Asa Hutchinson Praises Trump's Handling of Assassination Attempt, Contrasts with Biden

Former Arkansas governor and Republican presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson, who has been critical of Trump in the past, commended the former president for his strength and leadership in the aftermath of the assassination attempt. He also drew a contrast between Trump's handling of the situation and President Biden's recent debate performance.

Former Arkansas governor and Republican presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson, who has been a frequent critic of former President Donald Trump, praised Trump's "strength" and leadership in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on his life. Hutchinson, who has declared he will not endorse Trump, made the comments on CNN's "New Day" program on Tuesday.

"Well, first of all, Donald Trump has done a good job in the way he has handled himself, showing strength at the time of the assassination attempt, understanding the importance of his candidacy to America," Hutchinson said.

Asa Hutchinson Praises Trump's Handling of Assassination Attempt, Contrasts with Biden

Hutchinson's comments come as Trump faces calls from some Republicans to step aside after his disastrous debate performance last month. Hutchinson drew a contrast between Trump's handling of the assassination attempt and Biden's debate performance.

"And you contrast that to Joe Biden and his debate performance, those are choices that really are stark. And so — and then, of course, how Donald Trump has handled himself afterwards saying, ‘This is an opportunity to bring America more together,’" Hutchinson continued.

Asa Hutchinson Praises Trump's Handling of Assassination Attempt, Contrasts with Biden

Hutchinson also praised Trump for inviting other GOP primary opponents, such as former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, to join him on stage at his rally.

"Trump’s steps have impressed me," he said.

Asa Hutchinson Praises Trump's Handling of Assassination Attempt, Contrasts with Biden

Trump announced on Monday that Ohio Sen. JD Vance would be his running mate in the 2024 presidential election. Hutchinson said he would have picked someone else, but respects Trump's decision.

"Although I’d picked somebody else as VP, he won the nomination, that’s what he gets to do. For me, I'm gonna wait this out," he said. "There’s time left, and I'm delighted to be here with my fellow Republicans, have a little bit more of an independent voice, but I want to wait and see how this shapes up for the fall."

Hutchinson's comments are a significant departure from his previous criticism of Trump. In 2016, Hutchinson said that Trump was "not a conservative" and that he would not endorse him. He also said that Trump's comments about women were "disgusting."

However, Hutchinson has since moderated his criticism of Trump. In 2020, he said that he would vote for Trump if he was the Republican nominee.

Hutchinson's comments are also notable because they come from a Republican who has been critical of Trump in the past. This suggests that Trump may be able to win back some of his former critics in the 2024 presidential election.