GOP strategist outlines how Nikki Haley could still do Trump 'real damage'

As voters in 15 states and one U.S. territory head to the polls to vote for their preferred candidates in observance of Super Tuesday, a Republican strategist shared her thoughts on how Nikki Haley could still do "real damage" to Donald Trump by refusing to endorse him.

Haley, who is Trump's only serious challenger left in the 2024 race, hopes to gain traction Tuesday night following her primary win on Sunday in Washington, D.C.

Polls show that Super Tuesday's round of primaries will likely be a blowout for Trump in all 15 races. But, according to GOP strategist Sarah Longwell, if Haley chooses to drop out of the race and continues to withhold her endorsement of Trump, she could do "real damage" to him and allow for a "permission structure" to reinforce criticisms of Trump, which could influence voters.

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"I do think she is going to drop out after this and my whole-hearted hope is that she does not endorse Donald Trump, because that would build a permission structure for all the Republicans she has been talking to who really like her, and has been making the case about how unfit he is," Longwell told CNN.

"If she withholds her endorsement, her criticisms against Trump stand and they do real damage to him."

As Newsweek points out, Haley has intensified her criticism of Trump in the weeks before Super Tuesday, calling him unfit for the presidency and even slamming his actions on Jan. 6, 2021. Haley also said she no longer feels bound by a pledge made to the Republican National Committee that she would support the eventual GOP nominee.

"No, I think I'll make what decision I want to make, but that's not something I'm thinking about. ...When you all ask Donald Trump if he would support me, then I will talk about that," Haley told NBC News on Sunday.

Tuesday is also Iowa Democrats's last day to mail in primary ballots.