Joe Biden is actively seeking support from Nikki Haley’s former backers following her withdrawal from the Republican primary race early Wednesday. The president’s outreach to Haley’s moderate followers involves a direct appeal to reconsider their political alignment in the upcoming November elections.
In a public statement, President Biden did not hold back in his critique of Donald Trump, positioning himself as a welcoming alternative for those disenchanted with Trump’s leadership. Biden’s message was clear: unlike Trump, who seems to have distanced himself from Haley’s supporters, Biden’s campaign is ready to embrace them with open arms.
Biden highlighted Haley’s courage in confronting Trump, especially her willingness to address the turmoil that seems to trail behind him, his frequent ethical misjudgments, and his submissive stance towards international figures like Vladimir Putin. These traits, according to Biden, make Haley’s supporters ideal candidates for his more inclusive and diverse coalition, reported Politico.
Biden is trying to win over Haley’s camp by appealing to their shared commitment to international alliances.
“I know there is a lot we don’t agree on. But on the fundamental issues of preserving American democracy, standing up for the rule of law, treating each other with decency dignity, and respect, preserving NATO, and standing up to America’s adversaries, I hope and believe we can find common ground,” he said.
Nikki Haley, at the age of 52, decided to step out of the primary race after securing a victory in only one state – Vermont – during the Super Tuesday contests. This limited success underscored the challenges she faced within her party, particularly from Trump loyalists who are skeptical of her due to her stance on foreign policy and her history as a United Nations ambassador.
Haley’s more global approach seemed at odds with the ‘America First’ isolationism that has found favor among Trump’s base. Despite some speculation about a potential independent run, Haley has dismissed such possibilities, concluding her campaign with a delegate count of 89, in stark contrast to Trump’s overwhelming 1,004 delegates.
To clinch the Republican nomination, a candidate needs to amass 1,215 delegates, a target Haley fell significantly short of, leading to her exit from the race. President Biden’s invitation to Haley’s supporters is a strategic move, signaling his campaign’s broader strategy to build a coalition that transcends traditional party lines.
Haley looked to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for inspiration during her announcement on Wednesday.
She said: “I have always been a conservative Republican and always supported the Republican nominee. But on this question, as she did on so many others, Margaret Thatcher provided some good advice when she said, ‘Never just follow the crowd. Always make up your mind.’
“It is now up to Donald Trump to earn the votes of those in our party and beyond it who did not support him, and I hope he does that.”
By specifically addressing the concerns and values of moderate Republicans disillusioned with Trump’s brand of politics, Biden aims to bolster his support base, painting his campaign as a big tent where diverse viewpoints are not just tolerated but welcomed. This approach not only underscores the polarized nature of current American politics but also highlights Biden’s efforts to position himself as a unifying figure capable of bridging the widening divides.
