Like a good student, Nikki Haley handed in her copy before the others. A slick copy, ticking all the classic conservative boxes. By confirming her candidacy for the Republican nomination for the presidential election of 2024, Wednesday, February 15, during a first meeting in South Carolina, the former governor of this state is the first to enter the arena against Donald Trump.
Without ever pronouncing the name of the former president, Nikki Haley, 51, appealed to Republican activists, gathered around her in Charleston. “If you’re tired of losing, put your trust in a new generation,” did she say. His impertinent proposal: “Mandatory mental competency tests for politicians over 75. » Joe Biden and Donald Trump would be 82 and 78 respectively if elected in 2024.
pledging against “defeatism and socialism”, Nikki Haley insisted on her origins and her personal history. His first campaign clip begins with the railroad track that divided the small town of Bamberg, South Carolina, between white and black neighborhoods. “I was the proud daughter of Indian immigrants. Neither black nor white. I was different. » In her speech, the candidate pointed out that “America is not a racist country”. Can the synthesis between diversity and patriotism seduce?
Nikki Haley will follow immediately with two trips to Iowa and New Hampshire, key states at the start of the primary cycle. ” Let the best win ! » she says. Elected governor twice (2011 and 2014), after overcoming the hostility of the local Republican apparatus, Nikki Haley believes she is able to thwart the predictions of a confrontation between Donald Trump and the Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis.
“In the countryside, she is tenacious, no one can surpass her, explains Rob Godfrey, who was one of his advisors during his two local terms. She sat in tight circles where you have to rip out voices one by one, and she handled electrified crowds. Former President Trump has never faced a candidate with his past and his strengths. This should create an interesting dynamic. »
“The American Version of Margaret Thatcher”
Leaving quickly for the campaign, Nikki Haley hopes to take advantage of the wait-and-see attitude of the other competitors. “I think Nikki Haley is the American version of Margaret Thatcher [ex-première ministre britannique] », explained to the platform Ralph Norman, elected from South Carolina to the House of Representatives. Nikki Haley is also betting on potential interest from minority voters, as the GOP is dominated by white male figures. Finally, she represents a form of sophistication, in her appearance and her speeches, which distinguishes her from extremist stars of Trumpism in Congress, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene (Georgia). It remains to be seen whether this point is an asset or a handicap.
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