ROGERS, Ark. — Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson called his experience running for president "one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my life."
Hutchinson recently dropped his bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination on Jan. 17, following the results of the Iowa caucus.
Hutchinson sat down with Daren Bobb to reflect on the last year while on the campaign trail.
Hutchinson, who served two terms as Arkansas governor, said he couldn't make a comparison between campaigning for his previously held officers to campaigning for the presidency.
"There’s no comparison," Hutchinson said. "There’s a reason why so many people run for president twice, it’s because they make so many mistakes the first time.”
When he first announced he was running, the Arkansan was only the third Republican candidate at the time. Over the last year, the pressure of campaigning never let up for Hutchinson.
“I knew it was an uphill battle and that never changed," he said. "It was an uphill battle every step of the way.”
Between qualifying for different state's ballots, fundraising, and more, he said there is a "significant learning curve with everything that’s required.”
One requirement he believed docked his performance was his lack of political showmanship.
“I think I underestimated the entertainment requirement for those debates, which hurt my chances of getting back on the second debate. That’s just the nature of politics today,” he said.
Although it was a challenge, Hutchinson said he had "absolutely no regrets" about his run for president.
While campaigning, he was able to interact with people outside of Arkansas. Not only was he able to hear national concerns, but he was also able to see a new kind of civic engagement, especially in Iowa.
“They’re very very engaged and that’s rewarding. It really reflects well on our democracy ... The gracious sense of people, the commitment of people toward our country wanting to solve problems and get it right. That was the rewarding part,” Hutchinson said.
Iowa caucus results crowned former President Donald Trump as the winner, while Hutchinson received 191 votes. The following day, Hutchinson decided to come back to his home state.
“It’s good to be back home," he said. "I drove from Iowa back home in the snow. When I crossed the Arkansas line, I felt 100% better.”
The GOP presidential race will continue next week in New Hampshire for Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. However, the debate on Tuesday, Jan. 23, has been canceled after Haley said she wouldn't participate unless Trump decides to attend.
Hutchinson has not endorsed any candidate yet, but he said "that could change down the road.”
He did say Haley is gaining a lot of momentum because people are looking for an alternative to Donald Trump.
"She garnered much of the support that I would’ve had otherwise because they saw her as the best chance to compete not just in Iowa but New Hampshire and South Carolina," he said.
Since he decided to end his campaign, Hutchinson said thousands of people have thanked him "for standing up for America, standing up for a different direction."
As for Hutchinson's future, he said he feels "invigorated" and "encouraged."
Before he decides what to do with his future, he said he will finally take a break after eight years as governor and one year as a presidential candidate.
“I haven't had the chance to catch my breath and reflect,” Hutchinson said.
He plans to continue to work, but said he was unsure if it will be in the public arena or the private sector.
"Stay tuned," Hutchinson said.
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