A grim Gov. Chris Christie, R-NJ, came to Orlando on Saturday, focused on national security and terrorism as he continued his bid for the Republican presidential nod.
At the Republican Party of Florida's (RPOF) Sunshine Summit, Christie related his family’s experience on Sept. 11, 2001 which included losing contact with his wife, who worked in downtown Manhattan on that day. Noting his experience as a U.S. attorney in New Jersey and his own life, having lost friends, Christie said he understood the threat of terrorism.
“Terrorism is not theoretical,” Christie said. “I went to the funerals. I saw the carnage.”
Noting Friday‘s terrorist attacks in Paris, Christie said it was time “for action and resolve” against Islamic terrorism.
“We have seen evil visited on innocent people once again,” Christie said, calling out “Islamic jihadists.”
Christie listed the nations and American communities impacted by Islamic terrorism and said there was a “desperate need for strong leadership” from the White House.
Vowing to work with Congress and defend America, Christie slammed President Barack Obama for running a “lawless” presidency doing “end runs” around Congress. Christie said he “would enforce our laws” and “protect our homeland” if elected president.
Christie vowed to “build a strong nation that protects American interests” and insisted he will push back against political correctness and the “Washington elite.”
Saying he came from a “law and order perspective,” Christie turned to immigration.
“Our borders must be secured, our laws must be enforced,” Christie said, warning about “ISIS slipping across our borders to commit unspeakable acts against the American people.”
Chrsite called national security the “first and most important priority” of any American president and pledged that would be his main focus if he is elected president.
Saying he has “been through the fire” against liberals in the New York media market, Christie said he would be a “blunt, outspoken president of the United States who will lead the world again.”
Christie went back to Obama, hitting his “legacy of inexperience” for economic slowdowns, raising the national debt, increased raising tensions and a weak foreign policy.
“He sees the world as he likes to see it, as a fantasy,” Christie said of Obama. “I see it as it really is.”
Looking ahead to 2016, Christie said “we can not afford” to elect another inexperienced president like Obama and urged Republicans to back him based on his experience.
Noting outsiders like Donald Trump and Dr. Ben Carson were doing well in the polls, Christie asked listeners to consider their experience in these “dire" times.
The New Jersey governor closed with a passionate appeal to “restore America’s strength and greatness” and insisted he could serve well as president. “I’m tested, I’m ready,” Christie said.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
