What’s Happening:
Republican candidates in the 2024 presidential election were hit with another surprise twist from voters. After the GOP debate last week, the candidates were celebrating their performances and declaring that they were on the road to success.
The funny thing about debates is that actual results aren’t always what is described by candidates or the media. No matter how much emphasis was placed on the importance of the debate the big winner wasn’t even on stage. Former President Donald Trump still holds a sizeable lead in all voter polls. Everyone else is chasing his coattails.
What was surprising after the debate was how voters responded to one candidate. Many people claimed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis the winner with businessman Vivek Ramaswamy a close second. But neither of them produced the unexpected jump in popularity from one candidate making headlines and getting more invites for talk shows.
From the Daily Caller:
A pollster with ties to former President Donald Trump observed that former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley “has surged” in Iowa and New Hampshire since last week’s first 2024 GOP primary debate, according to a memo obtained by Axios.
Haley closed the gap between DeSantis and Ramaswamy as voters took notice of her debate performance. Haley is a two-time governor of South Carolina and a skilled statesman who can handle politicians from around the world. Her polished skills were on full display during the sometimes heated GOP debate.
Iowa and New Hampshire play important roles early in the presidential primaries. Candidates who fair well in these contests can build momentum as primary election season gets into full swing. Voters in these states didn’t see Haley as the debate winner but they certainly delivered an argument that she is surging against DeSantis and Ramaswamy.
Trump still dominates in both states with strong double-digit leads among voters. All candidates will have a tough time catching him. GOP challengers are competing for a distant second place.
Haley can create a new dynamic in the GOP race with her ambassador skills that allow her to attack opponents without getting into a verbal mud fight. DeSantis and Ramaswamy should be prepared to step up their debate game because Haley has a chance to win the next round. She is making a name for herself in a still crowded field and another breakout moment could send the other challengers into a tailspin.
Key Takeaways:
- Republican primary field is shaken up by new voter poll.
- One candidate is “surging” after the first GOP debate.
- The next debate could deliver a new challenger to Trump.
Source: Daily Caller
