Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
President Larry Hogan?
Last week, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan was the first of the GOP 2024 presidential hopefuls to visit the Iowa State Fair, making rounds in a state that carried 6 electoral votes in the 2020 presidential election. Though Hogan hasn’t formally announced a run for president, he has hinted at the prospect on several occasions this summer, even recently exclaiming, “More and more people are encouraging me to consider it.” Last week’s visit to Iowa seems to point toward a Hogan campaign in the works. Hogan’s governorship comes to an end this December, after his eight years in office.
What do you think about the prospect of Gov. Larry Hogan running for U.S. President and his chances in the GOP primary cycle? Do you believe he would make a strong national leader?
Here’s what you said:
Good Man !!!!! Well Qualified !!!!
Scott Leaf, Edgewater
I've loved Larry Hogan from the start. He's an exemplar for what political leadership needs to be. He's able to work with people in both parties to get things done. We need strong leadership on the Hill. I'd vote for him and I would volunteer to help his campaign.
Suzanne Reese, Annapolis
I am a hard core Democrat but I do think that for the most part Hogan was an excellent governor particularly during the pandemic. I do wish he was stronger on the environment, so my concern would be as President he would bend to big business rather than protecting the planet.
Unfortunately, I don't think he has a chance against the Republican establishment and wackos.
Sandra NASH, Annapolis
Yes
Janet Sumner, PASADENA
I would encourage him to run...I'm for it.
Greg Fisk, Arnold
There is a space out there for moderate Democrats and Republicans to get the people's business done and be a check on the worst elements of both parties and Hogan can be its leader.
Andres Saavedra, Bowie
Lived in Md several years. I think Larry has the common sense, straight from the shoulder approach to political problems that would be well suited to this time where most politicos operate from a prepackaged ideological playbook that most people are tired of.
Jeffrey Albert, Beaufort
Governor Hogan is the type of leader America needs now. He works with both parties to deliver results, and doesn't let partisan politics sidetrack his agenda. I hope the voters get a real opportunity to see what Governor Hogan has done in the State of Maryland.
Linda Kohler, Stevensville
Yes. As a lifelong Republican, I hate to see the direction our Grand Old Party has gone under the crazy orange turd, Donald J. Trump. We need more moderate, pragmatic, moral leaders like "The Hoganator!"
Randy Blasdell, Columbia
Would love Larry Hogan to enter the 2024 presidential race. He would make a great president. I am a Democrat and have voted for him twice for governor.
Kimberly Herman, Crownsville
I think Gov. Hogan would be a perfect candidate. He is honest and bases his decisions on facts, not on political gains. I am a democrat and voted for him twice for governor. I would vote for him for president.
Teresa Yackley, Timonium
Nope! We need a strong leader with international experience. Trump, Pompei, Halley all better choices for this reason. What does he know about China and Russia? His only international experience is buying Covid test kits from his wife's family that didn't even work.
Nora Drayton, Oxford
Resided in Severna Park/Annapolis for 40 of last 43 years. When Trump was running for President, Larry Hogan refused to endorse him putting country over party.
John Ames, Millis
I would love to see Gov. Hogan as President. He is a uniter and a moderate. I hope he runs...I would vote for him
Lori Ross, Annapolis
Hogan has no chance against Trump or DeSantis. Hogan has Trump derangement syndrome and does not acknowledge all the good things Trump was doing for the country. Hope he is enjoying life under the Biden administration.
Julia Jones, Edgewater
Governor Hogan projects thoughtful and informed command over his station and respect for his constituents. In Maryland, he guides with apparent calm control.
Barbara Jones, Annapolis
The Governor would make a fantastic president and I hope he runs. Being fiscally conservative and socially moderate is a great combination. Even my wife who is a lifelong democrat is very supportive of his candidacy. I would volunteer to work on his campaign to make it happen; that's how much I think of him as our next president. However, because he makes so much sense and is not an extremist I'm afraid his chances are slim. In order to attract funding, you have to be on the extremes and Larry isn't that. I'm afraid he would just be shouted down by all the crazies in both parties. This is representative of the sad state of affairs of our nation's politics. But if he's game, I'm all for it. GO LARRY!!!!
Steve Linehan, Annapolis
I would love for him to run. He is exactly what we need in this country. Someone who is real and ready to make decisions.
Katherine Davis, Annapolis
I'm an Independent and I would vote for him in a minute. He seems fair and reasonable and mentally stable.
Wendy Schied, Saint Michaels
I am so excited to hear about this! If Hogan runs he has my absolute full support and vote.
Kimberley Lutz Madden, Stevensville
Formally of Annapolis...Absolutely, run Larry run! Beats the heck out of DeSantis and orange baby
Daniel McHahon, Mount Dora
I am a registered Democrat and have only voted Republican once - for Larry. I would love to see Larry run for President. I appreciate Larry's approach as a very centered and practical approach to issues. I think of him as fiscally conservative, and socially progressive (ie on women's issues, no racial undertones and no BS). Also, his forward thinking through the pandemic is an example of what he can bring to the US on national level. To have assessed the need so quickly and leverage relationships and coordinate internationally to get PPE for his state so swiftly was amazing. I'm a big Larry fan and think he can really help bridge our country at a time when rhetoric is so divisive.
*I would like to see Larry fix the state unemployment (people not getting their checks and not getting through to someone to help) and tax department issues (we personally have issues trying to resolve an overpayment). These are key services that need attention and if Larry is going National, let's see he can oversee these services on a smaller scale first.
Kirsten Linehan, Annapolis
Although I don't think Gov. Hogan has a snowball's chance in hell of being elected in today's political environment, I'd be ecstatic if a sensible Republican were on the ultimate ballot instead of an anti-democratic, Constitution-destroying right wing extremist such as Trump or DeSantis.
Marc Knapp, Annapolis
I was a former independent turned Democrat. Gov. Hogan would make an excellent Presidential candidate but I regret with the insane Republican party leadership currently in place, Hogan is too sane, principled and ethical to be nominated to that current imbalanced party. If he runs as an independent, he may do very well and pick up quite a few moderate Republicans, democrats and independents. He has a respectable political and governing record overall, and would look very attractive to a more sane, educated voting populace.
LM Wellstein, Mitchelville
Absolutely yes! He is a moral and decent man and not a crook like most politicians. He did an awesome job for Marylanders during the pandemic. He would lead us in the right direction. I believe he has us as his priority! Run Larry, run for President!
Babs Bakewell, Pasadena
I'm a 68 yr old democrat that lives in Annapolis. Hogan is the only Rep I have voted for, twice. And I’d most likely vote for him if he runs for President. I think he should run.
Doreen Byrne, Annapolis
I really wish Larry Hogan would run for president. He is the only politician I have ever know that puts his people first. What a refreshing change
Lisbeth Sorensen, Grasonville
I consider him the best option.
Henry Gilliam, Anne Arundel 0201 City Of Annapolis
I moved here 4 years ago from New Jersey. I have been Republican until I registered as independent few years ago. My first book read here was Larry Hogan's. I have been a fan of how he governs successfully in this majority democrat state. He was leader of all states Governors for couple of years. I think he is great compromiser and can be great leader of our country and world.
Carol McMunn, Annapolis
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