Gov. Sununu: There's Only One Way to Beat Trump

New Hampshire's Republican governor, Chris Sununu, is not running for president this year, but he has some blunt advice for most of the GOP candidates not named Donald Trump: Get ready to drop out soon. For instance, anyone who doesn't qualify for the first two debates should exit the stage, he writes in a New York Times essay. Ditto for anyone still polling in the single digits around Christmas. The governor, who opposes Trump's reelection, says the former president is a lock to win the nomination if the field remains large. Specifically, Sununu says it must narrow to three or four candidates after Iowa and before his own state's primary.

"Provided the field shrinks by Iowa and New Hampshire, Mr. Trump loses," writes Sununu. "He will always have his die-hard base, but the majority is up for grabs. Candidates who seize on the opportunity and present a clear contrast to the former president will earn the votes." As for all those national polls showing Trump with a seemingly insurmountable lead, Sununu calls them "meaningless" at this stage. "It's a reflection of the national conversation, name ID, and who is top of mind—not where the momentum is headed." Read the governor's full essay. (More Election 2024 stories.)