Nikki Haley, the former Governor of South Carolina and US Ambassador to the United Nations, is recognized for her ability to bring a sense of calm to divisive national political issues. With a significant number of Indian-American friends and donors, she stands out as a Republican presidential candidate capable of garnering support from Democrats while maintaining her Republican principles.
At 51 years old, Haley is the sole female Republican contender for the 2024 primary debate, set for August 23 in Milwaukee. This debate is notable as it features two Indian-Americans, Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, participating in a primary presidential debate for the first time. The event will be broadcasted on Fox News.
Other Republican candidates joining the debate include Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former vice president Mike Pence, South Carolina senator Tim Scott, former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson, and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Notably, former US president Donald Trump has opted out of the debate. As per national polls by Real Clear Politics, Haley currently ranks fifth with an average of 3.3% support, while Trump leads with 55.5%, followed by DeSantis, Ramaswamy, and Pence.
Leading up to the GOP presidential debate, Haley’s Indian-American supporters have praised her for bringing a sense of calm and her ability to attract Democratic support while remaining true to her Republican values.
Jiten Agarwal, CEO of QuantAi and a significant fundraiser for Haley, expressed confidence in her campaign’s progress. He noted her consistent effort since announcing her bid for the presidency and the growing support she’s receiving.
However, some voters are waiting to see the other primary candidates before making a decision. Agarwal believes that the upcoming debate will be a turning point and will likely increase support from Indian-Americans.
Arun Agarwal, CEO of Nexxt and a major Indian-American donor, highlights Haley’s appeal to suburban women and her stance on issues like abortion, which resonates well with this group. He believes that her moderate conservative appeal positions her well to capture the middle ground of American voters.
Mandeep Singh, an entrepreneur and real estate developer who has known Haley for years, observed that her campaign is effectively engaging with individuals on a personal level. He believes she appeals to a wide range of people, including moderates who may not align strictly with one party.
Overall, Nikki Haley’s campaign is praised for her ability to connect with a diverse audience, bring calm to divisive issues, and bridge political divides. Her consistent efforts and appeal to various voter groups are seen as strengths in her presidential bid.
