Skip to content

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.   

[

Trump’s Post-Pick Pence Panic

]  

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.”  

[

Trump and Christie: Who Says You Can’t Buy Friends?

]  

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.”


Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone or your Android.

Recent Stories

A Massachusetts primary tests Democrats’ appetite to ‘change the culture’

Trump creates beef with ranchers over new import plan

White House ballroom construction can proceed, SCOTUS says

HHS seeks input on kids vaccination changes called for by Trump

Trump tries to shrug off opponents’ rush to define him as lame duck

Progressive Aisha Wahab wins California special election for Swalwell’s seat