She will soon announce that the Republican Party cannot nominate a convicted felon and must find new leadership. She will modestly and reluctantly offer her services as the Republican presidential nominee and reopen her campaign.
You’ll hear that same variant echoed here, with a good chance from the same crowd who, just a few months ago, claimed Trump can’t win the general election because he didn’t win 100% of the primaries.
People here will say, “You have to vote for Nikki or you’re for Biden!” It will fall on deaf ears. I will write in Trump if need be. I will vote for Haley never.
“She will soon announce that . . .”
You’re hired. She needs a strategist.
Assuming we have conniving former-candidates maneuvering in the wings waiting for Trump to be disqualified, Ron DeSantis has a much wiser strategy. Supporting Trump by fundraising and issuing a condemnation of the "trial", he has positioned himself to be the default guy to rally the party to get even for denying Trump the opportunity to run. By already calling the proceedings a "kangaroo court". he can rage against lawfare and rally the troops.
On the other hand, Haley would not be smart to assert that a "convicted criminal" cannot head the Republican ticket. She needs some other prominent party members to make that statement or she'll come off as totally opportunistic and not principled at all. Besides, no one other than the GOPe wing of the party likes her.
By their initial positioning, DeSantis could be seen as the rightful successor while Haley will be seen as usurper. If Trump remains on the ballot, as is likely, DeSantis has positioned himself better for 2028.
Never Haley, never ever. Dang swampcritter.