May 22
Nikki Haley focused on trans issues. She criticised a male-to-female trans runner who ranked in a competition, telling her to “Stop. Erasing. Women”. The issue of trans people in sports has become a major issue over the past few years. A prominent case is that of Lia Thomas. Thomas, who swam at the University of Pennsylvania, beat several of her teammates in races. Thomas has become a controversial figure and the question of biological males competing against women in sports is a divisive one.
May 23
Haley was back in the Granite State of New Hampshire. She attended a Rockingham GOP Dinner.
May 24
A big day as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced he was running for President. Governor DeSantis is very well-known nationally, both loved and loathed for his active governorship that goes after “woke” policies. His reelection in November came in a landslide- he won by a 19.4% margin and over 1.5 million votes. This is in contrast to 2018, where he won by a whisker. DeSantis’ fight against Disney and certain subjects in schools have made him a darling of the right. Florida is now a supermajority state for the Republicans and DeSantis has been credited for it. He’s been a popular candidate among grassroots Republicans for some time.
What does this mean for Haley? The GOP field now includes her, Governor DeSantis, former President Trump, Senator Tim Scott, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, Governor Asa Hutchinson, and commentator Larry Elder.
It’s a wide field that will likely increase. Haley will need to show off all her best attributes and prove that she is the best candidate to beat President Biden. For her part, Haley has condemned Governor DeSantis as an “echo” of President Trump.
On the subject of policy, Haley released her five point plan to help veterans. Military and veterans’ affairs are extremely important in the United States, especially in places with a lot of retired and active military. Her plans are as follows:
- Put Congress on a VA health plan to hold them accountable
- Let every veteran see the doctor of their choice
- Make mental healthcare a priority
- More flexibility with GI bill funds
- No Wokeness in the military
May 25
Haley focused on the budget today as she attempted to woo the fiscally conservative voter. She talked about balancing the budget, especially important since the debt ceiling is continually climbing. Lawmakers are currently in talks to increase the debt ceiling, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warning the U.S. could default on or by the 1st June.
May 26
Haley criticised Biden and his administration for their apparently weak plans to combat anti-semitism. She accused Biden of siding with Israel’s enemies and cosying up to the far left.
Her polling average today was 4.3%. Joe Biden has an approval rating of 41.5% and disapproval of 54.8%.
May 27
Haley finished her tour of New Hampshire and promised that she would be back.
May 28
A quiet day for Haley
The official announcement of Ron DeSantis’ candidacy definitely will have put Haley’s campaign on alert. Haley wasted no time in firing warning shots. His candidacy has widened the Republican field even more.
Focus was on veterans and budget this week, two issues undoubtedly important to the voter.