The battle for the Republican nomination intensified in South Carolina on Thursday, with Donald Trump and Nikki Haley launching scathing attacks on each other ahead of the state’s February 24 primary. This crucial contest marks the next major hurdle for Trump in his bid for a second term and presents a critical test for Haley, the former governor, and Trump’s last remaining challenger.
Haley has drawn the ire of the former president by refusing to bow out of the race, despite his decisive wins in Iowa and New Hampshire. This defiance sets the stage for a potential November rematch with President Biden, further fueling the urgency of the Republican primary.
Determined to paint Trump in a negative light, Haley’s campaign released a new advertisement and email blasts labeling him a liar, a weak candidate, and a coward for refusing to debate her. These efforts highlight her strategy of directly challenging Trump’s legitimacy and electability.
However, Trump, boasting a comfortable lead in South Carolina polls, hasn’t remained idle. He mobilized local politicians, including former Haley ally Bill Taylor, to publicly criticize her at an event in Columbia. Taylor branded Haley a “political opportunist” solely focused on personal gain, while another Trump supporter, state representative Stewart Jones, attacked her immigration record.
Immigration remains a central theme in the campaign, resonating deeply with Republican voters amidst the Biden administration’s challenges at the US-Mexico border. Trump has been vocal in criticizing Haley’s past opposition to his proposed border wall, attempting to portray her as inconsistent and unreliable on this key issue.
Haley, however, is not taking these attacks lying down. Her new ad showcases her achievements as governor, including signing a tough immigration bill, and directly accuses Trump of fabricating falsehoods about her record. Her campaign further intensified its rhetoric by labeling Trump a “gift” to Democrats, citing polls that suggest she would fare significantly better against Biden in a head-to-head matchup compared to Trump.
Despite Haley’s aggressive tactics, recent polls paint a different picture. A Washington Post-Monmouth University poll reveals Trump maintaining a commanding lead of 58% to 32% among potential Republican primary voters in South Carolina.
As the South Carolina primary draws closer, the battle between Trump and Haley is expected to heat up further. Both candidates will likely escalate their attacks, making for a fiercely contested primary that could have significant implications for the Republican Party and the November general election.