Nationally, Trump is ahead by nearly 60 points. Yesterday, Trafalgar had Trump up by 20+ points in SC. Today, inevitability has again raised its head as the real numbers finally roll in from South Carolina—another sweeping victory with what looks like 60 percent of primary voters choosing President Trump.
One thing I’m noticing as results from the primary continue to come in is Nikki Haley’s relative strength in Columbia and Charleston — two of the most Democratic-leaning areas in South Carolina. We don’t yet know just how many Democrats skipped their party’s contest on Feb. 3 in order to support her tonight. But it seems her campaign message has broken through to some.
Donald Trump has claimed all but three counties in the entire state (Charleston, Richland, and Beaufort), which has inspired the New York Times to update this headline.
Trump Defeats Haley, Delivering a Crushing Blow in Her Home State
It’s not a surprise; from what I recall, she has never polled well enough there to come even close. Sadly for the party, losing in her home state by double digits – typically an embarrassing drubbing in any other circumstance – is not a reason to acquiesce. She’s convinced that 60+ percent of Republicans isn’t the message. The other 39% are – keeping in mind that were it the other way around, it would be a different story.
But Haley has gobs of Deep State cash to burn and no reason to stop. She won’t be out by Super Tuesday or after. Her backers won’t want that. Every dollar they spent that forces Trump to spend money improves the odds that his Democrat opponents win in November.
That’s my take from here. The Republican moderates are more interested in losing, and the American people should take note.
As for Nikki Haley, what she should be thinking is about the words of Russ Kahn (Carolina in the Morning)
Dreaming was meant for nighttime
I live in dreams all the day
I know it’s not the right time
But still, I dream away
What could be sweeter than dreaming
Just dreaming and drifting away
They aren’t the most memorable lyrics from the 1922 song, but if you’re on team Haley, plenty could be finer than to be in (South) Carolina the morning after the 2024 primary – no matter how you spin it.
[Update] As the Carolina morning breaks Trump’ “crushing blow” is slightly under 60% (59.8)
And with 44 out of 50 Delegates allotted Trup has 107 to Haley’s 17 (with DeSantis and Ramaswamay Trump’s count is 129).
Michigan has a primary on Tuesday, the 27th. Michigan, Idaho, and Missouri have Caucuses in two days (March 2nd). DC votes on March 3rd, and North Dakota on March 4th. Sixteen primaries happen on Super Tuesday (March 5th). A total of 1077 delegates are up for grabs from now until then.
Not enough to sew up the abomination was Trump to sweep, but you only need 1215 to ring the bell and there are 12 more primaries in March.
