In a recent interview with the New Hampshire Union Leader, US Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has clarified her stance on the possibility of being Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 election.
While some Republicans and rivals speculate that she is positioning herself for the vice-presidential role, Haley has refrained from outright rejecting the idea.
Haley emphasized, “First of all, it’s highly offensive to think I would go through all of this to run for vice president. I am fighting to become president and I’m going to win.”
Despite maintaining her focus on the presidential race, Haley has not explicitly ruled out accepting Trump’s offer.
The former South Carolina governor expressed concern that rejecting the VP role publicly would overshadow her recent polling gains against Trump in New Hampshire.
One survey places her within four percentage points of the former president, who continues to dominate primary polls with an average lead of 50 points over his competitors, according to RealClearPolitics.
The rumors surrounding Haley’s potential vice-presidential candidacy have not gone unnoticed, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis launching a microsite dedicated to tracking these claims.
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DeSantis, questioning Haley’s intentions, urged her to provide a direct answer regarding the possibility of accepting a VP nomination from Trump.
Within Trump’s inner circle, there is both speculation and concern about the likelihood of Haley being considered for the vice-presidential role.
Former White House strategist Steve Bannon anticipates a significant internal struggle over the issue, suggesting that efforts may be made to force Haley onto the ticket to appeal to certain factions within the Republican Party.
Donald Trump Jr., the former president’s son, has publicly voiced opposition to Haley as his father’s VP, stating that he would personally intervene to prevent such a scenario.
Other prominent Trump supporters, including Tucker Carlson and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, have expressed criticism and reservations about the potential selection of Haley for the vice-presidential role.
In the midst of these speculations and comments from Trump allies, the question of Nikki Haley’s potential role as Trump’s running mate remains a focal point of discussion within the Republican Party.
