New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu says Ron DeSantis needs charisma and to connect with people to become president.
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu says Ron DeSantis needs charisma and to connect with people to become president.
Trump’s Polling Advantage in New Hampshire Challenges Other GOP Candidates
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As Republican presidential candidates eagerly crisscross New Hampshire, vying for the support of early-voting constituents who will shape the party’s direction in 2024, they face a formidable opponent: former President Donald Trump. Despite a flurry of GOP contenders in the state, Trump maintains a strong polling edge, creating a daunting task for his competitors.
One candidate who was expected to pose a challenge to Trump’s lead was Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Since launching his campaign in May, DeSantis has highlighted his numerous conservative policies enacted in Florida as a central pillar of his candidacy. However, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu recently emphasized that policy alone would not be sufficient to secure the GOP nomination.
During an interview on conservative author Hugh Hewitt’s podcast, Sununu shared some valuable advice he had given DeSantis. He stressed the importance of establishing a personal connection with voters and demonstrating authenticity to achieve real traction. Sununu urged DeSantis to focus on character, engaging with people directly, and displaying the unique qualities that set him apart from other candidates.
Sununu explained, “You’ve got to be about character, about looking people in the eye, and you’ve got to show that you’re not just viable to stand on the stage. You’re the one on the stage. You are the leader, the winner, the person who will inspire the rest of the party to get bigger and more excited. So, it’s really about a little bit of that charisma and leadership that they’ve got to show to folks one-on-one.”
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In a recent University of New Hampshire survey, Trump garnered 37% support, placing him in the lead. DeSantis trailed behind with 23%, while Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina received 8% support. Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota and former Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey each captured 6% support. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former Governor Nikki Haley of South Carolina garnered 5% support.
Sununu remains optimistic, pointing out that Trump polling below 50% in New Hampshire provides significant opportunities for other candidates to make their case. However, he adds that they must be willing to challenge Trump’s record and display leadership. Sununu emphasized, “Either you’re willing to swing, you’re willing to give the punch and take the punch and show leadership, or you’re kowtowing.”
The battleground of New Hampshire presents an invaluable chance for Republican candidates to connect with voters and gain momentum. While Trump maintains a strong position, his competitors have the opportunity to distinguish themselves through personal engagement, charisma, and strong leadership. As the campaign progresses, it will be interesting to see which candidate successfully captures the attention and support of New Hampshire voters who hold considerable influence over the future of the Republican Party.
