Chris Christie Says Weight Won’t Be A Problem If He Runs For President

Chris Christie has gained attention for his weight, but the New Jersey governor said that shouldn’t factor into a potential White House run in the future.

Speaking to Barbara Walters for her “10 Most Fascinating People” special airing Wednesday night on ABC, Christie admitted that he is “more than a little” overweight. But Christie maintained that he’s fit enough to be in the White House, the Associated Press reported.

The Chris Christie weight issue has come up many times for the Republican, as pundits and critics have taken shots at his large frame.

“That’s ridiculous,” Christie told Barbara Walters about those who feel he weighs too much to be president. “I don’t know what the basis for that is.”

Christie mentioned how he was able to travel the state in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, ensuring a fast response to New Jersey residents. The governor also earned bipartisan praise for his Sandy response, including his ability to work with President Obama.

“I’ve done this job pretty well, and I think people watched me for the last number of weeks and Hurricane Sandy doing 18-hour days and getting right back up the next day and still being just as effective in the job,” he said. “So I don’t really think that would be a problem.”

Chris Christie was a darkhorse pick to win the Republican nomination in 2012, but ultimately decided against joining the race. He recently announced that he will seek re-election in New Jersey.

While critics have taken shots at Chris Christie’s weight, the governor has shown a sense of humor about the issue. When asked about Twinkies maker Hostess shutting down, Christie exclaimed, “This is a setup!”

He also told Walters that he understands his weight issues and hopes to improve them, CBS News noted.

“If I could figure that out, I’d fix it,” Chris Christie said of his weight.