Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie didn’t mince words when he criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for what he perceived as prioritizing politics over his responsibilities during President Joe Biden’s visit to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Idalia.
During an interview on Fox News’ “The Brian Kilmeade Show,” Christie argued that as a governor, one’s role is to guide the president and ensure they witness the damage, suffering, and the needs for reconstruction. He accused DeSantis of putting politics ahead of his duties during Biden’s visit.
Christie’s critique is rooted in his own experience. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which devastated New Jersey, he warmly welcomed then-President Barack Obama to Atlantic City. This gesture led to years of scrutiny, with some conservative pundits suggesting it contributed to Mitt Romney’s loss in the presidential election shortly after.
Christie praised Florida Senator Rick Scott for stepping in to meet President Biden during his visit to Live Oak on Saturday, implying that Scott understood the duties of a governor better than DeSantis.
DeSantis’ office had cited security preparations and potential disruptions to recovery efforts as reasons for not arranging a meeting with Biden.
Christie defended his actions in 2012, saying he had no regrets about welcoming Obama. He emphasized that his primary responsibility was to the people who elected him, and he believed that his actions helped expedite the state’s recovery and restore tourism.
The DeSantis campaign has yet to respond to Christie’s criticism.
This incident underscores the delicate balance between politics and governance, especially during times of crisis, as governors navigate their responsibilities while being mindful of political optics.
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