There Can Only Be 1 Republican Winner

Following Ron DeSantis’ withdrawal, Nikki Haley’s chances of ousting Donald Trump as presidential candidate are also waning.

“Trump with a brain,” “Ron DeFuture,” “Trump’s protégé.” Ronald DeSantis, governor of Florida and former candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, once had a wide range of promising nicknames. This was especially the case after the 2022 midterm elections when the 45-year-old scored an overwhelming victory in the swing state of Florida despite the overall Republican result falling short of expectations. He can do it; he’s a winner, the conservative media cheered.

By the time DeSantis announced his candidacy, Trump’s protégé had suddenly turned into his rival, whom Trump made fun of. DeSantis may have lacked the much-touted Trumpian charisma, and his campaign was often chaotic. But in the end, it was probably the pressure from Republican donors that made him throw in the towel so early. Despite his consistently right-wing politics occupying the front lines of the U.S. culture war in Florida, DeSantis has been forced to admit to himself that there can only be one.

The former U.N. ambassador and ex-governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, is yet to come to this realization. The comparatively moderate Republican is the only challenger to enter the ring with the “Make America Great Again” showman and his followers in New Hampshire. But she has the same problem as her Republican colleague who dropped out: She doesn’t captivate people.

As part of a last-ditch effort by anti-Trump Republicans, some former and current governors are trying to warn against Trump and open the eyes of the undecided. However, this warning has come too late to have any effect. And that’s not to mention the fact that Haley should have been the one breaking with Trump more pointedly and resolutely from the start. Polls say she would beat Biden in November. But she will likely not get the chance to do so.