As the New Hampshire primary approaches, a new Marist poll has revealed that former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley is the sole candidate who could defeat President Joe Biden in a hypothetical 2024 matchup. The poll shows that Haley would lead Biden by three points, while other potential candidates such as former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis would trail behind by seven and nine points respectively.
The significance of this poll is further emphasized by the recent endorsement of Haley by New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. This endorsement is seen as a significant boost to Haley's campaign, as Sununu holds considerable influence in the state's political landscape.
However, it is important to note that the race is not yet decided, and voters in New Hampshire have yet to cast their ballots. The primary is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, and the outcome remains uncertain. Sununu has urged Republicans to come out and vote, emphasizing the importance of participatory democracy.
Sununu's endorsement of Haley has drawn attention to the dynamics within the Republican Party. Some critics argue that Haley's recent remarks criticizing former President Trump may have influenced her chances of receiving endorsements from other prominent Republicans, such as Senator Tim Scott, who has chosen to rally with Trump instead. Sununu, on the other hand, dismisses Scott's endorsement, stating that 'nobody cares what Tim Scott thinks.'
Sununu believes that Haley's track record and emphasis on fiscal responsibility and decentralizing Washington government make her the ideal candidate. He argues that this approach aligns better with conservative values and has the potential to unify the Republican Party.
The governor also highlighted the importance of electability, noting that while Haley leads in the matchup against Biden, Trump's previous involvement in recent elections resulted in losses for Republicans across the board. Sununu believes that Haley's candidacy could not only secure victory over Biden but also benefit other Republicans in local, state, and federal races.
In response to concerns that Haley's language has become sharper against Trump in recent days, Sununu emphasizes Haley's ability to carefully manage her statements both about the former president and herself. He argues that her effectiveness in this regard is evident in the fact that the race has effectively boiled down to a competition between Trump and Haley, with other candidates being sidelined.
As New Hampshire voters prepare to make their decision, the race remains fluid and unpredictable. Both Haley and Trump have been campaigning in the state, and their efforts to sway voters are ongoing. The primary's outcome will undoubtedly have implications for the future of the Republican Party and the 2024 presidential election.
