Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie clashed with the hosts of ABC's The View this week as he scrutinized Vice President Kamala Harris’s role and electoral viability in the upcoming election.

Christie, an ardent foe of Donald Trump, insisted that Harris must distinguish herself from President Joe Biden to sway undecided voters, while the hosts defended Harris against what they saw as unwarranted criticism, as Fox News reports.

During the appearance, Christie raised concerns about Harris’s impact on undecided voters with the election day drawing near.

He noted that there were only 11 days left and felt she had not sufficiently differentiated herself from President Biden’s political agenda.

According to Christie, Harris’s late start in the race posed both strategic advantages and challenges, highlighting that it helped her bypass the primary battles but left her lesser-known among the electorate.

Addressing Christie’s comments, co-host Sunny Hostin interjected, questioning how it was possible for voters to remain unfamiliar with Harris after her four-year service as Vice President. Christie countered this point by arguing that the nature of the vice-presidential role often restricts visibility and keeps individuals away from the public eye.

Comparison to Pence

Taking the discussion further, co-host Joy Behar critiqued Christie’s allegations by pointing out what she perceived as inconsistencies.

She queried why Harris was being accused of inaction in her role when her predecessor, former Vice President Mike Pence, had faced similar critiques during his tenure. Christie responded by urging Harris to vocally express any policy disagreements she might have with Biden, stressing that such honest differences would not undermine their working relationship.

Defending the vice president’s record, Hostin noted the administration's successes and emphasized Harris’s allegiance to President Biden.

Christie, however, suggested that expressing honest disagreements was possible without compromising respect for a fellow leader. He believed that these disagreements could actually exhibit Harris's independence and political insight.

Focus on Undecided Voters

Christie made a crucial point regarding undecided voters, who he claimed would judge the election not solely on an aversion to former President Donald Trump but also on their confidence in Harris's ability to lead. He stated that undecided voters were still open to forming an opinion about Harris, urging her to “close the deal” with them.

Snapping back at Christie’s insights, co-host Ana Navarro accused him of applying a double standard, holding Harris to expectations different from those applied to Trump.

She contended that Christie often focused excessively on criticizing Harris over other political figures. Christie pushed back, clarifying that his remarks were intended as constructive advice aimed at enhancing her appeal to voters.

Christie Offers Campaigning Suggestions

Despite the critical tone, Christie reiterated his belief that it was premature to call the election. He conceded that, even with a mere 10 days remaining, the electoral outcome remained uncertain. He suggested that Harris still had an opportunity to elevate her standing with the voting public.

Christie’s assertion that voters “didn't know” Harris served as an underlying theme throughout the exchange. He emphasized the importance of defining her independent vision and connecting with the electorate on key issues upon which she may hold differing views from the current administration.

Overall, Christie’s participation on The View highlighted broader discussions about the role of a vice president in an election and whether candid acknowledgment of policy disagreements could benefit a candidate in the eyes of the electorate. The discussion demonstrated the tensions between supporting a presidential administration while also asserting an independent political identity.

Media Exchanges Highlight Electoral Dynamics

This clash of perspectives on The View reflects ongoing debates around Vice President Harris's political strategy as she faces the dual challenges of demonstrating loyalty to President Biden’s policies and crafting a unique public persona.

With less than two weeks until Election Day, the pressures of differentiating herself while capitalizing on the successes of the Biden administration pose a complex task for Harris as she seeks to reassure and connect with undecided voters.