Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley faces skepticism in the New Hampshire Republican primary, with expectations of placing second to Trump.
Polling shows her trailing Trump by about 14 points, and experts note the lack of energy behind her campaign.
Haley’s gaffes, financial issues, and Trump’s dominance in the party have contributed to doubts about her prospects.
“We always wanted to have a strong second. That’s the only expectation we ever laid out there,” Gov. Chris Sununu said.
“Then she was there forever taking pictures with people,” voter Nelia Tefft said. “I was a little disappointed. I like to see her in action, answering off the cuff and she does it well most of the time, except for the Civil War, I guess.”
The plan to encourage Democrats and independents to change their registration to support Haley is seen as having a low probability of defeating Trump.
Many believe Trump’s lead is significant, with some suggesting that only Joe Biden could potentially stop him in the November election.
“If she doesn’t get traction in New Hampshire, you don’t throw money down a rat hole,” Home Depot cofounder Ken Langone said.
“If Donald Trump blows it out in Iowa and blows it out in New Hampshire, it is very difficult to see him losing any other contests moving forward,” Republican strategist Matthew Bartlett said. “Then the question is: do people stay in this race and why?”
“The starting line could be the finish line here,” he added.
“Nikki Haley is not the person to stop Donald Trump,” Kathy Sullivan said. “The only person who’s going to be able to stop Donald Trump is Joe Biden in the November election.”
Read Also:
DeSantis Drops Out, Makes Big Endorsement
World Champion Dead at 29 From ‘Medical Complications’
