GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley has made a compelling appeal to voters who were previously supporting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the Republican presidential nomination race. Speaking to Digital, Haley emphasized the need for a new generation of leadership to bring an end to chaos and restore America’s course. Her comments came just hours after DeSantis suspended his campaign and endorsed former President Donald Trump, who is currently the frontrunner in the 2024 GOP race.
Haley acknowledged the support DeSantis has garnered but also highlighted that his supporters are looking for a fresh, conservative leader from a new generation. She assured them that she is committed to fighting for their interests and earning their support. However, Trump, during a rally in New Hampshire, continued his criticism of Haley, accusing her of putting America last and wanting to gut Medicare.
Pushing back against Trump’s claims, Haley defended her record and agenda, stating that she has never advocated for raising the retirement age or cutting social security. She also emphasized that she passed tough illegal immigration laws during her tenure as governor. In a separate interview with “Special Report” anchor Bret Baier, she criticized Trump, asserting that lying to win is not a deserving strategy and that he is unraveling because he can see the changing dynamics.
Trump currently holds a strong lead in the GOP nomination race, winning 51% of the ballots in the recent Iowa Republican caucuses. DeSantis, who secured a distant second place, was not a significant factor in New Hampshire, where independent voters have traditionally played a crucial role in the state’s presidential primary. Recent polls indicate that Trump has an 11-point and 19-point lead over Haley, with DeSantis trailing in single digits before dropping out.
While Haley has refrained from setting expectations for her finish in New Hampshire, her campaign manager, Betsy Ankney, confirmed the candidate’s determination to move forward to South Carolina, which is the next major contest in the GOP presidential nominating calendar on February 24. Ankney revealed plans for a large event in Haley’s hometown of Charleston, accompanied by a $4 million statewide ad campaign.
When asked if she would continue campaigning in South Carolina regardless of her performance in New Hampshire, Haley expressed her eagerness to return home and fight for her fellow South Carolinians’ support. She acknowledged their intelligence and toughness, emphasizing her previous victories in the state and her determination to replicate that success.
Haley’s rally at Exeter High School in New Hampshire, where she was introduced by Judge Judy Sheindlin, saw the TV host endorse her and urge voters to use their brains and hearts in supporting Haley. The candidate expressed her gratitude for Sheindlin’s endorsement, praising her as a trailblazer who speaks hard truths without hesitation. The enthusiastic crowd’s response affirmed Haley’s belief that the race has now become a two-person contest.
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