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Christie Says He Didn’t Think Trump Would Pick Him for VP

"No doubt, I’m disappointed — but I’m over it," says New Jersey governor

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Tuesday that he was initially disappointed at not being chosen as Donald Trump's running mate. (Al Drago/CQ Roll Call file photo)
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Tuesday that he was initially disappointed at not being chosen as Donald Trump's running mate. (Al Drago/CQ Roll Call file photo)

New Jersey governor and former Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie told CNN Tuesday that he didn’t think presumptive nominee Donald Trump was going to pick him to be his running mate.   

“I knew I was close, but I didn’t think I was there,” he said.   

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Christie said that when it became clear Trump wanted him to be vetted and to compete for the job, he, of course, wanted to win, and so he was initially upset that he wasn’t selected.   

“I’m disappointed — no doubt, I’m disappointed — but I’m over it,” he said, explaining that if he’s over losing the presidential primary, he’s definitely over not being selected as the vice presidential candidate.    

Christie was the first GOP presidential candidate to endorse Trump .  

He had a message for others who are still withholding their support: “If you’re Republican and not voting for Trump, you’re voting for Hillary.”  

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CNN also asked Christie about Melania Trump’s speech and her apparent plagiarism of passages of a speech by Michelle Obama at the 2008 Democratic convention.   

“Of the words that were similar, these are not groundbreaking thoughts,” he said. As to whether it was plagiarism, Christie said, “I just don’t see it.”


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