Washington: Why should Nikki Haley not be the next President of the United States? The argument that her “Republican politics is problematic, non-inclusive” can be safely disposed of, especially by those not in the US, in the aftermath of President Biden’s policies concerning the Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, and Afghanistan conflicts. The race which was likely to be a slugfest between impeachment-facing and increasingly unpopular Biden and tainted Donald Trump is turning out to be a case of sour grapes for the latter. One more legal rap and he’ll have to sit this one out. And that’s when Haley’s presidential star will shine.
Surveys show that Haley is gaining traction not only among Republican voters but also among some Democrats who are disillusioned with Biden. A Politico analysis suggests that many young Democrats who voted for Biden in 2020 will turn “Red” if Haley, not Donald Trump, is the Republican candidate. Haley’s campaign is interesting for her Democratic style of leaning on her background - daughter of Indian immigrants. Her parents immigrated to South Carolina after the 1965 Immigration Act, which made it easier for Indians to build their lives in the US. Haley is highlighting her hyphenated identity. Contrast that with other Republican politicians of Indian origin, such as Vivek Ramaswamy and Bobby Jindal, who insist on their Americanness. With the growing influence of the Indian-American community, despite being barely 1.5% of the overall population, Haley’s decision to tap into desi support is a good call.
During the GOP debates, Haley has emerged as an old-school Republican eager to distance herself from the acrid politics of the Trump era. And she’s pitching her plans without appearing over-the-top to those who still abhor the ‘F-word’, feminism. While Haley’s now-characteristic line, “If you want something done, ask a woman”, firmly establishes her campaign’s tone, she’s cautious of not using feminism as her only calling card; instead, she’s using the “aspiration” card.