Sen. Graham suggests Nikki Haley join him in campaigning for Trump

On Sunday, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) expressed his agreement with former presidential candidate Nikki Haley regarding the approach former President Trump should take in his campaign. Graham suggested that instead of offering advice on national television, Haley should join him as they rally support on the campaign trail.

In an interview on NBC News’s “Meet the Press,” Graham reiterated a point made by Haley during a previous Fox News segment. She indicated that Trump’s campaign “can’t win” by focusing on topics such as Vice President Kamala Harris’s race or intelligence. Graham echoed her sentiment, stating that while the upcoming election presents a significant opportunity, it requires a refocused strategy.

“I don’t view Vice President Harris as extreme,” Graham noted in response to a question about Haley’s remarks. “Instead, I see her as the most liberal individual ever nominated for president in United States history, following tactics reminiscent of the Soviet Union.” He emphasized the importance of prioritizing policy in the campaign.

According to Graham, a critical issue for Vice President Harris is to successfully defend her policy decisions. “Every day that goes by without us discussing her choices as vice president—and what they might mean if she were president—is a day that benefits her and harms us,” he said.

Graham agreed with Haley’s notion that Trump needs to move away from comments regarding Harris’s race and intelligence. However, he also took the opportunity to invite Haley to a collaborative effort on the campaign trail. “I believe that both of us—Nikki and I—should head to Georgia,” he suggested. “Instead of critiquing Trump from our couches, we ought to actively campaign alongside him.”

By advocating for a hands-on approach, Graham underscored the importance of uniting with other influential figures in the party, such as Haley, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. He believes that working together to support Trump can be far more effective than merely offering guidance from the sidelines.

In outlining his advice for Trump, Graham made it clear that he thinks the former president has a viable path to a successful campaign. “Donald Trump has policies that resonate with the American populace. If there’s a focus on policy in this presidential election, he stands a strong chance of winning,” he said. “However, the persona of Donald Trump as a provocateur might not be enough to secure victory.”

Graham called for Trump to become more visible in the crucial last 80 days leading up to the election, urging him to concentrate on presenting clear plans that address key issues like inflation, border security, and rising prices. “That should be our primary focus: policy. Policy will determine who occupies the White House,” Graham declared.

The conversation underscores the shifting strategies within the Republican party as it prepares for the upcoming elections. The direction taken by Trump, in terms of rhetoric and thematic focus, could significantly influence the party’s electoral prospects.