In a recent survey, Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, emerged as the only Republican 2024 presidential contender to hold a significant lead over President Biden, surpassing the poll’s margin of error.
This CNN survey conducted on Thursday revealed that major GOP figures like former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis would likely face a tight race against Biden if margins of error were considered. However, it was only Haley who marked a distinctive edge in these projections.
While Trump secured 47% of the respondents’ support versus Biden’s 46%, this result fell within the survey’s margin of error. The outcome for former Vice President Mike Pence was similarly close, edging past Biden at 46% against 44%. Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina mirrored Pence’s figures, whereas entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy was a tad behind Biden, polling at 45% compared to Biden’s 46%. DeSantis and Biden were neck and neck, both polling at 47%.
Distinctly, Haley stood out, gathering 49% support while Biden trailed at 43%.
However, the narrative shifts in the Republican primary polls. Trump remains the dominant figure, with DeSantis being the only other candidate to consistently achieve double-digit figures.
Haley, having served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during Trump’s term, is focusing her campaign on her prowess in foreign policy and her tenure as South Carolina’s governor.
She has been vocal about her concerns regarding older politicians, suggesting that senior leaders should undergo evaluations of their cognitive health. Following a recent health incident involving Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Haley likened the U.S. Senate to an “elite nursing home.” Addressing this, she commented on Fox News about the apparent health decline of several politicians, emphasizing that while they’ve contributed significantly, there comes a time to step aside.
Further solidifying her stance on the age factor in politics, Haley advocates that politicians above 75 years should undergo mental fitness assessments before seeking re-election.
