In a recent interview on ABC’s This Week, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie expressed skepticism about former President Donald Trump’s willingness to concede in the upcoming Republican presidential primaries. Christie cited Trump’s behavior after the 2020 election as a basis for his doubts, stating that he does not anticipate Trump to “ever concede” any election he might lose.
Christie’s candid remarks underscore a growing unease within the Republican party regarding Trump’s approach to electoral outcomes. “Look, no one will expect him to concede. He hasn’t conceded the 2020 election. Who cares?” Christie remarked, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the electoral process.
The former governor highlighted the role of the secretary of state of New Hampshire in certifying votes and allocating delegates according to the Republican National Committee (RNC) rules. Drawing parallels with Trump’s history, Christie recalled the 2016 primaries where Trump lost to Ted Cruz. “I don’t suspect he’ll ever concede [that] he’s ever lost any election, even though he lost primaries in 2016 to Ted Cruz, and he’ll lose primaries this time as well,” Christie confidently stated.
Christie’s prediction suggests that Trump’s unwillingness to concede could become a defining characteristic of his political legacy. Speculating on potential consequences, Christie noted that public opinion might shift if Trump faces another electoral setback. “I think the public en masse will begin to ignore a four-time loser like Donald Trump if he loses this set of primaries,” he remarked.
The former governor outlined Trump’s previous electoral defeats, including losses in the House in 2018, the Senate and the White House in 2020, and further setbacks in governorships and the Senate in 2022. Expressing a desire to see Trump exit the political stage, Christie asserted, “If he loses in 2024, he will be a four-time loser. I think he’ll go back to Mar-a-Lago. He’ll continue to carp and moan and complain and say we don’t deserve him. Anything that gets him out of this race and what keeps him out of the White House is fine by me.”
Christie’s comments reveal internal divisions within the Republican party regarding the influence and future role of Donald Trump. As the GOP gears up for the upcoming primaries, Christie’s remarks draw attention to the potential dynamics that may unfold within the party if Trump remains a formidable force unwilling to accept defeat.
