Gov Gavin Newsom praises Nikki Haley by calling her one of Democrats’ best surrogates against Trump

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: During a recent interview, Governor Gavin Newsom of California remarked that Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has emerged as one of the “better surrogates” for the Democratic Party in the upcoming 2024 election.

According to Newsom, Haley's criticisms of former President Donald Trump, her primary opponent, were “spot on” and have resonated with many voters.

Specifically, Haley has questioned Trump's age and competence, arguing that he would be unfit to serve in the White House for a second term.

The former two-term governor of South Carolina has also warned that the ex-president's disruptive behavior and “chaos” could harm the GOP's electoral prospects in the upcoming November general elections, according to the New York Post.

Haley's position as a prominent figure within the Republican Party and her willingness to speak out against Trump has made her an unusual but effective ally for the Democrats, according to Governor Newsom.

What did Governor Gavin Newsom say about Nikki Haley?

Governor Newsom told CNN host Jake Tapper on Friday, February 23, “I think she’s one of our better surrogates, so I hope she stays in (the GOP primary race).”

Referring to Saturday’s South Carolina GOP primary, where Haley trails Trump by more than 23 points, Newsom remarked, “I hope she does well tomorrow — at least, well enough.”

“I’m enjoying this primary. And I hope it continues, so I wish her luck,” the Golden State governor added.

Haley, who has not yet emerged victorious in any of the Republican primary or caucus contests, appears to have a meager chance of securing the party's nomination ahead of former President Donald Trump.

The 77-year-old MAGA figurehead has already secured 63 delegates based on his wins in Iowa, New Hampshire, the US Virgin Islands, and Nevada, while Haley has only been able to acquire 17 delegates so far.

Notably, Haley's home state primary holds the promise of 50 delegates.

Although the 56-year-old California Democrat expressed his wishes for Haley's success, he refrained from denying the possibility that her chances of defeating Trump are quite slim.

“Trump’s the nominee,” Newsom stated and added, “We all know that. You know that. Everybody out there knows that.”

He continued, “There’s no evidence to suggest, no polling to suggest, there’s nothing to suggest … momentum or otherwise, that she can win any state in the Republican primary coming up.”

Newsom emphasized that his appraisal of Haley's chances isn’t intended to be "dismissive."

“I have respect for the former governor — a lot more than the former president Donald Trump,” he clarified. “But as I said, I wish her good luck in the context of being out there and making the case we’re making against Donald Trump equally,” he said.

The campaign team of Nikki Haley has expressed a warm reception to the support from Democrats, with the anticipation that it will aid in the removal of former President Trump.

In this regard, a super PAC that is endorsing her candidacy has recently released mailers that encourage South Carolina Democrats to cast their vote in the Republican contest scheduled for Saturday, if they did not participate in the party's primary on February 3.

NBC News reported that the mail from the SFA Fund Inc. urges the recipients to "make a difference" and “participate by voting for Nikki Haley.”

Furthermore, the Haley campaign has received financial backing from over 5,200 donors who had previously contributed to President Biden's 2020 White House bid.

Reports coming out of Politico suggest that more than 1,500 of these donors contributed over $500,000 in the past month alone.

In a passionate speech delivered on Tuesday, the former UN ambassador reiterated her commitment to remain in the race beyond the Palmetto State primary contest.

“I’ll keep fighting until the American people close the door,” Haley stated. “The presidential primaries have barely begun. Just three states have voted — three.”

It is worth noting that Haley has previously stated that she intends to persist with her campaign for the GOP nomination until the March 5 Super Tuesday, when 15 states are scheduled to hold simultaneous primary elections.

Internet slams Gavin Newsom

People on X threw shade at the current California governor for wishing the 52-year-old GOP presidential candidate and praised her for putting up a lone fight against the overwhelming favorite, Donald Trump.

One X user remarked, “You can have her."

"If Newsom endorses her, that’s the biggest red flag you’ll ever see," another user said.

Another user wrote: "Saying the quiet part out loud. These people are so corrupt."

"LOL this boosts Trump," one user claimed. 

Another X user remarked, "Finally something that Republicans can agree on with Newsom - Nikki Haley is a democrat running for GOP nomination!"

A user tweeted, "She should... pick him for VEEP."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.