Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and ex-President Donald Trump are set to deliver their closing arguments in New Hampshire, marking the culmination of their campaigns for the Republican presidential nomination ahead of the upcoming primary on Tuesday. Time is of the essence for Haley, who served as Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations, as she aims to challenge the Republican frontrunner. Trump’s victory in the Iowa caucuses emphasized his dominance in the primary race, making the path to the nomination even narrower for Haley.
With the pressure on, Haley’s chances hinge on an upset win in New Hampshire. Failing to secure victory on Tuesday could potentially close off her already-tenuous route to the nomination.
Trump’s Encouragement in Manchester
Trump, leading the pack with Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, rallied supporters in Manchester on Saturday night, urging them to vote on Tuesday. Simultaneously, he started looking ahead to the next significant nominating contest in South Carolina, scheduled for late February.
During the rally, high-ranking state and federal officials from South Carolina endorsed Trump, emphasizing his role as the candidate to “save America” and address what he termed the “Biden disaster.”
Haley’s Attacks on Trump
In a strategic shift, Haley intensified her attacks on Trump, aiming to draw distinctions between her approach and the chaotic tenure of the former businessman and politician. She underscored Trump’s facing four criminal cases, including efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Despite Haley‘s increased criticism, some Republican and independent voters feel she should go further in challenging Trump. They believe that she has not hit her main rival hard enough during her campaign, calling for more direct and substantial critiques.
Haley’s Criticisms on Age and Affinity for Strongmen
Haley aimed at Trump’s age, particularly after he seemingly confused her with Nancy Pelosi. She criticized his affinity for strongmen like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, emphasizing the need for him to cease praising dictators.
Recalling her time as UN ambassador, Haley also disclosed efforts to break Trump’s perceived “bromance” with Putin, shedding light on their differences in approach to foreign relations.
Fierce Counterattacks from Trump
In response to Haley’s critiques, Trump escalated his attacks, targeting her given first name on social media and amplifying false posts questioning her U.S. citizenship. The intensified campaign against Haley includes allegations of support from Democrats, Wall Street, and globalists.
(With Reuters Inputs)