Asa Hutchinson tells Iowans it's 'a mistake listening to the loudest person in the room'

CEDAR FALLS — Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson doesn't consider himself to be an "outrageous person."

It's the answer Hutchinson gave Wednesday night when he was asked how he would compete with "louder voices" also seeking the U.S. presidency in 2024.

"I've fought the establishment forever, and I don't think you have to be the loudest voice in the room," Hutchinson said. "In fact, sometimes I think we make a mistake listening to the loudest person in the room."

Hutchinson answered questions about the economy, healthcare, retirement and Social Security from audience members during a meet-and-greet session Wednesday night in Cedar Falls.

In a conference hall at the Hilton Garden Inn, Hutchinson stood before a group of roughly 50 prospective voters to discuss how his background in the federal government and as Arkansas' governor would serve him as president.

"I think Americans actually want somebody who's going to govern, has had to lead, has the executive experience that can solve problems in Washington and can stand strong as well," he said. "And so I think you have to differentiate between being loud and being a problem-solver and being passionate and being able to fight the establishment with good ideas, with leadership.

"So I trust Iowa to figure that out."

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Hutchinson, who describes himself as a traditional conservative, announced his bid for the White House in late March in his home state of Arkansas. Wednesday night's event kicked off a three-day trip to Iowa that is set to conclude in Clinton on Friday evening.

Hutchinson, who largely steered away from calling out opponents by name Wednesday night, told the Des Moines Register the omission is on purpose.

"I think voters are more interested in who you are and what your ideas are versus what you got to say about other candidates," he said.

"The debates are different," he added. "That's where you distinguish yourself from other candidates."

Margaret Klein of Waterloo said she is trying to keep up with all of the presidential candidates.

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Klein, a secretary for the Black Hawk County GOP and a self-described "centrist," told the Des Moines Register Hutchinson has always been on her "radar." Klein was previously a Waterloo City Council member representing Ward 1.

"I'm interested to hear what he's got to say," she said. "He's been kind of quiet in the past few years and so I want to see where he has evolved in all of this and we all know that we have a candidate who is loud and proud of being loud. And I want to hear how he will handle that going forward because he's going to have to confront it sooner or later."

Klein, who clarified the "loud" person she was referring to was former President Donald Trump, was the same audience member who later asked Hutchinson how he would handle louder voices during the Q&A.

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When asked what separates Trump from Hutchinson, Klein said she hopes Hutchinson is a man who is respectful of others' opinions, doesn't take "low shots," and can have a conversation without it turning into a "junior high brawl."

"I want somebody who can bring us all together. I really do. I want that person that can appeal to independents and Democrats and stop this silly fighting," she said, referring to a lack of civil discourse in the United States. "I'm tired of that kind of noise."

Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: GOP candidate Asa Hutchinson touts problem-solving over 'being loud'