The issue of abortion is still important, but it’s not the top issue. It’s always in the top three or four issues that folks are concerned about, but it doesn’t drive votes as much as the economy does. I think it was a huge mistake for Democrats to try to tie the issue of abortion to the economy. It just doesn’t work because voters see them as separate issues. They want a pro-growth, pro-economy, pro-jobs agenda. Abortion is important, but it’s not the only issue that voters care about.
As you prepare to leave office, do you think the GOP can survive without Trump at the helm?
Yes, absolutely. The Republican Party is a big tent party. It has always been that way. Trump brought in a lot of new voters, which was great, but the party is bigger than any one person. We have a lot of different factions within the party, and they all have a voice. We can survive and thrive without Trump. He’s unique, but he’s not the be-all and end-all of the party.
What’s next for you?
Right now, I’m focused on finishing out my term as governor and then transitioning back to the private sector. I want to make some money, spend time with my family, and maybe get involved in some philanthropic work. Politics will always be a part of my life, but I’m not sure what that looks like yet. I want to take some time to figure it out and see where the future takes me.
Do you see yourself running for office again?
Maybe someday. I love public service, and I think I have more to give. But for now, I’m looking forward to some time out of the spotlight and focusing on other things. We’ll see what the future holds.
Any final thoughts as you prepare to leave office?
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in New Hampshire over the past eight years. We’ve made progress on some tough issues, and I think we’ve set the state up for success in the future. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as governor, and I’m excited to see what comes next. Thank you to the people of New Hampshire for their support and their trust. It’s been an honor to serve you.
The state of New Hampshire has been a topic of discussion when it comes to abortion rights, with restrictions in place after 24 weeks of pregnancy, but exceptions are allowed. Despite this, no one has been denied an abortion or their rights in the state, debunking fears of fearmongering. It is ultimately up to voters in individual states to decide on the level of restrictiveness in place.
Criticism of former President Trump within the Republican Party is still possible, as seen with the case of former Rep. Matt Gaetz being pushed out of his nomination for U.S. attorney general. While it may not be easy to criticize the party’s standard bearer, there are signs of individuals willing to push back when necessary.
Looking ahead to 2028, the question arises of who will secure the Republican nomination. Vice President-elect and Ohio Sen. JD Vance is seen as a strong contender, but a contested primary is expected. While Vance has shown competence and intelligence, he will face competition from various candidates.
As for the possibility of a presidential run in 2028, former President Trump has stated that it is not on his radar at the moment. He plans to enter the private sector and engage with media outlets to continue discussing political content.
Support for Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s proposal for a “Department of Government Efficiency” has been voiced by Trump, emphasizing the need for lasting reforms to ensure a balanced budget and address entitlement and Social Security issues.
Regarding the debate over daylight saving time, Trump has expressed a desire to end the practice, while Congress is considering making it permanent. Trump’s stance is simply to stop changing the clocks, whether by making it permanent or eliminating it altogether. The focus is on ending the bi-annual time changes.
