Originally published August 24, 2023 8:00 pm PDT
Fox News anchor Bret Baier asked those in the audience to collect themselves.
QUICK FACTS:
- An intense exchange between Vivek Ramaswamy and Chris Christie during the GOP presidential debate resulted in Fox News’s Bret Baier asking the audience to control themselves.
- The incident occurred after Baier asked the candidates, “If former President Trump is convicted in a court of law, would you still support him as your party’s choice? Please raise your hand if you would?”
- Four candidates immediately raised their hands, followed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence after a moment of hesitation.
- Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson did not raise his hand, instead saying, “I am not going to support somebody who has been convicted of a serious felony or who has been disqualified under our Constitution and that is consistent with RNC rules and I hope everyone would agree with me.”
- Vivek took the opportunity to explain his support for Trump and attack those who do not.
- “President Trump, I believe, was the best president of the 21st century. It’s a fact,” Ramaswamy said. “Christie, your claim that Donald Trump is motivated by vengeance and grievance would be a lot more credible if your entire campaign were not based on vengeance and grievance against one man.”
- As Christie attempted to respond, a roar of boos emerged from the audience, forcing Baier to step in.
- “Well, so listen, the more time we spend doing this, the less time they can talk about issues you want to talk about. So let’s just get through this section,” the Fox News anchor stated.
CHRISTIE FIGHTS BACK:
- Ramaswamy stated that he is “the only person on the stage who isn’t bought and paid for,” leading Christie to repond.
- “I have had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like Chat GPT standing up here,” Christie began.
- He compared Ramaswamy to Barak Obama, noting, “I’m afraid we’re dealing with the same type of amateur standing on this stage tonight.”
BACKGROUND:
- Vivek Ramaswamy said on Fox News’s “Sunday Morning Futures” that he would not prioritize prosecuting the Biden family if elected president.
- Prioritizing economic growth and resolving the Ukrainian conflict would be at the top of his agenda, he stated.
- He said, “I’m going to be focused on stimulating the economy, ending the war in Ukraine, declaring independence from China. That is how we win as one nation.”
- Ramaswamy then noted his support for the impeachment inquiry and current House investigations into the Biden family.