June 5
Nikki Haley was focusing on trans people in sport once again. She is making this a cornerstone of her campaign and is clearly hoping to show herself as a defender of girls. The discussion of trans women in sports and locker rooms is one that is dominating social discourse in America. It’s a part of the so-called “culture wars” between the left and the right.
Former Vice President Mike Pence officially filed his candidacy paperwork. He is currently polling higher than Haley.
June 6
Today was the 79th anniversary of D-Day. Haley tweeted her remembrance of those who gave their lives on that fateful day.
Haley once again talked about trans people in sports.
Former Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie officially announced his candidacy.
June 7
Haley once again talked about competency tests for older politicians.
She also endorsed Moms for Liberty. This is in response to another culture war issue regarding what children are being taught. Some parents are upset about age inappropriate content being taught, as well as content that discusses sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s something that Republicans like Ron DeSantis are focusing on.
June 8
Haley was in Texas talking about oil and other sources of energy. Her five promises included producing more energy at home and speeding up building permits.
June 9
What a day.
Former President Donald Trump, in case you haven’t heard, is in trouble. Issues surrounding classified documents see Trump facing 37 felony charges. 31 of these counts are under the Espionage Act. These charges include conspiracy to obstruct justice and willful retention of national defense information. If found guilty, President Trump could receive a lengthy sentence. Photos of boxes of documents inside a Mar-A-Lago bathroom have been widely shared.
Response has been varied. Supporters like Kari Lake claim that it is a stitch-up and an attack on Trump by the elites who do not want him in power. Critics like Senator Mitt Romney say that Trump is guilty and is finally being found out.
Either way, a legal battle is already being fought. This will surely impact the election. It will not legally prevent President Trump from running again, but it gives Republican opponents ammunition in the primaries.
Haley, for her part, criticised the investigation with this statement:
"This is not how justice should be pursued in our country. The American people are exhausted by the prosecutorial overreach, double standards, and vendetta politics. It’s time to move beyond the endless drama and distractions."
It’s an interesting strategy. Haley supporting Trump could be a way of gaining support from voters who are still loyal to the former President. If he ends up not running, then she could siphon off his votes. It could also backfire by pushing critics to other candidates like Ron DeSantis.
Haley has swung both ways in her support and criticism of Trump. Does she support him as a person but not a political candidate?
Polls today have Haley at 4.5% and Trump on 53.8%.
June 10
Haley talked about energy again today.
June 11
A generally quiet day for Haley.
Trump has dominated the news this week, probably to the chagrin of the other Republican nominees. How this will impact Haley in the long-term remains to be seen. Legally, there’s no reason why he’d have to leave the race. He may do so willingly, but that’s unlikely. If he stays, he could lose votes, or perhaps even gain them. Haley has supported Trump so far. Let’s see how it goes.