Nikki Haley, the Presidency and ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi’

COMMENTARY

Serving as a New Hampshire legislator, something one appreciates involves hearing from many people. For the 2023-2024 election cycle, it was especially validating for current New Hampshire solons like me to be courted by presidential candidates. While our votes count the same as everyone else’s, apparently there is cachet — not cash — associated with serving as a state representative/House committee chair.

Naturally, we loved our first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary but remained fully aware that after Jan. 23 the Granite State largely dropped off the national political radar.

C’est la vie.

Anyway, shortly after former President Donald Trump made his very early presidential announcement in November 2022, over 50 of my GOP House colleagues quickly jumped on the Trump train with early endorsements.

But not me.

My strong sense was that we desperately needed a fresh new face in the White House — a face not belonging to Trump or to President Joe Biden.

But to whom?

The fresh faces of Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis both stood out. I was privileged to be able to meet and speak directly with each of them. I thought either could be a good commander-in-chief. I still believe that. But an “intangible” was missing.

Call it Je ne sais quoi.

Of course, there were others in the candidate mix — including former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Last May I attended a small Haley event at the Laconia American Legion. Knowing that by contrast a Trump event guaranteed thousands of attendees, I gave her points for putting herself out there at such a remote Granite State venue.

Haley struck all the right chords, although stump speeches are always well delivered. Still, she stayed until every question was answered and every selfie was taken. Her answers seemed genuine, thoughtful and substantive.

At the time she was polling around 3% and I thought she had little chance. But her words resonated.

“I’ve had tough primaries and tough general elections. I’m always the underdog. And I always win. Don’t underestimate me,” she said.

I liked that. But could this relatively soft-spoken woman hang with the big dogs like Trump when political push came to shove? The debates and forums would provide answers. Even if Trump didn’t show up — which he didn’t.

And by all accounts, Haley shined.

In the second debate, Scott indicated he had a tough question for Haley. 

“Bring it, Tim!”

The Clemson grad and former United Nations ambassador clearly had some “fire in her belly.” 

I liked that.

And in the third debate, after Vivek Ramaswamy went low, Haley’s rejoinder sealed his fate. I liked that too.

I again saw Haley in person at the Merrimack VFW in August. Unlike the May event, this larger venue was packed. Haley was now polling closer to 10%. The national media was there. (I was interviewed by a Politico reporter.) Haley was introduced by Gov. Chris Sununu. And she shined.

Afterwards, Haley again took questions and stayed as long as she could before departing for another scheduled event in Manchester. (As John McCain earlier did to great effect, Haley made scores of appearances all over New Hampshire.) Her response to the inevitable abortion question was amazing. Making no apologies for her pro-life positions, as a woman she spoke to this issue in ways no man ever could. Her descriptions of legislative realities and her respect for federalism and our various state processes were wonderful civics lessons — as well as acknowledgments of American realpolitik.

But Haley’s best moment involved an answer to a question from a man asking how she might unite us. Rather than speaking to the question hypothetically, the candidate answered by citing actual experience — her response to the Charleston, South Carolina, mass murders that occurred at a Black church where a racist shooter killed nine churchgoers. Haley’s leadership then helped avert racial violence on the one hand while also succeeding in removing the Confederate flag from a place of honor at the South Carolina Capitol — without alienating a powerful and historic Palmetto State constituency.

Some attendees were in tears.

By November, Haley’s numbers approached 20% while DeSantis was in single digits — after Scott had dropped out. I then studied more Haley history. Her legislative and executive experiences were impressive. Her foreign policy experience at the United Nations set her apart. But could she stand up to all that was sure to be thrown at her by the Trump camp as she became an increasing threat?

Haley’s 2010 gubernatorial campaign provided answers. Despite very vile attacks in both the primary and general elections, Haley persevered and prevailed.

Bigly.

“I’ve had tough primaries and tough general elections. I’m always the underdog. And I always win. Don’t underestimate me.”

I mentioned to colleagues that she increasingly seemed like someone I could endorse. I was advised that DeSantis and Trump each had scores of legislative endorsements. Haley had zero. It was also pointed out that my endorsement could alienate important people and that I might subsequently be punished — or “primaried.” I could lose my House seat.

I thought back to Haley’s earlier response to Scott.

“Bring it on.”

So, I was proud to be the first New Hampshire state representative to endorse Haley. With most other legislators having endorsed early, I kind of had the field to myself. I’m sure there was significant “endorser remorse” in our legislative ranks, but that’s what happens when one endorses too early. I have no regrets, and yes, it was nice to do that CNN interview on primary day, when Haley garnered an impressive 43% of the vote against the scandal-ridden former president.

Since then, against all odds, Haley has bravely stuck it out, giving voters an alternative to a likely unelectable, failing 77-year-old, twice impeached and dealing with 91 felony indictments.

But as Haley always says, “Go ahead. Underestimate me. It’ll be fun.”

I like that.

Although, one imagines dealing with incessantly vituperative Trumpsters takes a toll. But it all reveals stamina, principles and character on the part of Haley — qualities Trump sorely lacks.

After Super Tuesday, America’s political landscape is what it is. But it’s a landscape likely to change, perhaps profoundly, perhaps soon, given Trump’s legal uncertainties and Biden’s cognitive uncertainties. Time will tell. But competition is healthy and America is better off due to Haley’s brave effort to shine lights, speak truths and offer choices. Her journey will continue in ways yet to be determined, and in a fashion upon which history will look kindly.

I still believe that as sure as we’ll see colorful autumn foliage this fall that we’ll also see Haley in some colorful circumstances as well.

A very historic triomphe might still be in the works for Nov. 5.

State Rep. Mike Moffett, R-Loudon, is a former professor and retired Marine Corps infantry officer. He chairs the New Hampshire House Committee on State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs. He can be reached on X.