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Nikki Haley, the former UN ambassador, showcased her diplomatic credentials at the first Republican presidential debate last month, engaging in a spirited exchange with biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy regarding US aid for Ukraine.
During the debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Haley passionately criticized her isolationist opponent, stating, “Under your watch, you will make America less safe. You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows. It shows.” The crowd erupted in cheers.
Haley is anticipating another standout moment on Wednesday night as she faces off against other Republican contenders challenging Donald Trump for the party’s nomination in 2024.
While Trump will be absent from the debate, opting instead to hold a rally with striking auto workers in Michigan, Haley’s supporters believe the former UN ambassador and governor of South Carolina can capitalize on the opportunity to gain momentum in the crowded field.
Recently, Haley has increased her criticism of Trump, referring to him as “thin-skinned” and “easily distracted,” and accusing him of inaction in fiscal policy and wavering support for Ukraine.
According to Katon Dawson, former chair of the South Carolina Republican party and a supporter of Haley’s campaign, debates have the power to elevate or eliminate candidates. Dawson asserts that Haley has established herself as a top-tier contender but needs a strong debate performance to build momentum.
Bill Strong, an investor, long-time Republican fundraiser, and donor to Haley’s campaign, shares this view, stating, “We’re still introducing Ambassador Haley to America.”
In the weeks following the last debate, Haley’s poll numbers have risen, particularly in the early voting state of New Hampshire, where a St Anselm College poll placed her in second place among a crowded field of candidates.
Although Haley still trails behind Trump, who has the support of 45% of likely Republican primary voters, her 15% places her ahead of Florida governor Ron DeSantis.
Joining Haley and DeSantis on the debate stage on Wednesday will be Ramaswamy, former vice-president Mike Pence, South Carolina senator Tim Scott, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, and North Dakota governor Doug Burgum. All of the candidates meet the polling and donor requirements set by the Republican National Committee.
Haley’s team has reported raising $1 million in the days following the first debate. While her fundraising numbers for the third quarter have yet to be disclosed, influential donors say she has caught the attention of establishment Republicans searching for an alternative to Trump.
Harold Hamm, billionaire oil magnate and former Trump ally who has donated to both Haley and DeSantis’s campaigns, praised Haley’s performance in the first debate, stating, “She trounced a couple of the others pretty well with her knowledge of what goes on in the world. She came out the overall winner.”
Barbara Comstock, former Republican congresswoman from Virginia, acknowledged that Haley is attracting interest, saying, “I think she had a strong group of donors, but I think she’s getting a second look now.”
However, campaign veterans remain skeptical that Haley or any other non-Trump candidate will be able to significantly challenge the former president’s overwhelming support among grassroots Republicans.
Many warn that with multiple non-Trump candidates splitting the field, few have a realistic chance of consolidating enough support to mount a credible challenge against Trump.
Kevin Madden, senior partner at Washington consultancy Penta and former top advisor to Mitt Romney’s presidential campaigns, questions how curiosity in Haley can translate into genuine support, stating, “But how do you turn curiosity into conversion?”
Additional reporting by Jamie Smyth in Oklahoma City
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