They believe she going to have a lackluster performance in their state.
In the quest for a Republican standard-bearer, Nikki Haley’s approach of keeping a low profile may jeopardize her already challenging bid to surpass former President Donald Trump in the upcoming primary. Haley’s reluctance to engage in debates, resulting in the cancellation of two scheduled events in New Hampshire, and her limited campaign stops in the state raise concerns among GOP insiders.
Refusing to face off against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in debates and maintaining a light schedule in a state where candidates traditionally engage extensively with voters could prove detrimental. Following a controversial moment when she failed to identify slavery as a cause of the Civil War, Haley has refrained from taking questions on stage from voters. Her team’s strategy, opting for less visibility in a race narrowed down to three candidates, may backfire, especially with DeSantis having decided to shift his fading campaign to South Carolina.
Veteran Republican strategist Dave Carney, based in New Hampshire, criticizes Haley’s gamble, emphasizing the state’s history of vetting candidates through open town hall-style forums. Carney argues that, as a candidate in second place, taking risks and actively engaging with voters is essential. The decision not to debate and avoid questions at post-Iowa events in New Hampshire could potentially harm Haley’s campaign.
Despite the belief of numerous Republican officials and party strategists familiar with New Hampshire primaries that Haley would not benefit from distancing herself from voters, she faces the additional challenge of businessman Vivek Ramaswamy dropping out and endorsing Trump. The disappointment among New Hampshire residents regarding Haley’s avoidance of debates and limited interaction with voters is palpable.
Haley’s spokesperson, Olivia Perez-Cubas, vehemently denies the notion that Haley is evading New Hampshire voters, asserting that she has been actively engaging in press, retail stops, meetings with voters, and rallies. However, critics argue that Haley’s controlled campaigning approach and avoidance of open forums may alienate undecided voters.
As the primary approaches, a Suffolk University/NBC10 Boston/Boston Globe poll reveals Trump leading at 50%, with Haley at 34% and DeSantis trailing at 5%. While DeSantis shifts focus to South Carolina, hoping to surpass Haley, she maintains a commitment to New Hampshire, considering it central to her strategy. Whether Haley’s decision to steer clear of debates and limit public interactions will impact her chances remains uncertain, but the stakes are high in a closely contested primary race.
