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Gov. Larry Hogan on how Ron DeSantis fights the culture war:
“I don’t like mandates and somebody telling a business what they can or can’t do, or think. . . I don’t like it coming top down from an authoritarian, one person telling everybody what he wants.”
In an interview with New Hampshire Today’s Chris Ryan, the Republican Governor of Maryland Larry Hogan discusses potential Republican candidates like himself, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and former Governor Nikki Haley; explains how he has been able to work successfully with very Democratic legislature; assesses the candidacy and leadership style of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis; and weighs in on US foreign policy in Ukraine and China.
Former Governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley is also considering a run for president and has set February 15th as a deadline for making her decision.
On the other hand, Governor Hogan is having discussions and doing the groundwork, which is needed to launch a presidential campaign, but he doesn’t have a specific time frame for making his decision.
In his book, Mike Pompeo categorized Nikki Haley as 'a quitter'. Governor Hogan would not characterize her as someone who avoids the fire. Rather, he looks forward to the Republicans having a large field of candidates with a variety of skills and backgrounds all competing for the nomination.
Larry Hogan is now a former governor whose term in office expired on January 18, 2023. He is proud of his accomplishments as a two term Governor of Maryland.
Working with a 70% Democratic Party controlled legislature, Hogan was able to cut taxes and reversed a $5 billion deficit into a $5 billion surplus. By working with the other side and getting things done, Governor Hogan left office with an impressive 77% approval rating.
At this point in the 2024 race, most people see President Trump or Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the favorites to win the Republican nomination.
When he was asked to discuss how Governor DeSantis has used his office to battle with Disney or the College Boards over controversial cultural topics, Governor Hogan said this.
“I don’t like mandates and somebody telling a business what they can or can’t do, or think. . . I don’t like it coming top down from an authoritarian, one person telling everybody what he wants.”
In the final segment of the interview, Governor Hogan delved into the area of foreign affairs and discussed the war in Ukraine and US relations with the Peoples Republic of China.
The Governor is supportive of Ukraine’s efforts to stand up to Putin, and he is critical of the administration’s slow, incremental shipment of weapons and materials.
In regard to China, Governor Hogan feels that we need to be more proactive in anticipating their plans. Also, he feels that we simultaneously need to stand up to China and improve our relations with them.