Donald Trump has crushed the New Hampshire primary, trouncing his sole challenger for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.
His victory virtually seals the deal for the nomination, even if Ms Haley is not willing to wave the white flag – a fact that visibly vexed the former president on what was meant to be a night of jubilation.
“She’s giving… a speech like she’s the winner,” he scoffed at his opponent, who vowed to fight on earlier in the evening. “She didn’t win. She was wiped out.”
Though Mr Trump’s victory in New Hampshire fell short of the 20-point lead that was forecasted by recent polls, it should suffice to secure the course of the race.
He swept the first contest in Iowa. And the forthcoming states on the Republican primary schedule favor him more than New Hampshire, indicating his march towards the nomination will soon turn into a stampede.
With every ballot cast, a truth becomes more evident. As polls for many moons have shown, the Republican Party is still Donald Trump’s party.
His base’s loyalty is steadfast, through trials and tribulations. His brand of conservative populism is in sync with his party’s voters, as is his emphasis on issues like immigration, crime and energy.
