Hutchinson's DNC Visit: A Republican at the Democratic Convention

Former Republican presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson attended the Democratic National Convention, emphasizing the importance of bipartisanship and criticizing former President Trump.

In an unexpected turn of events, former two-term Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who ran for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, made an appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Hutchinson's presence at the event drew attention as he mingled with Democrats and shared his views on various political issues.

"I'm doing media. I'm not here to endorse the Democratic nominee," Hutchinson stated in an interview with Fox News Digital this week. "This is my first Democratic convention."

Hutchinson's DNC Visit: A Republican at the Democratic Convention

Asked if he felt out of place being surrounded by Democrats, Hutchinson replied, "A little bit, but at the same time, this is well reflective of American democracy that I'm greeted with a friendly fashion… This is a good part of politics that you can disagree but still be here and be welcomed."

Hutchinson's appearance at the DNC drew attention, as he has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, who easily defeated Hutchinson and other challengers in the race for the GOP nomination.

Hutchinson's DNC Visit: A Republican at the Democratic Convention

When asked how he will vote in the upcoming presidential election, Hutchinson indicated that he will "write in a candidate, a good Republican candidate. It's important to me to be a Republican and support the Republican cause."

However, he added, "We need to define it differently than Donald Trump and the rule of law is important to me. I said on the debate stage I'm not going to vote for a convicted felon. That still holds true."

Hutchinson's DNC Visit: A Republican at the Democratic Convention

Hutchinson also commented on Vice President Kamala Harris, who has been repeatedly criticized by Trump. Hutchinson suggested that Harris needs to moderate her economic policies to appeal to independent voters and dissatisfied Republicans.

"She needs to persuade them [voters] that her economic policy is not so far left and the argument about price controls is doing damage to her," Hutchinson said. "She needs to make clear that when she talks about her economic policy it's a fight against price gouging, which attorneys general do all across America, and not price controls."

Hutchinson's DNC Visit: A Republican at the Democratic Convention

Hutchinson emphasized that Harris needs to present an economic policy that "makes sense for America and doesn't scare people" if she wants to gain support from independents and moderate Republicans.

Hutchinson, who has a long career in law and politics, dropped out of the 2024 presidential race in January after finishing sixth in the Iowa caucuses. He indicated that he is currently focused on teaching at the University of Arkansas Law School and exploring other opportunities on college campuses.

"We'll see what happens in the future," Hutchinson said regarding the possibility of another political chapter in his career.