GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley has responded to recent suggestions by her rivals that she is vying for a spot as former President Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 election. Haley, who served as ambassador to the United Nations in the Trump administration, stated that her opponents’ comments are a sign of their own desperation. However, she did not outright deny the possibility of joining Trump on the Republican ticket if he secures the party’s nomination.
Speaking in a Digital interview ahead of a town hall in New Hampshire, Haley reiterated her commitment to winning the presidential race. She expressed her offense at the notion that she would settle for second place, stating, “I have said from the very beginning I don’t play for second. It’s offensive for anybody to think that I would do all of this to play for second.” Despite her strong stance, Haley acknowledged that some may still doubt her intentions.
Recent polls have shown Haley’s surge in popularity in key primary states. In New Hampshire, where the first primary takes place, she has gained significant support. In Iowa, which holds the initial caucuses, Haley is now tied with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for a distant second place behind Trump, who remains the frontrunner.
However, both DeSantis and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie have criticized Haley for not being vocal enough in her criticism of Trump. They have insinuated that she might accept a vice presidential nomination from the former president. DeSantis even launched a website suggesting a potential Trump-Haley ticket for the general election.
Haley firmly denied these claims, stating, “I can tell you under any circumstance, I will not accept that because that’s not why I’m running. I’m running for the nomination and to be president.” Christie also emphasized that he and DeSantis have ruled out accepting the vice presidency from Trump, while Haley has not made such a statement.
Haley has consistently maintained that her goal is to win the presidential nomination and not settle for second place. She even made a throat-slashing gesture in response to a voter’s question about accepting the vice presidency. Despite the attacks from her rivals, Haley remains focused on her campaign, stating, “We’ve got a race to win. We intend to win it. We’re going to do it fair and square and, at the end of the day, we’re going to make sure America is strong.”
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