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Chris Christie Looks Like An "Idiot" After Kicking Iraq Veteran Out Of Event
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Mar 10, 2012
Modified Mar 10, 2012
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Mar 10, 2012
Modified Mar 10, 2012
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New Jersey Governor Chris Christie gave one of his signature "straight-shootin" performances on Thursday when he called a pesky law student an "idiot." The "idiot" in question, William Brown, served in the Navy during the Iraq War, and wasn't shocked so much by Christie's words but the fact that he was escorted out of the event by two police officers. “I served my country, I am a combat veteran and they escorted me out like I was a criminal," Brown told the Daily News. "I couldn’t believe this is America.”
Christie gave a rote answer about the merging of Rutgers and little-known Rowan University's law schools (it's been called a "shotgun wedding") when Brown, who attends Rutgers law school, said, "What about my son? What about my neighbors? What about my friends?" Christie made the remark, then added, "You know, I tried to be patient with the guy. Every time I tried to answer, he started yelling over me again. Damn, man, I'm governor, could you just shut up for a second?"
Brown later said people at Rutgers thanked him for pressing Christie on the merger. “My professors, other students, everyone was thanking me. Even for Chris Christie this is pretty appalling."
Tagged
Chris Christie
Iraq War
manners
new jersey
rutgers
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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