Christie presses DeSantis over Trump at GOP debate

Chris Christie pressed Ron DeSantis over former President Trump’s fitness to hold the office of the presidency at Wednesday night’s fourth GOP debate, accusing DeSantis of being afraid to give a clear answer. 

DeSantis was asked about whether Trump is “mentally fit” to be president at the event, hosted by The Hill’s sister news organization NewsNation. The Florida governor responded that “Father Time is undefeated” and mentioned Trump’s advanced age as a concern. 

“The idea that we’re going to put someone up that’s almost 80 and there’s going to be no effects from that, we all know that’s not true,” he said. “And so we have an opportunity to do a next generation of leaders.” 

DeSantis did not directly say whether Trump is fit but said he believes the country needs someone younger in office. He then shifted to criticize some policies that Trump ran on in 2016 but did not “deliver.” 

Christie responded that DeSantis was not answering the question. 

“The question was very direct. Is he fit or isn’t he?” he said. “The rest of the speech is interesting but completely nonresponsive.” 

Christie said if DeSantis were giving a response to the question in a courtroom, his answer would be stricken from the record for not being relevant. 

DeSantis responded that it would not be stricken. 

The two candidates talked over each other while arguing for a few moments before DeSantis reiterated his point about the effects of time on Trump. 

“I don’t know how he would score on some test, but I do know this: We have an opportunity to nominate someone and elect someone for two terms who’s going to be spitting nails on day one and for eight years deliver … results,” DeSantis said. 

“He’s afraid to answer,” Christie responded. 

“I’m a simple guy. I hear a question and I answer. Is he fit or isn’t he?” he continued.