As the New Hampshire GOP primary looms, Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action) faces an uphill battle in convincing voters to rally behind former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, despite their official endorsement.
The conservative group, hoping to promote Haley’s presidential bid, is encountering mixed responses from voters, with many expressing a strong inclination towards former President Donald Trump.
New Hampshire Voters Grapple with Trump’s Dominance
Ken Chase, a potential voter, exemplified the sentiment when he told an AFP Action representative, “Well, Trump seems to be the only choice.”
Despite the organization’s efforts to promote Haley’s candidacy, it appears that the former president still holds a significant sway among primary voters.
Haley received a major boost when AFP officially backed her late last year, providing her campaign with a national network of canvassers.
However, on the ground in New Hampshire, where she is trailing Trump by double digits in statewide polls, the challenge becomes more evident.
In a recent door-knocking effort by NBC News alongside AFP Action, voters were steadfast in their support for either Trump or Haley.
While a handful expressed openness to supporting Haley, many, like Chris Kordas, a military veteran, firmly rejected Trump. Kordas remarked, “Not f—— Trump. Anybody but Trump,” citing concerns about the former president’s perceived dishonesty and legal entanglements.
Kordas’s sentiment reflects a growing sentiment among some voters who, despite traditionally aligning with Republican values, find themselves at odds with Trump’s leadership style.
He emphasized the changing dynamics, noting how Trump initially praised Haley’s performance as ambassador to the United Nations but later criticized her.
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Nikki Haley’s New Hampshire Challenge
As AFP Action canvasses neighborhoods in New Hampshire, the challenge lies in breaking through the strong support for Trump, particularly among staunch Republican voters.
Haley’s campaign, aware of this, aims to broaden her appeal beyond those who simply oppose Trump, presenting her as a candidate who can unite both conservatives and moderates within the party.
Greg Moore, the regional director for AFP Action, highlighted this strategy in a Friday-morning press conference, asserting that they see Haley pulling support from both conservative and moderate factions within the Republican electorate.
The goal is to position her as a viable choice for a broader spectrum of voters, distinguishing her from being solely an alternative for those critical of Trump.
As the primary approaches, the battleground in New Hampshire intensifies, with AFP Action navigating the complexities of a divided Republican base while striving to boost Haley’s candidacy against the formidable presence of Donald Trump.
The outcome of this contest will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the GOP race moving forward.
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