Trump and DeSantis are the obvious front-runners in the Republican camp. But Nikki Haley is a dark horse to keep your eye on.
Because Nikki Haley shocked everyone with what she just sent Ron DeSantis’ way.
Nikki Haley, a Republican presidential candidate, has a message for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“Welcome to the race. We’ve been waiting.”
At a campaign event on the banks of the Mississippi, Haley said, “I’m glad that he’s going to be out there, because I want the American people to see who they’re choosing from.”
Haley was responding to suggestions that the Florida governor would eventually declare his candidacy for president the following week.
Haley, a former governor of South Carolina and ambassador to the UN, has been running for president since February and has occasionally poked fun at other potential contenders for holding out on the race.
However, Haley and DeSantis do share one trait in common: both are eager to engage in the most divisive cultural conflicts.
For instance, she reiterated her demand that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) release Marine veteran Daniel Penny, who is accused of second-degree manslaughter in the death of Jordan Neely.
Haley described Penny’s behavior as “he went into that mode to defend and protect.”
“And if we start putting people like him in jail, you won’t have anyone go in and protect anyone going forward. This was a man trying to save other Americans. We should be thanking him.”
Although Haley has had difficulty gaining ground in national surveys, she is banking that aggressive campaigning in the first caucus state will be successful.
She’s already held an impressive 22 events in Iowa for her campaign, which is quite a bit more than both Trump and DeSantis.
In her Hill interview, she shot back at those who questioned her own candidacy, refuting any claims that her real motivation for running was to increase her profile as a potential vice presidential option for any other contender.
“I don’t play for second; I’ve never played for second. I’m doing this to win it,” she declared.
“I don’t know what the reason is. And I don’t worry about what the reason is. But being underestimated has been a blessing for me, because it makes me scrappy,” she added.
It’s hard to see Nikki Haley winning the Republican nomination, but it would be foolish for both Trump and DeSantis to overlook her.
Her fundraising numbers have been just as strong as Trump and DeSantis and her efforts in the early primary states could shift the whole election if she racks up enough wins.
Though, if you were to ask us at the Federalist Wire, she’s more likely to be picked as a Vice President when all is said and done.
Stay tuned to the Federalist Wire.
