WATCH: Christie's Debate Moment

Gov. Chris Christie may not have gotten a lot of time to talk during Thursday’s GOP presidential debate. But when he had an opportunity, he took full advantage.

Christie got into a sharp exchange with Sen. Rand Paul after he was asked about the Kentucky senator’s opposition to the NSA’s collection of phone records for terrorism investigations.

Christie was asked if it was fair for the governor to place blame on Paul, noting he once said the senator should be called before Congress if there is another terrorist attack.

“Yes I do,” Christie said.

Christie said he was the “only person on this stage” who has prosecuted terrorists, noting he was appointed as U.S. attorney on Sept. 10, 2001 “and the world changed enormously the next day.”

“I will make no apologies ever for protecting the lives and the safety of the American people,” Christie said.

Paul then shot back, saying Christie should abide by the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution, using warrants to collect information. “I want to collect more records from terrorists but fewer records from innocent Americans,” he said.

“That’s a completely ridiculous answer,” Christie said, adding: “When you’re sitting in a subcommittee just blowing hot air about this you can say things like that.”

Paul then directed the exchange toward Christie and his good relationship with Obama following Superstorm Sandy.

“I don’t trust President Obama with our records. I know you gave him a big hug, and if you want to give him a big hug again, go right ahead,” Paul said.

“The hugs that I remember are the hugs I gave to families who lost their people on Sept. 11,” Christie said.