Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was once considered Trump’s real opponent for the Republican nomination, but he suspended his bid long ago. Now, only former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley remained in the race to challenge ex-pres Donald Trump in the race. But after the latest primaries in her home state, she seems to have almost zero chances in beating Trump. And now, even California Gov. Gevin Newsom has concluded that Haley can’t beat Trump, but he wants her in the race for as long as possible because that way she helps Democrats and President Biden.
Gov. Gavin Newsom openly supports what Haley is doing
Gov. Gavin Newsom stood up for Nikki Haley on Sunday. He publicly asked her to remain in the race and to continue to criticize and attack Trump whenever she can because that’s how she indirectly helps Democrats.
“I don’t know why Democrats would want her out of the race. She’s one of our better surrogates,” Newsom said in an NBC “Meet the Press” interview with Kristen Welker on Sunday. “I mean, she’s defining the opposition of Trump incredibly effectively.”
He mentioned that Haley has no real chance of winning the Republican nomination. He’s puzzled why she’s still in the race but thinks she’s helping Democrats by highlighting Trump’s problems.
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“She’s making points I’m applauding every single day about his temperament, his capacity, his unraveling in real time,” he said. “And so I think she’s been incredibly effective, so I hope she stays in, personally.”
Haley lost by a significant margin in South Carolina on Saturday
Haley is facing a tough time trying to win the Republican nomination, especially after losing badly in the South Carolina primary on Saturday night. She had high hopes for a win in her home state but ended up 21 points behind Trump.
Even with this setback, Haley has decided to stay in the race at least until Super Tuesday on March 5.
“I said earlier this week that no matter what happens in South Carolina, I would continue to run for president,” Haley said Saturday. “I’m a woman of my word,” she added. “I’m not giving up this fight when a majority of Americans disapprove of both Donald Trump and Joe Biden.”
Trump is already focused on the rematch with Biden
In his celebration speech, Trump almost ignored Haley’s challenge from the primary, shifting his attention completely to a probable second round against President Biden in the general election.
“We’re going to be up here on November 5, and we’re going to look at Joe Biden, and we’re gonna look him right in the eye,” Trump told his supporters. “He’s destroying our country and we’re gonna say ‘Joe, you’re fired. Get out. Get out, Joe. You’re fired.’”
Newsom, a leading supporter of Biden, emphasized that their team has to put all their energy and efforts into facing Trump.
“Trump clearly is the nominee. The Biden administration understands that,” he said. “The campaign understands that. We understand it at some national level, or gubernatorial level. And that’s who we’re up against.”