Christie is in on the Taylor Swift hype — and using it to attack Trump

Presidential candidate Chris Christie seized an opportunity to make a playful Taylor Swift reference — while throwing in a jab at former President Donald Trump — hours before the second Republican debate Wednesday.

“I was just a guy in the bleachers on Sunday... but after tonight, Trump will know we are never ever getting back together,” the former New Jersey governor wrote on social media, borrowing from the pop singer’s iconic lyrics.

Christie's dig was in response to a photo posted to social media of Christie sitting alongside Dallas Cowboys owner and Republican donor Jerry Jones during the Cowboys' game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, accompanied by a user's joking question: “Ooooh who on the Cowboys is Chris Christie dating?!” The question nodded to the internet frenzy over rumors that Swift is dating Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce, fueled by her attendance at a recent game with Kelce’s mother.

Christie has openly attacked Trump since launching his campaign, and the post likely foreshadows more attempts to position himself as a foil to the former president during Wednesday's debate.

The former governor has been polling in the low single digits, and although some of his rivals have breached the low teens in the polls, none come close to clear Republican frontrunner Trump. Unlike several other GOP contenders, Christie has ruled out joining a Trump 2024 ticket as vice president.

Christie’s campaign previously confirmed to POLITICO that he is committed to staying in the race until the New Hampshire primary.