Chris Christie endorses Donald Trump

christie

WASHINGTON — (CNN) New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie offered a surprise endorsement to Donald Trump, saying there is no one better prepared to lead the country in the Republican 2016 race.

“I am proud to be here to endorse Donald Trump for president of the United States,” the New Jersey Republican told reporters at a press conference in Texas.

“The best person to beat Hillary Clinton on that stage last night is undoubtedly Donald Trump,” Christie added.

Trump and Christie appeared on stage together the day after a rough debate performance where the real estate mogul faced off against Sens. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz.

“Generally speaking I’m not big on endorsements,” Trump said, adding, “This was an endorsement that really meant a lot.”

Christie, in the waning days of his own presidential campaign, had specifically targeted Rubio as not qualified for the office.

The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.

(Photo: CNN)

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