When New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was asked about his criticism of Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul's stance on the Patriot Act during Thursday night's debate, he spoke about his experience responding to the 9/11 terror attacks.
"When you actually have to be responsible for [protecting people], you can do it, and we did it in my office for seven years," Christie said.
What ensued was Christie vs. Paul on security vs. freedom. (Video via Fox News)
"When you're sitting in a subcommittee blowing hot air about this, you can say things like that," Christie quipped at Paul in response to the senator's claim about being able to keep innocent Americans' phone records private while simultaneously collecting information on criminals.
Paul shot back, "You fundamentally misunderstand the Bill of Rights. ... I know you gave him a big hug, if you want to give him a big hug again, go right ahead."
Fighting government surveillance is a critical part of Paul's libertarian credentials, but it might not play as well with base GOP voters.
This video includes an image from Getty Images and music from Chris Zabriskie / CC BY 4.0.
About the Author
