Chris Christie says Trump has opportunity to lead GOP in new direction following assassination attempt

Former New Jersey governor and longtime Trump critic Chris Christie is calling on the GOP presidential nominee to lead the party in a "new direction" following Saturday's assassination attempt.

Christie published a guest essay in The New York Times on Tuesday about his desire for Republicans to move forward and former President Trump to "demonstrate the will to change."

"Mr. Trump, however, can demonstrate the will to change not just how we speak to one another but also how we act. This moment can confirm that our country is greater than any political party, but only if we work for it," Christie wrote.

"Mr. Trump has the opportunity to rein in some of the worst rhetorical impulses of the Republican Party at its convention this week. He can point the party and its leadership in a new direction in the wake of the assassination attempt against him."

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Christie was critical of Trump's vice presidential pick, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, arguing that it focuses on the party "already devoted to him" rather than reaching out "to the broader party."

"Mr. Vance’s first reaction to the assassination attempt against Mr. Trump was to turn directly to the current, flawed playbook: demonize the other side and lay the blame at the feet of the Democrats, as if they had pulled the trigger themselves," Christie said.

The former governor applauded Trump for stating in an interview with the New York Post that he wants to unite the country while being unsure if that is possible, and for crafting a new speech for his address Thursday when he officially accepts the 2024 presidential nomination.

"This is a start," Christie remarked.

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Christie endorsed Trump in