In a sizzling ABC interview, George Stephanopoulos took GOP Governor Chris Sununu to task over his continued backing of Donald Trump.
Sununu insisted, “This trial is not going to have major political ramifications that a lot of people think it may have,” emphasizing his support was for the party’s success, not Trump personally.
Sununu’s Bold Political Play
Following Haley’s exit from the primary, Governor Sununu pivoted to endorse Trump.
Stephanopoulos challenged him on whether a conviction in the hush money case would shake his support, a question Sununu deflected with talk of broader political stakes.
Sununu Compares Trial to Reality TV
Gov. Sununu likened Trump’s legal woes to a reality TV drama, suggesting that Trump’s tactics of playing the victim had historically worked to his advantage.
This comparison minimized the potential fallout, focusing instead on the spectacle rather than the substance.
A Question of Right and Wrong
Digging deeper, Stephanopoulos shifted the dialogue from political implications to moral judgments, persistently questioning whether Sununu’s support would waver with a conviction.
Sununu held his ground, indicating his alignment with what he perceived as a significant part of the American populace.
Past Condemnations Come to Haunt
Stephanopoulos didn’t let up, recalling Sununu’s past statement: “You said his rhetoric and actions contributed to the insurrection.”
He pressed Sununu to justify how, with these beliefs, he could still back Trump’s candidacy, putting Sununu on the defensive.
It’s About the Party, Not the Person
Sununu argued that his endorsement was more about supporting a Republican administration than Trump himself.
Stephanopoulos countered, stressing the contradiction in supporting someone Sununu himself had implicated in serious national unrest.
Sununu Defends the Polls
Facing scrutiny, Sununu pointed to polls indicating that 51% of Americans supported Trump.
He argued, “I understand it doesn’t make sense to you, George, but look at the polls. What you are telling me is you don’t understand why 51% of this country is supporting Donald Trump. They’re not crazy. They’re not MAGA conservatives. They’re not extremists. They want culture change.”
Supporting Broader Change
Sununu expanded on his previous defense.
He asserted that his support for Trump was aimed at addressing pressing issues like inflation and border security, framing his stance as a battle against prevailing government failures rather than a personal endorsement of Trump.
Stepping Outside the Media Bubble
Sununu accused Stephanopoulos of missing the broader national context.
“I mean, really, I understand you’re part of the media. I understand you’re in this New York City bubble or whatever it is,” he said, criticizing the media’s disconnect with average Americans’ concerns.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
The governor emphasized that his support for Trump was part of a larger Republican strategy to shift the political landscape.
This suggests it wasn’t just about the presidential seat but involved a broader electoral strategy.
Sununu’s Unyielding Support
As the interview neared its end, Stephanopoulos summarized, asking, “So just to sum up, you would support him for president even if he was convicted in the Manhattan case.”
Sununu confirmed, aligning with what he claimed was a majority of Americans.
A Firm Stance Amidst Political Storms
In closing, Sununu reiterated his support, arguing that backing Trump was about more than just one man; it was about a broader desire for cultural and political change, shared by many Americans.
He stressed his commitment to this broader vision, concluding the fiery exchange.
