EXCLUSIVE: Chris Christie on Why He Turned On Donald Trump... Eventually

[@michelleoliver9410]

I like that Christie's willing to have a non-hostile conversation about heated topics. I have liked that about Christie to the point of *almost* liking Christie himself but then I heard him defend Clarence Thomas. He lost me right there. If he doesn't support an honest Supreme Court, then how can his judgement on what's good for the U.S. be valued?

[@fuosdi64]

It's almost like politics aren't toxic when people actually care for the best of our country

[@klrowdean]

If we take as a given that Christie's main utility is try to chisel off the getable conservatives to ultimately say "Trump isn't fit. I know this. For this one time at least, I have to vote for Biden" - if that's his true goal, he is probably best served keeping at least some of stated opinions on the Republican side of the aisle. If you rubber stamp every Democratic position, then you are just another Trump hating lib. A validly Trump critical conservative is a better route to try to help nudge Republicans away from Trump.

[@Kujakuseki01]

One of those issues that he and most elected officials definitely privately think is bad, but it's a party line Christie won't cross. It's refreshing to see him cross the line on a bunch of issues--deference to Trump, obviously, but also honesty about vaccines and factual information--but disappointing to see that there's still a limit to the honesty and he'll still be dishonest about certain issues.

[@tylr3669]

lol...don't even pretend. Dudes a RINO thru and thru, he's working on his book deal right now.

[@someguy2135]

@@tylr3669 RINO- Republican In Name Only, right? Christy is more of a Republican than tRump. Mehdi Hasan was right. The Republican party is dead and tRump killed it. They should change the name to the Trumpublican Party. Christy and Liz Cheney are two of the last of the real Republicans.

[@mandcbruce]

"They were just a billionaire and a justice who vibed." Excellent interview, Lovett. You remained respectful and held Christie's feet to the fire. Well done.

[@Sebuin]

like I typed above that cinched ANY ...ANY ...ANY. idea you might think you'd like him as a president, It was the most important thing he said. I have to say sadly of the GOP he's the one I'd settle on the most but i mean that is saying nothing. none of them are fit for office ethically. The only half way ethical republican I've seen in a long time is John Kasich from the first primary, hell I'd take him over a few democrats (very few) but he did run Ohio for both sides with a slant to the GOP instead of full rough shod GOP. And stuck it to trump, told him to take his VP slot and stuff it.

[@deevouno]

Disagree with him on almost every issue but appreciate him coming on here and talking and going off on trump the way he’s been doing.

[@leebrock4783]

Crazy how he disagrees with Trump on so many issues, yet agrees with him on so many issues.

[@lastmouseontheleft]

God at least he’s affable. Hell, as pols go, he’s pretty charming by todays standards

[@dorothea_walland]

..and knowing what he is getting himself into. i disagree with him but i respect that. 👍

[@tanja0411]

I wish he could coach Dems on sharp messaging

[@anonxnor]

He endorsed Trump previously...

[@lizgreer6888]

It was so refreshing to hear an interview with 2 people completely different from each other being sane, respectful and funny

[@GhostOfBadDecisions]

He went off the rails with the Hunter Biden syndrome all GOPers seem to have. Even he can't just tell the truth without "both sidesing" and "whatabouting" to muddy the waters.

[@NikolaHoward]

That's the whole point of living in a civil society... Listen, note difference, find common ground, work to move forward with a best solution. All this "them and us" and shouting at each other gets the US nowhere. (Speaking as someone in the UK)

[@travelinggirl8257]

Couldn't agree more!

[@wbg2209]

Chris christie is the original republican alpha bully. I stumbled across this podcast first time. I've ever seen it last time ever chris christie is an NAZI

[@GGoAwayy]

Christie absolutely knew Trump was full of it all those years. But Christie has great political discipline never to admit it.

[@thewkovacs316]

which means he is even more dangerous than trump

[@eden6355]

Christie, once a bar steward, always a bar steward

[@IliyaMoroumetz]

Seriously. The guy is good when it comes to reframing his statements and by how deftly he moved you could tell he's been an attorney.

[@andrewking_8]

Exactly. Still the GOP sheep he’s always been

[@Arulane]

He backed Trump until the end and would back another GOP who had the same policies. Just cause he is trashing Trump doesn’t mean he wouldn’t do almost the same things.

[@evilboy2K]

Chris Christie, you might have earned at least one vote from this interview. Also kudos to John for being a tough interviewer without letting things get too nasty. I really like this type of conversation as opposed to seeing the echo chamber of cable news

[@deborahahonen6949]

Christie can be affable and found his lane by criticizing tRump. But don’t kid yourself- Christie advocates some horrible tax policies, war and gun policies, authoritarianism, and he ran NJ like a bully. He supported tRump enthusiastically until he didn’t. He’s an old-school Republican and while he’s better than tRump, that’s an incredibly low bar. We need more Democrats in power to accomplish positive social change on women’s rights, climate, health care, education, infrastructure, gun control and much more! 😊

[@deborahahonen6949]

Please research Christie’s policies before you consider voting for him.

[@desertsuede4]

I can't believe Christie went on the show. Props to him just for that.

[@douchkanikoliic6182]

He’s trying to be relevant and that’s it. He’s a scumbag. I was one of the unfortunate drivers stuck in that bridgegate traffic.

[@MrHeretrix]

Thirsty is as thirsty does.

[@leebrock4783]

After listening to the entire interview, he's still an asshole. Possibly a bigger one knowing the details. And by bigger one, that can be taken many ways. So many chins, so little time.

[@lightningstrikestwice2935]

The closing of the fort Lee bridge in New Jersey also known as bridgegate was Chris Christie's fiasco. Some say, he ordered it. Maybe he should think about that before he remarks on how President Biden should handle the problem with his son.

[@michellereed3272]

Christie knows voters like to see a candidate with a spine. His strategy is to get as much airtime as possible. He’ll go on any show that will have him. My problem with Christie is how recently that backbone has developed, but I’ll make some popcorn and enjoy the spectacle.

[@emmydothething]

This is the most fun I've had listening to an interview in a while. Gov. Christie, while wrong about everything, is so funny and clever bouncing off of Jon!

[@lil.Planck]

Haha, yeah he is sharp, but also very wrong. I had the following thought during the interview: “okay, so you learned… but why should anyone vote for you if you’re so far behind the learning curve on who Trump is. Your judgment is kinda shit.”

[@naylas3908]

He’s always funny with Stephen Colbert, too.

[@dummyacct7]

It's fortunate that he's going to lose the primary so Dems won't actually have to worry about debating someone who isn't wholly incompetent. Republicans refusing to get out of their own way.

[@nedcurfman3486]

⁠@@dummyacct7i disagree. I’d rather Joe have a hard race against Gov. Christie than let Trump anywhere close to candidacy again

[@DapperMKVI]

That was one of the most fun interviews of a politician I’ve ever watched. The ying Yang from high pressure serious questions to ridiculous banter about pizza was a trip. Always love Jon as an interviewer.

[@kickedinthecalfbyacow7549]

Yin Yang

[@Yup71719]

The sheer desperation to try to get Christy to bad-mouth Trump even more

[@kimluzzi5203]

The issue isn't whether Christie is naive, the problem is that he only sees the data points that are convenient for him. Having known Trump for decades and being the governor from the next state over, he knew Trump's reputation as a crook often refusing to pay people for their work, and many other corrupt activities. As Jon pointed out in the interview, there were many opportunities for Christie to see through Trump, but until Nov. 2020 it wasn't an opportune time. If he couldn't see through Trump by the time he helped him with debate prep, he has a huge problem with judgment, which scares me when someone is running for POTUS. I appreciate Christie speaking out about Trump now, but what really bothers me is that he presents himself as a paragon of truth, when he talks out of both sides of his mouth. And there is no way that he wasn't involved in Bridgegate. All to say, I don't trust Christie, he has bad judgment, and he's the best Republican running so far, which isn't saying much.

[@TogoGrrl]

💯 spot on

[@nick_jewell]

Best interview I have seen on here in ages, why is Lovett not interviewing republicans every week?!

[@IliyaMoroumetz]

Have you SEEN republicans as of late?! It'd be a shit show with about as much substance.

[@magsj6474]

@@IliyaMoroumetz I agree. A good interview requires two intelligent participants.

[@Arulane]

I wouldn’t listen. I hear enough of their hate and drivel on other channels, thank you

[@Techlax43]

Because progressives can’t stand scrutiny for any of there ideas

[@Techlax43]

@@Arulaneecho chamber gremlin gotcha

[@mpenner1086]

Thanks to you both. A political conversation that I thought was extinct.

[@basketballsteve54]

Jon was extraordinary in the way he interviewed Christie.

[@thewkovacs316]

ya. it was a very hard softball interview

[@TheGerbennos]

This is what real journalism is. Asking hard questions, and not taking any shit

[@thewkovacs316]

@@TheGerbennos what were the hard questions?

[@fannycueva.62]

People always seem to write off Lovett as an interviewer, he’s my favorite, he’s usually more engaged in the conversations that he is having. Such an amazing job, the whole episode was a chefs kiss

[@elaineburnett5230]

Always love Lovett, so intelligent

[@gardengal26]

As a Jersey girl and not a fan of Christie, I appreciate John holding his feet to the fire. I do agree with him that Christie knew better, but chose differently for his own reasons no matter how much he denies it. While I believe that people evolve their thinking over time, I don't believe Christie suddenly "saw the light" on election night. So many people before 2016 knew what a horrible person Trump was and yet still backed him for their own selfish reasons. Trump never should have been the nominee then and he shouldn't be now.

[@thewkovacs316]

christie wanted to be chief of staff he didnt have a problem with the kushners being grifters....he knew that if jared had any power, he wouldnt serve a day in a trump admin, because he sent jared's criminal daddy to prison

[@nHautamaki]

You're 100% right, and furthermore, this the whole reason Trump has such a hold on the GOP. The GOP voters finally figured out their own leaders were corrupt and totally full of shit during the W Bush years. That didn't turn them to Democrats, because they still hated Democrats even more, so it turned them to extremist 'outsiders' who they hoped and prayed would clean up their party if they got into power. It started with the astroturfed Tea Party, that morphed into the Freedom Caucus, and then it culminated with Trump and Qanon. There is nothing any GOP politician can do to take down Trump because none of them have any credibility with their own voting base, a base so desperate to get back what they think they've been cheated out of that they've turned to the most obvious hucksters and wildest conspiracy theories. The fact that Christie himself is so obviously full of shit is just one more small but currently relevant example of the general trend: GOP leadership is full of shit, has been for decades, and even their own voters can smell it by now. They even know that Trump is full of shit, most of them, they just say 'so what? So he's a conman. They all are. At least he's MY conman.' And they believe that because they have to, because it's the last thing keeping them from really going full on political nihilist and becoming a terrorist militia member or something.

[@kimluzzi5203]

I totally agree with you. Christie talks out of both sides of his mouth and he was fine with Trump because it was helpful to him (until it wasn't). What really bothers me is when Christie gets self righteous and paints himself as lily white when he's not. And there's no way that he wasn't involved in Bridgegate.

[@robynnordstrom7799]

To my mind, saying he didn’t see the truth about trump before the election lies started means he’s not very observant.

[@michellereed3272]

Yep, you nailed it.

[@shortourt14]

Did not expect Jon to go in so hard on Christie. That "can't con an honest man" question was *fantastic*

[@wolfgangfalcore]

Jon killed it. Christie handled himself pretty well considering he was facing the truth delivered by a really smart millennial.

[@ladyrose508]

Who expected less?

[@linux230]

The fact that the reviewer is sitting on a couch with his feet in the cushion sorta diminishes the seriousness of this interview. Privilege is a beast.

[@naylas3908]

Lovett is not a millennial.

[@dionbaillargeon4899]

​@@naylas3908Yes he is. He was born in 1982.

[@CapnChill5]

I appreciate the interview with Christie. It was nice to hear what he has to say without a Fox spin on it and also to have Jon for us to check him on things. Christie actually wanted to answer questions

[@crazycatmama2098]

I appreciate Chris Christie telling the truth but I would never vote for him. He enabled way too long and I don’t appreciate the Biden-bashing. If ONE just ONE Republican ever said “He’s a good man but I think I can do better” and then tell me how I would think more highly of him/her. But no, always with the hatred.

[@michaeladkins6]

If drumpf would try to kill more gops, like Christie and Pence, his poll would be lower.

[@magsj6474]

Like John McCain did regarding Obama.

[@Arulane]

It is their defining characteristic besides cruelty.

[@gabs7506]

I’m completely turned off by the Biden bashing. He needed to be pressed on that. Biden has done a remarkable job and should not be held accountable for his grown drug addict son.

[@FromDetroitToTheMoonTravels]

Essentially you just admitted you can’t handle the truth

[@cindylara8269]

My liberal heart is owned by The Pod Family, Maddow and Mehdi, so this show feels like business as usual in the best possible way. 💙

[@jhonklan3794]

thats so sad i got to say

[@TamarLitvot]

Good choices. I'd add in a few more.

[@dreamingrightnow1174]

@@jhonklan3794 Right? Maddow? Lol. And why do people say "liberal" like it's a good thing?

[@janetives5470]

Because Liberalism is good.

[@TamarLitvot]

@@janetives5470 Yes! U.S. liberalism *is* good! Pretty much by definition -- tolerance, openness to new ideas, considering different views, caring for the more vulnerable, etc. (I gather "liberal' means something different in Europe and UK}

[@christopherwilocki1557]

I commend him for coming on - being able to speak in full sentences, and not being a nut job. Its sad how weird it is to hear a republican not talk like a total wack job.

[@inorite4553]

Yet he still reminded those of us with brain cells that I don't want him as President.

[@koach7779]

@@inorite4553as oppose to the Republican front runner?

[@inorite4553]

@@koach7779 I can hold two opposing thoughts in my head at once.

[@bookbwitched6823]

@inorite4553 IKR? I like him a lot, not to vote for but to hope for. His trip to the Whitehouse will not be easy & I will work hard to be sure he doesn't get there, but I won't be as afraid of being shanked, assaulted by assault weaponry or thrown into the Rio Grande.

[@patjacksonpodium]

No, no, he's a full whack job. Reprehensible scumbag. Don't let the fact that he's not the flaming AntiChrist that is Trump fool you, he's still a monster.

[@camillecoccagna194]

This was one of the best interviews I've ever seen. You did an excellent job

[@worrierqueen5695]

THAT is how you interview a politician. Bravo Lovett! 👋👋👋

[@Morhek]

I love the subtlety of the pizza question. Christie gets through trying to convince Jon that he said what he said because he believed it at the time. And then he IMMEDIATELY makes the "of course I said that for the cameras even though I knew otherwise" argument. For pizza, yes, but coming hot off the heels of what he was talking about, the implication is there whether he realised it or not.

[@megroy6396]

IDK if it's that he was more laidback or if it's Lovett's questions, but I do feel like he actually answered almost all of the questions he was asked. Which was kind of refreshing. I do think that listening to Republicans sometimes can be helpful. I don't trust Christie as far as I can throw him in terms of whether or not he cares about the American people, but there were moments of insight here.

[@susanrobertson984]

I listen to these guys and the Bulwark - they are sane and try to represent the other side.

[@MichaelSmith-rr7mo]

Its truly a testament to how brutally horrible the republican primary field is that Chris Christie is the most desirable candidate

[@Arulane]

The problem is, you just exhausted the group of GOP who will give an honest answer about anything once you talk to Christie.

[@michellereed3272]

I know it’s hard to believe that a Republican managed to answer questions with complete and coherent sentences. The bar has dropped so low, we’re just happy to see some mediocre normalcy.

[@Noclaf555]

I like him, can't stand his politics but as a person I could hang out with him and eat pizza, there is way too much hate anymore

[@keithchalmers-l1l]

The interview with Chris Christie was really good I think they both did a great job

[@mrswimmyboy]

Saying he was basically fine with Trump until the day of the 2020 election can't be defended and doesn't ring true. The outcome of things like the wall, healthcare, etc. Christie now criticizes, were obvious in 2018 or 2019. He should be asked tough questions about Trump's various actions, poor decisions and scandals. There is an aspect of dishonesty here by Christie on his support of Trump. He is very good at avoiding the issues.

[@hylind1912]

Well, hindsight's 2020. Pun partially intended.

[@Vaeldarg]

That's because in 2016 Trump also had said he wouldn't accept the results unless he won. Meaning if he'd lost he would've said it was rigged back then.

[@mrswimmyboy]

@@Vaeldarg Yes, another typical thing Christie implies he was ok with, yet couldn't defend. Avoiding asking Christie about these things is a form of media bias. How hard does the media [especially if left leaning] want to push him? He is valuable to them but not completely honest.

[@kimluzzi5203]

💯

[@skronked]

That's because he has "calculated" that it's over for djt.😮 real tough call.

[@MegaMo93]

John, what an excellent interview. It was funny, you and Governor Christie treated each other like human beings (which sometimes republicans forget to do towards interviewers) and you not only asked tough questions but forced him to answer them. And while I disagree with his positions, I respect the Governor for coming on. This is why you are one of the best interviewers in the game, in my opinion. Keep up the awesome work

[@faithrynders6735]

Thanks for holding his feet to the fire, Jon! It is indeed hard to believe he was fooled for so long. I used to be a conservative, I think, and I never fell for Trump for a minute. I guess I just have a more sensitive bullshit meter.

[@mgrubb9212]

Chris Christie was not fooled for so long--he's just lying. Good on him for speaking up now, bad on him for only doing it now that his political calculus tells him to.

[@HarrisonHollers]

Didn’t we all once believe in Rudy as Mayor? I think both he and TFG had like mental breakdowns of sorts and are different people as they aged.

[@highroller2030]

He's a republican- of course he'd back the candidate whose policies he agreed would benefit the country..compared to Biden's.. he did the right thing when he spoke out against and parted with Trump on election night- great interview ..

[@democracianoesgratis]

Oh and that’s what the right stands for see I keep forgetting they are all about country and no partisanship those were things if the past right? Like 3 years ago? When they had some power? But now it’s different…. 😅😂😂😂

[@ExhaustedWombat]

I think he would love you to think he was fooled by Trump but let’s be honest, none of the Republican establishment was fooled by Trump. They just cared that he could win.

[@hawkname1234]

That was, in fact, really great. And Jon was right-Christie absolutely knew that all the nice things he said about Trump in 2016 were bullshit. He's not stupid. He's dishonest and ruthless.

[@jamiegannon2327]

I thought Medhi Hasan was smart. I was wrong. He is really, really smart. Loved the discussions. Wonderful

[@annesmith5192]

I found him quite boring compared to the regular panel. It's much more humorous when it's some combination of John, Jon, Tommy, and Dan.

[@mirrrie]

​@@annesmith5192because hes a journalist. Hes not there to entertain us. Hes a real journalist

[@stevecarp1904]

Mehdi and Jon are GREAT together - invite Mehdi back often please!!

[@franksalmeri2843]

The interview with John and Christie was the best!

[@dougiestar2812]

Much respect to Jon for being willing to go in endless circles with Christie. He is slick but I think you cracked the shell and exposed the ooze underneath.

[@iamwell5654]

Good analogy. I agree

[@a_thomas3584]

Lovett was like a pit bull in that interview. Unrelenting push back and keeping Christie honest.

[@Fanney47]

Yeah love it!

[@GGoAwayy]

Any of the other GOP candidates would have stood up and walked off set in a huff.

[@susanthomas4753]

I wish he'd pushed more on Trump's policies that he agreed with. What policies?

[@tmoney1876]

This was a great interview.

[@jeannehopkins7232]

Christie is brutally honest. Noone needs to KEEP him honest. He tells the truth and republicans need to start listening to him. If trump is the nominee you will lose again. In these polls they aren't figuring people like me who are democrats who are very impressed with Christie. He's honest, not afraid of trump and the cult and he cares about our country. If he becomes your nominee, I will vote for him. We need to get the republican paryt back from the cult.

[@LGF18]

Wish we had more of the two sides being able to talk like this. They seem to know each other well and Jon wasn't afraid to go there. Loved the Christie interview. Anyone who would be mad about "platforming" is small minded and just wants to live in a bubble.

[@raquetdude]

That’s a bloody good interview at the end. Hope they can do another one maybe after the republican debate or something.

[@chaser9017]

Total master class

[@CraigEstep]

Hear hear!

[@AWWx2]

Jon Lovett doesn't get enough credit from we the viewers/listeners of Pod Save America for what Jon says, how insightful he is, often couched in his indefatigable humor, but this interview shows how Jon is a master, a master of masters as a skilled, probative, tactful, and damned pithy interviewer. KUDOS to Jon !!!

[@ellefeldman]

I say Jon Lovett is amazing, I claim him proudly as a fellow Hebrew brother. I love him bringing it together in the end talking about pizza. Hear, hear, I don’t want to be in a bubble. Thanks to Governor Christie and Mr. Lovett. Honestly I’d slip CC a fiver for his performance.

[@LexJones207]

Props to Lovett for going at Christie with claws out. Also, begrudgingly, props to Christie for taking it.

[@prazzo1232]

John Lovett is such a good interviewer. No fear no concern. Just hits where it hurts!

[@ravenbelote1801]

He's a millenial. All of my children are too. That's how they are. They don't beat around the bush. They come out and say it.

[@declanc4529]

Having Hassan on the show and Lovett interview Christie - WHAT A SHOW

[@art2736]

It's confirmed that Chris Christie is a corrupt corporate hack. His approval of Thomas and Crows "friendship" confirmed it.

[@ccollins2890]

I felt his response to that was glib. He's a vet of courtrooms. He knows the importance of the ethics of avoiding even the appearance of corruption. Didn't that friendship start after Thomas was appointed to SCOTUS? And if it was on the up-and-up, why didn't Thomas report it?

[@sawyer7191]

Thank you!!!! I don’t care that Christie is bashing Trump. He’s still crap of a person and he was part of the reason why Trump got to where he was. I’m over hearing “I’m glad Christie is bashing trump blah blah blah“! It’s not about trump, it’s about people like Christie!

[@Arulane]

The only good thing about Christie is that he is currently bashing Trump. Everything else is the typical GOP hate and corruption.

[@MonicaLea]

Thank you! As I posted earlier, I can't believe Lovett just left the question, "have you taken 'gifts' from Harlan Crowe" just sitting there. That's just shoddy journalism and undermined Lovett's point that it was wrong because it let Christie deflect on the topic. Lovett also whiffed the assertion that Crow didn't have interest before the court when he did in Womack+Hampton Architects v. Metric Holdings Limited Partnership. Another example of bad interview prep and lazy journalism.

[@mjinba07]

@@MonicaLea The point of interviewing a politician is to get them to state their position on important issues and reveal who they really are. Then let the audience form their own opinions. Not to hammer for the sake of hammering, not to intentionally humiliate on points of disagreement, not to win a debate. Jon did a fairly good job.

[@glumet1]

Thank you for having Christie on, I truly enjoyed the interview!

[@saraleigh5336]

Excellent interview with Christie. It’s hard for me to understand how anyone from the NY area could have thought Trump trustworthy. The fact that Christie didn’t want to work for Trump [edit, thanks: in a formal position in his administration] I think, at least, is telling.

[@sweetsue4204]

But he was comfortable helping him campaign and prepare for the debates. He’s a twisted member of a twisted party.

[@saraleigh5336]

@@sweetsue4204 yes, agreed; not a fan!

[@mrswimmyboy]

Christie thinks for himself, has a strong personality and is overweight. Three reasons Trump would never appoint him to any position.

[@saraleigh5336]

@@mrswimmyboy sounds like you think he was lying about the offers?

[@patplescia3311]

But he ended up being tRumps coat holder.... takes no courage or spine for that job.

[@JeanSegers-hx1rv]

Great to watch Chris Christie on Pod. I appreciate your style John, handling the interview so well; you pulled no punches! 🔥

[@NorthCarolinaMomma]

That Christie interview was the best interview I have ever seen on this show!

[@suebogue4911]

What a GREAT interview. Funny, concise, Jon is a great interviewer who kept it on point. Christie kept himself from being painted with broad brush. Loved it

[@LeGrandColbert]

I have enjoyed seeing Chris Christie hammer Trump the last few months, but Lovett also leveled some harsh but fair criticisms of his inconsistencies. And Christie is good at political posturing, evasion, etc., but Lovett's targeted questions had him on his heels multiple times.

[@Rory626]

He's got an answer for everything but he's really not fooling anyone with those evasions. Lost me totally with his Clarence Thomas defence

[@Lathranir]

Really enjoyed this episode! So rare to have interviews across the political spectrum, was a great listen, thanks!

[@talimn]

Jon got him. I could tell that question was coming about his conduct the second he answered the McCain question lmao. Great interview

[@GGoAwayy]

The problem is Democrats never feel like they've won until they get Republicans to ADMIT it, which they never ever do. We need to stop needing them to admit it, and let the plain facts be proof enough.

[@Pontifex777]

I believe Chris when he says his opinion evolved, but ultimately everything else he said is further proof that even the least Trumplike republican is still a person with horrible policies who should never be in charge.

[@iamwell5654]

💯

[@narrativedrive]

I just finished Medhi's book, and it was so good! Great for people interested in rhetoric and debate.

[@uzomanwosu]

This is by far one of the best interviews I've seen of Chris Christie so far. Lovett held his feet to the fire and there was actually a genuine discussion. And I do appreciate the palate cleanser of the pizza discussion because it got a little tense there near the end (in a good way), lol.

[@michaelagonzalez]

May I say that the Christie interview was one of the most entertainingly thorough with neither Lovett or Christie getting off easy. I love Lovett again! Thank you!

[@legalmemories]

Good episode- always enjoy Mehdi Hassan. And the interview with Chris Christie was fun. But I can see why that type of campaign is pretty hopeless- his anti-Trump position turns off republicans and his actual policy positions turn off the rest of us. But good luck I guess 🥴

[@vonnigirly]

I'm from NJ... he did not do right by many of us. Research

[@erikhoffman2866]

Mehdi is amazing

[@stevemattiussi]

Im a new listener, and boy, Jon is one hell of an interviewer. That was great. The sections on the Hannity interview and a national abortion ban in particular were fantastic. But really the whole thing was great.

[@travisroth]

The sexual tension between Lovett and Christie was almost too much.

[@carolbrozo5749]

I loved the show and the interview with Christie - thanks Jon Lovett!

[@karl2890]

That was the best Chris Christie interview I've seen so far. Thanks Jon!

[@jayejaye62]

I always love when Lovett does an interview. He asks good questions and he’s not afraid to push back!

[@angelatuck3673]

Loved the interview Jon. Authentically you.

[@AJOnuska]

That was one of the best interviews I've seen from y'all in a while.

[@philipbauerle1127]

Are you kidding? This is the BEST Mashup ever! Mehdi and Crooked!

[@estevangonzalez9212]

I really respect Crooked for getting Christie on the pod. I’m voting for Biden no matter what, but a healthy Republican party is necessary and important. If the Democratic Party was in shambles like the Republican Party is, I would vote for someone like Christie.

[@TaoWest]

lib shit 😭

[@GravitonSmith]

A few years ago I would have agreed with you, but Mehdi Hasan is right that Republican Party is dead and is not coming back.

[@ryukoli4707]

They old REPUBLICAN PARTY hangers on, need to get REAL & JUMP SHIP! They can remain in the Party, JUST VOTE FOR THE DECENT, HARD WORKING, PERSON; DECENT = BIDEN 🎉🎉🎉

[@andrewking_8]

He had his chance in 2016…. Just wants attention now

[@andybarnett5279]

Lovett has a real talent for interviews I gotta say...I'm a PSA fan and have been since the jump, but I gotta note that Jon performed that interview like a journalistic artist. Chris Christie was a good candidate for this interview...he speaks in good faith, understands the humor & participates like a serious person. Ron DeSantis, by comparison, wouldn't allow himself to be interviewed in any serious or good-faith scenario. Point being, awesome job Jon...maybe there are opportunities to do more of these types of things in the future if the jenga pieces fall the right way.

[@bolson18]

Credit where credit is due. Good on Christie for having the guts to come on.

[@ErikKristianGonzales]

I’m not upset with you for bringing him on!!! I’m glad you did! And I actually commend Christie for coming and speaking so eloquently

[@PortlandRose]

Christie interview was great-Jon did a good job against a really top notch communicator. I look forward to Christie going after Trump on the debate stage.

[@barbaradonaldson5554]

calling Lvett "small" to his face took balls

[@GeniusVL]

Amazing. Both the tough parts and humorous parts of the interview really humanized Chris Christie way more than one alone.

[@MAC-op5fc]

Great interviews Jon and Jon!

[@rneumeye]

"Chris Christie and Jon Lovett went into a room".... Words I *never* expected to hear in my life. I died. 😅☠️

[@josephhuether1184]

I guess I’m just naive but I think Christie’s explanation of McCain’s NO vote on repealing Obamacare was a bigger insult to McCain’s legacy than Trump’s “war hero” comments. Christie speaks at great length how a person’s position and opinion can “evolve”. Well said…I agree! But then he says that McCain, a man with a terminal illness, who KNOWS that Obamacare has saved lives since its creation, who KNOWS that Trump and the rest of his party had no replacement, who KNOWS the importance of health insurance…would vote NO simply to be vindictive. Does that make any sense?

[@celesteblack1803]

Omfg I can’t believe Lovett interviewed Christie!! Damn - good for Christie for coming on the show! Their strange dynamic was cracking me up lol.

[@michellereed3272]

Best interview with Christie I’ve seen so far. John wasn’t playing softball. Just needed to be longer. John had Christie cornered a couple of times.

[@karenjohannessen8987]

Lovett oughta have more air time on the Pod - he's an excellent interviewer. Thanks, as usual, guys.

[@salmamohamed4319]

Great interview, Jon. It's very interesting and informative from your questions and Governor Christie answers😊

[@ronpulcer2511]

Christie going on Pod for an interview is kind of like Mayor Pete going on Fox for interview. Kudos to Lovett and Christie for interesting discussion.

[@lisica8458]

Secretary Pete now.

[@dummyacct7]

Pete kills it every time he goes on Fox, so he's very welcome to keep on chugging there. Christie is a weird one because it's hard to say who he's really representing. It's like some weird fantasy of debating with a conservative ideology that no longer has a party in the US. Even if you find his arguments convincing, you can't actually vote for them in the real world because they're simply not on the ballot; the choice that actually exists is between the Dems and a cult.

[@christinejohnson7114]

Thank you for the Christie interview. I don't agree with him but he shows a thoughtfulness and intelligence that is missing from most of the rest of his party.

[@iamwell5654]

Christie is still in used car salesman mode. Self-preservation. He will be indoors and Crump again when Trump gets put as their nominee.

[@nathanpayson9859]

I already wasn't intending to vote for Cornel west, but he fully lost me when he revealed his views on Ukraine.

[@wgo523]

I love the man but yeah he's completely off the mark, totally irresponsible positions

[@mossydog2385]

Him and Noam Chomsky. I guess living in an ivory tower, totally sequestered from "the average person" ( I.e. us) doesn't just negatively affect Republicans and corporate dems.... It's unfortunate.

[@desertsuede4]

​@@mossydog2385they're like libertarians, operating in an entirely philosophical and theoretical space

[@douchkanikoliic6182]

I find that hard to believe. Most Greenwald, Taibbi, Stein followers are into West bc of his Ukraine positions.

[@christiner2472]

@@desertsuede4 yup crunchy conservatives can't stand them.

[@stephanieneshqiperistephan1317]

I’m so glad that you had Chris Christie on to be interviewed. It was fascinating. The thing that no one seems to pick up on when challenging Christie on ““ woke ism and also the Dobbs decision. Christie says that he doesn’t want anybody interfering with a parents decision to do with their children, particularly their children’s health that the parents should be deciding along with the physician, and then he says that it’s up to the states to decide what reproductive health procedures are done for women, so why can’t women and their physicians decide what to do with their health that isn’t supposed to be some thing that is inherent right in the United States, it should be left up to states so this is inconsistent. Other than that it was a great interview and I wish Christie well I’m grateful that he’s pointing out many of the terrible things that Trump did but when people say they like his policies what I wish interviewers would press on is what policies specifically destroying the state department, selling out America to our enemies cozying up to dictators. What policy exactly does trump get an a on anybody that was in the government knew that Trump was a disaster He gutted most of our agencies that serve the American people, including the post office the environmental protection agency, the justice department, state department, you name it so this business of oh he liked his policies. Please ask which one and then challenge so you like it that America’s presence abroad in terms of diplomacy was completely gutted by him the fact that he never had anybody that was voted in on the cabinet. Everybody was acting really what policies did you like about what he did?

[@dakotakollar5257]

PLEASE have Medhi back with you and Dan all together asap!

[@tonisodano5472]

My HEART BREAKS

[@wa209]

Mehdi Hassan!!! ❤️❤️❤️ He’s the best.

[@BottomTableTyrants]

Possibly one of the best head to head interviews I’ve ever seen. I wish all politicians were as competent as Christy and Lovett because no matter who was in charge things would be getting better.

[@equalityforall8418]

Christie voted for Trump in 2016....AND 2020. And NOW he claims we should trust him. NOT gonna happen.

[@christiner2472]

McCarthy is a fool😮

[@anthonymartensen3164]

At least he's willing to speak out against him now...

[@tomcassidy2525]

he coached him for the biden debate

[@wgo523]

He does not want liberals to trust him lol

[@LinkRocks]

@@anthonymartensen3164 Only because he wants the spotlight.

[@SpiceySpinster]

Medhi Hasan is a top level political journalist and TV commentator. I give Chris Christie huge respect for appearing on the top democratic podcast in the country. Takes Moxi. At least he tells the truth about Trump now, and doesn't side step. Republicans should vote for him.

[@jeffshepard972]

That interview with Christie was fantastic.

[@steppenwolf3252]

But Harlan Crowe DID have business in front of the court--from one of his associated businesses--and Clarence never recused himself.

[@mollylundquist9145]

A big "Yes!" for Chris Christie. He said his Trump breaking point came on election night--when despite the tact that there was no way Trump could have known anything, he announced that the election had been stolen. Exactly. That instantaneous pronouncement would indicate Trump had already planned to deny election results if he were to lose. Let's all hope Jack Smith takes that into account in his prosecution..

[@JohnTancredi]

Star Tavern in Orange doesn't sell slices!! Only full pies.

[@eacharlton1]

Chris christy as governed how can you say that, after all the shit he did in South Jersey. He distorted so many small businesses

[@edgarmuller6652]

Kudos for the Great interview with Chris Christie. It takes courage to accept errors.

[@stacylitwin1466]

Such a good interview from Lovett!!!!! So nice to hear someone really critique answers in real time, I could never do interviews like that as I'm too uncomfortable with the perceived combativeness (hello to the sad truth of being raised as a woman) but Lovett handles it so well, not that I expected any different

[@heather5812]

God Bless you John Lovett…it is absolutely inspiring to see someone engaging politicians on substance. I will also say it’s rare to see a politician engaging in *any* way that is substantive.

[@joycegaul]

I want to know why Christie didn’t have a problem when in September 2020, in the press room, Trump refused to assure his commitment to a peaceful transfer of when asked by a reporter. Why didn’t Christie say something then? Liz Cheney did. Simple question. Why not express concern then?

[@NYCJR-qn2zk]

The way politicians talk and don't answer questions directly is astounding

[@B-O-L-O]

It was awesome that Chris Christie came on the show, I appreciate his honesty. I have been a Democrat for over 50+ years and miss the old Republican party. I wish him luck in the primary he is going to need it Vote Blue everyone!

[@bonniepinney2884]

How can Christy say abortion should be a State's right but then say if a majority of States want a ban then the federal govt should consider a ban...which is it? And what if the majority of States want to take away other human rights? Does that mean he thinks they should be taken away? He's disgusting.

[@nancychandler3673]

This interview shows us that even the most liberal Republican doesn't respect women's Healthcare decisions.

[@susiemarr4425]

Fathers do not have control over their grown children.

[@RayanneEdwards-o6p]

Jon Lovett's interview with Chris Christie was Brilliant. Thank you Jon.