Top takeaways from the South Carolina primary

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Former President Donald Trump eased to victory in South Carolina, dismissing Nikki Haley and closing in on the Republican nomination as he seeks a second term in the White House.

Here are five takeaways from Saturday night:

* The speed of victory. Trump's opponents griped bitterly that the media had jumped the gun when his victory in Iowa was announced just half an hour after polls closed in the first contest of the primary season in January.