Asa Hutchinson talks about Trump’s choice of vice president and Republicans’ backing of his campaign

Little Rock, Arkansas – As the election season was getting underway former governor Asa Hutchinson offered his thoughts on the status of the Republican party in the wake of former President Trump’s attempted assassination.

Many issues have been raised by Trump’s choice of J.D. Vance as his running mate, as Hutchinson noted in his remarks.

“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, how are the Nikki Haley supporters and the independent voters out there 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 previously expressed strong opinions about Trump’s performance as president, brought up his remarks at the convention and suggested that they might have fostered more unity than divide.

In the interview, Hutchinson states that as Vance’s relationship with Trump strengthens, a great lot of obedience and loyalty are required of him.

“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 acknowledged that Trump has made headway in his efforts to reclaim the presidency of the United States and that his main concern is with the convention’s efforts to bring the nation together.

“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 questioned about Republicans joining together, Hutchinson emphasized how future remarks made by former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley and newly announced vice presidential running mate JD Vance can act as turning points for the campaign, enticing more people to support it. “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.”

“Well, you know that I’ve made some commitments about not voting for a convicted felon,” Hutchinson said in response to a question regarding his vote in the forthcoming presidential election. However, it feels like a long time ago now.