Former President Donald Trump and GOP contender Nikki Haley are locked in a fierce battle for victory in the New Hampshire primary, a crucial event in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. With Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspending his campaign, Trump and Haley are now the last major Republican candidates standing. The outcome of this primary could have significant implications for the future of the party.
Trump, who secured a resounding 30-point victory in Iowa’s GOP caucuses, is aiming for a repeat performance in New Hampshire to solidify his frontrunner status. At a rally in Laconia, he urged his supporters to cast their votes, emphasizing that this election is the most important of their lives. Meanwhile, Haley, a former two-term South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador, sees the primary as her best chance to slow down or derail Trump’s momentum.
While public opinion surveys indicate Trump’s dominance among registered Republicans, Haley has been able to attract majority support among independent voters, who make up around 40% of the electorate in New Hampshire. This group has historically played a significant role in the state’s primary, making it a potentially fertile ground for Haley. However, there are still more Republicans than independents expected to vote in the primary, posing a challenge for Haley.
Undeterred by the polls, Haley made a last-minute plea to her supporters, urging them to bring five people with them to the polls. She remains committed to continuing her campaign regardless of the outcome in New Hampshire, with the South Carolina primary scheduled for February 24. Haley firmly believes in democracy and rejects the notion of coronations, emphasizing that she is in the race for the long haul.
Political strategists in New Hampshire have differing opinions on Haley’s chances. Dave Carney, a longtime Republican strategist in the state, believes that if Haley cannot make significant headway in New Hampshire, it will be challenging for her to succeed elsewhere. However, Mike Biundo, another Republican consultant, points to the state’s significant number of independent voters as a potential advantage for Haley. Both agree that Trump is expected to dominate the primary, but they note that New Hampshire voters have a history of making late decisions, making polling particularly challenging.
As the primary unfolds, all eyes are on Trump and Haley. A double-digit loss in New Hampshire could potentially force Haley to withdraw from the race, especially considering the potential embarrassment of a defeat in her home state of South Carolina. The outcome of this primary will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the Republican nomination race and have far-reaching implications for the party’s future.
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