In a heated exchange on Thursday morning, Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie and conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt engaged in a contentious interview, with Christie expressing frustration and labeling it as the least "substantive" discussion he has ever had. With polls indicating Christie's low single-digit support and his hopes pinned on a strong showing in the early primary state of New Hampshire, Hewitt repeatedly pressed Christie to drop out and give other candidates, particularly former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, a better chance at challenging Donald Trump.

Throughout the interview, Hewitt maintained his neutrality in the race, proclaiming himself to be "Switzerland." However, Christie grew more irritated as Hewitt persistently urged him to endorse Trump if the former president becomes the GOP nominee, a stance Christie vehemently refused to adopt. Interestingly, on the same day, Christie released a campaign ad regretting his endorsement of Trump in 2016 and arguing against the notion that low-polling candidates should bow out, suggesting it would lead to a Trump-Biden rematch.

The interview got off to a contentious start when Hewitt referenced Christie's recent appearance on The View, to which the radio host, intent on persuading Christie to withdraw from the primary, questioned whether staying in the race ultimately facilitated Trump's victory. Christie disagreed with this assertion, prompting Hewitt to cite conservative pundit Noah Rothman's claim that Christie's candidacy was harming Nikki Haley and himself. Unimpressed, Christie dismissed Rothman's opinion and emphasized that he had every right to run for president, running a solid campaign and aiming for victory.

Hewitt, attempting to clarify that he wasn't advocating for Haley, attempted to frame the issue as an algebraic equation where Christie's departure would benefit someone other than Trump. However, Christie dismissed the comparison, calling it finite math rather than algebra. Despite Hewitt's continued pressure, Christie maintained his position and refused to entertain the idea of endorsing Trump under any circumstances.

Towards the end of the interview, Hewitt brought up Christie's steadfast refusal to support Trump if he were to win the party's nomination. Christie reaffirmed that his position had not changed, emphasizing that he had not even raised his hand when asked if he would support Trump if he were a convicted felon. Frustrated with the line of questioning, Christie insisted that the interview lacked substance, to which Hewitt countered that it was the most substantive discussion they had ever had, a claim that Christie vehemently disputed.

The exchange between Christie and Hewitt highlighted the tension within the Republican Party as candidates jockey for position in a crowded field. With Christie staking his hopes on New Hampshire, his refusal to endorse Trump and his insistence on staying in the race despite low poll numbers have drawn criticism from some quarters. As the primary season unfolds, all eyes are now on how Christie's campaign will fare and whether he can gain the traction needed to emerge as a contender.

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