CLEAR LAKE, Iowa – In the race for the Republican presidential nomination, Nikki Haley has seen a surge in support from a segment of voters characterized by their higher education levels, wealth, and suburban living. This demographic, increasingly disillusioned by Donald Trump’s abrasive language and ongoing legal entanglements, has helped elevate Haley in the polls.
However, for Haley to pose a serious challenge to Trump in the 2024 primaries, political analysts and insiders suggest she needs to broaden her base of support. This includes appealing to rural voters, those from the middle or working class, and individuals without college degrees. This perspective is drawn from discussions with eight political strategists and pollsters, some of whom are working with Haley’s campaign and others who are observing independently.
As the Iowa caucuses approach on January 15, Haley has been making concerted efforts to engage with voters in areas known for their support of Trump. Her campaign trail in December included stops in the conservative northern regions of the state.
In an attempt to resonate with the agricultural community, Haley’s campaign initiated a “Farmers for Nikki” group in November. Advertisements promoting her candidacy have been heavily aired in rural regions to enhance her visibility and appeal.
During events in Spirit Lake and Clear Lake, Haley drew parallels between her upbringing in a small South Carolina town and the life in Iowa. She recounted her childhood experiences in cotton fields and dairy farms to connect with her audience in Sioux Center.
Haley has also put a spotlight on the issues plaguing the public healthcare system for veterans, which is particularly relevant to rural populations. Although her criticism of Trump’s governance has intensified, suggesting it’s too turbulent and polarizing, she has largely refrained from focusing on the former president during her campaign speeches.
Recent polling data shows Trump leading in Iowa with approximately half of the Republican support. Haley, who served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under Trump, is currently in a tight race for third place with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. While DeSantis’s momentum has seen a decline, Haley’s numbers have been on the rise.
At a town hall in Clear Lake, truck driver Les Hardy, who was still undecided and contemplating his options, noted that while many of his colleagues remain staunch Trump supporters, the contest for second place remains wide open.
National polls by Reuters/Ipsos in December indicated Trump’s strong lead among Republicans, with Haley and DeSantis each garnering 11% support. The winner of the Republican primary will eventually face off against the Democratic incumbent, President Joe Biden, in November 2024.
Internal data from SFA, a PAC backing Haley, reveals that she is performing particularly well among high-income, college-educated, and suburban voters. An SFA official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, mentioned that there is potential for Haley to gain traction with rural and non-college-educated voters as they become more engaged in the presidential race.
SFA has invested over $25 million in support of Haley’s campaign through advertisements and mailings from late September to mid-December, according to Federal Election Commission disclosures. These efforts coincide with the period when Haley started to gain significant attention from key donors.
One of SFA’s recent campaigns highlights the struggles faced by the middle class, underscoring the increasing financial gap in society.
Campaign spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas emphasized that Haley is not overlooking any potential supporters, engaging with Iowans through town halls and personal interactions.
Meanwhile, DeSantis’s campaign team has expressed skepticism about Haley’s ability to outmatch Trump, especially among his loyal base.
Conversations with attendees at Haley’s events in northwestern Iowa reveal a mix of opinions. Some are looking for a change from Trump’s leadership, while others remain open to supporting him.
Toni Featherston, a 64-year-old nurse from Rockford, Iowa, was particularly taken with Haley’s grounded approach. Despite her appreciation for Trump, Featherston is concerned that his legal issues and tendency for controversial statements might hinder his effectiveness in a potential second term.
“I like Trump, but I agree with Haley. That’d be too much chaos,” Featherston commented, reflecting a sentiment that may well be crucial for Haley’s bid to expand her base and challenge Trump’s dominance in the primaries.
Reported by Gram Slattery, with additional contributions from Alexandra Ulmer in San Francisco and Jason Lange in Washington. The article underwent editing by Colleen Jenkins and Alistair Bell.,
Nikki Haley, the former Governor of South Carolina and United Nations ambassador, is actively working to broaden her support base in her bid for the presidency. Recognizing the need to appeal to a wide range of voters, Haley’s strategy involves quickly building a coalition that extends beyond her traditional base of support.
To achieve this expansion, Haley is engaging with various demographic groups and political factions, aiming to present herself as a unifying candidate capable of bringing together conservatives, moderates, and even disaffected voters from other parties. Her campaign efforts include targeted outreach and the development of policy proposals that resonate with a diverse electorate.
Haley’s approach also involves differentiating her political vision and leadership style from other candidates, highlighting her experience and offering a fresh perspective on national issues. By doing so, she hopes to attract voters who are looking for change and a new direction in leadership.
As part of her coalition-building efforts, Haley is likely focusing on key issues such as the economy, national security, and education, tailoring her message to address the concerns of various communities. Additionally, her campaign is probably utilizing both traditional and digital platforms to connect with potential supporters, aiming to create a broad, inclusive movement that can support her through the primaries and potentially the general election.
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