In a recent interview, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu (R) suggested that age is no longer a factor in the 2024 election following President Biden’s withdrawal from the race. “The age issue has played out,” Sununu remarked to NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas. “Biden lost that question.”
According to Sununu, the core issues for the upcoming election will center around inflation, border security, and the financial struggles of everyday Americans, such as difficulties with credit card payments. His statements come in the wake of Biden, who is 81, ending his reelection campaign last month and endorsing Vice President Harris.
Sununu says the 2024 election will focus on inflation and border security now that Biden has withdrawn
The president’s decision followed substantial pressure from Democrats after a lackluster debate performance, marked by a raspy voice and diminished energy, which raised concerns about his ability to effectively compete against former President Trump and serve another term.
As Harris, 59, ascends to the top of the Democratic ticket, there have been ongoing discussions about whether Trump, at 78, is still too old to serve another four years. Since Harris entered the race, she has gained momentum, receiving crucial endorsements and achieving record fundraising totals. This surge has seemingly diminished Trump’s previous advantage over Biden.
In response, Trump, speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort, attempted to shift the focus back to himself, criticizing Harris for her minimal media appearances and labeling both her and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D), as “radicals.”
Some Republicans and even a few Democrats have speculated that the current enthusiasm for Harris may just be a temporary “honeymoon period,” which might wane. Sununu concurred, suggesting that if Harris isn’t leading by a substantial margin in key swing states by the end of August, her campaign could face difficulties.
Sununu, who previously endorsed former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley before her campaign suspension and later backed Trump, emphasized that once Harris’s initial momentum wanes, the focus will shift to her policy positions, which he criticized as “not good.”
He also referenced comments by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who noted the Democrats’ policy issues, arguing that a “never Trump” platform alone is insufficient to elect a competent leader. “’At least we’re not Trump, so vote for us’: That’s not a reason to really elect a leader of your country,” Sununu added.
Additionally, Sununu recently urged his GOP colleagues to reduce negative rhetoric, suggesting that such attacks are counterproductive and unlikely to bolster Republican support in the upcoming election.
