“I know you gave him a big hug, if you want to give him a big hug again, go right ahead”.
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New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a former federal prosecutor, and Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, a Libertarian who has fought against widespread government surveillance of American citizens, sparred over how to best protect the United States from terrorists. He argued the Fourth Amendment is the basis of American’s founding and it is essential that leaders stand for the Bill of Rights.
“And you know, Senator Paul, you know the hugs that I remember are the hugs that I gave to the families who lost their people on September 11th”, said Christie.
Christie answered that with disdain, saying Paul had no idea how terrorists were caught. “How are you supposed to know” which is which, he asked. Christie went on about how unsafe the world is and funerals and how out intel people must have all the “tools’ necessary for surveillance”.
The two talked over each other some more.
“Use the Constitution!” Paul said. A Rutgers-Eagleton poll released hours before the debate showed only 30 percent of New Jersey voters have a favorable opinion of Christie, which pollsters say is a new low for the second-term governor.
“Here’s the problem governor”, Paul shot back. Every time you did a case, you got a warrant from a judge. “I’m talking about searches without warrants, indiscriminately of all Americans’ records. That’s what I fought to end”. “You fundamentally misunderstand the Bill of Rights”.
The first Republican presidential debates of the 2016 election showed Americans a crowded field of candidates vowing to undo President Barack Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran, increase U.S. military spending and take a more aggressive military approach to ISIS.
Christie often invokes 9/11 on the subject.
Christie, known for his brash personality and outspoke nature, was not impressed by Paul’s answer, which he likened to “hot air” as he told Paul he had no real experience with combatting terrorism.
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Paul greeted that comment with an eye roll.
