Even Biden, 81, acknowledged that it was “now clear” that he was going to face a rematch with Trump – one that polls suggest many Americans don’t want – and warned that the future of American democracy itself depended on the outcome of the November elections.
Haley had hoped for a major upset in the northeastern state, but Trump — her former boss when she was U.N. ambassador during his chaotic administration — won by about 54 percent to 43 percent, with approximately 91 percent of votes counted.
After crushing his rivals in the campaign’s first vote in Iowa, Trump said that when the primary reaches South Carolina, Haley’s home state, in February, “we’re going to win easily.”
Trump can win the 2024 US elections. Here are 4 reasons why
Trump can win the 2024 US elections. Here are 4 reasons why
The twice-indicted former president maintained his far-right message, with no intention of reaching out to more moderate voters who supported Haley, some of whom were concerned about the 91 criminal charges Trump faces.
At one point, while swearing on prime-time television, Trump declared the United States a “failed country” and loaded his speech with ominous warnings about immigration and false statements about his victory in the 2020 elections.
President Biden responded by saying, “It is now clear that Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee. »
“And my message to the country is that the stakes couldn’t be higher. Our democracy. Our personal freedoms – from the right to choose to the right to vote,” Biden said in a statement.
His campaign even began selling rematch merchandise, including a T-shirt with the slogan: “Together we will defeat Trump.” Again.”
Haley insisted the race was “far from over” and told supporters that Democrats actually wanted to run against right-wing populist Trump because of his record of “chaos.”
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Trump wins New Hampshire primary, defeating rival Nikki Haley who vows to stay in the race
Trump wins New Hampshire primary, defeating rival Nikki Haley who vows to stay in the race
“They know Trump is the only Republican in the country that Joe Biden can defeat,” said Haley, 52, who has recently stepped up his attacks on Trump, accusing him of showing signs of cognitive impairment.
But no Republican has ever won the first two runoffs without ultimately securing the party’s nomination.
“I think it’s a two-way race now between Trump and Biden,” said Keith Nahigian, a veteran of six presidential campaigns and a former member of Trump’s transition team.
Trudeau prepares “Team Canada” approach for possible Trump return
Trudeau prepares “Team Canada” approach for possible Trump return
US media said the New Hampshire results offered hope for Biden, even though recent polls showed him neck and neck, or even behind Trump, in a rematch.
Not only did Trump lose nearly half of the Republican vote, despite effectively presenting himself as an incumbent president known to voters, but his failure to win over independents and swing voters gave Democrats support.
“It was actually a pretty good night for Joe Biden,” former Trump press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told conservative Fox News.
Trump responded by ridiculing McEnany as a “RINO” (Republican in Name Only) and saying, “Save your advice for Nikki.” »
New Hampshire was significantly more favorable to Haley than the next states she will face if she stays.
A once-crowded field of 14 Republican candidates shrank in recent months before morphing into a head-to-head matchup after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis dropped out after Iowa.
Biden attacks Trump, saying his 2024 rival wants a stock market crash
Biden attacks Trump, saying his 2024 rival wants a stock market crash
“I think it’s going to be a wipeout for Biden. He’s gone,” said Luis Ferré, 72, a supporter who traveled from New York to attend Trump’s election night party at a Nashua hotel.
Biden, meanwhile, claimed victory in an unofficial Democratic primary in New Hampshire, giving him a symbolic boost.
He hadn’t appeared on the ballot after moving the first primary on the calendar to South Carolina, but the northeastern state went ahead with the vote anyway. But voters “booked” Biden for victory.
Biden focuses on hot-button issues including abortion and portrays Trump as a threat to democracy as his economic message fails to resonate with voters hurt by inflation.
