Nikki Haley is gaining popularity in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, especially here in Bamberg, South Carolina. Sharon Carter, a retired teacher and Bamberg County Republican Party chair, is excited about Haley’s momentum. With a month until the Iowa caucus, polls show her in second place, and the Koch political network recently endorsed her, providing financial support. However, despite this, Haley faces a significant challenge in a political landscape dominated by former President Donald Trump.
Last week, a town hall in Bluffton, South Carolina, turned into a rally for Haley, with 2,500 attendees. Polls indicate she’s in second place in key states, but Trump still leads by a wide margin. Despite her gains, Haley’s strong debate performances are noted with the absence of Trump, leaving questions about her appeal in a campaign dominated by the former president.
Haley’s supporters, like Glenn Gustafson and Sharon Carter, believe in her potential to unite the party. Many, even former Trump voters, see her as a viable alternative. They appreciate her polite approach to policies they agree with, hoping she can appeal to a broader audience, including independent and female voters.
The challenge for Haley is evident in her need to attract both Trump supporters and those who desire a different nominee. Some former Trump voters, like the Gustafsons, acknowledge the chaos of Trump’s term but see him as a preferable choice over President Biden. However, they still believe Haley could do the job without the associated controversy.
Republican strategist Ed Goeas notes a shift among Republican voters. While Trump still leads, more voters are open to alternative candidates. He suggests that Trump’s lead is in a multi-candidate race, leaving room for candidates like Haley to gain momentum. Goeas believes that Trump’s strategy of skipping certain events limits his appeal, and as the field narrows, the race may turn into a Nikki-Trump competition.
Haley’s rise has impacted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who was initially polling strongly. The Haley campaign aims to perform well in Iowa, surprise in New Hampshire, and benefit from a home-state advantage in South Carolina. The hope is that as the field consolidates, Haley will gain the most support.
However, the field’s consolidation is uncertain, with the possibility that some non-Trump candidates may stay in the race, potentially securing Trump’s victory in a divided field. At a DeSantis debate watch party, some supporters express preference for DeSantis over Haley, citing policy differences and DeSantis’s handling of COVID-19 in Florida.
As the race unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Haley can continue her momentum, bridge the gap between Trump and non-Trump supporters, and secure the Republican nomination in a challenging political landscape.
