'Why not just pick Trump?' Journalist wonders why Republicans would nominate Nikki Haley
19 February 2023
Former South Carolina governor and United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley entering the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination has garnered tepid reception inside political circles. While Haley has touted herself as a spokesperson for "a new generation," there is widespread skepticism about whether she can deliver – as well as confusion over what distinguishes her from other potential candidates.
On Sunday's edition of This Week, columnist Susan Glasser of The New Yorker opined on what Haley's biggest challenge will be in defeating ex-President Donald Trump and whoever else enters the GOP nominating contest.
"We've seen and heard Nikki Haley, Susan, she announced her bid for president this week, becoming the first challenger to President Trump. Do you think there's a path for her?" ABC News moderator Martha Raddatz asked Glasser.
READ MORE: 'No clear rationale': WSJ Editorial Board skewers Nikki Haley's presidential run
"Well, you know, a lot of people who watched that announcement thought it had a very 2015 feel to it, you know, sort of, saying, 'well, it's time to move on for a new generation.' One of the big problems for Nikki Haley is that you never know which side of the Trump question she's on," Glasser explained.
"She was against Trump; then she was for him and served in his administration. Then she was briefly against him after January 6th. Then she said, 'I'll never – I won't run against him.' And now, of course, she's running against him. And I think that's the problem," Glasser continued. "Trump remains the front-runner in the Republican field. And, you know, if there's Trump versus, sort of, Trump-ists, why not just pick Trump? And I think you see in the polls reflected that he's a pretty strong leader right now."
Watch below or at this link.