Nikki Haley tries to Halt Rumors That She Will Leave Soon

Paresh Jadhav

Haley

Nikki Haley has taken steps to gauge support from donors and longtime supporters regarding her future path forward, in particular 11 “Super Tuesday” states with open or semiopen primaries where Donald Trump could potentially find success.

Haley’s Looking to Quell Speculation She’ll Drop Out Soon

Nikki Haley remains undeterred despite speculation she will withdraw from the Republican presidential race, continuing her campaign while also gathering input on how her candidacy may be shaping up. Her team is taking an inventory of their progress toward that end.

That isn’t to say she hasn’t attempted to provoke Trump; during her events she often touts his endorsement as vice president and points out the endorsement in front of an audience.

But in states such as South Carolina, where she trails Donald Trump by an overwhelming margin, such efforts might have little effect. South Carolina is one of the country’s fastest-growing and predominantly Republican states – in 2020 most counties voted for Trump as well.

Recent days have also seen several of North Carolina’s congressional representatives and high-profile Republicans endorse Trump, giving him an additional edge when the time comes to cast their delegates. But that could take months away; until then, an already overcrowded field and lengthy primary process remain likely to hinder Haley’s chances of victory.

Haley’s Taking the Temperature of Donors

Discussion of why ultra-wealthy individuals support certain politicians or policies tends to devolve into speculation or mind reading; in this instance, though, it’s clear why so many have invested millions into Nikki Haley’s bid against Trump.

Even though they recognize she stands no chance at winning the Republican nomination, supporters continue to back her even though it’s evident she stands no chance against Donald Trump who currently enjoys an overwhelming lead in terms of delegate count and other factors in the race.

Behind closed doors, a top adviser to Haley’s wealthy donors gave an in-person presentation to convince them why they should keep contributing money towards her campaign. It included a data-driven analysis which demonstrated her path to victory; specifically demonstrating how a win in South Carolina would set up for a strong showing on Super Tuesday and ultimately nomination – while stressing how supporting Haley helps prevent Trump from winning reelection as president for a third time.

Haley

Haley’s Taking the Temperature of Voters

Haley stands out in a crowded GOP field by acting as an antidote to Trump or outright critic, instead taking an approach which attempts to bridge an apparent unbridgeable divide. She doesn’t focus on the tired “nobody loves Donald Trump” argument but instead highlights issues with broad appeal like literacy proficiency levels while working toward winning support from all types of Republican supporters.

Haley is also working to increase turnout among independent voters – who often play an essential role on primary nights – as she seeks to improve her standing in Iowa and advance toward Super Tuesday contests. In contrast with some of her rivals, Haley avoids using combative rhetoric during campaign speeches and instead emphasizes her policy proposals covering everything from economic issues and foreign relations matters all the way through to her 20-week abortion ban that was signed as governor.

Haley’s Taking the Temperature of Her Campaign

Since her New Hampshire loss, Haley has disproved claims she’s on an easy road to the nomination. She points to her record fundraising totals and focus on 11 “Super Tuesday” states where independent voters may participate in Republican primaries.

But it remains uncertain if Haley can turn around the damage done in New Hampshire and improve her standing in the race. She trails Donald Trump in most polls – including NBC News’s – while she also trails significantly behind her fellow Republican candidates in her home state, where her campaign has invested its most effort and funding.

Darmofal does not believe it likely that Donald Trump will select her as his running mate. According to him, Haley’s comments regarding her rivals and focus on economic matters will dissuade Trump from considering her as a vice presidential candidate. Additionally, Darmofal states that Haley’s comments regarding slavery and subsequent walkback from her initial response suggest she does not expect to win her party’s nomination.


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