Christie Responds To New York Times Editorial Calling For Stricter Gun Laws

TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- The mass killing in San Bernardino, California has reignited the gun control debate. The New York Times upped the ante by publishing a front page editorial for the first time since 1920 where it calls for restricted access to military-style weapons. Now, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is speaking out.

"It's typical liberal claptrap from the New York Times," Christie said during an interview with John Dickerson for CBS' Face the Nation.

Christie immediately dismissed the New York Times editorial that called it "a moral outrage and a national disgrace that civilians can purchase weapons designed specifically to kill people with brutal speed and efficiency." He also criticized President Obama and Democrats who he claims used the acts in San Bernardino to push for stricter gun laws.

"I don't know what gun control laws are going to stop terrorists from attacking us," the governor said.

Christie said the focus should be on expanding mental health services and government intelligence.

GOP hopefuls also spoke out against the paper's editorial, saying the answer to mass killings is to allow more Americans to arm themselves.

According to the Washington Post, the number of guns in the United States exceeds the number of Americans.