Asa Hutchinson found himself in a conference room at the Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel in Altoona, Iowa, contemplating his 2024 presidential campaign. With notable figures like Chris Christie, Tim Scott, Mike Pence, Doug Burgum, and Larry Elder dropping out of the race, Hutchinson saw this as an opportunity to stand out. He believed that his refusal to promise a pardon to Donald Trump set him apart from other candidates campaigning in Iowa.
Hutchinson acknowledged the challenge of defeating Trump but remained resolute in his mission to sound the alarm about the potential consequences of nominating the wrong candidate. He compared himself to Don Quixote, relentlessly pursuing his cause despite Trump’s lack of interest in his campaign. Hutchinson’s determination led him to drive long distances, enduring snowstorms and small turnouts at events, all in the hopes of making his pitch to potential supporters.
Financially, Hutchinson’s campaign relied on scraping together whatever funds were available. With a modest budget of $1.2 million, he focused on paying candidate filing fees in select states, such as Colorado, Michigan, Texas, and Oklahoma. While he decided to skip competing in South Carolina, he planned to contest Florida, where Trump might face felony charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
Despite the challenges, Hutchinson remained undeterred. He traveled on a budget, driving long hours or opting for the cheapest rental SUVs. He even shared a car with strangers when a flight was canceled, demonstrating his commitment to reaching his campaign destinations. Hutchinson’s determination was evident as he booked a flight to New Hampshire after the Iowa caucuses, hoping for a better-than-expected outcome.
Acknowledging the low expectations surrounding his campaign, Hutchinson appeared content with exceeding a projected 1-2% support. While he believed in the impact of his voice, he shared a story that didn’t quite emphasize his influence. At a Republican convention in Georgia, Hutchinson criticized Trump, earning the approval of a man wearing a red MAGA hat who admitted to liking him more afterward.
As Hutchinson made his way through the trade show hallway, heading to deliver a speech, he faced an audience that listened respectfully. When he highlighted his refusal to pardon Trump, a solitary clap echoed in the room. Though the applause came from a Democrat who found Hutchinson’s words sensible, it served as a reminder of the uphill battle he faced in his campaign.
In his quest to make a difference and save the republic, Asa Hutchinson remained undeterred by the odds stacked against him. His unique stance on Trump and commitment to his cause drove him forward, even if his campaign had to operate on a shoestring budget.
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