Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, said former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley's attacks on former President Trump came too late to have any chance of making a difference in the Republican primary.
In an appearance on CNN Saturday night, Sabato said Haley's pursuit of Trump was long overdue, and that the other Republican candidates who had gone head-to-head with Trump dropped out of the second round. Governor Chris Christie, he pointed out, was the only one. How many weeks ago?
“Obviously it's too late,” Sabato said, referring to Haley's recent criticism of Trump, saying that Trump used former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to talk about her when talking about the January presidential election. He cited criticisms of Trump, including when he appeared to be confused and questioned Trump's mental state. Six attacks during Friday's rally.
“The only Republican candidate running for president is Chris Christie, who is not currently running, but he was the only one who really pushed Trump in the race,” Sabato said. .
She said even with Christie's approach, it will be difficult for all other Republican candidates, including Haley, to differentiate themselves from the former president while garnering enough support to secure the party's nomination. he pointed out.
“Of course, he's no longer campaigning, which tells you that all of these candidates, including Nikki Haley, were in a very difficult situation,” Sabato said. Ta. “This is a MAGA party. This is the Donald Trump party, so to win the nomination against Donald Trump, you have to either say Trump is no longer up to the job or can't win in November, but don't vote. You have to somehow convince people not to be as angry as you are. For you. And that's almost impossible.”
Sabato's analysis shows that Trump won the Iowa caucuses by more than 50 points and carried that momentum into New Hampshire, which is the nation's first primary on January 23rd. Aiming for victory.
The editor-in-chief of the nonpartisan political analysis newsletter Crystal Ball warned that New Hampshire is “different” and could be one place where Haley, who has been slowly climbing up the polls, could thrive. I warned you that there is no. Bring about an “upset” victory.
“We know New Hampshire is very different,” Sabato said. “This is the only place where a player like Haley could pull off an upset – maybe – but it doesn't look like that yet,” he added.
Trump currently leads the Granite State with 46.7%, an 11.4% lead over Haley, who is in second place. The former South Carolina governor's approval rating is 35.3%, far higher than Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (Republican) at 5.8%, according to a Hill/Decision Desk headquarters poll.
“Sometimes they [New Hampshire voters] Everyone is going to be shocked, we'll never know until we see the votes that are out there,” Sabato concluded.
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