How far behind is Nikki Haley?
It was definitely Donald Trump's night. He had the numbers and got the victory.
For Nikki Haley, the question that will be answered in time is: How far behind is she?
And in the Granite State, she had the conditions she longed for—an independent, moderate crowd judging a contest between two people.
It still didn't get her as close to Donald Trump as she wanted.
The question is whether that brought her close enough to the idea that she could challenge herself in different, more difficult places.
Before Tuesday's primary, Nikki Haley vowed she would stick around for the next big contest in South Carolina. She confirmed that would be the case last night. “I'm a fighter. I'm a brawler.”
There should be no doubt about its longevity. It will not be her decision alone. Deep-pocketed donors will put tonight's numbers under close scrutiny to gauge their chances of future success — and their appetite for continued investment.
It will want to stay in the process as long as possible, given the uncertainty surrounding its competition.
Four criminal trials add uncertainty to Donald Trump and his future plans. Nikki Haley will want to present herself as a natural successor, should the favorite fall.
