Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley announced on Sunday that she no longer feels obligated to uphold the pledge requiring GOP contenders to support the party's eventual nominee in order to participate in primary debates. This pledge, set by the Republican National Committee, was signed by nearly all major candidates except for Donald Trump, the current front-runner who opted out of the debates.
During an appearance on NBC's “Meet the Press,” Haley stated that she is no longer bound by the commitment and will make decisions based on her own judgment. She expressed her belief that the RNC has undergone changes since the time of the debates and emphasized her longstanding concerns about Trump, whom she previously served under as U.N. ambassador.
The RNC is currently undergoing significant shifts, with the impending departure of chair Ronna McDaniel. Trump is expected to appoint loyalists to key positions within the organization, including North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley as a potential replacement for McDaniel and his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, as committee co-chair.
Despite speculation about her future plans, Haley dismissed questions about dropping out and endorsing Trump, emphasizing her focus on reaching voters and securing a path to victory. Trump, meanwhile, continued to solidify his lead in the race by winning caucuses in Idaho and Missouri, as well as securing delegates at a party convention in Michigan.
With Trump currently holding 244 delegates compared to Haley's 24, the path to securing the nomination requires a total of 1,215 delegates. The upcoming Super Tuesday, featuring primaries in 16 states, is expected to be a pivotal moment in the race, with Trump aiming to secure the nomination shortly thereafter.
Reflecting on the competitive nature of the race, Haley reiterated her commitment to fighting for her candidacy as long as there is a viable path forward. She emphasized the need for a focus on results and a departure from the negativity and controversies surrounding the current political landscape.
