Monday, April 24
Nikki Haley promoted her “Past My Prime?” drink holder and also encouraged women to not let anyone tell them they’re past their prime. This was undoubtedly a response to Don Lemon, the CNN anchor who was just fired. Lemon was widely criticised for implying that the 51-year old Haley was past her prime. The anchor had also been accused of misogyny by other female co-workers and was battling declining ratings and popularity. No doubt a minor victory for Haley at least, but not one that will impact the election.
Tuesday, April 25
The Morning Consult poll had Haley in fourth place at 3%. Mike Pence was third at 7%, Ron DeSantis second at 21%, and Donald Trump in first at 58%.
Joe Biden officially announced that he was running once again in 2024, to the surprise of exactly no one. Kamala Harris announced the same, so it’s safe to assume she’s staying on the ticket. Whilst Biden has challengers in the Democratic Party, he’s pretty much locked-in to win. This won’t really change much for Haley or any other Republican candidate. Haley did attack Biden as the “weakest president in modern history.”
Abortion seemed to be the topic of the day. She talked of her pro-life legislative history and said she hoped to save as many babies and mothers as possible. Haley said it was personal to her, as her husband Michael was adopted at birth.
Wednesday, April 26
Haley started her two week tour of New Hampshire today. She discussed issues like the fentanyl crisis sweeping America, abortion and the border crisis. Haley spoke in front of crowds in town hall style events.
She also spoke up about Disney, after Ron DeSantis’ comments about them. Haley offered them the chance to move to her home state of South Carolina- however seriously.
Thursday, April 27
Emerson College polling has Haley at 3%. Not great so far, considering she’s been behind Pence and DeSantis, neither of them having announced.
Haley was on attack mode today. Her target? Joe Biden. Firstly, Haley attacked Biden for having note cards for all of the journalists who asked him questions and what he should expect to be asked. Secondly, Haley stated that it was likely that the elderly Biden would die before the end of a second term (Biden would be 86) and that Kamala Harris would probably pick up the slack.
It was a rather strange comment and was widely criticised. Whilst it’s certainly not an unlikely event, it is probably not the best idea for a politician to say it out loud. Is Haley focusing on attacking Biden as opposed to fighting any Republican primary rivals?
Friday, April 28
Haley continued her tour of the Granite State with trips to town halls, a brewery and a college. The schedule also included the classic political trip to the diner. Haley’s message was of small town values and Joe Biden is negatively impacting Americans.
Saturday, April 29
Haley came out guns blazing at a trip to a gunmaker. Gun violence and the Second Amendment are both very contentious issues in contemporary America. Haley showed her support for gun ownership as well as the military.
Sunday, April 30
Haley advocated for the town hall method of meeting, believing that it’s the best way for Americans to be heard.
A strange week for Haley. Whilst her comments on Biden’s mortality were widely heard, the comments weren’t exactly well-received by all. Her poll ratings are still pretty low and she’s behind people who haven’t even announced.
FiveThirtyEight has her at 4%.