I'm pretty sure that Haley slit her own throat coming out against the Flag.
Too bad.
I don't think so. I'm sure Nikki Haley checked the political waters for allies before she stepped up to the microphone. There was nobody willing to be the first...Nikki stepped up
She also saved the current crop of GOP presidential candidates from uncomfortable questions on where they stand
I wouldn't be surprised if she pops up as the Republican VP candidate
I'm not sure the GOP crop of candidates is going to see her opposition to the flag as a benefit. Here is why:
First and foremost, it keeps it in the news cycle. This issue is a loser for the GOP and that isn't going to help.
Secondly, as a governor, her term is up in 2019. She won by 14 points so she has some capital to give away. When you're running against 10-12 other people as the GOP candidates will be...you can give away nothing. Especially since the GOP primary is on February 20 or 9 days before Super Tuesday.
If you're going to have a chance, you will have to win one of the first 3 contests (IA, NH, and SC) break even on Super Tuesday (or better). What Haley's comments have done is basically put the candidates on the spot (
She took a position so why can't you?). If you don't finish in the top 3, you are likely not going to be a factor on Super Tuesday.
Thirdly,
For those candidates who take her stand and don't fall back into the "state's issue" haven, they are going to have to really bank on winning in IA or NH. Resources and money can win you IA. NH...not so much. You have to be likable too.
In the end, it's made it much harder for the candidates.
A VP nod? As a female that may be a path forward. I think it shows strength to do what she did. However, I think most of the backward south will see her as spineless at having "given in". That she "gave in" to the correct path is not a plus with these folks.