Republican presidential candidate former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley makes fists while greeting supporters following a campaign rally, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Rochester, N.H. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
The strongest rival to Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, is throwing a political “Hail Mary” in New Hampshire as voters head to the primaries on Tuesday, the second stop after Iowa in the process of selecting White House candidates for the November 5 elections.
Having invested a substantial $24 million in advertising alone, Haley has been tirelessly touring towns and villages despite the freezing conditions, presenting herself as an alternative to the front-runner, Donald Trump.
Her strategy hinges on New Hampshire’s reputation for opinionated voters, with open primaries allowing independents to participate—a demographic she believes aligns with her promise to guide Republicans toward a more predictable future as a representative of the “younger generation.”
Haley envisions a two-candidate race against Trump, deliberately sidelining Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, another opponent in this now up and running primaries season.
Deploying a Trump-like tactic, she insisted on TV debates only if Trump participated, leading to the cancellation of planned broadcasts by CNN and ABC. Notably, Trump has boycotted all Republican debates thus far.
Despite recent frontal attacks by Trump, implying a level of nervousness, Haley’s chances remain uncertain.
Trump, known for responding vehemently to perceived threats, has mocked her Indian first name, propagated “birther” lies about her birthplace, and likened her to his former Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton.
Also, Trump’s momentum from the Iowa triumph keeps him comfortably ahead of Haley in the latest New Hampshire polls at 52 to 38 percent.
However, should Haley’s aspirations face disappointment in New Hampshire, her outlook dims further. In the upcoming South Carolina primary on February 24, she trails significantly (minus 30%), despite having been a popular governor there for six years.
The prospect of victory in other states seems elusive for Haley and DeSantis alike, failing to sway Trump’s loyal “Make America Great Again” supporters toward a generational and course change.
Haley, viewed even more unfavorably than the arch-conservative DeSantis among Trump’s base, appears unlikely to complete her political “Hail Mary” to the end zone.
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