In the race to derail Donald Trump, the Republican presidential field is struggling. As the remaining candidates prepare for their fourth debate tonight, only one GOP hopeful seems to have any sort of chance ahead of the primaries.
While Chris Christie is hoping to strike lightning in New Hampshire, the former New Jersey governor has effectively weaponized himself to make powerful arguments against Trump’s electability and fitness. Unlike most of the diminishing GOP field, Christie understands the imperative of prosecuting the case against Trump and his record. He also recognizes the importance of speaking to Americans not part of the Trump MAGA base who will vote in a general election. But for now, his polling and fundraising numbers are not where they need to be.
As the remaining candidates prepare for their fourth debate tonight, only one GOP hopeful seems to have any sort of chance ahead of the primaries.
That leaves the other candidate in the race who recognizes there are persuadable independent and moderate voters: Nikki Haley. The former U.N. ambassador has shown herself to be a serious, substantive and feisty campaigner. Her smackdowns of Vivek Ramaswamy during the first three debates have demonstrated her capacity to launch piercing, effective attacks without appearing mean-spirited.
But sparring with Ramaswamy, while entertaining, will have little to no impact on the race. Unlike Christie, Haley has still not in any meaningful way directed her fire and considerable rhetorical skills at Trump. If Haley hopes to prevail in the primaries, she better sharpen her stilettos and play some smashmouth offense. Second place is last place.
Luckily for Haley, her political skills and moderate tone appeal to much of the donor class who have soured on Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis. With fellow South Carolinian Sen. Tim Scott out of the race, Haley will have more opportunities of securing non-Trump, major donors for her spirited campaign. She’ll need money to…
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