Former governor Asa Hutchinson gave input on the state of the Republican party amid former President Trump’s assassination attempt and election season in full gear.
J.D. Vance has been selected as Trump’s running mate, and the move has raised a lot of questions Hutchinson pointed out in his comments.
“I think the question is, you know, while he brings a lot to the table, he’s got an incredible story. He brings the youth mix, to the table, lacking on executive experience. But the question is, the Nikki Haley supporters, the independent voters out there, how are they going to react to it? And right now, he really does not have the national profile as many others.” said Hutchinson in an interview at the Republican National Convention.
“And so, it’s almost a blank slate in some ways. And his speech this week will help define his vice presidency, account as a candidate.” said Hutchinson. “And then, you know, following the mantra of Donald Trump, how’s it gonna shape up in the fall campaign? Are they going to reach out? Are they going to narrow it and focus on the base? That’s the test to be seen, but not a whole lot of assurance being given to those that are on the sidelines, hoping for someone that would be supportive of aid to Ukraine and in America’s global leadership? And we don’t have that in J.D. Vance.”
Vance who has been vocal in the past about Trump’s performance as President mentioned Vance’s statement during the convention and how it may have created more room for healing than division.
During the interview, Hutchinson says that a great deal of loyalty and obedience is expected to be exhibited by Vance as his alliance with Trump grows.
“Well, that was a brash and inappropriate message that JD Vance sent out after the assassination attempt. And Trump has handled it the right way, saying we’ve got to bring people together, it’s an opportunity for us we need to change the tone, we’ll see a face that sticks true through the convention.” said Hutchinson.
“That’s the JD Vance that wrote Hillbilly Elegy. And he’s had a conversion himself. And he’s not going to have a hard time handling this. He’s just going to say I got to know Trump. I like what his policies were. I was wrong back then. So even though that’s a storyline, the Democrats will use it. I don’t see that as a sticking point. JD is smart enough to be able to handle that and say, I was wrong. He was right. I’m in line now and I love the MAGA agenda. Let’s move forward.” Hutchinson continued.
He credited Trump’s progression as his quest to regain his position as United States President continues, and that his focus is on how the convention will strive to unite the country.
“So, Donald Trump’s steps have impressed me. And although I’d picked somebody else’s VP he won the nomination. That’s what he gets to do. For me. I’m gonna wait this out. There’s time left, and I’m delighted to be here with my fellow Republicans have a little bit more of an independent voice. I want to wait and see how this shapes up for the fall.” said Hutchinson.
When asked about Republicans uniting collectively, Hutchinson highlighted how the upcoming statements in the RNC from former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and newly announced VP running mate JD Vance can serve as pivotal moments for the campaign, encouraging more people to buy in. “Well, I think this convention shows that the Republicans are coming together, largely because Donald Trump showed such strength in the assassination attempt, and then he comes out and says, this is a time that we can come together as a nation.”
After being asked what his vote will be for this upcoming Presidential election, Hutchinson replied saying “Well, you know that I’ve made some commitments about not voting for a convicted felon. But that seems like a long time ago.”
