Former President Donald Trump made a strong presence in Manchester, New Hampshire, despite the chilly weather, as crowds of eager Trump supporters lined up for hours to catch a glimpse of their beloved leader. Focusing on the issue of border security, Trump criticized former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, stating that she would not be able to secure the border or tackle the fentanyl crisis affecting New Hampshire citizens.
The latest poll released this morning shows that Trump still holds strong support among likely Republican primary voters, with 50% backing him. Haley, his closest competitor, stands at 39%. Among registered Republican voters in New Hampshire, Trump's popularity soars to 67%. However, it is worth noting that Haley has garnered significant support among undeclared voters, with 58% considering her their top choice.
Despite Governor Krista Noonoo's endorsement of Haley, Trump's dominance among the Republican base remains unquestionable. When asked about Haley's conservative credentials, Noonoo asserted that Haley is indeed a true conservative. Some believe that Trump's appeal transcends traditional party lines, with bumper stickers popping up declaring 'I don't vote Republican, I just vote Trump.' In contrast, Haley has been perceived as a more traditional conservative figure.
Although Haley may attract undeclared voters, Trump's surrogate, Senator J.D. Vance, doubts that their support will transfer in the general election. Vance argues that many of these voters, including recent transplants from liberal-leaning Massachusetts, are unlikely to rally behind the Republican nominee, even if it is Haley. Vance accuses these voters of attempting to play spoiler to Trump's chances of securing the nomination.
Despite the cold weather, election officials are expecting a sizable turnout for the upcoming primary. Governor Noonoo remains optimistic, stating that the weather is not anticipated to have a significant impact on voter participation.
As the race for the Republican nomination heats up, Trump maintains a strong lead in New Hampshire, capturing the hearts of his loyal supporters. With Haley positioning herself as a more traditional conservative alternative, gaining support among undeclared voters, the battle between these two figures is only expected to intensify in the coming months.
