The Trump-Haley ticket talk persists
The Speculation Continues: Will Trump Choose Nikki Haley as His Running Mate?
The rumors just won’t die down. Despite efforts from various camps to squash them, the speculation that former President Donald Trump will select former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley as his running mate in the upcoming election remains strong.
There are those loyal to Trump who oppose Haley on populist and nationalist grounds. On the other hand, Haley supporters argue that the only woman in the GOP presidential race is not running for second place. And then there are the boosters of other candidates who firmly believe that neither Trump nor Haley will end up at the top of the ticket.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Trump-Haley Rumors
One notable exception to the efforts to quash the Trump-Haley rumors is Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida. His allies on social media have been actively promoting the idea that Trump and Haley are working together against him to “make the establishment great again.” DeSantis is determined to prevent Haley’s rise in the polls and upset Trump in Iowa before the focus shifts to New Hampshire and South Carolina, potentially leading to a Trump-Haley race where the Florida governor is overlooked.
CBS News recently reported that Trump has been inquiring about his supporters’ opinions on Haley as a potential running mate. While it’s not unusual for Trump to seek input from those around him, Republicans who hope for a shift in the party’s direction on trade, immigration, and foreign policy are not pleased with the idea.
Trump’s Favorability and Opposition to a Trump-Haley Ticket
Less than a month before the Iowa caucuses, Trump remains the clear favorite for the Republican presidential nomination. He holds over 60% in the national RealClearPolitics polling average, with a lead of more than 50 points over both DeSantis and Haley. However, no primary votes have been cast yet.
Notable figures like Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump Jr. have expressed their opposition to a Trump-Haley ticket. Carlson stated that he would not vote for such a ticket and would actively lobby against it. Trump Jr. also made it clear that he would go to great lengths to ensure his father does not choose Haley as his running mate.
Of the candidates currently polling higher than former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Haley represents the pre-Trump Republican Party the most. However, if she surpasses DeSantis to become the runner-up, she could become the obvious choice for party unity.
Historical Precedent and the Trump-Haley Talk
In 1980, Ronald Reagan chose George H.W. Bush as his running mate after considering former President Gerald Ford. Bush and Ford represented the pre-Reagan GOP, and Bush unexpectedly finished second in the primary race. While some true believers were not pleased, few held out in November. However, Bush Republicans in the White House were sometimes seen as an obstacle to the Reagan agenda.
Trump has expressed frustration with Bush Republicans, particularly those associated with George W. Bush, for hindering his first term. In this election, Trump would be ineligible for reelection, potentially setting up his vice president to become the party’s nominee in 2028.
Even in 2016, there were rumors that Trump might choose John Kasich, the increasingly centrist governor of Ohio, as his running mate. Ultimately, he selected Mike Pence, a conservative but clearly pre-Trump, non-populist Republican, to secure the evangelical vote.
This time around, evangelicals may not need as much reassurance, but suburban women might. However, regardless of the potential benefits on paper, the Trump-Haley talk is premature at best and a long shot at worst. Trump is likely to prioritize loyalty.
Haley’s Incentives and the Possibility of a Unity Ticket
Meanwhile, Haley has little incentive to engage in these political games. The idea that she or DeSantis would drop out to stop Trump is a non-starter. Both of them are running to advance their own ambitions, not to hinder someone else’s campaign, despite any reservations they may have about the front-runner or other candidates.
If Trump dominates the early stages of the race, a Republican with presidential aspirations might seek to reconcile with Haley or DeSantis. However, as long as an upset in Iowa or New Hampshire remains a possibility, the idea of a unity ticket will have to wait.
Despite Trump’s current favorability and lead in the polls, what notable figures have expressed their opposition to a Trump-Haley ticket and why
The Speculation Continues: Will Trump Choose Nikki Haley as His Running Mate?
The rumors just won’t die down. Despite efforts from various camps to squash them, the speculation that former President Donald Trump will select former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley as his running mate in the upcoming election remains strong.
There are those loyal to Trump who oppose Haley on populist and nationalist grounds. On the other hand, Haley supporters argue that the only woman in the GOP presidential race is not running for second place. And then there are the boosters of other candidates who firmly believe that neither Trump nor Haley will end up at the top of the ticket.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Trump-Haley Rumors
One notable exception to the efforts to quash the Trump-Haley rumors is Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida. His allies on social media have been actively promoting the idea that Trump and Haley are working together against him to “make the establishment great again.” DeSantis is determined to prevent Haley’s rise in the polls and upset Trump in Iowa before the focus shifts to New Hampshire and South Carolina, potentially leading to a Trump-Haley race where the Florida governor is overlooked.
CBS News recently reported that Trump has been inquiring about his supporters’ opinions on Haley as a potential running mate. While it’s not unusual for Trump to seek input from those around him, Republicans who hope for a shift in the party’s direction on trade, immigration, and foreign policy are not pleased with the idea.
Trump’s Favorability and Opposition to a Trump-Haley Ticket
Less than a month before the Iowa caucuses, Trump remains the clear favorite for the Republican presidential nomination. He holds over 60% in the national RealClearPolitics polling average, with a lead of more than 50 points over both DeSantis and Haley. However, no primary votes have been cast yet.
Notable figures like Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump Jr. have expressed their opposition to a Trump-Haley ticket. Carlson stated that he would not vote for such a ticket and would actively lobby against it. Trump Jr. also made it clear that he would go to great lengths to ensure his father does not choose Haley as his running mate.
Of the candidates currently polling higher than former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Haley represents the pre-Trump Republican Party the most. However, if she surpasses DeSantis to become the runner-up, she could become the obvious choice for party unity.
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