Christie, Stewart spar on 'The Daily Show'

After a day of lobbying President Obama and lawmakers for billions in federal aid, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie took his case to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, where he and the comedian debated Christie's praise of Obama during the storm and the Republican Party's attitude toward people in need.

Stewart's interview of Christie began with a discussion of his recent opportunity to hug New Jersey icon Bruce Springsteen at a telethon concert to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy. Describing his style of embrace with "The Boss," Christie said, "no pat, I went slow dance."

The interview then turned to a more serious discussion of the damage caused by Sandy, Christie's praise of Obama during the storm and the attitude of Republicans on the role of government in times of crisis.

Christie, a supporter of GOP nominee Mitt Romney during the presidential campaign, received criticism from some Republicans for praising Obama's handling of the response to Sandy in the days leading up to the election. Stewart asked him what it told him about the "game" of politics that Christie would be leveling harsh criticism about the president's leadership abilities prior to the storm, while heaping praise on him after.

"What it tells me is that people have different skill sets at different times," Christie said.

The two then had an extended discussion of the role of government in times of crisis. Stewart pressed Christie on how lobbying for Sandy relief reconciled with his veto of a state health care exchange and how, in his view, the Republican Party only seemed to favor government action when it was something the GOP needed.

"If you have cancer and you don't have health insurance, that's Hurricane Sandy," Stewart said.

Christie replied that there were other ways to obtain coverage than a state-based exchange and that Sandy relief wasn't a Republican issue.

"What I'm doing is representing every person in my state -- Republicans, Democrats and independents."

Stewart said he also thought that the damage caused by Sandy had "humbled" him.

Christie acknowledged the storm had, but said he would still aggressively challenge questioners at town halls he deems are "acting like an idiot."

"That doesn't make me non-humble. That makes me honest."