Haley’s Last Stand or Haley’s Folly?

Time is running out for Nikki Haley. Or is it?

Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley speaking with supporters at a “Countdown to Caucus” campaign rally at the Country Lane Lodge in Adel, Iowa. January 15, 2024. (Photo: Gage Skidmore)

For Nikki Haley’s supporters, there is no question that she would make a better President of the United States than former President Donald Trump.

Haley’s voters — most of them, at least — also believe she would make a better President of the United States than current President Joe Biden.

Haley’s appeal is understandable as she presents a compelling alternative to Donald Trump for the U.S. presidency.

Her diplomatic finesse, demonstrated as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, contrasts sharply with Trump’s confrontational, sometimes bullying approach.

Haley’s two-term tenure as South Carolina’s governor highlights her leadership prowess — including handling governance, fostering bipartisan cooperation, and implementing pragmatic reforms.

In our hyper-polarized political landscape, Haley is a candidate with the potential to bridge divides and restore a sense of unity. She might even be able to beat incumbent President Joe Biden in the primary election.

But that is if — and only if — she can beat Trump in the Republican primary. Increasingly, that is looking unlikely at best.