Chris Christie Calls President Obama A 'Feckless Weakling' During GOP Debate

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was on the stage Tuesday night during the Republican Presidential Debate. When the issue turned to a potential no-fly zone being implemented in Syria, Christie made it clear that he was ready to do what was necessary to enforce that no-fly zone.

The hypothetical, set up for the candidates to address, was how should a Russian violation of a no-fly zone be handled by the United States.

Christie's answer included a pointed dig at President Barack Obama:

"Yes we would shoot down the planes of Russian pilots, if in fact they were stupid enough to think that this president was the same feckless weakling that the president we have in the Oval office is right now." 

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 15: Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) (R) speaks as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie listens during the CNN Republican presidential debate on December 15, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is the last GOP debate of the year, with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) gaining in the polls in Iowa and other early voting states and Donald Trump rising in national polls. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Rand Paul was then asked about Christie's strong statement regarding shooting down Russian planes and took at dig at Christie by bringing up "Bridgegate."

"I think if you're in favor of World War III, you have your candidate," Paul said while pointing to Christie. "Here's the thing -- my goodness, what we want in a leader is someone with judgement, not someone who is so reckless as to stand on the stage and say 'I'm jumping up and down. I'm going to shoot down Russian planes."

Paul went on to say that "I think when we think about the judgement of someone who might want World War III, we might think about someone who might shut down a bridge because they don't like their friends."

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