Nikki Haley, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, suspended her campaign Wednesday, leaving former President Donald Trump as the final one standing in the GOP presidential primary. Throughout the duration, Haley’s campaign was met with resistance from second-place Ron DeSantis’ camp and Trump supporters.
Despite doing better than expected, Haley’s attempt wasn’t enough to surpass the 45th president. Now that Haley has ended her bid, her supporters are up for grabs — with President Joe Biden making an offer to them.
Former ambassador Haley didn’t endorse Trump in her exit speech. Trump and Haley have long been at odds. Although Haley may endorse Trump in the future, her unwillingness to endorse her former boss is an act of defiance and hasn’t gone unnoticed.
In response to Haley’s announcement, Biden’s office issued a statement and suggested unity to Haley’s former supporters. “Donald Trump made it clear he doesn’t want Nikki Haley’s supporters. I want to be clear: My campaign has a place for them. I know there is a lot we won’t agree on. But on the fundamental issues of preserving American democracy, standing up for the rule of law, treating each other with decency, dignity, and respect, preserving NATO, and standing up to America’s adversaries, I hope and believe we can find common ground.”
“I also know this: what unites Democrats and Republicans and Independents is a love for America,” the statement ended. It’s a positive statement using all the right words, focuses on patriotism, and is pointless.
Disgruntled Republicans who are desperate for a candidate other than Trump placed their hopes in either Haley or Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
However, 2024 wasn’t their year — and their year might never come. Biden’s statement is bait. Bait for disaffected conservative voters. This bait must not be taken.
There are bound to be voters who go from supporting Haley to Biden now that Haley has dropped out of the race. But for true conservatives who want change, and not the socialist kind, backing Biden isn’t the answer.
It’s an understatement to say many voters are tired of Trump and Biden. They want other options. But this year, there won’t be other options. All Biden can offer is that he’s not Trump. He’s hoping that will be enough to appeal to the alienated voters.
Although it’s natural for disaffected voters to look for an alternative, Biden isn’t it. It makes no sense for conservatives to flock to a progressive candidate. Supporting Biden isn’t upholding conservatism—it’s revenge. Voters who don’t care about upholding conservatism may feel that’s the right decision.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
