Nikki Haley, the only major Republican challenger to President Donald Trump in the GOP race, has robustly dismissed criticism from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis, who recently endorsed Trump and withdrew from the race, had labeled Haley as a proponent of “warmed-over corporatism.”
Haley determined to shift leadership direction, focused on winning primaries
Responding to these comments, Haley stated in a CNN interview, “I don’t take politics personally. I never have … I’m not thin-skinned like Donald Trump.”

She emphasized her focus on moving the country forward, away from the leadership styles of both Trump and Biden.
Haley expressed her determination to win the primaries, mentioning critical states like New Hampshire and South Carolina.
“We’ve got to keep on going. And we’re going to fight, and we’re going to win,” she affirmed.
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Haley casts herself as new option beyond Trump, Biden
Acknowledging that she’s often underestimated, Haley positioned herself as a fresh alternative to Trump and Biden, aiming to leave both in the past for the betterment of the country.
Responding to Haley’s comments, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung suggested that Haley might be sensitive about being thin-skinned.
Meanwhile, prominent Republicans, including Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), have endorsed Trump, consolidating his position as the GOP frontrunner.
Ramaswamy urges DeSantis and Haley to back Trump
Scott praised Trump’s ability to unite the country and protect social security, emphasizing the need for a president who can restore law and order.
Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, another recent dropout from the GOP race, also called for Haley and DeSantis to endorse Trump.
“I think Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley would actually do this country and this party a service by stepping aside,” Ramaswamy said, emphasizing the need to focus on Trump’s nomination and the country’s revival.
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New Hampshire primary to gauge GOP standings
The New Hampshire primary, scheduled for Tuesday, will significantly indicate the candidates’ standings.

Recent polls show Trump leading Haley by a significant margin among likely Republican primary voters in New Hampshire.
In her CNN interview, Haley stressed that Trump and Biden are poor choices for America’s future. She questioned their abilities to handle national security and the economy effectively.
Haley as alternative candidate; Trump calls her ‘globalist’ and ‘beatable’
“We need to know they’re at the top of their game,” Haley said, offering herself as a viable alternative.
President Trump has criticized Haley at recent rallies, calling her a globalist manipulated by the deep state and military-industrial complex.
He also claimed that Democrats support her because she is easy to beat, citing polls that show her trailing against Biden, whereas he leads.
Poll: Trump likely to outdo Biden, while Haley trails in 2024 matchup
A Rasmussen Reports poll indicated that Trump would likely outperform Biden among U.S. voters if the 2024 presidential race were between them.
However, the same poll suggested that Biden would beat Haley in a potential matchup.
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