Sununu needs this to be true, at least if he wants a future in politics beyond punditry.
Trump has talked a lot about trying to stop the flow of fentanyl, an opioid, over the southern border.
How do you want to see Trump and Republicans in Congress tackle the border?
It’ll still be an issue, but it’s just not going to be the political backbreaker issue that the Democrats want it to be.
So he and Trump could use their combined political capital to ensure that whatever they do is lasting.
Additionally, he maintains that the Republican Party is still a “big tent,” appealing to a variety of groups, including social conservatives, fiscal hawks, libertarians, and Log Cabin Republicans.
If Sununu wishes to pursue a career in politics outside of punditry, this must be the case. Despite occasionally defying his party’s Trumpian leanings, Sununu has been reelected three times and is consistently rated as one of the most popular governors in the country. He is the scion of a political dynasty from New Hampshire whose traditional brand of Republicanism has been replaced by hard-liners and flamethrowers in the Trump era.
However, Sununu has a mixed record when it comes to passing along his success in navigating a MAGA-fied GOP to other politicians who share his views. Sununu chose not to run for a fifth term. Only this year did he assist in electing a former senator. Although he was unsuccessful in obtaining former U.S. N. Crossing the finish line in the Granite State GOP presidential primary was Ambassador Nikki Haley. In the event that he runs for higher office himself, he also has no clear constituency outside of New England.
Having ruled out running for the Senate in 2022 and for president in 2024, Sununu, 50, says he won’t be considering either position for the foreseeable future. He claims that he is happy to go back to work in the private sector and, as he frequently says, “make some money.”. “”.
In an extensive interview with POLITICO, Sununu discussed his efforts to lower the number of opioid overdose deaths, his plans to remain active in politics, his continued opposition to legalizing marijuana for recreational use, and the fact that Trump does not have the GOP as tightly in his grasp as it appears. Sununu is preparing to relinquish the office he has held for eight years.
The length and clarity of this discussion have been improved through editing and condensing.
As governor, what do you consider to be your greatest policy accomplishment?
The state was dealing with two major problems when I first ran for governor: the opioid epidemic and the mental health crisis. And we immediately dove in. We redesigned workplace initiatives that support recovery and placed a strong emphasis on access to care in rural areas. In essence, it was about granting access.
Trump has made much of his efforts to halt the flow of opioids, including fentanyl, across the southern border. Do you believe he can accomplish that with the policies he is putting forth?
“No.”. The open border is a contributing factor to the fentanyl crisis. Border closures undoubtedly make it more difficult for that stuff to enter.
A plan was presented last year. How do you want to see Trump and the Republicans in Congress approach the border?
That was a bad plan. Closing the border is crucial, but so is strengthening the ports of entry to accommodate the volume of people who might wish to enter in a way that is lawful, authorized, and processed. Above all, it is imperative that the “Remain in Mexico” policy be restored. Closing illegal border crossings is only one aspect of immigration reform; another is developing a more contemporary route for people to obtain citizenship.
Does Trump’s proposal for more widespread deportations seem like the right course of action?
For criminals in particular, yes. These people should be deported first and foremost. The next phase can be addressed by the president and Congress after that, but I believe it must be broken down into manageable chunks.
Let’s go back to New Hampshire. I want to discuss cannabis. You have generally been against legalizing marijuana for recreational use, a position that the state legislature once again rejected this year. Given that all neighboring states offer access to it, why should New Hampshire be denied tax income from this?
We discussed abortion and the Democratic Party’s strong stance on the topic in New Hampshire prior to the election. You claimed that voters were more interested in the economy and that the issue was becoming less important. What do you think now that the Republican won the race for governor?
In the year 2022, Roe v. Wade had just happened, so the problem was much more unknown. Two more years have elapsed this time. Everyone in New Hampshire is entitled to an abortion, and the state prohibits abortions after 24 weeks of pregnancy, with some exceptions. Therefore, the hysteria has not come to pass. Certain states and regions have more or less restrictions, but voters in those states have the final say on the matter. Although it will still be a problem, it will not be the political backbreaker that the Democrats would like it to be.
Do you still believe that the Republican Party can criticize Trump when it is appropriate?
It is, of course. did [former Rep. Matt Gaetz was simply disqualified from his nomination as the U.S. S. . Attorney General? Indeed. Obviously, there is always that initial period of political euphoria after being elected, and it is never easy to criticize the president and the leader of your party. There are indications, however, that some people are prepared to criticize, push back, and refuse when they feel compelled to. The fact that it’s not the heinous dictatorship that the liberal media predicted should be a huge relief to the American people.
Trump has a term limit. The question of what will occur in 2028 is thus raised. Consider the Ohio senator and vice president-elect. Is JD Vance guaranteed the nomination in 2028, or do you believe a genuine, contested primary will take place?
A genuine, contested primary will undoubtedly take place. In addition, I think JD is fantastic. He has demonstrated that he has overcome many of the early criticisms that he [faced]. He’s capable. He has extraordinary reflexes. He is aware of the trouble. He is really friendly. His ability to get along with the opposition was demonstrated during the vice presidential debate, which, in my opinion, strengthened the ticket as a whole. He is undoubtedly in a strong position if he decides to run in 2028. However, nobody will simply give it to him. You need to put him through his paces. I suppose he would be a front-runner if that was his desire. However, you will have a large number of people from various backgrounds running.
You are aware that I will inquire if you are considering it.
No. I’m not considering it at all, not for ’28.
So you’re not ruling out running for president in 2028?
There isn’t a story there, but I don’t rule anything out. I literally don’t think about it at all. In 2028, I don’t see myself running. Holy cow, my plans would actually change as a result. I don’t see a way for that to come to pass. Returning to the private sector excites me.
What do you have planned? What will happen to you next?
In addition to earning some money and doing business-related tasks, I plan to work in the private sector and receive some media attention. I have some suggestions for how to keep my political itch somewhat satisfied through a variety of media outlets and content production centered on intelligent political content.
You have been advocating in favor of Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk’s proposals for the “Department of Government Efficiency.”. Tell me how that can be accomplished.
For inspiration, you can truly look to the states. Despite being an outsider, Musk has political capital, which he must use to ensure that he is not merely presenting a list of good ideas to a Republican Congress that is generally indifferent to taking any real action. Republicans in Congress simply cannot stop themselves from overspending. Consequently, he and Trump could make sure that their actions are long-lasting by utilizing their combined political capital. For them, it would be a major legacy project. You must put a lot of pressure on Congress to work toward some kind of balanced budget. In the end, they will need to start discussing Social Security or entitlement reforms, which are mandatory given the approaching deadlines.
Trump wants to abolish DST. In a recent opinion piece, you expressed your support for that. The permanent implementation of daylight saving time, however, is currently being pushed in Congress. What are your thoughts on that?
The point is, let’s stop changing the clock, regardless of whether you make it permanent or remove it. It doesn’t matter to me. Select an hour. Whether you remove it or make it permanent, you get the same result. The main idea is to quit resetting the clock.
