Washington — On Sunday, Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley said she no longer feels obligated by a vow that required all GOP candidates to support the nominee to participate in the primary debates.
Most prominent contenders signed the promise, except for Donald Trump, the frontrunner, who skipped the debates. The Republican National Committee required it.
The only serious competitor to Trump, Haley, claimed on NBC's “Meet the Press” that she wasn't required to keep that vow. I’ll decide, I think.”
She stated “the RNC is now not the same RNC” as during the debates. She added that she has always had “serious concerns” about Trump, her U.N. ambassador.
The RNC is undergoing big changes, with chair Ronna McDaniel leaving on Friday. Trump appointed her to chair the RNC shortly after the 2016 election, but he now plans to install loyalists. He suggests replacing McDaniel with North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley, a lesser-known veteran. Trump appointed his daughter-in-law Lara Trump as committee co-chair.
Haley downplayed speculation that she might drop out and support Trump. “How do we reach as many voters?” is my current focus. “How do we win?” she asked. I want Americans to know you don't have to live this way. A way ahead exists. We can do it with someone who can put in eight years and focus on outcomes rather than negativity and baggage.”
Trump won Idaho and Missouri caucuses and swept Michigan's party convention delegate haul on Saturday. Trump has 244 while Haley has 24. For nomination, a contender needs 1,215 delegates.
The next Republican event was Sunday in D.C. Two days later, 16 states will hold primaries on Super Tuesday, the largest voting day of the year outside of November. Trump is expected to win the nomination days later. I always said this must be competitive. I will fight as long as we are competitive and show that we belong, Haley stated.
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