New Hampshire primary: 6 takeaways as Donald Trump defeats Nikki Haley decisively
Decoding the drama: Key takeaways from New Hampshire rollercoaster primary
In the latest round of New Hampshire Primary news, the voters ditched their usual surprises and stuck to the script, giving a clear thumbs-up to the main man, Donald Trump. His win over the spirited Nikki Haley not only secure his base but also made it harder for any other contender to shake things up.
Trump's two-for-two start on the primary nomination calendar is a first, setting the stage for a probable rematch with President Joe Biden. But it's not all smooth sailing – there are murmurs of restlessness among voters for both these heavyweights.
Here are six key takeaways from the twists and turns of the 2024 presidential race.
1. Donald Trump's resilient path
Overcoming New Hampshire's moderate tradition, Trump's victory showcased his ability to navigate challenges. Despite an advertising disparity and the participation of independents, he secured a win. According to AP VoteCast, only about half of New Hampshire Republican voters identify with Trump's Make America Great Again movement, and approximately half disagree with Trump's claim that the 2020 election was stolen. Despite these divisions, Trump's base, immovable so far, provided him with a structural advantage.
2. Warning signs for Donald Trump
Trump's victory in the primary did not translate into unanimous support across key swing voter groups. Haley outperformed him among moderates, independents, and those with a college degree. Approximately 4 in 10 Republican primary voters believe Trump broke the law in various instances related to the 2020 election and the events at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. These legal troubles, while unifying core Republican voters, may pose challenges in the broader context of a general election.
3. Governors' influence limited
Endorsements from governors like Kim Reynolds and Chris Sununu had varying impacts. Reynolds' backing of Ron DeSantis did not significantly affect the outcome, while Sununu's endorsement of Haley played a role in establishing her as a clear alternative to Trump. However, even with a popular governor supporting her, Haley faced the challenge of a Trump vs Not Trump binary, where Trump emerged victorious.
4. Nikki Haley's persistent campaign
Nikki Haley's loss represented a setback for anti-Trump forces within the Republican Party. Despite approximately 5 in 10 primary voters not supporting Trump, his resilient base and Sununu's endorsement were not sufficient for Haley to secure victory. Nevertheless, Haley remains determined, and her campaign is set to embark on a fundraising tour, with a new $4 million advertising campaign planned for South Carolina.
5. Nikki Haley's late criticism of Donald Trump
Both Haley and DeSantis, initially cautious in going after Trump, adopted a more critical stance closer to the primary. Late in the campaign, Haley drew attention to concerns about Trump's mental fitness. However, these critiques, although intensified, were seemingly too late to significantly impact voter sentiment, particularly for DeSantis, who suspended his campaign after a distant second-place finish in Iowa.
6. Joe Biden's unconventional win
Joe Biden's unconventional victory in the New Hampshire primary, achieved through an aggressive write-in campaign, highlighted his political maneuvering. Approximately 8 in 10 Democrats approved of his handling of the economy. However, concerns about his age and disapproval of his handling of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians were evident. That said, Tuesday's results highlight the complex landscape for Biden, echoing the sentiment that both he and Trump are in commanding positions for a potential rematch.
