Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) announced Sunday that he is running for president in 2024.
The Republican governor, and frequent critic of former President Donald Trump, took aim at the GOP front-runner in his announcement, both indirectly and directly.
“I am going to be running. And the reason, as I’ve traveled the country for six months, I hear people talk about the leadership of our country, and I’m convinced that people want leaders that appeal to the best of America, and not simply appeal to our worst instincts,” Hutchinson said in an interview with Jonathan Karl on ABC’s This Week. “I believe I can be that kind of leader for the people of America.”
EXCLUSIVE: Former GOP Gov. Asa Hutchinson announces during an interview with @JonKarl that he will be running for president.
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 2, 2023
“I'm convinced that people want leaders that appeal to the best of America and not simply appeal to our worst instincts.” https://t.co/DmytxAAfAL pic.twitter.com/f2lcIBQeqD
He reiterated his call for Trump to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race in light of his indictment, though acknowledged that was unlikely.
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“Well he should,” Hutchinson said, when asked whether Trump should withdraw his candidacy over the indictment. “But at the same time, we know he’s not [going to]. And there’s not any constitutional requirement.”
Hutchinson is one of the few major Republicans to break ranks to continue to denounce Trump amid his indictment, which has rallied GOP support.