In a highly anticipated speech, Nikki Haley made it clear that she is not backing down despite facing poor polling ahead of the Saturday primary in her home state of South Carolina. Haley expressed her determination to continue campaigning until the last person votes, emphasizing that she is in the race for the long run.
Speculation has been rife about Haley's intentions, especially after her lackluster performances in Iowa and New Hampshire. With Donald Trump maintaining a strong lead in South Carolina polls, Haley's decision to stay in the race has raised questions. However, she made it clear that she has no plans to drop out immediately after the South Carolina primary.
One key aspect of Haley's speech was her emotional mention of her husband, Michael, who is deployed overseas. This rare display of emotion from Haley served to humanize her and connect with conservative voters, particularly in light of past criticisms from Trump regarding her husband's service.
Despite the challenges she faces, Haley's supporters believe that there are many 'closet supporters' who admire her but may not openly express their backing. The hope is that Haley's continued presence in the race will give these voters the confidence to support her.
Looking ahead, Haley's campaign is already planning to book airtime in Michigan, indicating her intention to compete in future states beyond South Carolina. The focus on garnering support from both visible and potentially hidden supporters underscores Haley's determination to stay in the race and make her mark on the Republican primary.
