Republican Governor of New Hampshire, Chris Sununu, has offered his endorsement to former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley in the race for the Republican nomination. During a recent debate, both candidates on stage were asked whether they believed former President Donald Trump had the character to be president again. However, they were unable to respond with a simple yes or no. Governor Sununu defended their responses, stating that the candidates were focused on earning the trust and votes of Iowa voters, rather than getting caught up in a question about Trump.
Sununu highlighted that Haley has taken a strong stance against Trump, making it clear where she stands on issues such as January 6th and election denial. He believes that Haley is not playing for second place, but is determined to win the race and bring the country together. Sununu further emphasized that candidates like Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis are focused on building their own base of support, rather than tearing down their opponents or playing to an anti-Trump crowd. He acknowledged that most Republicans would support the eventual nominee, regardless of whether it is Trump, as their priority is defeating President Biden and his policies.
When pressed about the possibility of Trump being a convicted felon by the time of the elections, Sununu maintained that most Americans would still vote for the Republican nominee, as polls show Trump currently leading Biden. Despite potential legal challenges, Sununu believes that the issues surrounding the election do not significantly affect the Republican primary or the general public's support for Trump. He cited multiple polls indicating that Trump would be competitive against Biden, even in the face of a felony conviction.
While Sununu expressed his surprise at these poll results, he underscored that the focus should be on the discontent with the current administration rather than the specific issues surrounding Trump. He commended Haley for her strong lead in New Hampshire, highlighting her potential to secure victory in the state and bring tangible change by helping Republicans win elsewhere. Sununu urged Republicans to prioritize winning against Biden's policies, emphasizing that the ongoing court cases surrounding Trump are not currently shaping the dynamics of the Republican primary or the preferences of the American public.
Overall, Sununu's endorsement of Haley reflects his belief in her ability to unite the party and defeat Biden, regardless of the ongoing controversies surrounding Trump. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the issues that resonate with voters and building a base of support rather than getting entangled in divisive questions about Trump's character.