Haley Says She'll Vote for Trump

Image copyright: Chip Somodevilla/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

  • Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who was former Pres. Donald Trump's closest rival during the Republican primaries, announced Wednesday she will vote for Trump this November.

  • Haley explained her decision by saying Trump has "not been perfect" on many policies, but "Biden has been a catastrophe."


The Spin

Democratic narrative

Despite the efforts of a handful of prominent, principled Republicans, Trump — and everything that goes along with him — now runs the GOP. Haley could've used her time in the spotlight to continue to stand against the former president, but she succumbed to his power and her own future political ambitions. The GOP is in a sorry state by bending the knee to Trump.

Pro-Trump narrative

Some former Haley voters may be leaning toward Biden, but she's made it clear they should vote for Trump to avoid the US from continuing to decay under Democratic policies. Biden hasn't stood up to America's enemies or stuck with its allies. The smart vote for Republicans who are on the fence is Trump.

Narrative C

It's no surprise that Haley didn't have the fortitude to continue to oppose Trump. Many of the former presidents' rivals have done the same, even after bitter disputes. But this won't necessarily help Trump because many Haley voters prefer Biden over him, and Haley's endorsement actually won't sway them come election time.


Metaculus Prediction


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

More neutral establishment stance articles