Google Trends showing an uptick in curiosity about Nikki Haley as the former South Carolina governor along with Donald Trump, Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis, and Vivek Ramaswamy prepare for the Iowa caucuses. Haley during searches conducted on 8 January 2024 came in second to former U.S. president Donald J Trump. Candidates DeSantis, Ramaswamy, and Christie are pulling up the rear in Google searches.
The Iowa caucuses will be held on 15 January.
As of 19 December 2023, Mr Trump held the lead in the Iowa polls. According to data from RealClearPolitics, Mr Trump has the commanding support of 51.3% of expected Iowa caucus participants. Florida governor Ron DeSantis is polling at 18.6% while Governor Haley has third place, polling at 16.1%.
The media consensus is that Governor Christie and Mr Ramaswamy will drop out of the race shortly after either Iowa or the New Hampshire primary. The New Hampshire primary is scheduled for 23 January.
Any hopes of the delegate vote at the Republican National Convention going to a second ballot looks far-fetched at this point. Barring a catastrophic event, Mr Trump is expected to garner the majority of delegates by 5 March, or “Super Tuesday” when 18 primaries and caucuses will be held.
Mr Trump did not participate in any Republican presidential debates. With such a commanding lead, he apparently determined that there was really no need. Besides, given his courtroom schedule, could he really afford the time?
Today’s uptick in Google Trends may be as close as Governor Haley gets to any presidential victory, at least during this election cycle.
Alton Drew
8 January 2024
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