Haley looks to beat odds in New Hampshire showdown with Trump

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Nikki Haley is looking to overcome the odds Tuesday by winning a long-awaited showdown with former President Trump in New Hampshire's Republican presidential primary.

The Hills Decision Desk headquarters average shows Haley trailing Trump in New Hampshire, 47.6% to 35.9%, despite Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis withdrawing from the race. It is clear that this is a difficult election campaign.

But the former ambassador's campaign has gained momentum following DeSantis' resignation on Sunday, saying it had raised more than $500,000 in the 24 hours after his resignation.

Even if his team finishes second in New Hampshire, it plans to press on to South Carolina, potentially opening up a fight in the former governor's home state.

Haley's campaign announced Saturday that it would launch a $4 million advertising buy in the Palmetto State the day after the New Hampshire primary. This ad buy will cover all seven media markets in South Carolina.

In a memo released Monday, pro-Haley PAC SFA, Inc. argued that the news media and political class are underestimating Trump's last true Republican opponent in the race.

“This race is far from over, but you wouldn't know it by changing the channel to FOX News or CNN.” I cannot understand it,” the memo said.

“Between the wall-to-wall coverage of his every move and their overzealousness to end the 2024 Republican race after the Iowa caucuses, Iowans' turnout is likely to be low. Despite President Trump's mediocre night (by incumbent standards), it's clear that Washington and President Trump have a vested interest in supporting Trump as the Republican nominee. have. ”

Haley echoed that sentiment while campaigning across the Granite State on the eve of the primary.

“Yesterday and today, we've seen the entire political elite, the entire media elite, saying that we should drop out to support Donald Trump in the national interest,” Haley told supporters. he told supporters.

Supporters of Ms. Haley also argued that many of the Florida governor's supporters would gravitate toward her in the day after Ms. DeSantis withdrew from the race, and that Ms. DeSantis' supporters are seeing an alternative to Mr. Trump. He pointed out that Haley is the only remaining candidate to replace Trump.

But that dynamic is not yet reflected in opinion polls.according to University of New Hampshire Research Center Poll A paper released Sunday found that while 62 percent of DeSantis supporters said they would support Trump as their second choice, only 30 percent of DeSantis supporters said the same about Haley.

DeSantis endorsed Trump in the same video that ended her campaign, accusing Haley of being an “old Republican guard” and representing a “repackaged form of overcooked corporatism.” did.

Dan Everhart, a DeSantis donor, said the theory that the governor's supporters are drawn to Haley is a “false narrative.”

“Ron DeSantis was running for either a no-drama Trump or a more consistent conservative,” Everhart said. “Nikki Haley is drama-free, but she's center-right and not a MAGA.”

“That's wishful thinking,” he added.

Haley's supporters expressed optimism at a packed voting rally at the VFW in Franklin, New Hampshire, one day before the primary.

“I think she's going to do well,” said Cindy Hess, a supporter from Hailey, New Hampshire. “Even if Mr. DeSantis is still the nominee, I believe Nicky has the momentum to do a great job tomorrow.”

Kathy Kubek, a Haley supporter near Sanbornton, New Hampshire, said she sees a “swell” for Haley in the state.

“I think it's going to be very close,” Kubeck said. “I think in talking to people, people are very tired of President Trump talking to people.”

Peter Slaton, who has decided to support Haley in recent weeks, seemed to temper his expectations when asked if he thought Haley could win.

“There's a chance,” he said. “I just hope she does well and if she doesn't, she somehow manages to raise her funds. That's all that matters.”

Still, Haley's supporters acknowledge that a victory in New Hampshire — far from certain — does not guarantee a favorable outcome in South Carolina.

South Carolina's Alex Stroman said, “I'm not going to encourage her to withdraw and I'd like to see her continue to fight until the tournament, but I hope she wins South Carolina without winning New Hampshire.'' It will be difficult,” he said. Republican-based strategist.

“I think a close margin would probably pave the way for her to move forward for the donor as a backup in case his legal issues continue,” he continued.