Trump and Haley face off in New Hampshire in Republican race for White House

Washington—

Former President Donald Trump and his former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley will face each other this Tuesday new hampshire primaryWhere the two will fight to demonstrate who they are the best choice for the Republican presidential nomination Elections in the United States next November,

After Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s sudden exit from the campaign, it’s “really a two-person race now,” he explained. voice of america Analyst and political scientist Todd Belt, who warned that it would be an important fight for both contenders.

A head-to-head fight in the “nation’s inaugural primary” would provide Trump with an opportunity to consolidate his control over the majority of Republican voters, but on the other hand, it could be a moment for Haley to demonstrate that the former president, among the favorites SurveyThis may be vulnerable to a section of the electorate that is looking for a new leadership at the head of the party.

Despite finishing third in Iowa, the former South Carolina governor announced iowa results He hinted at a “two-person race”, referring to him and Trump. Now this prediction is reality for Haley.

Analysts say DeSantis’ absence – second only to caucus of Iowa — behind Trump — will mark the primary race for the coveted nomination, as people who now support the Florida governor could migrate to one side or the other.

In his farewellDeSantis announced his support for Trump, thus ending a dispute between the two that had set way before the start of the election year in the US and divided the most conservative Republican wing.

As for the belt, it is clear where this support will go from those who are convinced that the former president will not choose that path.

“All the money and attention from the non-Trump wing of the party will go to Haley. Trump is benefiting from the support of DeSantis and (Republican senator and former candidate Tim) Scott, so it’s still an uphill battle for Haley.” The professor of political science at George Washington University in the US capital highlights.

New Hampshire, battleground for Republicans

eight days after the traditional caucus or partisan caucuses in Iowa, this Tuesday’s primary will be the first traditional vote of this primary period.

Unlike the complex in-person process, which sets strict start times and physical voting, voting in New Hampshire will take place all day, without so many restrictions.

Experts say this wealthy state, which is located on the East Coast and is home to more liberal voters than conservative Iowa, could provide an opportunity for Haley, who is trying to break Trump’s wide lead. .

In Iowa, the former president received 51% of the vote, while DeSantis and Haley received 21.1% and 19.1%, respectively. So far, Trump leads in voting intentions in New Hampshire with 50.8% support, above Haley, who has 36.6%, according to averages compiled by the project. five thirty eight,

Although it may not seem likely, there is still a third contender for the nomination: Texas businessman and pastor Ryan Binkley. Their percentage in the elections is so low that most voters do not register them as pre-candidates.

In the case of Republicans, in the so-called Granite State, both candidates will compete for the 22 delegates to the Republican National Convention, which will decide the presidential nominee next July. Its inaugural position in the primary race has historically given New Hampshire a relevant role in the path to the coveted nomination.

This will not be the case for Democrats, who broke tradition and endorsed South Carolina as their first official primary. The Democratic National Committee’s decision was promoted by President Joe Biden, who is running for re-election as the incumbent president.

The Blues intended to offer a larger role to the Southern state, which is much more diverse and where the working class and African-American votes matter more than New Hampshire, which has a nearly 90% white population.

However, Democrats will cast their votes this Tuesday – state officials have expressed a desire to maintain the “first in the nation” tradition – although they will not be binding. The results of the ruling party’s primaries in New Hampshire will serve only as a barometer.

What’s in the game?

In the northeastern US state, primaries are “semi-open”, meaning they are less restrictive than caucus, where only voters registered as party members can go to the polls. In this case, everyone can participate.

This openness, combined with the region’s liberal tradition and libertarian mindset, encourages candidates considered liberal or more oriented toward the center, as in the case of Nikki Haley, to gather more support.

Haley has based her strategy on this in New Hampshire, where she spent months developing a comprehensive campaign. Experts have warned that the region would be the former ambassador to the United Nations’ best chance for victory or, failing that, he could come in second place, the latter perhaps being the most likely outcome due to Trump’s advantage.

Closing the gap in New Hampshire could give the former South Carolina governor a good shot at the next primary in her home state, this time on Feb. 3.

“Trump is benefiting from the support of DeSantis and Scott, so it’s still an uphill battle for Haley. If she can get between 40% to 50% in New Hampshire, she has momentum in South Carolina.” And he can continue his campaign.” ” said Todd Belt, a professor at George Washington University.

If Haley does not perform well this Tuesday then she will suffer the most. While a victory could mean a powerful lead in the race, a lower-than-expected result could result in a crushing blow to his presidential aspirations.

“If (Nikki Haley) can’t get at least 40% of the vote and show that half the party wants someone other than Donald Trump, her candidacy could be over. It would be humiliating to lose her home state of South Carolina to Trump.” First,” the political scientist and expert on US elections concluded.

A victory for Haley in New Hampshire and then South Carolina could be an unfavorable scenario for Trump, as it would weaken his reign as the absolute favorite over the Republican Party, although the Democrat could derail his path to revenge against Biden. Much will still be required. , in November.

(With information from Reuters)

Join the Voice of America! Subscribe to our YouTube channel, WhatsApp and newsletter. Activate notifications and follow us on Facebook, x And Instagram.