Nikki Haley adopts DeSantis-like approach, highlights gubernatorial achievements to sway voters
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley Takes a Page from Ron DeSantis’ Playbook in South Carolina
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley is employing a new strategy to gain ground on former President Donald Trump in her home state of South Carolina. Her approach closely mirrors that of former presidential candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), who recently suspended his campaign.
Haley is leveraging her previous role as South Carolina governor to remind voters of her accomplishments in the state before joining the Trump administration. This refined strategy echoes DeSantis’ focus on his conservative record leading Florida, aiming to convince Republicans that he was the best candidate to run the country.
While DeSantis halted his campaign after a disappointing performance in the Iowa Republican caucuses, strategists believe this setback could work in Haley’s favor as she stakes her presidential hopes on the upcoming primary in South Carolina.
According to John Mark Hansen, a political science professor at the University of Chicago, this strategy is a long shot but likely Haley’s best chance. Todd Belt, director of the political management master’s program at George Washington University, notes that South Carolina voters have recently supported Trump-aligned politicians, so Haley is attempting to reconnect with those who haven’t voted for her in a while.
Haley’s new ad campaign, titled “It’s A Great Day In South Carolina,” aims to combat Trump’s falsehoods and remind voters of her successes as governor. In a video highlighting her accomplishments, Haley emphasizes cutting taxes, passing tough immigration and voter ID laws, and moving people from welfare to work.
While Haley faces an uphill battle, her tactic could show promise. Columbia University political science professor Robert Shapiro suggests that she emphasize her past as governor and contrast it with Trump’s failure to deliver on his promises. Republican strategist Doug Heye acknowledges the significant ground Haley needs to make up but believes this argument could sway undecided South Carolina voters.
In a recent poll, more than half of Republican primary voters in South Carolina plan to vote for Trump, while Haley trails with 32% support. However, her numbers have increased by 18 points. While Haley’s strategy resembles DeSantis’, some political scientists and Republican strategists argue that the key difference is Haley’s focus on her home state.
According to Susan Del Percio, a Republican strategist, DeSantis was selling the Florida blueprint to America, while Haley aims to jog South Carolinians’ memories ahead of the primary. DeSantis’ attempt to use this tactic failed because he couldn’t make his record in Florida relatable to Iowa voters.
While some are skeptical about the potential for Haley’s move to boost her support, University at Buffalo associate professor of political science Jacob Neiheisel believes that big comebacks are rare in politics. He suggests that it would take more than reminding Republicans of her record as governor to change their minds. However, the 2024 race could see a significant shift due to external factors, such as the advanced ages of the top candidates and Trump’s legal battles.
Even if Haley’s strategy proves effective in South Carolina, there is no guarantee that it will resonate with the rest of the country. Lisa Bryant, political science department chairwoman at California State University, Fresno, points out that South Carolina is not known as an economic powerhouse like Florida, Texas, or California. This makes it harder for voters to see the transition from governor to president for a former South Carolina governor.
Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, adds that presidential politics primarily revolve around national issues, which is why a gubernatorial record didn’t propel DeSantis forward. Throughout the GOP presidential cycle, home state candidates have not received significant boosts in polling.
How does Haley plan to address concerns about her previous support for the Confederate flag and unite a divided country
S strategy may not be enough to fully surpass Trump, it could position her as a strong contender and solidify her support in the state.
One key challenge for Haley is striking the right balance between distancing herself from Trump and appealing to his supporters. While she has been critical of Trump’s actions, particularly his handling of the January 6th Capitol insurrection, Haley also remains popular among Republican voters who still identify with Trump’s agenda. This delicate tightrope walk requires Haley to carefully navigate the political landscape, showcasing her own achievements while avoiding alienating Trump loyalists.
Another factor that could impact Haley’s chances is the overall political climate in South Carolina. As a traditionally conservative state, winning the Republican primary is crucial for any candidate hoping to secure the party’s nomination. With Trump’s influence still strong within the party, Haley will need to prove that she is the candidate who can best represent their interests while also appealing to more moderate voters.
Furthermore, Haley will need to address concerns about her previous support for the Confederate flag during her governorship. While she ultimately called for its removal in 2015 following the Charleston church shooting, critics argue that her initial defense of the flag could alienate voters, particularly in the current political climate where issues of racial equity and justice are at the forefront. Haley will need to address this controversy head-on and present a compelling argument for why she should be trusted as a leader who can unite a divided country.
Overall, Nikki Haley’s decision to adopt a strategy similar to Ron DeSantis in South Carolina is a calculated move to regain momentum and position herself as a viable challenger to Trump. While she faces numerous challenges, including Trump’s continued influence within the party and her own controversies, Haley’s emphasis on her record as governor and distinction from Trump’s failed promises may resonate with undecided voters in the state. Ultimately, the upcoming primary in South Carolina will be a critical test for Haley’s presidential aspirations, and only time will tell if her new playbook proves effective.
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