Upcoming primaries are scheduled for Saturday in South Carolina, which is also the home state of Nikki Haley, a prominent opponent of Trump.
These primaries play a crucial role in determining the presidential candidates for both parties across all states. Although the primary season officially extends until June, the Republican competition appears to have been settled prematurely this time.
Trump emerged victorious in Iowa and New Hampshire with little difficulty, prompting contenders like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to bow out.
Except for Haley…
The former governor of South Carolina and former UN ambassador under Trump remains adamant about her chances. She continues to campaign vigorously in various cities and towns, often taking a hardline stance against the party’s preferred candidate. Recently, she has criticized Trump’s contentious remarks on NATO (suggesting Russia attack countries that don’t pay), his reluctance to condemn Russian leader Vladimir Putin following the death of dissident Alexei Navalny, as well as Trump’s age.
Despite her persistent efforts, Trump maintains a commanding lead of 30 percentage points in the pre-election polls in South Carolina. Haley faces slim odds of victory.
Nevertheless, she persists in her campaign, heading to Michigan next Tuesday and then to several other states on ‘Super Tuesday’ (March 5). One of her key arguments is supported by polling data showing her as a stronger contender against President Joe Biden in the general election, holding a lead of up to 13 percentage points over Biden while Trump runs neck on neck.
However, within the Republican Party, Trump’s loyal following under the MAGA banner makes him nearly invincible. Many observers view Haley’s campaign with a mix of admiration for her determination but skepticism over her chances, likening her to Don Quixote tilting at windmills. Furthermore, her prospects of a future role alongside Trump have dwindled, despite initial considerations of being a potential running mate.
Undeterred by these challenges, Haley remains focused on her mission to serve the country and its citizens, even in the face of minor turnouts at her events. Initially, Trump engaged in a fierce personal feud with her, involving insults directed at Haley’s husband while his supporters launched xenophobic attacks.
However, the former president has since adopted a more indifferent stance, claiming he is unconcerned about Haley’s continuation or withdrawal from the race. It appears that ignoring her may now be his preferred strategy moving forward.
