'Wasted endorsement': Asa Hutchinson mocked for endorsing Nikki Haley days before New Hampshire primary

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE: In an interesting turn of events just days before the New Hampshire primary, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, who recently withdrew from the GOP primary race, has declared his endorsement for Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley.

Hutchinson made the announcement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday, January 20.

“Anyone who believes Donald Trump will unite this country has been asleep over the last 8 years,” Hutchinson wrote. “Trump intentionally tries to divide America and will continue to do so. Go @NikkiHaley in New Hampshire. #FITN”

Hutchinson's decision to exit the race for the White House came on Tuesday, January 16, after finishing in sixth place in the Iowa caucuses. After congratulating former President Trump on his victory and acknowledging the other candidates, Hutchinson noted that his message did not resonate with Iowa voters.

"My message of being a principled Republican with experience and telling the truth about the current front-runner did not sell in Iowa," he stated. "I stand by the campaign I ran."

Law enforcement background and conservative platform

Hutchinson, known for his role as the youngest US attorney appointed by Reagan at the age of 31, touted his record and experience in law enforcement. After serving as the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration during the George W. Bush administration, he went on to serve two consecutive terms as Arkansas' governor.

Running on a traditionally conservative platform, Hutchinson focused on the economy, crime, and border security during his announcement speech.

Despite struggling with low poll numbers and missing the second GOP primary debate, he continued to criticize Trump, stating on CBS' 'Face the Nation', "Donald Trump is a weak candidate for us going into the general election."

Hutchinson's critique of Trump was not without controversy. Speaking at the Florida Republican Party's annual Freedom Summit in November, he faced boos while discussing the possibility of Trump facing legal consequences.

"As someone who's been in the courtroom for over 25 years, as a federal prosecutor, and also in defending some of the most serious federal criminal cases, I can say that there is a significant likelihood that Donald Trump will be found guilty by a jury on a felony offense next year," he said.

Since launching his bid in April, Hutchinson faced challenges due to a lack of national name recognition and mounting criticism of Trump. He joins the ranks of other Republican candidates, like Senator Tim Scott, who suspended their campaigns and endorsed Trump, drawing parallels to Hutchinson's recent endorsement of Haley.

Hutchinson’s endorsement of Haley comes just days before the January 23 primary in New Hampshire.

Trump currently leads in the state with 46.7 percent support, while Haley, buoyed by strong debate performances and Governor of New Hampshire Chris Sununu’s endorsement, is closing in with 35.4 percent support, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ.

Internet reacts to Hutchinson’s endorsement of Haley 

Social media was inundated with various reactions to Hutchinson's endorsement of Haley.

"Wasted endorsement but nice sentiment," one posted on X.

"Good grief. You’re so pathetic," another fumed.

"To be fair, anyone who thinks Nikki Haley, who panders to the lowest racists and misogynists amongst us, will unite the country is still deluded," someone else offered.

"And anyone who thinks Haley will do anything other than champion the MAGA doctrine must be sniffing glue," another added.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.