Like many other potential candidates—and the party as a whole, which tied itself to a person rather than ideas—Nikki Haley has been bruised by association with Donald Trump
fighter enters the arena to go up against a legend, the crowd braces for a good show. But if the matchup is too lopsided the brawl is no fun. That was the sense when Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor and Donald Trump’sambassador, announced her presidential run on Twitter on February 14th , becoming the first Republican formally to challenge her former boss. Ms Haley climbs into the ring as a lightweight.
In her own book, published in October, Ms Haley likens herself to Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s cold-war prime minister. Both women were not afraid to make enemies to get ahead. But whereas the Iron Lady refused to make-turns, Ms Haley too often swivels. When Mr Trump claimed Joe Biden stole the 2020 election, she was silent. It was not until a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol on January 6th 2021 that she decried his denialism.
Other leading contenders have to work harder to detach themselves from their old boss. Once Mr Trump’s steadfast sidekick, Mr Pence broke with him when he refused to overturn the 2020 election, and now works criticism of the former president’s anti-democratic moves into campaign-like speeches in early voting states. Mr Pompeo remained obsequious while serving in the administration , but has since sought to create some distance from that uncomfortable closeness.
But the more crowded the contest becomes, the harder it will be for any single rival to stand up to Mr Trump. Many party bigwigs are therefore keen to see the fight narrowed down as quickly as possible. If Mr Trump wins the nomination, they fear, Mr Biden could well crush him in a rematch.
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