Sununu says Trump could get ‘smoked out’ if GOP presidential field consolidates
Gov. Chris Sununu: Trump Could Face Tough Competition in Republican Primary
Gov. Chris Sununu (R-NH) believes that former President Donald Trump may face significant challenges in the Republican presidential primary if the rest of the field continues to consolidate. In response to Trump’s recent comments threatening to indict potential opponents if he were to become president again, Sununu expressed concerns about Trump’s electoral chances within the GOP. He emphasized the importance of participating in presidential debates and being mindful of his words.
A Competitive Field Emerges
Sununu stated, “I think he kind of feels like he has the opportunity to say whatever he wants and he’s going to secure the nomination. I personally don’t believe that’s the case. I think you have three or four very strong opportunities. We’re still two months away from Iowa and a couple of months from New Hampshire.”
He further highlighted that even Trump’s supporters are starting to realize that other candidates have the potential to make a significant impact. Sununu stated, “When people start realizing that other folks can make a move here, he’s going to be — I would call it smoked out and have to actually engage folks on the debate stage and start watching what he’s saying.”
A Viable Alternative
When pressed about his statement that Trump could get “smoked out,” Sununu explained that if a viable alternative to Trump emerges among the rest of the field, the former president will have to actively engage with voters. Sununu emphasized the importance of winning key states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, stating that a consistent second-place candidate could become the alternative to Trump.
He added, “If it gets down to that one-on-one race before Super Tuesday, I mean, all of a sudden, somebody’s going to be within 10 points or less of him, and he’s going to have to really start engaging. He’s not going to be able to avoid the fact that he’s being severely challenged.”
A Competitive Landscape
Trump currently leads the Republican primary field, with polling averages showing him at 47.3% in Iowa. However, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) follows closely at 17%, and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley at 14%. Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) endorsing DeSantis is seen as a significant boost to his campaign.
Sununu, who governs the state hosting the second primary contest, plans to make an endorsement in the coming weeks. While he did not disclose his choice, Sununu mentioned that DeSantis, Haley, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie all have a chance at winning the GOP nomination.
He stated, “If you go back three months ago, there were like 13 candidates in the race. I think you can effectively say there’s three that have a shot here. And those are three governors — Christie, Haley, and DeSantis — the three that clearly did the best on the debate stage the other night — five on the debate stage.”
Sununu believes that the emphasis and focus will be on the three governors who are making significant strides in Iowa and New Hampshire. He noted the consolidation happening in these states and suggested that once the field narrows down, the competition will intensify.
What concerns does Sununu express about Trump’s controversial comments and their potential impact in the primary?
Bout who he sees as a potential contender to Trump, Sununu mentioned Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. He praised DeSantis for his strong leadership and conservative policies, stating, “DeSantis has done a great job in Florida, and I think he’s going to be a strong candidate if he chooses to run.”
Sununu also expressed his admiration for other potential candidates such as former Vice President Mike Pence and Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul. He acknowledged that these individuals have a strong base of support within the Republican Party and could pose a serious challenge to Trump.
Concerns about Trump’s Words
In addition to discussing the potential competition in the primary, Sununu expressed concerns about Trump’s controversial comments. He believes that Trump should be more mindful of his words, especially when it comes to threatening to indict potential opponents if elected president again.
Sununu stressed the importance of participating in presidential debates as a way to showcase one’s policies and engage with fellow candidates. He believes that Trump’s tendency to make inflammatory remarks could hinder his chances in the primary, as voters may prefer a candidate who focuses on substantive issues rather than personal attacks.
The Road Ahead
As the 2024 presidential election draws closer, Sununu urges Republicans to carefully consider their options. He believes that a competitive primary with multiple strong candidates is healthy for the party and ultimately leads to a stronger nominee.
Sununu’s comments highlight the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party and the potential challenges that lie ahead for former President Donald Trump. While Trump remains a dominant figure within the party, it is evident that other potential candidates are gaining traction and could present a viable alternative.
As the primary season approaches, it will be interesting to see how the field shapes up and whether Trump can maintain his stronghold on the party or if he will face tough competition from other contenders. Ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of Republican voters who will determine the future direction of the party and its nominee for the 2024 presidential election.
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