One individual who previously lent support to Nikki Haley’s candidacy has now shifted allegiance, opting to withdraw support from former President Donald Trump and instead backing President Joe Biden. This decision comes in the wake of Haley’s withdrawal from the presidential race.
A supporter who initially favored Haley acknowledges that he may have harbored a concealed admiration for Trump from the outset and intends to cast his vote for the incumbent president once again in the upcoming election.
Before Trump secured his third consecutive Republican nomination, Haley lacked a substantial support base to mount a significant challenge. However, the apparent fragmentation of Haley’s supporters and voters could potentially hinder Trump’s prospects in the general election, particularly in battleground regions with a significant population of suburban voters who remain skeptical of Trump’s reelection bid. The contest between Biden and Trump is shaping up to be closely contested.
Interviews with Haley’s supporters indicate a range of inclinations — some leaning towards Trump, others towards Biden, while some are considering third-party options or delaying a decision on the presidential race.
Haley has refrained from making public statements since exiting the race, urging Trump to garner support from all Republicans. She has neither endorsed Trump nor ruled out doing so in the future.
Eric Tanenblatt, a prominent GOP donor who co-chaired Haley’s Georgia campaign, reveals that Haley conveyed the need for Trump to earn the support of her backers, indicating that her endorsement is not automatic. This sentiment resonates among other key Haley donors, signaling a degree of uncertainty within this cohort.
The Trump campaign did not provide a response when contacted for comment.
Some voters, such as Glenn Swanson and John Wynstra, are reluctantly returning to Trump despite previous reservations. Swanson, who had initially supported Haley, now admits to being a clandestine admirer of Trump and intends to vote for him again. Wynstra, who had considered Haley and Ron DeSantis, is strategically backing Trump primarily as a stance against Biden, while also considering the possibility of supporting a third-party candidate.
In Haley’s home state of South Carolina, Michael Burgess plans to support Biden unless a viable independent candidate emerges. He criticizes Trump’s leadership and expresses concern over the potential erosion of constitutional values under his administration.
Several of Haley’s donors, including Tanenblatt, have become disenchanted with Trump’s leadership, citing concerns over his rhetoric and policy differences, particularly regarding military aid to Ukraine. These donors are considering alternative avenues, such as involvement with No Labels, a third-party group promoting unity across party lines.
Despite Haley’s departure from the race, her donors remain hesitant to align with Trump, citing a need for reassessment. Their support could prove pivotal for Trump’s campaign going forward.
As of now, Trump and national Republicans trail significantly behind Biden and the Democrats in fundraising. Haley’s substantial campaign funds could potentially influence the political landscape in the future, as she concluded her campaign with a considerable financial reserve.
