New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) on Monday accused a reporter of making up that there were people who criticized the way he returned to the campaign trail after a massive snowstorm ripped through the East Coast and flooded multiple parts of the Garden State.
During MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” The Huffington Post’s Sam Stein asked the Republican presidential candidate to respond to the “critics who say why did you go back up to New Hampshire so quickly.” Christie paused for a few seconds before responding.
“Sam, I don’t even know what critics you’re talking about. There is no residual damage, there is no residual flooding damage,” Christie replied.
Christie added that New Jersey Transit had been up and running and that roads were cleared already.
“And so, I think that’s what just folks who want to criticize me for anything that I do, and I have not heard any of that criticism,” Christie said. “I have not seen any of that criticism and I think you’re just making it up.”
In response to that interview, New Jersey Star-Ledger columnist Tom Moran railed against Christie, saying the governor was “losing his mind.” Moran quoted the mayor of North Wildwood, who said there was “significant flood damage,” and pointed to videos dated Sunday that showed extensive standing water in the state.
Winter Storm Jonas dumped snow on and flooded New Jersey from Friday through Saturday. Christie went back to the Garden State to address the flooding on Friday. He then returned to the campaign trail on Sunday, scheduling events in New Hampshire that included participating in an AFC Championship watch party.
Watch the exchange below:
