Maintaining a shroud of secrecy around his choice for Vice President, leading Republican contender and former US President Donald Trump has eliminated Indian-American rival Nikki Haley from consideration for his 2024 running mate.
Speaking at a rally in Concord on Friday ahead of the New Hampshire nominating contest, Trump voiced his opinion on the former South Carolina Governor, who secured a third-place finish in Iowa, stating that she is "OK, but she is not presidential timber." The Hill reported Trump, just after securing a significant caucus victory with 50% of the vote, told supporters, "When you say certain things, it sort of takes them out of play, right? I can't say, 'She's not of the timber to be the vice president' and then say, 'Ladies and gentleman, I'm proud to announce that I've picked.'"
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggests that Haley could balance out Trump's weaknesses as a candidate. Despite this, Haley, confident in her pursuit of the US Presidency, has made it clear that she is not interested in being Trump's second-in-command. In a CBS News interview, she asserted, "I don't play for a second. I've never played for a second. I'm not going to start now. I'm not interested in being Vice President. I'm running to be President and I'm running to win and we will."
Polls indicate a close race between Haley and Trump in New Hampshire, where a more moderate Republican primary electorate is expected to benefit her. A recent CBS/YouGov poll revealed that Haley holds a larger lead over President Joe Biden than either Trump or Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in potential head-to-head matchups.
With the New Hampshire primary set for January 23 and South Carolina on February 3, the former UN Ambassador foresees the Republican presidential race as a contest between herself and Trump. Trump has intensified attacks against Haley in recent weeks, accusing her of needing Biden's supporters to "infiltrate" the party primary for success in New Hampshire.
At a Concord rally, Trump took aim at New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, a Haley endorser, and fellow presidential rival DeSantis. He criticized Sununu for backing a candidate who wasn't "capable" and claimed Haley lacked the toughness, intelligence, and respect needed to secure the Republican party nomination. Trump also disparaged DeSantis, labeling his political trajectory as one of the greatest "self-destructions" he has witnessed.
An average of New Hampshire surveys, compiled by Decision Desk HQ and The Hill, positions Trump ahead by 11 points over Haley at approximately 46% and 35%, respectively.
(With Agency Inputs)
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