New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) on Wednesday got into a shouting match with a heckler who was upset by the pace of Hurricane Sandy recovery at an event marking the two-year anniversary of the storm.
A group of protesters holding signs that read “Get Sandy families back in their homes – finish the job” and “Gov. Christie, you are sitting on $800,000,000 in Sandy recovery money. Get it to families in need” stood throughout Christie’s speech in the Jersey Shore town of Belmar, according to the Asbury Park Press.
Then one protester, former Asbury Park City Councilman Jim Keady, began to heckle the governor. That’s when Christie got frustrated.
“I’d be more than happy to have a debate with you anytime you like, guy, because somebody like you who doesn’t know a damn thing about what you’re talking about except to stand up and show off when the cameras are here,” Christie said, his voice rising. “I’ve been here when the cameras aren’t here, buddy, and done the work.”
The crowd cheered Christie, but Keady continued to press him about why some Jersey Shore residents still haven’t been able to return to their homes.
“It’s been 23 months since then, when all you’ve been doing is flapping your mouth and not doing anything!” the governor said. “So listen, you want to have that conversation later, I’m happy to have it, buddy. But until that time, sit down and shut up!”
Keady was undeterred and invited the governor to dinner to continue their debate.
“I’ll tell ya, there’s about 1,000 things I’ll do tonight, going to dinner with you is about 1,001,” Christie scoffed.
The governor is known for his brash response to criticism. This week, he dismissed a potential lawsuit from a nurse he involuntarily quarantined in a Newark hospital over Ebola concerns with a brusque “Whatever. Get in line.”
Watch below, via American Bridge 21st Century:
This post has been updated.
