In the race for the Republican presidential nomination, Donald Trump's recent rivals have become his allies, as he gains support in his primary battle against Nikki Haley in New Hampshire. A rally held last night saw prominent Republicans such as Tim Scott, Doug Burgum, and Vivek Ramaswamy campaign alongside Trump, further intensifying the pressure on Haley to step aside and clear the way for Trump's nomination.
Haley, however, remains determined to forge ahead. Despite facing an uphill battle, her campaign has launched a significant $4 million ad buy in South Carolina, indicating their intention to continue beyond the New Hampshire primary. While they acknowledge that winning may be a challenge, their focus is on achieving a respectable finish that will sustain their campaign's momentum.
As the contest unfurls, the perception of Trump's inevitability is proving to be a powerful force. This perception influences not only voters but also the media, donors, and endorsers. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that in the Iowa caucuses, a significant 40% of Iowa Republicans, particularly evangelicals, chose candidates other than Trump. This demonstrates the existence of a segment within the party that craves an alternative to the former president's leadership.
Nikki Haley hopes to position herself as that alternative. She emphasizes her hard work, strategic prowess, and ability to outlast her opponents, as she seeks to become the last candidate standing. While she may be cautious about embracing such a slogan given its implications, there is a semblance of truth in her claim. Haley's message echoes that of Hillary Clinton's in 2016, where she urged against coronating Trump as the nominee, highlighting the importance of a robust contest rather than a mere formality.
While Haley attempts to present herself as a viable option, reports from New Hampshire suggest that her ground game may be lacking. Democratic State Party sources reveal a lack of enthusiasm and a limited presence compared to other candidates. The absence of yard signs further indicates that supporters may doubt the inevitability of her victory and question the enthusiasm surrounding her campaign.
This lack of enthusiasm is not unique to Haley's bid; it is a broader concern across the Republican Party's primary. The recent Iowa caucuses had a meager 15% turnout, possibly affected by inclement weather conditions. This speaks to a larger sentiment of disillusionment among Republicans, disillusionment that could impact voter turnout and engagement in subsequent primaries.
Even though Trump's fervent supporters remain unwavering in their commitment, with 82% of them stating that they had made up their minds long ago, it is crucial to acknowledge the need for expanded participation in the primary process. Increased engagement could help alleviate concerns surrounding the limited pool of candidates and forge a path for new leadership.
As the New Hampshire primary approaches, all eyes are on Haley as she faces the daunting task of challenging Trump's apparent inevitability. Her ability to rally supporters, overcome the perception of Trump as the unbeatable frontrunner, and generate enthusiasm will be critical in determining her viability as a serious contender in the upcoming contests.
