Christie calls anti-Muslim conservatives "bigots"
The following video hasn't gotten much attention in the mainstream press, but it has lit a fire on right-wing web sites. The shaky, grainy 16-minute speech was shot by an attendee at a dinner for the Muslim holiday of Iftar, held at the governor's mansion two weeks ago. "In many publications around this country I'm now called an Islamist," Christie told the crowd. "Ya know, listen, I've been called worst things -- usually on the boardwalk on Seaside Heights. Y'all saw my reaction to that."
Christie calls anti-Muslim conservatives "bigots"
Matt Katz, Inquirer Staff Writer
UPDATE: This video has apparently been taken offline.
The following video hasn't gotten much attention in the mainstream press, but it has lit a fire on right-wing web sites.
The shaky, grainy 16-minute speech was shot by an attendee during an Iftar dinner - the evening meal during Ramadan - at the governor's mansion two weeks ago.
"In many publications around this country I'm now called an Islamist," Christie told the crowd of New Jersey Muslims. "Ya know, listen, I've been called worse things -- usually on the boardwalk on Seaside Heights. Y'all saw my reaction to that."
It is an extraordinary video, in part because you don't often hear Republicans calling out elements of their own party for being "bigots" against Muslims. The issue of Islamic extremism is wrought with potential political pitfalls, and yet here is a guy on the short-list for GOP vice-presidential nominees who is directly confronting the topic in the backyard of his own house.
"I'll tell you that there is a gaze of intolerance that is going around our country that is disturbing to me," Christie said. "This is something that as a political leader you can think you understand as an objective observer, but you don't really understand until you become part of the story."
He said that two of his actions have "drawn the ire" of some conservatives around the country. The first was the nomination of a Sohail Mohammed, a Muslim attorney, as a superior court judge. Conservative web sites have criticized the appointment, saying Mohammed has defended terrorists and will employ shariah law. But Christie called Mohammed a friend and said that those who create hysteria about his appointment because are "bigots."
Christie went on to ask the Muslims in attendance to recommend members of their community for appointments, including judgeships.
Christie also noted that he has been called out for his relationship with Imam Mohammad Qatanani, who is often described online as a "Hamas-linked cleric."
"The fact of the matter is that in all my interactions over the years with the imam, he has attempted to be a force for good in his community, in our state, with law enforcement, with those of us who have gotten to know and work with us over the years," said Christie, who worked with the Muslim community as a U.S. Attorney in the aftermath of Sept. 11. "So I hope what you see is a consistent strain of conduct. I will judge people based on their relationships with me and how they conduct themselves."
Find a sampling of the concerns of conservatives on this web site, but beware that the comments section contains offensive words against Christie and Muslims.
Haters...Where are ya'???— sarah89- You are here, look in the mirror you will see the hater Christy was talking about.
Did you know the guy shot at temple last week? If you are a republican, you know someone like him.— Seed - LOL, much like you, he hated at least one conservative candidate, and sometimes claimed to be an atheist. Get yourself a new mirror.
— Jean Valjean 
Horrendous job of reporting here.
1- Has Sohail Mohammed defended terrorists?
2- What are, if any, the links between Mohammad Qatanani and Hamas?
Maybe the Inquirer should hire some reporters to find & report facts, rather than simply regurgitate opinions. Either these claims are baseless, or Christie is affiliated with some scary people. The readers would be well served by reporting that lays out the facts.- Does Christy support Romney's statement that Palestine Muslims are from lower culture and therefore are poorer?
Being a direct surrogate of Romney, christy needs to answer that question.— Seed - I think "Seed" has an axe to grind.— Another_1
- Christie can't stand on moral high ground for an hour where he associates himself with a blood money trader like Romney every minute of the day. — Seed
- His political points aside, you have to feel sorry for Seed as he needs to reply to the first post on every political article just to get his post near the top and seen by the most people. That just screams insecurity and is probably a reflection that no one listens to him in real life. He probably grew a red rocket when he read about Romney paying taxes in NH and needs to post at the top of every political article, even one about Christie, muslims, and christians. So pathetic. — towelie
- "You are here, look in the mirror you will see the hater Christy was talking about.
Did you know the guy shot at temple last week? If you are a republican, you know someone like him"
Seedie-
Do you Libs do anyhing but put out personal attacks? Do you really think calling Chris fat, blaming Republicans for everything without ever providing anything that hasn't been said or done many times by your side to back it up isn't stupid hate??? WOW, you do need a lot of help in many areas! By the way, does Barry support Biden's racial comments about people from India working at 7/11? Does he support accusing someone of murder when it is so far from the truth it's funny??? Barry really needs to answer that one!!!
Dude, LOOK IN THAT BROKEN MIRROR...you'll be surprised at how closely you resemble the Temple guy and worse, because you think are perfectly fine...SAD!!!!— sarah89 - Seed - what's the matter your daughters arranged marriage failed. Buck up pal and get a life.— SPENDSPEND
- At least you are in love with a lard bag. I hope you are happy in that marriage; don't let him bully you too much. — Seed
This is why christie is popular.
He is actually correct.
You have people like bachmann who spew hate and insinuate individual muslims belong to hate groups, the you have a real life politician who says that he is labeled as an islamist by conservatives for appointing a judge who happens to be muslim.
That's why Christie should tell romney to stick th vp up his arse and wait until 2016 when he can run for the top spot in an open field.
He has a better than average chance to win.
And this from an obama supporter.
- You go boy!. Speak the truth. Of course now you gotta watch your back. You're in the same boat as Christie when it comes to Conservatives. And no doubt the Tea Partyers have you in their cross hairs. — CommonSense in Philly
- So Christie himself is the target of his own party and now he doesn't like it. Good thing he isn't a public school teacher, police officer or fire fighter. Good thing he isn't a minority looking for affordable housing in a neighborhood with quality schools. Good thing he doesn't live in Camden. He'd understand what it's like to be on the other side of his own intolerance.— MikeP
- Yeah it was so much better when politicians were telling unions everything was going to be fine even when the bank account was empty. That worked great! — towelie
Reach him at mkatz@phillynews.com or 609-217-8355.
Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattkatz00. Reach Matt at mkatz@phillynews.com or 609-217-8355.
