The two indictments of Donald Trump, the most recent the most significant, make it clear Republicans need another choice.
Berryville Ice Cream Social
I was manning a Democratic booth at the Berryville (AR) Ice Cream Social yesterday. And three Republicans told me they couldn’t vote for Trump again. Great news, I think. Obviously that’s no great measure. Many Republicans wouldn’t have stopped at that booth anyway.
But I hope
I just hope it provides a glimmer of reason into the hold Trump seems to have on many followers. Surely a $4 million judgement for a rape case, an indictment for payoffs to a porn star and now violations of the federal Espionage Act give many reason for pause.
So who’s out there?
Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson was the first to say Trump needs to bow out. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is expected to say that as well. Both have distinguished themselves in the growing field of GOP presidential hopefuls by calling Trump out for his behavior. Thank heavens. Why the others lag behind is way beyond me.
Perhaps Democrats want Trump as a nominee
It may be that Democrats want this beleaguered former president as the Republican nominee. Perhaps that helps President Biden, who faces seemingly baseless inquiries in the GOP House, questions about his age and inflation as election hurdles.
My money’s on Asa
But as someone who lived in Arkansas with Asa Hutchinson as governor, I’d put my money on him if I were in the GOP. While I don’t agree with many of the conservative policies he backed as governor, I found him to be a straight shooter and fair. He vetoed a legislative bill, for example, to ban gender-affirming care to trans-gender minors, calling it government over-reach. The Legislature overrode the veto.
Berryville folks
The Berryville folks I talked to yesterday agreed with me that Hutchinson should get a look. But, like me, they don’t expect him to.
Great background for the job
But he’s got a great background for the job! Both he and his brother served in Congress from Arkansas. In Asa’s case, this came after a stint as the Reagan-appointed U.S. attorney for the Western District of Arkansas. While there, he prosecuted the racketeering and arms case involving polygamist James Ellison and the White Supremecist group The Covenant, The Lord and The Arm of the Lord (CSA). That case led to a three-day stand-off, during which Hutchinson donned a flak jacket and helped negotiate a conclusion.
Homeland Security and DEA
Under President George W. Bush, Hutchinson also served as Director of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Deputy Director of Homeland Security. His insights on the U.S. border crisis are insightful. In fact, he identifies a lot of issues on his presidential web page https://www.asa2024.com/ that mention policies. Many need more detail, though.
Two terms as governor
He then served two terms as governor, winning re-election in 2018 with 65 percent of the vote, the largest margin in state history. Yes, he signed an abortion bill that essentially bans all abortions in the state. That was one of the “trigger laws” that went into effect with the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs’ decision. Yes, I dislike that measure with every fiber.
But he was a national leader
Hutchinson and Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski quickly condemned the Republican National Committee for its censure of GOP Representatives Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney for their roles on the January 6 committee. He also served as chair in 2020-21 of the National Governors Association.
The GOP needs a better choice
While casting about for a better choice, I think Mr. Hutchinson is worth a close look. He’s experienced. He’s conservative. He’s demonstrated national leadership. His moral conduct seems above reproach. And he’s not criminally indicted. Also, by the way, he’s not Donald Trump.