She’s setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest.
Nikki Haley’s criticism of Donald Trump has intensified during the ongoing 2024 presidential campaign, particularly as she engages in a month-long campaign leading up to South Carolina’s Feb. 24 primary. Returning to her home state, Haley faced a group of Trump supporters protesting outside her rally, prompting her to directly address the former president in her remarks. In a bold move, she challenged Trump to a debate, expressing her readiness for a verbal exchange and dismissing his focus on her as a “temper tantrum.”
Responding creatively to Trump’s threat on Truth Social to permanently bar donors to Haley, her campaign started selling T-shirts with the defiant message “BARRED. PERMANENTLY.” Despite calls for her withdrawal and a unified Republican Party behind Trump following his clear victory in the New Hampshire primary, Haley conveyed her determination to stay in the race, citing dissatisfaction with the current options available to Americans.
With only two states having voted thus far, Haley underscored that 48 more states deserve to have their voices heard. Initiating ad campaigns in South Carolina, her campaign, along with the affiliated super PAC, SFA Fund Inc., plans a million-dollar ad buy in the state next week, signaling a commitment to extend the campaign beyond her home-state primary. SFA Fund disclosed raising over $50 million in the last six months of 2023, a substantial amount poised to sustain a prolonged campaign.
While rejecting the “moderate” label, Haley’s campaign aims to continue attracting independents, a key demographic that played a crucial role in her securing over 43% of the vote in New Hampshire’s primary. Campaign manager Betsy Ankney emphasized the tradition of independents participating in GOP primaries, noting that eleven of the 16 Super Tuesday states have open or semi-open primaries, providing opportunities for non-Republicans to participate. SFA Fund Inc. lead strategist Mark Harris acknowledged the imperative for Haley to fortify support from Republicans and conservatives, recognizing that growth in these key demographics is vital for a realistic path to the nomination in South Carolina.
