On Politics

Wed Mar 6 2024

Sudiksha Kochi | Congress, Campaigns and Democracy Reporter

@KochiSudiksha

Hey OnPolitics readers! Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley dropped out of the 2024 presidential race Wednesday after a crushing defeat on Super Tuesday.

Haley fought her way across early primary states to cobble together a coalition of voters who yearned to unseat Trump as the party's standard-bearer, USA TODAY's Francesca Chambers and Karissa Waddick reported. But Trump has all but secured his party's nomination for a third time.

Here are some takeaways from her campaign:

🎤 Haley's breakout debate: The turning point for Haley's campaign came during the first primary debate in late August. For two minutes straight, she railed against Vivek Ramaswamy over Ukraine aid. Haley soon jumped to second place behind Trump in New Hampshire.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

🥊 Last one standing: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' exit from the 2024 race paved the way for Haley to go head-to-head with the ex-president. After New Hampshire's primary, Haley spent the next three weeks raising cash and drumming up support for the late-February primary in South Carolina. But in the weeks leading up to the contest, Trump was ahead by more than 30 points, and Haley ultimately lost to the former president once again.

❌ Haley's fatal flaw: A key moment that may have made a significant difference for Haley was when candidates were asked during a debate if they would support Trump as the Republican Party's nominee if he was convicted of a felony . Every candidate on stage except for former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson raised their hands. Hutchinson argued it was a mistake for Haley not to join them, saying that she could brought more anti-Trump voters into her camp.