The polls suggested that Nikki Haley would carry 96% of Republicans and 15% of registered Democrats would prefer her to Biden; an indication of her bipartisan appeal.
The United States of America, the undisputed leader of the post World War II era and by far the richest country on earth is going through an existential crisis precipitated by a dearth of effective leadership. Leaders of both the major political parties, the Democratic and Republican Party are individuals who lack credibility or fail to inspire confidence, either as a result of ageing or character flaws. In fact, the two leaders exhibit an array of traits that are more negative than positive. Joe Biden comes across an ageing leader with subtle shades of dementia that fail to imbue the country with confidence. Across the aisle is Donald Trump, a loud, divisive figure saddled with multiple legal battles that question both his ethics and financial propriety; these do not befit an ex-President or one who aspires to run for office. So, essentially it is a choice between the deep sea and the devil.
Furthermore, the United States finds itself at crossroads in its leadership of the world. Caught in two minds, the United States is floundering as the pole country; not willing to give up leadership of the world but neither willing to expend the resources necessary to sustain its position. Lacking clinical acumen and statesman-like traits, its current leadership is failing the world especially in these challenging times.
The future too does not appear to be hopeful either. The field for the 2024 Presidential elections is a tepid one with no leader generating the optimism and excitement that a new leader should bring to the table.
However, there is one name that calls for greater scrutiny especially in this uncertain climate—Nikki Haley. Despite still trailing Trump by a huge margin, her poll numbers have been steadily increasing, making her more acceptable. She could still be the dark horse that comes from behind to pip Trump for the Republican nomination.
Nikki Haley was born as Nimarata Nikki Randhawa to Indian-Sikh parents who had first migrated to Canada and later to the United States. Nikki Haley grew up in South Carolina where she completed her education. In 1994, she married Michael Hailey. After a brief period being involved in her parents’ business, Nikki Haley became active in public affairs. In 2004, she was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives, a position she held for several terms. In 2010, she was elected as the governor of South Carolina: she served two consecutive terms. Under Trump she served as the US Ambassador to the United Nations.
What makes Nikki Haley an attractive candidate for her party’s nomination and the position of President is her honesty, pragmatism and consensus building qualities. All these traits are visible in how she has approached the contentious topic of abortion, especially in the aftermath of Roe vs Wade being struck down by the Supreme Court.
A strong proponent of pro-life, she has been involved in several legislations to regulate abortion. However, she is quick to point out that her position stems from personal experience rather than a party diktat: “I am unapologetically pro-life, not because the Republican Party tells me, but because my husband was adopted, and I live with that blessing every day,”
Despite a strong pro-life proponent, she has urged for a consensus on abortion and counselled her Republican colleagues not to push for a more stringent national abortion ban; a stand that comes across as compassionate and sensitive to all women and also pragmatic as a national abortion bill is unlikely to pass Congress.
It is this approach that is gaining her more support. In a hypothetical match-up, a recent poll found that she would conclusively defeat Biden by 10 percentage points (55 to 45). In contrast, her Republican colleagues Trump and DeSantis barely beat Biden by 4 and 2 percentage points, both of which fall within the margin of error.
Additionally, the polls suggested that Nikki Haley would carry 96% of Republicans and 15% of registered Democrats would prefer her to Biden; an indication of her bipartisan appeal.
With regard to foreign affairs, her stint as US Ambassador to the United Nations from 2017-18 has given her adequate exposure to international situations to help her formulate a sensible and balanced foreign policy as opposed to the wild rants of ex-President Trump.
That Nikki Haley is a woman also adds to her acceptability and potential to draw votes from across the divide. Emphasising her gender, she has characterised her opponents as “men fighting with each other” and followed it up with a quote from Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female Prime Minister: “If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.”
Nikki Haley is a calming and unifying candidate in a tumultuous polarised America; a soothing balm that America badly needs to heal.
The million-dollar question is whether the Republican party will realize that and nominate her and if America is ready for a woman President.