Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., joined ‘Sunday’ to discuss the upcoming 2024 presidential election, highlighting the challenging position faced by GOP candidates as they trail behind former President Donald Trump by a significant margin. As recent polls show a decline in support for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in New Hampshire’s Republican presidential primary, a representative for DeSantis dismissed the significance of the polls, emphasizing that the real battle would take place in the South Carolina primary.
During his appearance on ‘Sunday,’ Rep. Thomas Massie was asked about the two new polls indicating DeSantis trailing both former President Trump and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. Massie suggested that these polls were not the primary reason for DeSantis canceling appearances on Sunday shows, stating, “We never had high expectations for New Hampshire anyway.” He further explained that Nikki Haley was capitalizing on a quirk in the primary system, where undeclared voters, including Democrats, can vote in the Republican primary. Massie expressed confidence that the real contest would be in South Carolina, where he believed Haley would fall short of expectations and fail to win her own state.
The latest polling data from New Hampshire reveals that DeSantis is significantly behind Trump and Haley, firmly placing him in third position. According to a University of New Hampshire/CNN poll, Trump enjoys 50% support, while Haley captures 39%, and DeSantis lags behind with only 6% support. Another daily tracking poll conducted by Suffolk University, the Boston Globe, and NBC10 in Boston, shows Trump’s lead increasing to 55%, with Haley at 36% and DeSantis at 6%. These surveys highlight Haley’s success in securing majority support among independents, who play a crucial role as undeclared voters in New Hampshire’s presidential primary.
With the New Hampshire Republican primary scheduled for Tuesday, DeSantis has already shifted his focus to South Carolina, where he campaigned over the weekend. This strategic move indicates his recognition of the challenges he faces in New Hampshire and his determination to rally support in Haley’s home state.
It is important to note that these polls and the subsequent political maneuvering reflect the early stages of the 2024 campaign trail. The results in New Hampshire and South Carolina will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the Republican candidates’ campaigns going forward.
