Chris Christie Slams RNC's 'Dumb Move' To Block Joint Fox Debate With Vivek Ramaswamy: 'Everybody Needs To Be Held To The Same Standard'

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie criticized the Republican National Committee (RNC) after he and a fellow GOP Presidential Candidate had to alter their plans for a joint appearance on Fox News.

What Happened: Vivek Ramaswamy had announced on X, previously known as Twitter, his agreement to spar with Christie on Fox News. However, the RNC threatened that if candidates proceeded with joint Fox appearances, they would be barred from future committee-sanctioned debates.

Christie, in an interview on NewsNation, said, "I think it's a dumb move" by the RNC.

"I don't know how more information for our voters, more conversation, more transparency, more ability to judge, is bad for our voters or for the country."

See Also: Trump’s Former Attorney Predicts ‘Deathblow’ For Ex-President In New York Civil Fraud Trial

Why It Matters: Christie and Ramaswamy, instead of appearing together, were featured separately on “Special Report,” Fox News’s nightly evening newscast. The show had planned a new segment, “Candidates Corner,” with Christie and Ramaswamy as its initial guests.

The RNC spokesperson said all candidates had previously agreed not to participate in unsanctioned debates.

“The same candidates complaining about the rules governing RNC debates all signed a pledge and agreed months ago to not participate in unsanctioned debates. The RNC will continue to enact a fair, transparent debate process and we will not give in to pressure from individuals seeking to change the rules to favor their candidacy,”

Meanwhile, Christie also highlighted an inconsistency with the RNC’s stance, noting that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is scheduled to debate California Governor Gavin Newsom on Fox News in November. "That's not a problem, yet this is. If you're gonna say no unsanctioned debates, then no unsanctioned debates," Christie said.

"I'll be reminding (the RNC) that everybody needs to be held to the same standard, not just me and Vivek."

Photo by Bryan Littel on Shutterstock

Read Next: Kevin McCarthy Would Lose More Than Just The House Speaker’s Position: Here’s All At Stake