New Jersey Governor and Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie stated he would establish a no-fly zone over Syria and shoot down any Russian jets that entered it, and “we have to do whatever it is we need to do to make sure Putin understands that putting the old band back together is not an option” on Monday’s “America’s Newsroom” on the Fox News Channel.
After heavily criticizing President Obama’s handling of Russia, arguing that “the only person this president attacks is Bibi Netanyahu,” Christie was asked what he would do with regards to Russia.
He responded, [relevant remarks begin around 4:35], “Well, the first thing you do is you set up a no-fly zone in Syria, and you call Putin, and you say to him, ‘Listen, we’re enforcing a no-fly zone, and that means we’re enforcing it against everyone, and that includes you. So, don’t test me.'”
After being asked, “And then he flies through your territory?” Christie responded, “And then you take him down.” He added that this meant shooting down Russian jets.
When asked whether he was prepared to start a war with Russia, Christie said, “Well, what you — well, I’m not prepared to allow Russia to try to bring Communist domination back to the world. And so it’s about choices Martha, it’s not just about what are you willing or unwilling to do, it’s what are you willing to permit to have happen. We spent untold treasure and American blood to eliminate the Soviet Union. We should not let it come back, and we have to do whatever it is we need to do to make sure Putin understands that putting the old band back together is not an option.”
After the discussion turned to ISIS, Christie stated he would put US boots on the ground if necessary, but “we can work with our allies to get after ISIS, and train them, give them better weapons”.
Follow Ian Hanchett on Twitter @IanHanchett
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