Eliana Johnson joins to discuss Nikki Haley's speech and its potential impact on Trump, the challenges faced by the Republican Party, frustrated Trump voters, positive aspects of Trump's presidency, competitive Senate races, VP nominee speculation, Middle East conflict, and Elmore Leonard's 'LaBrava'.
Nikki Haley's speech after the New Hampshire primary displayed both triumphalism and sharp criticisms of Donald Trump.
Haley faces a decision on whether to continue campaigning in South Carolina or endorse Trump and maintain her profile within the Republican Party.
Haley's popularity among independent voters presents a challenge due to the lack of support from hard-right Republicans.
Deep dives
Trump underperformed the polling average and won by a smaller margin
Despite underperforming in the polls, Trump won the primary by a smaller margin than predicted.
Nikki Haley's choice between staying in the race or endorsing Trump
Haley faces a decision on whether to continue campaigning in South Carolina, where she is likely to lose, or to endorse Trump and maintain her profile within the Republican Party.
Haley's triumphalist speech and Trump's angry response
Haley's speech after the primary, although triumphant in tone, included sharp criticisms of Trump, leading to his angry response when he took the stage.
Late attacks on Trump by candidates who drop out of the race
Similar to DeSantis before the Iowa caucuses, Haley launched her aggressive critique of Trump after losing in New Hampshire.
The challenge of winning over different voter groups
Haley's popularity among independent voters contrasts with her lack of support from hard-right Republicans, posing a challenge for her campaign strategy.
Eliana Johnson joins the podcast to discuss the strange triumphalism of Nikki Haley's loser speech last night in New Hampshire and the strange negativity of Donald Trump's winner speech a few hours later. Does this portend a season in which Haley exposes Trump's flaws as she continues her run? Give a listen.