Bryan Llenas reports on independent voters’ possible impact in the New Hampshire primary and the resulting criticism from former President Trump. The Trump campaign is confident in its ground game strategy in New Hampshire, aiming to secure a third victory for former President Trump in Tuesday’s first-in-the-nation primary. Despite dominating the polls and holding a double-digit lead over other Republican candidates, Trump faces criticism from former President Trump himself.
As the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, Trump has shifted his focus to New Hampshire after winning the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses. He previously won the New Hampshire primary in both 2016 and 2020, solidifying his standing as a strong contender. In New Hampshire, Trump has received 67 state legislative endorsements, surpassing former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in state-level endorsements.
The Trump campaign boasts a strong ground presence in New Hampshire, with 2,000 active volunteers, county chairs in all ten counties, and 250 town captains deploying door knockers daily. The campaign has also garnered support from over 150 New Hampshire veterans, forming a coalition of military veterans advocating for Trump’s election. Trump surrogates, including Sen. JD Vance, House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, and Rep. Matt Gaetz, are hosting events across the state leading up to the primary. Donald Trump Jr. is expected to join the campaign trail on Monday.
While Trump’s lead in the polls suggests a strong performance, some speculate that Nikki Haley may perform well in the state due to New Hampshire’s system allowing Independents to vote in the GOP primary. Trump campaign national press secretary Karoline Leavitt accuses Haley of seeking support from Democratic voters registered as undeclared voters, asserting that Haley depends on Democrat donors and voters for her campaign. Moderate voters and New Hampshire’s influential independents have historically played a crucial role in the state’s presidential contests.
Despite New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu’s endorsement of Haley, he expresses concern over Democratic voters switching to independents to vote in the primary. Leavitt, who recently joined the campaign as press secretary, criticizes Haley for her liberal policies that contradict New Hampshire values, such as open borders, higher taxes, bigger government, and cuts to Social Security. Leavitt emphasizes that the most motivated voters in New Hampshire are Republicans and Independents who believe Trump has improved their lives through border security, economic growth, and reduced energy costs.
Leavitt also highlights the fentanyl crisis in New Hampshire, attributing a decrease in opioid overdoses in 2018 to President Trump’s border and law enforcement policies. She blames Joe Biden for a rise in overdoses and argues that only Trump can secure the border and impose strict penalties on illegal immigrants and drug dealers. Leavitt further criticizes Haley’s proposal for a 23% national federal sales tax, claiming it would harm New Hampshire’s economic advantage and burden the middle and working class, especially given the inflation under the Biden administration.
Despite criticism and competition from Haley, the Trump campaign remains confident in a victory, even with Independents voting in the primary. Leavitt asserts that Haley’s anticipated defeat in New Hampshire, following her third-place finish in Iowa, should end her campaign. Trump himself dismisses Haley’s chances, stating that “MAGA is not going to be with her.” Brooke Singman, a political correspondent and reporter, covers the 2024 campaign trail and provides exclusive interviews and updates on politics.
