Is she just not going to vote?
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski made it clear on Saturday that she wouldn’t support former President Donald Trump if he were to secure the Republican nomination for the 2024 election. However, she also ruled out the possibility of crossing party lines to support President Joe Biden. Speaking to NBC News on Saturday night, Murkowski emphasized her stance, stating, “I could not” vote for Trump, while also affirming, “I can’t vote for Biden.”
Despite her opposition to both Trump and Biden, Murkowski urged those seeking an alternative not to give up hope on former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s unlikely bid for the GOP nomination. She encouraged individuals who believe in a better future for America to continue supporting Haley’s campaign, stating, “I don’t want to see that white flag raised.”
When questioned about her endorsement of Haley and her refusal to support Trump or Biden, Murkowski defended her decision, asserting that Haley is a qualified and capable leader, offering a viable alternative during a critical time for the country. Murkowski highlighted Haley’s competency and leadership qualities, emphasizing that she refuses to accept Trump and Biden as the only options available.
Murkowski’s endorsement of Haley came a day before Alaska’s primary on Super Tuesday. She endorsed Haley’s candidacy, following a fellow Trump critic in the Senate, Senator Susan Collins of Maine. Murkowski, who openly admitted to not voting for Trump in 2020 and voted to convict him on impeachment charges following the January 6, 2021 insurrection, has been at odds with Trump’s administration. In 2022, Trump supported a primary challenger against Murkowski, who ultimately lost.
With Murkowski now backing an opponent in Trump’s potential reelection bid, concerns arise about the viability of Haley’s candidacy, given her lack of success in winning primary contests thus far. Murkowski acknowledges that if Haley were to exit the race, she and others would be left uncertain about their choices in the 2024 election. She emphasizes that she is not alone in her stance, indicating that there are others who share her sentiments.
