Why Trump should share the presidential ticket with Haley
Former South Carolina governor and one-time Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley once again drew national attention last week when she announced that she would vote for former President Donald Trump in the November election.
The remarks, made at an event hosted by the Hudson Institute in Washington, marked a major development in Haley's political journey since she dropped out of the Republican nomination race in March. Her decision reflects a broader story about party loyalties, policy priorities and the complex dynamics of intraparty relations.
Speaking at a conservative think tank, Haley said: “As a voter, I prioritize a president who supports our allies, holds our enemies accountable, secures our borders and tolerates no excuses. A president who supports capitalism and freedom, a president who understands we need to reduce our debt, not increase it.” Though controversial in the past, the comments provided a framework for understanding her decision to support Trump.
Haley's modest support for Trump was not without reservations. At the end of her presidential run, she refrained from fully endorsing Trump, instead urging him to win the votes of people inside and outside the Republican Party who were skeptical of his leadership. “Trump was not perfect on these policies — I've made that point clear many times — but President (Joe) Biden has been a disaster,” Haley said, summing up her pragmatic approach to the 2024 election.
Her comments highlight a key aspect of modern American politics: balancing personal beliefs with party loyalty. For Haley, supporting Trump is a strategic choice based on her broader policy goals and the perceived failures of the current administration.
Haley's run on the Republican ticket was marked by growing tensions with Trump. As the last viable challenger to Trump, she did not shy away from criticizing the former president. In the final weeks of the campaign, she stepped up her attacks, calling Trump a “disaster” for the Republican Party. These criticisms underscored her commitment to her policy priorities and her willingness to challenge the status quo within the party. Haley's eventual decision to partially support Trump despite their bitter rivalry highlights the often pragmatic nature of political alliances. Her support is rooted in a broader assessment of the strategic need for policy alignment and party unity as the Republican Party prepares for the general election.
Haley's position is significant for several reasons. First, it signals strengthening support within the Republican Party, which is essential for a unified fight against a Democratic incumbent president. Second, it reflects an ongoing negotiation within the party between Trump supporters and those who are critical of his time in office but align with the party's broader principles.
Her position highlights the challenge Republican leaders face navigating the complexities of Trump-era politics: Balancing personal beliefs with the strategic need to support the party's candidate is a delicate task, and Haley's decision is emblematic of this broader struggle.
In the high-stakes world of political campaigns, intraparty rivalries can be just as fierce as battles with the opposition. When two candidates from the same party compete for the nomination, relationships often swing from friendship to conflict and then back to reconciliation.
To stand out, candidates tend to emphasize their positions on policy issues, highlighting their ideological differences and their vision for the party's future. Demonstrating their ability to withstand and respond to attacks demonstrates their resilience and readiness for a general election. Criticizing rivals' weaknesses helps to draw contrasts that mobilize undecided voters and solidify one's own base.
Haley's decision to partially support Trump underscores the often pragmatic nature of political alliances.
Dalia Al Akidi
Once the primaries are over and a candidate wins the nomination, the focus shifts to party unity. The losing candidate typically publicly endorses a candidate, signaling to supporters to rally behind the party's chosen leader. They reaffirm their commitment to the party's broader mission by highlighting common ground and shared values. Participating in the winning campaign through joint appearances and fundraising can mobilize supporters and strengthen the candidate's position. Private meetings to resolve lingering tensions foster mutual respect and understanding.
A notable example is the 2008 Democratic primary between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. After a hard-fought defeat, Clinton endorsed Obama and became his key supporter, even serving as Secretary of State in his administration. This shift from opponent to ally was crucial in solidifying party support and winning the election.
Intra-party conflicts clarify positions, test resilience and prepare candidates for the general election. A commitment to unity through support, common goals and active assistance demonstrates the party's strength and cohesion and ensures its resilience against external challenges.
In his first public comments since Haley's remarks, Trump warmly welcomed his former rival and acknowledged the shared vision that now unites them. “Nicki and I share the same ideas, the same sentiments. Our campaign was awful. It was pretty awful. But she's a very capable person and I'm confident she'll be on our team in some capacity. Absolutely,” Trump said Thursday.
Trump's admission of a “terrible” campaign reminds the public of the intensity of their previous rivalry. But his acknowledgement of Haley's abilities and potential role in his team highlights the practical side of political alliances: a move aimed at reconciling former rivals and using their skills and influence to strengthen the party's position.
But what role could Haley play?
With Trump facing critical decisions about his campaign, Haley, a former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, is an attractive choice for a running mate for several reasons. Her diverse background and experience could attract minority communities and women, broadening the Republican base and attracting swing voters. During her tenure as governor and U.N. ambassador, Haley has demonstrated strong management and diplomatic skills that complement Trump's experience and create a well-rounded team.
She also shares Trump's views on national defense, border security, economic freedom and pro-business policies, ensuring a unified policy platform. Her experience on the national stage and her communication skills make her an effective campaigner, allowing her to connect with diverse audiences and advocate for conservative values.
Most importantly, Haley's down-to-earth style resonates with independents and moderates, bridging the gap between the party's base and the broader electorate, which is crucial to winning in battleground states.
“Selecting Haley represents bridge-building efforts, strengthens unity within the Republican Party and presents a united front to voters. She represents the future of the Republican Party and will position the party for long-term success, ensuring it remains vibrant and forward-thinking.
Haley is a strong running mate and her selection would strengthen party unity and position the Republican Party for future success — all of which make a compelling case for her to be President Trump's running mate.
• Dalia Al Akidi is executive director of the American Center for Countering Extremism.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by the authors in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Arab News.
