Chris Christie Roasts New Jersey Reporters: 'Clean The Sh*t Out Of Your Ears'
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R)
ribbed reporters for their coverage of the George Washington Bridge lane closure scandal at an annual press roast Wednesday night, telling one journalist to "clean the shit out of your ears."
According to audio of the event obtained by
Bloomberg News and
International Business Times, Christie delivered a biting, often profane speech at the annual New Jersey Legislative Correspondents Club Show in Hamilton, New Jersey, taking aim at journalists covering Bridgegate and his spending habits, among other issues.
Christie, who is considering running for president in 2016, has been a
regular at the dinner, and in 2012 teamed up with then-Newark Mayor Cory Booker (D) for a "Seinfeld" inspired
video. This year, however, things were different.
“The reason we don’t have a video is that we just don't give a shit anymore,” Christie said, according to
IBTimes. "We don't give a shit about this or any of you."
"This is a guy who says he doesn't know what I'm doing every day," Christie
said of the reporter. "Then just get the fuck away from me. Every time I turn the corner in New Hampshire, you and that beard are there. So here's my suggestion: Open your eyes, clean the shit out of your ears, and pay attention."
Christie has had a tense relationship with his state's press corps. In January, he accused reporters of acting like "
children." In 2012, he tore into a reporter at a press conference, calling a journalist who asked him an off-topic question an "
idiot."
"Did I say on-topic?" Christie
asked. "Are you stupid? On-topic, on-topic. Next question."