With just two weeks remaining until the South Carolina Republican primary, Nikki Haley is making a strong attempt to challenge former President Donald Trump on her home turf. Trump, who recently won three states in a row, is aiming to use the upcoming South Carolina primary to essentially shut down Haley’s chances and focus on an expected rematch with current Democratic President Joe Biden in the general election.
The former President is expected to host a rally in Conway, South Carolina, near the popular Myrtle Beach, in a bid to rev up his supporters. Meanwhile, Haley, former governor of South Carolina, has been traveling across the state on a two-week bus tour, sharply criticizing Trump’s influence over the Republican Party and the way he has pressed Republican officials. She has been depicting Trump as an erratic and self-absorbed figure, zeroing in on his influence over the GOP and raising concerns about his mental fitness due to his age.
Haley has sharpened her stance by calling for mental competency tests for politicians, trying to set herself apart as a younger alternative to Trump and Biden. The former South Carolina governor accused Trump of meddling too much in the Republican Party, expressing worry over his influence and decision-making. South Carolinians seem to be divided in their support, with some referencing the potential for fresh blood in politics while others are committed to endorsing Trump for a second term. This primary is shaping up to be a major battleground for both candidates as they rally their respective supporters.