Nikki Haley Says She Needs to Do Better in South Carolina Than in New Hampshire

Paresh Jadhav

10 months ago

After placing second in Iowa and losing to Donald Trump in New Hampshire, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley pledged her persistence in her bid to become the Republican presidential candidate – though she acknowledged she must perform better next month in her home state of South Carolina for continued consideration.

LIVE: Nikki Haley rally in home state of South Carolina

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New Hampshire

Former United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice has spent millions to try to widening the gap with Trump in New Hampshire – but her efforts are not paying off.

Her campaign manager issued a letter to donors on Tuesday informing them she plans on staying in the race until Super Tuesday, when states hold their primary elections. Polls show her strategy of courting independents and moderate Republicans hasn’t paid off as planned during previous months before voting began.

Privately, her backers are divided between two camps. Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican National Committee is encouraging her to drop out and rally support behind Donald Trump; others including some of her top aides believe it would be foolish for her to withdraw so quickly; they believe she can win New Hampshire and claim the nomination if she remains active.

Iowa

As Nikki Haley prepares to challenge President Trump in the New Hampshire primary, she is under increasing pressure from some Republicans who fear she won’t be able to maintain momentum after Granite State votes and that former President Bill Clinton could win multiple states due to his substantial lead among independent voters.

Sources connected with Haley’s campaign reported that her remarks suggesting New Hampshire could “correct” Iowa’s result may have offended caucusgoers, particularly since this remark came after answering a question about what caused the Civil War without directly implicating slavery as an issue.

Haley and her team have been making efforts to shift Haley’s campaign focus toward South Carolina, where she hopes to appeal to voters who may be more moderate than in Iowa and haven’t come together around Donald Trump like they have there. Haley remains committed to staying in the race until Super Tuesday.

Nevada

Nikki Haley, former United Nations Ambassador and U.S. Congress member from South Carolina, came in second behind Donald Trump at both Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary elections but hopes to do better next month in her home state of South Carolina.

South Carolina holds its GOP primary on Feb. 24, the last before Super Tuesday when delegates are awarded in a contested convention for nomination. Haley is seeking to widen her base by targeting independent voters as well as moderate Republicans who haven’t supported Trump yet.

Kristen Welker of “Meet the Press” asked Haley whether winning her home state would help keep her campaign alive. Haley replied that while winning is not essential to remaining in the race, showing momentum is necessary and giving states on Super Tuesday an incentive to see her. She added that she plans on remaining competitive until this point.

the U.S. Virgin Islands

Nikki Haley remains undeterred despite her stunning losses in Iowa and New Hampshire, portraying them as victories that will thwart Donald Trump’s “coronation.” But her path through the remaining states may prove even tougher.

Former UN Ambassador Susan Rice has attacked Donald Trump for his dishonesty, relationships with dictators and mental acuity; she’s sharpening her attack strategy as she heads into South Carolina where more moderate voters may participate.

“We are well funded, having raised millions over the past few days and will do what’s necessary to support her,” SFA Fund Inc’s chief strategist wrote on Wednesday in their memo indicating their group is prepared for an aggressive push leading up to Super Tuesday. Already they have increased Haley’s advertising spending in Oklahoma while they plan to host an event co-hosted by billionaire financier Kenneth G. Langone at their fundraiser on Jan 30 in New York City.