Special Poll
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) criticized former President Trump for attacking Vice President Harris based on her race, suggesting Trump is reverting to familiar tactics as the presidential race tightens. On ABC’s “This Week,” Christie described Trump’s comments at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conference, where he questioned Harris’s racial identity, as impulsive rather than strategic.
Christie explained, “When Trump feels comfortably ahead, he sticks to conventional, smart political advice. But as soon as the race gets close, he falls back on his greatest hits.” He pointed to Trump’s behavior at the NABJ conference and a recent rally in Atlanta as examples.
During the NABJ conference, Trump insinuated that Harris had only promoted her Indian heritage, not her Black heritage, questioning her identity. “So I’ve known her a long time, indirectly, not directly very much, and she was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage,” Trump said. He added, “I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black.”
The White House responded, stating that Trump’s attacks on Harris’s race and heritage were a return to his old strategies. Harris has also faced criticism from the right related to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
At a rally in Atlanta, Trump continued his attacks, calling Harris a “horror show” and claiming she would “destroy our country.”
Christie’s comments highlight how Trump’s approach shifts based on his perceived standing in the race, reverting to more personal attacks as competition intensifies.ements from its members.