Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley’s recent debate performance has ignited a wave of support from Republicans, but it seems to have triggered a familiar and predictable response from former President Donald Trump, who wasted no time in launching a social media attack.
As Haley gained momentum by targeting her contenders and showcasing her policy positions, Trump is reverting to a familiar pattern of taunting other candidates – a tactic he used in 2016 when he was feeling comfortable with his lead in the Republican primary.
“MAGA, or I, will never go for Birdbrain Nikki Haley. No loyalty, plenty of lies!” Trump wrote on Truth Social
On Sunday, Haley tweeted a photo of a birdcage and birdseed she said she found outside her hotel room after campaigning in Iowa, with a note that read “From: Trump Campaign.”
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After a day of campaigning, this is the message waiting for me outside my hotel room…#PrettyPatheticTryAgain#YouJustMadeMyCaseForMe pic.twitter.com/htbSumo58r
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) October 1, 2023
The debate, held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, saw Haley taking on fellow Republicans, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Despite the general criticism of the event as irrelevant, Haley’s performance stood out as a bright spot, with some Republicans viewing her as a serious contender.
Republican strategist Matthew Bartlett acknowledged the steep climb ahead for Haley but noted her increasing visibility in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Make no mistake, it is a very steep mountain to climb, but she is on her way,” Bartlett said, asserting that “Anything is possible in presidential politics in American politics.”
“I’m certainly not saying that it is likely but you know, more people absolutely know Donald Trump than know Nikki Haley. And people in Iowa and New Hampshire seem to be getting to know her, and they seem to be liking her, and I think that’s only going to increase as they get closer to voting time.”
Some Republicans believe Trump’s decision to target Haley reflects the perception that she poses a genuine threat, despite trailing DeSantis in certain polls.
Haley’s spokesperson, Olivia Perez-Cubas, emphasized the momentum gained from the debate performances and the positive reception in New Hampshire and South Carolina.
“Nikki is the candidate with momentum. Debates are an opportunity for millions of Americans to meet Nikki, and they like what they hear. She had another winning debate performance and we’re turning that into momentum on the ground,” said Perez-Cubas.
Trump’s taunts evoke memories of the 2016 campaign, a period when he felt secure in his lead and engaged in provocative actions toward opponents. An example of this behavior was seen when he sent a unique delivery of “Trump Ice Natural Spring Water” to Sen. Marco Rubio’s campaign, referencing Rubio’s 2013 GOP response to the State of the Union where he took a mid-speech sip of water.
Republican media consultant Scott Howell, unaligned in the current presidential race, describes Trump’s actions as goading. According to Howell, Trump aims to be a persistent presence in the minds of candidates like Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Tim Scott, should they become significant figures.
“It’s just Trump goading people,” Howell said of Trump’s attacks on Haley. “Think about it. Trump wants to be in her head,” he said, alluding to Haley. “He wants to be in everybody’s head. He wants to be in (Vivek) Ramaswamy’s head. If he becomes an issue he wants to get in Tim Scott’s head. This goes back so long ago and it’s just Trump being Trump.”
This time around, the notable difference is the multitude of legal challenges and serious indictments hanging over Trump. Despite these legal troubles, Trump continues to take jabs at any candidate gaining even a hint of support from his base. Howell characterizes Trump’s attacks on Haley as a reflection of his modus operandi.
“She’s the flavor of the day,” Howell explained. “And I think it’s Trump’s M.O. to attempt to goad and taunt other candidates. He did that in 2015, 2016 – ‘Little Hands Rubio,’ all those types of things.”
Trump, however, is having to face the fact that court dates are already part of his campaign schedule – and will increasingly be heading into 2024.
Last week, a New York judge dealt Trump a major blow in finding him liable for fraud and ordering that business certificates for some Trump entities be canceled. That hasn’t stopped the former president from dinging his rivals.
