New Hampshire Gov. Sununu praises DeSantis’ debate performance as ‘presidential’

MILWAUKEE (FLV) – New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu praised Gov. Ron DeSantis’ performance at the first Republican primary presidential debate, touting DeSantis making a “strong case” directly to voters.

“DeSantis did very well,” said Sununu, who has thus far remained neutral on endorsements for 2024.

“No one attacked him. Yes, no one attacked him,” he said. “So he got to look right in the camera. Make a strong case, do exactly what he needed to do.”

At the debate, sparks flied between various candidates like former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.

DeSantis, though, more frequently spoke directly to the camera about actions he’s taken in Florida and policies he’d support as president.

“He, I think, shored up his conservative credentials. If you will, he looked presidential,” Sununu said.

Asked by a CNN anchor about whether DeSantis did anything to “change the trajectory” of his campaign, Sununu replied, “yes.”

“As you get into debate mode, as you hit the ground in Iowa and New Hampshire, your campaign is going to change a little bit,” he said.

“I think did a very good job reaffirming where his, why he was so popular, you know,” he said. “And the opportunity for Republican Party without Trump. And I think a lot of people went, ‘oh, yeah, we got great options.'”

Sununu was seen last week signing the Never Back Down bus, a super PAC supporting DeSantis for president in 2024.

New Hampshire is the first official primary state in the country, and its presidential primary will take place early in 2024, typically shortly after the Iowa caucus.

Tucker Carlson’s interview with former President Donald Trump aired just five minutes before the first GOP debate Wednesday night.