Nikki Haley is publicly defying Donald Trump as the last remaining party competitor in the election campaign. She looks for conflict. And their resistance is becoming even more intense.
When US Republican politicians stood in the way of Donald Trump in recent years, it usually ended in disaster: either they had to leave the field at some point and sank into political insignificance. Or they took the side of the real estate entrepreneur and now ex-president and followed his wishes from then on. Trump, who often thinks in terms of a mafia godfather, always took note of both with satisfaction. The kissing loyalty even more than the quiet departure.
So anyone who watches the lonely struggle of Nikki Haley – Trump’s last remaining competitor in the field of candidates for the presidential candidacy – will inevitably think of this very question: Which of the two paths will she take? The hope for a turnaround seems too great and too hopeless for there to be a surprise before the Republican nomination convention. It could even be that Haley will give up after the party’s primary election in her home state of South Carolina on February 24th – because Trump is clearly leading in the polls there too.
Influential donors support Haley
So far, however, Haley is defending herself and her resistance has even become more severe in recent weeks. When Trump mockingly asked why Haley’s, she coolly pointed out that her husband was currently overseas with the US military – and used this response to recall Trump’s often derogatory rhetoric towards military personnel and veterans.
Haley countered Trump’s request to Russia that it could deal with NATO countries as it pleased if they did not fulfill their defense spending obligations in the short message service that she rejects his understanding of foreign and security policy outright.
The big question is: Why is Haley putting herself through this conflict? And there are several plausible answers to this. On the one hand, it still has the support of very influential donors, including, above all, the network of the right-wing conservative billionaire Charles Koch. Even after her defeat in the second primary in the US state of New Hampshire, these donors clearly signaled to Haley that she should continue for the time being. Haley also collects money beyond major donors and is currently able to invest a lot in commercials in South Carolina.
Trump’s Lurking Lawsuits
Furthermore, despite his enormous popularity among core Republican voters, it is clear that Trump is a candidate with a particular vulnerability. He faces more legal disputes than any other presidential candidate before him. And no one, absolutely no one, can currently say with absolute certainty whether at least one of these proceedings will not lead to a conviction during the election campaign – which would amount to a historically unique situation. It would be an understandable strategy for Haley to be ready for this case, which is why she repeatedly points out its legal problems.
One thing is clear: at least Haley managed to annoy Trump and penetrate his subconscious. While many US voters are questioning his suitability for the office in view of numerous misfires by the incumbent US President Joe Biden, Trump recently made a mistake of his own: He confused Haley’s name several times in a row with that of the Democratic top politician Nancy Pelosi old nemesis of Trump and hate figure of his fans. The lapse gave Haley another opportunity to attack, and she used it to portray Trump as an increasingly confused older man.
Trump threatens Haley’s financiers
The fact that Haley stayed in the race at all also angered Trump. He threatened her through his supporters if they continued to support his opponent – a threat that has so far had no consequences.
Haley remains the last real Republican opponent in the game, and this fact alone gives her profile. In this way she may be able to avoid the two classic fates – loss of importance or subordination. Because perhaps the 52-year-old is simply speculating on a completely different election in the end, namely the one in 2028. Trump will then almost certainly no longer be able to take part in it. Because he will then have his second term in office behind him. Because he will be too old. Or because he is in a United States correctional facility.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
