5 reasons why Nikki Haley plans to stay in presidential race battling Trump every step of the way

Here's why Nikki Haley is determined to stay in the race, ready to Challenge Donald Trump at every turn

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA: Nikki Haley's campaign is facing the heat as the South Carolina Republican presidential primary approaches, with speculations swirling that she might face an ignominious defeat in her home state. However, Haley seems undeterred by the conventional wisdom and is determined to soldier on.

In a prelude to a crucial speech, Haley affirmed to the Associated Press that she's in it for the long haul, vowing to stay in the race at least until after the Super Tuesday contests on March 5, where another 20 states will cast their votes. This stance, however, has put her at odds with Donald Trump's fervent MAGA movement, which is agitated by her refusal to bow out.

Haley, along with key figures from her campaign and donors, shed light on the strategic underpinnings of her decision to stay in the race. Following are the key takeaways about how and why she intends to defy the odds and press forward:

1. Standing firm amid skepticism

Haley isn't bowing out anytime soon, despite speculation. She's resolute about staying at least until after Super Tuesday, undeterred even if Trump sweeps her home state in the South Carolina primary. “Ten days after South Carolina, another 20 states vote. I mean, this isn’t Russia. We don’t want someone to go in and just get 99% of the vote,” she told AP. “What is the rush? Why is everybody so panicked about me having to get out of this race?” To prove her commitment, Haley's team outlined her extensive post-South Carolina plans. With over $500,000 allocated for TV ads in Michigan and a packed itinerary spanning multiple states, she's doubling down on her campaign efforts. From Michigan to Massachusetts, her schedule brims with 11 stops in seven days, coupled with a slew of high-profile fundraising events.

2. Taking on uphill battles

Haley sidestepped inquiries about which primary state she'll conquer, a fair question for someone eyeing the Republican presidential nomination. Polls depict her as an underdog in nearly every state, even her home turf where she served as governor. In the Republican arena, where fervent partisans hold sway, winning hearts is pivotal. When prodded about her odds, Haley turned the focus on Trump's viability in a general election amidst legal battles. “Instead of asking me what states I’m gonna win, why don’t we ask how he’s gonna win a general election after spending a full year in a courtroom?” she said. Furthermore, her team remains optimistic, pinpointing states with open or semi-open primaries as battlegrounds. South Carolina, among them, permits voters to choose their preferred primary, offering Haley a potential foothold.

3. Financial resilience

It's usually a no-brainer in politics that candidates tend to bow out not when they face defeat, but when their war chest runs dry. Yet, amidst the mounting losses, Haley is amassing financial support at a rate unprecedented in her political journey. Traditional Republican backers, such as Eric Levine, remain optimistic, foreseeing a potential breakthrough for Haley amid Trump's legal entanglements and penchant for controversy. For many within the GOP, the reluctance to fully embrace Trump's MAGA ethos persists, even as the numbers favor him. Levine asserted, "We're not prepared to fold our tents and pray at the altar of Donald Trump." Haley's fundraising prowess is undeniable, with a staggering $5M haul following her strong showing in New Hampshire. Stops in key states like Texas, Florida, New York, and California bolstered her financial standing, culminating in a record-breaking $16.5M raised in January alone. Trump's recent attack on her husband, a deployed military serviceman, spurred further donations, with an additional $1 million pouring in within 24 hours.

4. Targeting Trump

As Trump hurls insults like "stupid" and "birdbrain" at Haley, she's shifting her attention to his legal entanglements. Haley repeatedly criticizes Trump for prioritizing court appearances over campaigning, warning of the potential fallout if he becomes a convicted felon before the election. She voiced concern over the Republican National Committee potentially footing his legal bills, labeling it a personal "piggy bank." “People are not looking six months down the road when these court cases have taken place,” Haley said. “He’s going to be in a courtroom all of March, April, May and June. How in the world do you win a general election when these cases keep going and the judgments keep coming?” She questions the notion that all 91 felony charges against him are politically driven. “Some, I think, are very politically motivated. Some, he’s going to have to defend himself,” she insisted.

5. Uncertain horizons

While some Republicans advocate for Haley to persist in the race until the party's July convention, she remains focused on the immediate horizon, not yet formulating a strategy beyond Super Tuesday. Haley deflected inquiries about her potential withdrawal should Trump reach the 50% delegate threshold, a milestone expected to occur in March. Similarly, she also did not commit to aiding Trump's campaign if he secured the GOP nomination. “I don’t know what actions I’m gonna take in terms of that, but I always said that even though I have problems with President Trump, I have more problems with Joe Biden,” Haley said. When pressed about the possibility of running on a No Labels presidential ticket, Haley hinted at a reluctance to completely dismiss the notion. “I have not had one conversation with No Labels. They have sent signals to me that they want to talk. I have told them I am not interested in talking,” Haley said. “I’m running as a Republican. That’s my focus is to stay in this as a Republican nominee and to win as a Republican.”