With the South Carolina Republican primary looming on the horizon, the race has intensified between Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley and former President Donald Trump. The latest polling data from Monmouth University shows Haley trailing Trump by 26 percentage points in the state. Trump, who remains a dominant force in the GOP, recently held a rally in Michigan where he focused primarily on his ongoing legal challenges, including a recent $355 million judgment against him in a civil fraud trial.
Haley, on the other hand, has been actively campaigning across South Carolina, emphasizing what she views as key issues that are of greater importance to voters. She has been critical of Trump's handling of certain issues, including past comments about service members and his lack of response to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Haley believes that addressing topics such as NATO, Navalny, and Putin should take precedence in the political discourse.
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, a vocal supporter of Haley, expressed concerns about Trump's recent comments on Putin, labeling them as 'un-American.' Sununu also highlighted the disparity in campaign spending between Haley and Trump, pointing out that Trump has allocated a significant portion of his funds towards legal fees rather than campaign efforts. Recent data from the tracking firm Ad Impact indicates that Trump has received approximately $10 million less in advertising support compared to Haley in South Carolina.
As the primary date approaches, the tension between Haley and Trump continues to escalate, with Haley vying for a competitive showing on Saturday. Trump's focus on legal battles and perceived distractions from pressing national and international issues have brought additional scrutiny to his campaign. The outcome of the South Carolina primary will serve as a crucial turning point in the Republican presidential race, shaping the future trajectory of both candidates.
