The Nikki Haley Plan: Making Trump Sweat in 2024
From the beginning, the strategy for Nikki Haley has been clear: to gain momentum at the right time. Although she currently lags far behind Donald Trump and other contenders in the 2024 GOP primary, there are signs that she is starting to make waves. Specifically, Haley is appealing to non-MAGA Republicans who could potentially challenge Trump’s dominance within the party.
One example of this emerging support is former Rep. Will Hurd of Texas, who recently dropped out of the race and endorsed Haley. He explained that he chose Haley because she has the necessary momentum, organization, and ability to navigate the complexities of our times.
Even Ron DeSantis, who was once seen as a strong Trump alternative, has shifted his focus towards attacking Haley. His Never Back Down Super PAC has launched attack ads depicting Haley as China-friendly and too moderate on Israel. Similarly, Sen. Tim Scott, who shares a history and a tense relationship with Haley, has also taken swipes at her.
Even Trump has taken notice of Haley’s growing presence. At an event in New Hampshire, he referred to her as “bird brain” alongside DeSantis. This attention from her opponents only further confirms Haley’s rising status as a contender.
Haley has meticulously worked the early voting states that shape the primary contest, which has earned her increased attention. Through carefully watching her audiences and adapting her speeches to appeal to Never Trump Republicans and parts of the MAGA base, Haley has demonstrated her strength as a debater. Her ability to confront her opponents head-on has won her support from Republicans searching for a viable alternative to Trump.
While Haley still lags behind Trump in the polls, she is the only non-Trump candidate experiencing upward momentum among GOP voters. Unlike other candidates who have seen temporary surges, Haley has sustained her rise in popularity. The upcoming debate presents another opportunity for her to shine and potentially outshine Trump in the news cycle.
If Haley continues to build on her polling surge and secures a strong second place in early state polling, she could pose a significant challenge to Trump. Her focus on New Hampshire and Iowa has paid off, with recent polls showing her surpassing DeSantis in New Hampshire and closing the gap in Iowa.
Moreover, Haley has secured important endorsements from figures like Gov. Chris Sununu and former Gov. Judd Gregg, adding credibility to her campaign. Unlike her rivals, Haley has maintained a frugal spending approach, which has appealed to donors and party insiders. Coupled with a dedicated volunteer network, Haley promises to outlast other Trump alternatives.
A New Hampshire lawmaker supporting Haley emphasizes her down-to-earth demeanor and ability to inspire hope in people. These intangible qualities set her apart from the crowded field of candidates and resonate with voters.
Overall, while Haley may still have a long road ahead, she is steadily gaining traction and emerging as a viable Trump alternative. As the campaign progresses and voters pay closer attention, Haley has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with in the 2024 primaries.
