Chris Christie Explains How Trump's GOP 'Misdirection' Is Succeeding

Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie predicted that former President Donald Trump will sign the Republican National Committee s loyalty pledge to qualify for this months debate, even though the former president has claimed he wont .

The RNC has made its pledge a requirement for candidates to take part in the first GOP primary debate on Aug. 23. The pledge commits candidates to support the Republican Party s eventual 2024 nominee.

The former New Jersey governor, on ABCs This Week, told host Jon Karl that he believes the RNC will keep Trump out of the debate if he doesnt sign the pledge.

We dont know how much he would have respected the loyalty pledge, even after having signed it, said Christie, who noted Trumps refusal to sign a similar pledge in 2016.

So, look, I think this is all kind of nonsensical theater. Ive made that clear to the RNC as well, way back, even before I entered the race, that I thought the pledge was a bad idea. And Donald Trump is now playing that game, but thats what he does. You know this, Jon. He plays misdirection all the time.

Christie, who has previously expressed concern over the requirement, told Karl that he hasnt been presented with the loyalty pledge, but expects to see it at some point in the next week.

Several candidates have signed the pledge, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , ex-South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley , Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Vivek Ramaswamy .

Trump, who indicated hell make an announcement on the loyalty pledge this week, pushed back at the requirement in a recent Newsmax interview, noting there were three to four people in the race he wouldnt support.

Christie told Karl that he wouldnt be the least bit surprised if Trump signs the loyalty pledge just days ahead of the debate.

He might not, also, but I would not be the least surprised if he did, Christie said.

This is about Donald Trump keeping the attention on Donald Trump. And hes doing pretty well, because in the first question this morning were talking about him and thats what he likes.

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Watch Christie on This Week below.

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