Nikki Haley Faces Uphill Battle in South Carolina Primary as Trump’s Grip on GOP Strengthens
Nikki Haley, the former United Nations ambassador and the last major Republican candidate standing in Donald Trump’s path to the GOP’s 2024 presidential nomination, is facing an uphill battle in her home state’s primary election in South Carolina. Despite the overwhelming odds against her, Haley has declared that she refuses to quit and vows to stay in the fight against Trump until at least after Super Tuesday’s slate of more than a dozen contests on March 5.
While many Republicans are encouraging Haley to stay in the campaign, even if she continues to lose, there is growing concern within the party about Trump’s ability to win over independents and moderate voters in the general election. Haley’s campaign is spending over $500,000 on a new television advertising campaign set to begin running in Michigan ahead of the state’s primary, and she has an extensive travel schedule that includes stops in several states.
Despite her underwhelming performance at the polls, Haley’s campaign has seen a surge in fundraising. In January alone, her campaign raised $11.5 million, surpassing Trump’s fundraising numbers for the same period. This financial advantage has given Haley’s supporters hope that she can continue to gather delegates and potentially capitalize on any stumbles or scandals that may arise for Trump.
However, history suggests that Haley has little chance of stopping Trump. No Republican has ever lost the first two primary contests and gone on to win the party’s presidential nomination. Polls also indicate that she is a major underdog in her home state and the Super Tuesday contests to follow. Despite these challenges, Haley remains steadfast in her commitment to the race.
Trump, on the other hand, has shown flashes of fury in response to Haley’s refusal to cede the nomination. He has resorted to personal insults, calling her “stupid” and “birdbrain” in a social media post. Some primary voters believe that Trump crossed a line when he highlighted the absence of Haley’s husband, who is currently serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard in Africa.
In a rare show of emotion, Haley acknowledged the toll that the campaign has taken on her family, particularly the absence of her husband. However, she made it clear that she has no fear of Trump’s retribution and feels no need to “kiss the ring.” While Trump’s campaign chiefs have described Haley’s campaign as “broken down” and “outperformed by every measure,” she remains determined to challenge Trump’s grip on the Republican Party.
As Trump seeks to assume control of the Republican National Committee (RNC), Haley’s team concedes that there is little they can do to stop the Trump takeover. The former president plans to install his campaign’s senior adviser and daughter-in-law in key positions within the RNC, indicating his desire to maintain control over the party’s nationwide political machine. Haley warns against letting Trump raid the RNC’s coffers to pay for his legal fees while taking a short-term view of his political prospects.
Ultimately, the outcome of Haley’s campaign remains uncertain. While she faces significant hurdles and an uphill battle against Trump’s dominance within the party, her determination and fundraising prowess have garnered support from Republicans who believe that Trump’s standing could change if he becomes a convicted felon before Election Day. As the primary race continues, all eyes are on Haley and her ability to challenge the powerful grip that Trump holds on the GOP.
