Optimistic chanting could be heard from the crowd as Nikki Haley delivered her first 2024 campaign pitch Wednesday in her home state of South Carolina after announcing her run for president.
HALEY: “For a strong America, for a proud America, I am running for President of the United States of America.”
Former South Carolina Republican Governor and U.N. ambassador, released a video on Tuesday declaring her candidacy. She looked joyful to represent the U.S. as a women and person-of-color with an ample political career.
She mentioned in her pitch this morning her hopes for a strong America- to build an economy that works for all and ending inflation. She has a vision for world-class education, the nations priority for police and safety and stropping the surge for drugs and illegal immigration.
Most importantly, her goals for a new generation of leadership. The announcement of Haley’s candidacy, marks her as the first Republican to officially challenge her onetime boss, former President Donald Trump. Although, she will not be the last- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are among those who are expected to launch campaign within the upcoming months.
As primary season is fledging full force, the question is focused on whether the field of candidates has the potential to replace Trump who has remained popular within the Republican party.
USC Practice in Practical Politics Professor, Bob Shrum, does not believe Haley is a strong candidate.
SHRUM: " I think Nikki Haley has almost no chance of being the Republican nominee. I don’t think there is an anti-Trump lane in the Republican Party that can command the kind of support that you would need to secure the nomination.”
Professor Shrum states that having more candidates will actually aid Trump’s campaign.
SHRUM: The more fragmented the field is, the less likely it is that he can be defeated. The more candidates who run, the better off Trump is. The Republican Party nominates in primaries, many of which are winner take all. So if you are in a fragmented field, then you can get 33% of the vote and you come in first. There are lots of states in which you get all the delegates.
The GOP will keep their eye on who is the best candidate to lead them in 2024.
HALEY: “We are more than ready for a new generation to lead us into the future”