CHARLESTON: Nikki Haley ended her presidential bid against Republican favorite Donald Trump on Wednesday (March 6), ensuring the former president will be the Republican candidate in a rematch with President Joe Biden in November’s presidential election.
Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations (UN), stepped down a day after the Super Tuesday contest. Trump beat him soundly in 14 of 15 states.
“The time has come to end my campaign,” Haley told supporters during a speech in Charleston. “I don’t regret it.”
Haley said it was highly likely that Trump – who has repeatedly belittled her – would become the Republican nominee but did not offer an outright endorsement.
“Now it’s up to Donald Trump to get the votes of my supporters and beyond those who don’t support him,” he said. “And I hope he does.”
TRUMP AND BIDEN’S REFIGHT
The rematch between Trump, 77, and Biden, 81 – is the first US presidential rematch since 1956. This political blockbuster contest left little to be desired by American voters. Surveys show both Biden and Trump have low levels of satisfaction among voters.
This presidential election has the potential to divide America, which is already divided by sharp political polarization. Biden has frequently portrayed Trump as an existential danger to US democracy, while Trump has repeatedly reiterated his false claim that he won the 2020 presidential election.
Haley, 52, has the backing of big-money donors determined to stop Trump from winning a third straight Republican nomination, especially after Haley performed strongly in a debate that Trump did not attend.
However, Haley ultimately failed to gain support from the dominant conservative voters in the Republican Party
But Haley’s better showing among moderate Republican voters and independents where she highlighted Trump’s tough and controversial political style could leave Trump vulnerable in the Nov. 5 election against Biden.
