The New Hampshire Primary: A Definitive Victory for Donald Trump
By Avi Farah
Published January 24, 2024
As soon as the polls closed at 8 P.M. in the first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary on Tuesday night, the Associated Press declared Donald Trump the winner. With a substantial victory over Nikki Haley, Trump has solidified his position as the presumptive nominee for the 2024 Republican Party.
Haley's Defeat and Trump's Assertion of Dominance
Nikki Haley conceded defeat while vowing to continue her campaign in her home state’s Republican primary in late February. However, Trump dismissed her claims and insisted that the race was over. He was supported by Vivek Ramaswamy and Tim Scott, who both endorsed him, solidifying his position as the Republican nominee.
The Inevitable Outcome and Pre-Post-Mortem Analysis
The result of the race was unsurprising, as many analysts had predicted a Trump victory. Haley's campaign centered on challenging Trump's suitability, but she failed to gain momentum after Ron DeSantis dropped out. The final tracking poll showed Trump with a significant lead, foretelling the inevitable outcome.
The End of Never Trumpers and Haley's Last Stand
Laura Ingraham declared Trump's victory as the 'last gasp of the Never Trumpers,' signaling the end of the anti-Trump sentiment within the Republican Party. Despite the race being closer than expected, Haley insisted she would not drop out, leaving the future of her campaign uncertain.
Haley's Electability and the Divided G.O.P.
Haley argued that she is the more electable choice for Republicans in November against Joe Biden, highlighting the 'negativity and chaos' surrounding Trump. The results showed a divided G.O.P., with many voters expressing reluctance to support Trump in the general election.
Historical Context and Haley's Hopes
While Haley hoped for a shocking upset, historical precedents from past New Hampshire primaries served as a reminder of the limits of predictive power. Despite her ambitions, the outcome was not in her favor.
The Long Road to the General Election
As the race transitions to the general election, the political landscape is set for a contentious battle. With Haley's determination to continue her campaign and the divided sentiment within the G.O.P., the road to November promises to be a challenging and protracted journey.