Tim Cahill, a State Representative from New Hampshire, asserts that Ron DeSantis lacks the necessary experience and strength to challenge the influence of special interest insiders, making him an unelectable candidate.
Cahill’s support for President Trump stems from Trump’s prior success in winning the White House and the belief that he can achieve it once again.
Multiple polls have consistently revealed that New Hampshire Republicans are not swayed by Ron DeSantis’ attempt to whitewash his record as a career politician who prioritizes the interests of America second. DeSantis has been accused of endangering Social Security and Medicare, sending New Hampshire jobs to China, and proposing tax increases for the residents of the Granite State.
DeSantis has repeatedly supported the “Fair Tax Act” during his time in Congress, advocating for a new 23% national sales tax.
Studies conducted by the Tax Policy Center have demonstrated that this act would disproportionately burden working and middle-class families, with 90% of earners experiencing tax hikes. Furthermore, DeSantis’ proposed tax plan would significantly increase the deficit over a ten-year period.
Additionally, DeSantis has faced criticism for his stance on job outsourcing. He voted against providing tax credits to companies seeking to bring back American jobs and supported government contracts for companies that outsource jobs overseas.
These positions clashed with President Trump’s “America First” trade agenda, which aimed to create a level playing field for American workers and businesses while pressuring China to increase its purchases of American-made goods.
DeSantis’ trade record has also come under scrutiny. He voted to grant President Obama fast-track authority for trade bills, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which President Trump opposed.
DeSantis also voted against treating currency undervaluation as an illegal subsidy, a measure that specifically targeted China. Unlike DeSantis, President Trump openly criticized China for exploiting the United States through currency manipulation and advocated for tariffs as a means of addressing the issue.
Regarding foreign policy, DeSantis has displayed mixed positions. While he authorized aid to Ukraine in 2014, he criticized the Obama administration in 2015 for not providing lethal aid to Ukraine.
Initially characterizing Russia’s war in Ukraine as a “territorial dispute,” DeSantis later clarified his stance and referred to Putin as a war criminal.
DeSantis has consistently shown a lack of commitment to protecting Medicare and Social Security. He voted to raise the eligibility age for receiving full Social Security benefits and expressed a need for reforms even before entering Congress. DeSantis also voted to reduce Medicare benefits on two separate occasions.
It is important to note that under President Trump’s leadership, New Hampshire experienced significant economic growth. The state saw the expansion of businesses, an increase in median household income, and a decrease in drug overdose deaths. President Trump secured funding to address the opioid crisis and supported the state’s Army National Guard.
President Trump’s track record and promises have resonated with many New Hampshire supporters. His endorsements from legislators and a successful town hall event further highlight his appeal.
President Trump’s commitment to protecting the first-in-the-nation primary, Medicare, and Social Security, as well as his focus on energy independence and border security, are seen as key factors in driving his popularity among New Hampshire voters.
