Tensions are escalating between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley as she gains momentum and poses a threat to his second-place position in the Republican presidential primary. The two campaigns have spent the week exchanging insults over the potential acceptance of refugees from Gaza, with DeSantis accusing Haley of pandering to political correctness. In response, Haley’s campaign has accused DeSantis of misrepresenting her stance on the issue. Both candidates’ super PACs have also been engaged in a war of words. The pro-DeSantis Never Back Down PAC released an advertisement painting Haley as sympathetic towards refugees, while the pro-Haley SFA PAC highlighted reports of DeSantis losing donors.
In the race to be the primary’s top alternative to Donald Trump, DeSantis currently holds that position, but Haley is gaining ground and causing concern for his campaign. According to political contributor Chris Stirewalt, DeSantis needs to find a way to deal with Haley, who is gaining momentum through her emphasis on foreign policy. The recent verbal sparring between the two candidates can be traced back to the Israel-Hamas conflict. DeSantis expressed the view that the US should not accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza, suggesting that neighboring countries should take responsibility instead. Haley, however, countered by noting that not all Palestinians support Hamas and that America has historically separated civilians from terrorists. This exchange has provided an opportunity for Haley’s opponents to accuse her of supporting the admission of Gaza refugees to the US, although she was not referring to refugees in her remarks. Critics argue that Haley’s foreign policy views may resonate in a general election but could be a weakness in the Republican primary.
Haley has used her experience to criticize DeSantis as well. When DeSantis challenged other Republicans to oppose Biden’s aid to Hamas, Haley responded by pointing out that the US had already eliminated aid to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in 2018. Supporters of Haley point to her recent fundraising and rise in the polls as evidence of her growing influence. Despite this, DeSantis still holds second place in most polls. The feud between the two candidates could benefit Trump, as they divert their attention away from him. Ultimately, the candidate who secures second place will need to face off against Trump, who currently dominates the polls and fundraising. According to donor Dan Eberhart, the candidates need to focus on the front-runner rather than attacking each other.
