Monday, May 1
Nikki Haley was talking all things competency test today. She stated her belief that politicians aged 75+ should be tested for cognitive decline, citing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test. Baby Boomers make up 70% of Congress but 21% of all Americans. Prominent politicians over 75 include Joe Biden, Dianne Feinstein, Bernie Sanders and Nancy Pelosi. If Biden wins and completes a second term, he’ll be 86.
Haley put out an op-Ed for Fox News about the issue.
She also went after Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her “one of the most incompetent elected officials in the country.” Harris generally has low approval ratings, so it’s a fairly understandable target for Haley. On top of this, Haley also pointed out last week that Biden could die before the end of a second term, which means Harris would be in charge.
Tuesday, May 2
Haley continued to push the idea of competency tests and backed Senator Feinstein resigning. It has been reported that Feinstein has trouble with her memory and cognitive ability. The 89 year-old has also missed 50 Senate votes as she recovers from shingles. Whilst anyone can get ill, her age can be a factor and that’s what many, including Haley, are saying.
Wednesday, May 3
Haley’s polling average remains at 4%.
Today, Haley called for a stronger border in response to a large number of migrants crossing into the United States. Haley often talks tough on migration, something that may entice Trump Republicans to her side.
Thursday, May 4
May the fourth be with you!
On National Prayer Day, Haley talked about the importance of faith. She was also back in her home state of South Carolina for a town hall meeting. Around 500 people turned up in Greer, SC to see Haley. Her focus was once again on the border, touting her trips there, but she also turned up the heat on her nemesis Don Lemon.
Friday, May 5
A quiet day for Haley.
Saturday, May 6
Happy Coronation day to the rebellious colonies!
Haley was the commencement speaker at Regency University at Virginia Beach, Virginia. It’s a private Christian university and its chancellor is Pat Robertson, a famed member of the religious right. Haley talked about faith, an appropriate theme for the location.
Sunday, May 7
Another quiet day for Haley.
So ends another week for the Haley campaign. Her main focus was on age and cognitive testing, perhaps another reminder of her relative youth compared to other candidates.
FiveThirtyEight has Haley up slightly to 4.2%
Biden’s polling has not been too great recently, but it remains to be seen if it’s an outlier or a real trend.