Dem
51
GOP
49
Because former South Carolina governor and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley already leaked it 2 weeks ago, this isn't exactly news. Nonetheless, today she will make it official, and declare her 2024 candidacy for president.
Here is Haley's announcement video:
It's 3 minutes of red meat for the base—you know, socialism bad, China bad, Iran bad, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez bad, Joe Biden bad, Jesus good, 'murica good, etc. It also frames racism in exactly the way that Republican voters tend to like, as something that "was" a problem for Haley, but that melted away thanks to her commitment to American values.
The very last lines of the video are somewhat interesting. Haley says:
It's time for a new generation of leadership, to rediscovery fiscal responsibility, secure our border, and strengthen our country, our pride, and our purpose... You should know this about me, I don't put up with bullies. And when you kick back, it hurts them more if you're wearing heels. I'm Nikki Haley, and I'm running for president.
Donald Trump, you might recall, is not a "new generation" of anything, and is known for bullying opponents, particularly women. So, it's not too hard to see that last bit as a shot across the bow of the S.S. Donald.
CNN did an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) that, perhaps better than anything, illustrates the problem with Haley's candidacy. You can watch the video here, if you wish, but what Mace says is:
And despite all of these things, Mace still refused to answer a question about whether or not she would endorse Haley's presidential bid. If Donald Trump's power is so strong and/or if your odds are so poor, that a person who is a close friend and ally is reluctant to support you, then who will support you?
That said, we don't really think Haley is running for president. Much more plausible for her is the VP slot. Donald Trump isn't going to pick an apostate to run beside him, but Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) might like to have Haley on his ticket. That said, she's gotta show she can move at least some voters, which means her polling needs to climb above the 1-2% where it currently sits most of the time. (Z)