DeSantis’s SC bet may boost Trump in NH

Gov. DeSantis Shifts ‍Campaign Focus​ to South​ Carolina, Boosting Trump’s Defense Against Nikki Haley

Gov.⁤ Ron DeSantis of⁣ Florida has made a bold⁢ move in ⁤his campaign strategy,⁤ choosing to prioritize ⁤building ‌support in South⁣ Carolina over a ⁢strong​ showing⁤ in New Hampshire. While ⁣this decision may seem ⁤like ‍a concession of third place in New Hampshire, it could actually work in favor of former President ⁤Donald Trump as‌ he faces ⁣off against rising ​star Nikki Haley in the Granite ⁣State.

The DeSantis ‍campaign, feeling the​ pressure ⁢after⁣ a disappointing⁣ performance in Iowa, has decided to relocate the majority of‍ its staff to‌ South Carolina. This move, made well in advance of the Feb. 24 primary, reflects​ the reality that DeSantis is polling in ⁢the single digits against both Trump‍ and Haley in⁢ New Hampshire.

“The DeSantis decision to focus on South Carolina is a public admission ‌of ⁤New Hampshire being a de facto two-person race between Nikki Haley and ​Donald ‌Trump,” ​said former New Hampshire⁢ Republican Senate candidate Vikram Mansharamani.

This is exactly what Haley had been hoping for ⁣after Iowa, even⁣ though DeSantis ‌is not completely surrendering the New Hampshire battleground to her. However, any support that DeSantis loses due‌ to his reduced presence in the ‍state could actually benefit Trump.

Andrew Smith, the director of the University of ‍New Hampshire Survey Center, cautioned that ⁣DeSantis’ absence “shouldn’t impact things ⁣too much” since ⁣he only garnered 6% in the latest state survey.⁢ However, Smith also ​noted⁤ that over 60% ⁤of DeSantis voters’ ⁣second choice​ is Trump, indicating that “Haley really⁤ needs DeSantis to do⁤ well in New Hampshire, not leave.”

David Paleologos, the director of the Suffolk University‌ Political Research Center, agreed, stating that among the small subset of ‍DeSantis voters in ‍the New Hampshire poll, they would favor⁢ Trump over Haley by a margin of 50% to 34%.

While Haley has a better chance of defeating ‍Trump in New⁢ Hampshire due to its larger share of independent voters,⁣ she ‍still​ trails him by‌ approximately 13 points in⁤ the latest polling. On the other hand, DeSantis seems to be banking⁣ on appealing to the⁤ more conservative electorate in South Carolina, even though it is Haley’s home state.

In the ‍RealClearPolitics polling average, Haley currently leads DeSantis ⁤in South Carolina with 22% compared to his 11%,‌ but she is far behind Trump’s commanding 52%.

New Hampshire‌ Republican strategist Matthew⁣ Bartlett believes that DeSantis “clearly” thinks Haley will lose in ⁣both South Carolina ⁣and New Hampshire. He predicts that DeSantis’⁢ move in South Carolina is part of a larger strategy to eventually “take ‍on Trump ​one on one.”

This strategy is undoubtedly risky, but ​as Bartlett points out, “everyone not named Trump⁢ needs to take risks ‍— even if⁢ the odds are not in their favor.”

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What does⁤ DeSantis hope⁣ to achieve by diverting campaign resources to South Carolina?

P>This shift in campaign focus is seen as a strategic move to boost Trump’s defense against Nikki Haley, who is emerging as a strong contender in the New Hampshire primary. Despite Haley ⁣not formally announcing her candidacy, she has been making waves with her recent speeches and media appearances, gaining attention and support from both Republicans and‌ Democrats.

DeSantis, a staunch ally of Trump, recognizes​ the threat that Haley⁣ poses to Trump’s dominance in the primary race. By diverting ‌resources to South Carolina, where Trump enjoys significant popularity, DeSantis aims to ensure a strong performance for​ Trump in the ​state.

This decision also highlights the changing dynamics within the ​Republican Party. While⁤ DeSantis may have initially positioned himself as a potential alternative⁤ to Trump, his shift in focus indicates a recognition of Trump’s enduring influence⁢ within the party. By aligning himself with Trump and actively working to boost his campaign, DeSantis not only strengthens his own ties with the former President but ‌also ⁣solidifies his position within the party hierarchy.

Furthermore, by prioritizing South Carolina, DeSantis acknowledges the importance of early primary victories in shaping the narrative and ⁢momentum of a campaign.‍ Historically, candidates who perform well in the early states ‍gain significant media attention and ​fundraising support, ​which can then propel them forward⁤ in the subsequent contests.

However, this strategic move does come⁤ with its own risks. By ceding ⁣ground in New Hampshire, DeSantis leaves himself vulnerable to ‍being⁤ overshadowed by other candidates, both within and‌ outside of the Trump camp. While South Carolina is a crucial state in the Republican primary, a weak showing in New Hampshire could potentially undermine DeSantis’ ⁢credibility and momentum moving forward.

Moreover, DeSantis’ decision to focus on​ South ‍Carolina could open up an opportunity for other candidates, such as Florida Senator Marco Rubio, to gain traction in the New Hampshire primary. Rubio,⁣ who has previously ⁢run for president and has⁢ a⁢ strong base of support in the ​state, could capitalize on DeSantis’ absence and consolidate his position as a viable alternative to both Haley and Trump.

Overall, Gov. DeSantis’ shift in campaign focus to South Carolina reflects the evolving dynamics of the Republican primary race. By prioritizing Trump’s defense against‌ Nikki Haley and recognizing the importance of early victories, DeSantis aims to solidify his own position within the ⁤party while bolstering Trump’s chances in the primary. However, this strategic move also carries‍ risks, leaving DeSantis vulnerable to other candidates and potentially undermining his credibility. Only time will tell if this gamble will pay off for DeSantis and Trump in the long run.

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