Senate Republicans view Nikki Haley as their last opportunity to prevent Trump from gaining further support
Republican Senators Look to Nikki Haley as Last Chance to Defeat Trump in 2024 Primary
Several Republican senators are expressing their belief that former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley is the ultimate contender to take on former President Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Trump continues to maintain and even strengthen his lead over other Republican opponents, with substantial double-digit leads. While Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) was once seen as the sole viable alternative to the former president, Haley has shown promise by capitalizing on the momentum she gained after the initial Republican debate in August.
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“I wouldn’t count out Nikki Haley. She came in as governor [of South Carolina] the year I came in as Speaker of the [North Carolina] House and I have a lot of admiration for the way she led South Carolina,” said Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) to the Hill. Tillis, however, will not be endorsing any candidate in the primary.
Republican Whip John Thune (R-SD), along with Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), both of whom previously endorsed Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) before he suspended his presidential campaign, agreed that Haley is emerging as a potential force against Trump in the nomination contests.
“She’s acquitted herself really well in the debates and I think has done well out on the stump. Part of running for national office, especially in those early states, is relatability and I think she’s got a good retail political style. Seems to be winning over some people,” Thune said of the former ambassador.
However, Thune acknowledged Trump’s “very commanding lead” and noted that Haley’s ability to challenge him will depend on how significantly she can change the narrative.
Rounds also expressed some skepticism, stating, “The Republicans aren’t ready to make changes yet in their decision making — they’re getting closer. So I think her timing is probably pretty key.”
Ultimately, he said, the potential for a serious Trump challenge to occur will depend on the narrowing of the primary field.
“After the Iowa Caucuses, after New Hampshire, I think this will be narrowed down to a two-person race,” Rounds said. “I think she has momentum.”
Tillis agreed with this sentiment, explaining, “If DeSantis doesn’t perform well in Iowa and she does, then it sets her up for New Hampshire and it becomes an interesting contest.”
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Regarding DeSantis, Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) suggested, “She has better prospects than he does because her numbers are going up and his are coming down. Usually, you want to place your bet on someone who is doing better.” Romney has yet to endorse any candidate in the race but has advised donors to rally behind one viable non-Trump option by late February.
Haley is expected to deliver another powerful performance at the Republican debate on Wednesday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She will likely face off against just two opponents on stage, DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy, who have also qualified for the fourth matchup. With less than two months until the Iowa Republican caucuses and only a few candidates left to share the stage with, the debate could play a significant role in shaping the trajectory of any of the Republican hopefuls.
Who is one US senator now?
List of senators Tyle,” said Thune.
Senators are gravitating toward Haley as they are increasingly concerned about the potential negative consequences of another Trump candidacy. While Trump remains popular among the Republican base, many senators fear that his polarizing rhetoric and divisive policies could harm the party’s chances of regaining control of Congress and winning the general election in 2024.
Haley, on the other hand, is seen as a more moderate and unifying figure within the Republican Party. Her tenure as U.N. Ambassador was marked by a balanced and diplomatic approach, earning her respect and admiration from both sides of the aisle. Furthermore, her experience as a governor and her successful handling of crises and disasters in South Carolina have demonstrated her leadership abilities.
Another factor that bolsters Haley’s chances is her appeal to women and minority voters. As the daughter of Indian immigrants, Haley represents a diverse background and could attract support from demographics that have traditionally leaned towards the Democratic Party. In addition, her ability to connect with voters on a personal level, as witnessed during the Republican debates, enhances her electability.
While the senators acknowledge that it will be challenging for Haley to defeat Trump in the primary, they believe she has the potential to do so. They are impressed by her ability to effectively articulate conservative principles while maintaining a more inclusive and compassionate approach. Haley’s adeptness at navigating the political landscape and her strong fundraising capabilities also contribute to her perceived viability as a challenger.
However, it is important to note that not all Republican senators share the same belief. Many still see Trump as the frontrunner and remain loyal to his agenda. They argue that the party should stick with Trump, as he has a proven track record of energizing the base and delivering on conservative policies.
Ultimately, the decision on who will challenge Trump in the 2024 primary lies with the voters. Republican senators may have their preferences and opinions, but it is the electorate who will ultimately decide the party’s nominee. As the primary approaches, it will be interesting to see how Haley and other potential candidates position themselves and build support among Republican voters.
As the 2024 Republican primary looms on the horizon, Haley’s emergence as a possible contender offers both hope and concern for the Republican Party. While some senators view her as the last chance to defeat Trump and steer the party in a new direction, others remain steadfast in their support for the former president. The coming months will undoubtedly be filled with speculation and anticipation as the Republican Party determines its path forward in the post-Trump era.
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