Paul Steinhauser’s recent column perpetuates the mistaken notion that Donald Trump “crushed” the competition in the 2016 New Hampshire primary. In fact, Trump only received 35.23% of the vote. The next three candidates, Kasich, Cruz and Bush, received 38.5%. Hardly a crushing. This pattern, where Trump got the plurality of the votes while the rest were split among the large Republican field, continued, until Trump emerged victorious.
If two or more Republican contenders enter the race this year, a similar result is probable, if not assured. The prospect of the twice-impeached, once-indicted ex-president at the top of the ticket again has Democrats looking forward to 2024.
Tom Chase
Northwood