WASHINGTON: Former presidential hopeful Nikki Haley said Wednesday she would vote for Donald Trump in the US election, but said the one-time rival must work to build a moderate base of support when she faces President Joe Biden in November.
The 52-year-old former South Carolina governor has given up on his White House ambitions after losing several primary races and has yet to say whether he will support the man he once called “bird brain.”
While sharply criticizing the controversial former president, he said in an event for the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank in Washington, that he is urging Trump to comply with his language.
More than two months into his campaign for the White House, Hali continues to gain significant votes in the presidential primary contest – a sign that a large group of Republicans are refusing to back down from Trump.
“Trump is not perfect on this policy. I’ve made that clear many times. But Biden is a disaster.
Trump and Hale have traded blows at times in the country’s nomination race, and the former UN ambassador warned that his bid for the presidency of one term will cost the Republicans the loss of the general election.
He said most voters would reject a repeat of “chaotic” candidates Trump and Biden, two men aged 77 and 81, who passed for prime minister.
“It’s getting worse every day,” Haley said before the loss in her hometown of South Carolina in February.
“He’s got all the attention, it’s all about himself. He’s obsessed with the demons of the past that he’s not worthy of the future of America,” he said.
Still, he has criticized Trump’s remarks against NATO countries and has made several appearances as he faces criminal charges and lawsuits.
“It is not unusual to spend $50 million in campaign contributions on private lawsuits,” he said.
Trump returned the compliment, drawing controversy from his potential running mate.
Trump has failed to strike a chord with Hali’s core supporters and will look to rally public support before the Republican National Convention in July.
Shortly after Haley’s withdrawal from the Republican presidential race, it led the US media to call his ongoing campaign in the primary “zombie campaign”.
The primaries show that Trump’s main weakness – his lack of appeal among moderates, independents and college-educated voters – should give Biden the upper hand.
Meanwhile, the Biden campaign has reached out to Haley in hopes of turning out voters.
“If You Vote Nikki Lost, Donald Trump Doesn’t Want Your Vote,” ran a TV spot targeting suburban battlegrounds in April.
