Governor Asa Hutchinson visits Dartmouth as part of the "Path to the Presidency" Series

On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson visited Dartmouth College as part of his exploratory bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Speaking to 50 students, faculty members, and community members Gov. Hutchinson outlined his vision and platform if elected president.

In his opening remarks, Governor Hutchinson stated the "rule of law is under challenge today" and emphasized economic issues like pro-growth energy policy, balancing the budget, and increasing affordable housing supply.

"I'm running for President because we need a new direction in America...and we need a new direction in the Republican Party," Governor Hutchinson asserted. He positioned himself as an experienced leader, saying he 'represents the opposite of chaos," which he believes his party has too fully embraced in recent years. "My skill set and experience matches the needs of our country," he elaborated. He maintains that the Republican party needs new leadership away from Trumpism, saying Trump at the top of the 2024 ticket would "be the end of the Republican party."

When asked about his electability, Hutchinson responded "Most people agree that I would be a great general election candidate...I could expand the party." Governor Hutchinson argued he could expand the Republican coalition by appealing to moderates, suburban voters, and those wanting an alternative to Trump. When asked about whether or not he thinks former President Donald Trump should legally be allowed to run, he asserted his support for party rules barring criminally indicted candidates like Trump from running. If Trump runs again, Governor Hutchinson warned, it "would be the end of the Republican party as we've ever known it."

On policy specifics, Governor Hutchinson stated "I want to be able to have an America that is strong and works well with our allies across the globe." Answering questions from Professor Mia Costa, moderator of the event, he declared his opposition for broad student debt forgiveness, claiming the policy as "unfair," but noting his potential support for lowered interest rates.

The conversation shifted next towards recent Supreme Court decisions. When questioned about his opinions regarding the recent Supreme Court decisions on abortion and affirmative action –  Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Center and Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, respectively – the Governor stated his support for both rulings. Regarding abortion, the Governor called for federal restrictions with exceptions. He says the issue should be left to states and consensus won't be found in Congress. Similarly, he defended the Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling while encouraging alternatives like geographic diversity to bolster racial and ethnic diversity.

In closing, Hutchinson told students "You have shown me a great deal of respect… and you really reflect the best of America." Governor Hutchinson praised Dartmouth students, telling them to utilize their advantages after graduation to "do great for America." His parting advice was to retain checks and balances and maintain a "civil spirit" with vigorous, respectful political debate. His Dartmouth visit comes as Governor Hutchinson weighs joining a crowded field of potential 2024 Republican presidential contenders.

Written by Zoe McGuirk '25, Rockefeller Center Student Asisstant for Public Programs