as a vocal critic of former President Trump.
(With inputs from agencies)
