Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a Republican vying for the 2024 presidential nomination, recently remarked that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis chose politics over responsibility by not meeting with President Joe Biden during his visit to Florida. Biden was in the state to assess the devastation caused by Hurricane Idalia.
Speaking on Fox News Radio’s “The Brian Kilmeade Show,” Christie opined that a governor’s duty is to ensure the president witnessed firsthand the impact of such disasters on the residents. “It’s about prioritizing your responsibilities as a governor, and in this case, he chose politics,” asserted Christie.
Christie, having been in a similar situation in 2012, is no stranger to the delicate balance of politics and duty. Photos of him welcoming then-President Barack Obama post-Superstorm Sandy were controversial among many in the GOP. Some Republicans viewed the warm reception, which they termed a “hug”, as detrimental to GOP nominee Mitt Romney’s campaign that year. However, Christie always maintained that his focus was on the needs of his state during a crisis.
Hurricane Idalia, a Category 3 storm, wreaked havoc in Florida’s Big Bend area, resulting in flooding and destruction. Biden had expressed his intention to meet DeSantis during his visit, but the latter’s office announced no such plans. They hinted that such a meeting might disrupt the ongoing disaster relief operations.
It’s noteworthy that in the past, both leaders have come together, such as during Biden’s tours after Hurricane Ian and the tragic Surfside condo collapse in 2021. However, the dynamics might be shifting with DeSantis now potentially being Biden’s opponent in the 2024 elections.
DeSantis’ campaign team chose not to respond to Christie’s comments.
Addressing his own actions during Sandy, Christie highlighted that although he and Obama held differing views on governance, they both worked together for the greater good of the affected community.
Yet, the “hug” incident remains a sticking point for Christie, even resurfacing in the initial 2024 Republican debate. Vivek Ramaswamy, in response to a jibe from Christie, humorously asked if Christie wanted a “hug,” referencing the post-Sandy visit.
As the 2024 elections draw nearer, interactions between politicians, past events, and their current decisions will remain under the microscope. While public actions like the ‘hug’ or a missed meeting may seem minor, they often resonate deeply with voters, revealing nuances about a politician’s priorities, beliefs, and ability to lead. With the country watching, every move could either win hearts or raise eyebrows.
