NEW HEMPSHIRE: With Florida governor Ron DeSantis withdrawing from the Republican presidential race just before the New Hampshire primary, Donald Trump stands at the cusp of solidifying his bid for the party’s nomination. The primary, scheduled for Tuesday, could significantly accelerate Trump’s timeline to face President Joe Biden in November, provided he secures a victory in the Granite State or narrowly loses to his remaining rival, Nikki Haley.
Having clinched a resounding victory over DeSantis in Iowa, Trump intensifies his focus on Nikki Haley. The former president, aged 77, criticized Haley’s capabilities, labeling her as “not smart enough” and questioning her voter appeal. Trump’s recent acceptance of DeSantis’s endorsement further solidifies his position, emphasizing shared policies and portraying Haley as a “globalist” who deviates from the core principles.
As Haley faces the New Hampshire primary, she positions herself to leverage the state’s high proportion of independents. These voters, allowed to participate in either party’s primary, often favor more moderate candidates. Haley, trailing Trump by 15 points in polling averages, views this as her potential “last stand.” A strong performance on Tuesday could rejuvenate her candidacy, setting the stage for the South Carolina primary in late February.
While New Hampshire awards a relatively small number of delegates, its role as a reliable bellwether for nationwide electoral success is crucial. The state’s primary sets the tone for subsequent races, and a candidate’s performance here can influence the trajectory of the campaign. As Trump eyes an early closure of the race, the outcome in New Hampshire becomes a pivotal indicator.
In tandem with the Republican primary, Democrats in New Hampshire go to the polls. However, President Biden is not on the ballot due to scheduling conflicts between local officials and the national party. Despite this, campaigners express intent to write in Biden’s name, emphasizing the president’s anticipated nomination victory. The Democratic National Committee’s declaration of the New Hampshire primary as illegitimate underscores the anticipated ease of Biden’s nomination.
As Trump positions himself for a potential triumph in New Hampshire, the state’s outcome becomes a key determinant in shaping the trajectory of the Republican primary and setting the tone for the broader electoral landscape.
