Nikki Haley Finally Wins Her First Primary, But it Only Earns Her More Mocking
The Western JournalMar 04
Haley Wins First Primary as Trump Builds Lead in GOP Race
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The Facts
As of Monday, a day before "Super Tuesday," former US Pres. Donald Trump leads the Republican primary nomination process with 244 delegates to former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley's 43.
The District of Columbia's (DC) GOP primary on Sunday brought Haley's first victory of the campaign, receiving all 19 available delegates after receiving roughly 63% of the vote. Trump came second with about 33% of the overall turnout of around 2K voters.
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
With an abysmally small turnout, Haley's primary victory in Washington D.C. — a district renowned for its anti-Trump, pro-Democrat ideology — is neither a surprise nor an indication of future success in the nomination process. This is further proof that the desires of Washington's urban elites continue to be at odds with the average American citizen. They only support candidates who serve their elitist interests.
Anti-Trump narrative
While Haley will almost certainly not win the GOP nomination, her role in being an alternative base aimed at standing up to Trump may regardless prove pivotal in the November election. Haley has the opportunity to do what Bernie Sanders managed against Hillary Clinton in 2016 — to remain a thorn in the nominee's side and influence the party platform. She must continue to undermine Trump's cult of personality from within.
Nerd narrative
There is a 97% chance that Trump will be the Republican nominee for the 2024 US Presidential Election, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
