Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has intensified his verbal attacks on former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, just weeks before the first primary in the Republican presidential nomination race. Christie accused Haley of acting “immature” in response to her viral comment suggesting that New Hampshire voters should “correct” the Iowa caucus results. Christie further claimed that if former President Donald Trump asked Haley to be his running mate, she would accept the offer immediately.
Haley, who served as the United Nations ambassador in the Trump administration, has gained considerable momentum in recent months and has been climbing in polls in New Hampshire. However, two new comments made by Haley became ammunition for Christie’s criticism. Campaigning in Milford, New Hampshire, Haley told a large crowd that “we have an opportunity to get this right. And I know we’ll get it right, and I trust you.” Christie responded by stating that New Hampshire voters do not need to correct anything that Iowa does or does not do, calling Haley’s comments immature and urging her to grow up.
Christie was not the only rival to criticize Haley. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is heavily relying on a strong finish in Iowa, accused Haley of being disrespectful to Iowans. Both DeSantis and Christie have also questioned Haley’s criticism of Trump, suggesting that she has ulterior motives. Haley has repeatedly stated that she is not running for second place in the GOP 2024 presidential primary and is determined to win.
The rivalry between Christie and Haley has been further fueled by their differing responses to the question of whether they would accept the vice presidential nomination from Trump. While Christie and DeSantis have ruled it out, Haley has avoided giving a direct answer. Christie has claimed that Haley’s refusal to answer indicates that she would accept the offer and is only avoiding saying it out loud. He also predicted that Haley would lose her home state of South Carolina in the upcoming primary.
Despite Trump’s commanding lead in Iowa and national polls, Haley has been closing the gap in New Hampshire, where independent voters play a significant role. Her momentum received a boost from the endorsement of popular Republican New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. Haley is also supported by Americans for Prosperity Action, a conservative advocacy group with strong grassroots outreach. Neil Levesque, the executive director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, acknowledged Haley’s momentum and stated that she is narrowing the gap with Trump.
The rivalry between Christie and Haley has added an intense dynamic to the Republican presidential race. While Christie currently trails behind Trump and Haley in polls, he remains determined to secure a strong finish in New Hampshire. The upcoming primary will prove crucial for both candidates as they strive to gain momentum and position themselves as the top contenders for the Republican nomination.
