Resolution declaring Trump as 2024 nominee withdrawn
The Republican National Committee (RNC) is preparing for what they hope will be a productive week as they aim to deliver a turn-key infrastructure for their eventual nominee. However, tensions arose as a draft resolution declaring former President Donald Trump as the party’s presumptive 2024 nominee was quickly pulled after its introduction by Trump supporters on the committee.
Trump remains the frontrunner, but Haley poses a challenge
Trump continues to hold a commanding lead in the GOP nomination race, winning double-digit victories in the first two contests. However, former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, Trump’s last major rival, won 43% of the vote in the New Hampshire primary and vows to continue her fight until at least Super Tuesday in early March.
Friction within the RNC
While Trump’s influence over the GOP is undeniable, there was opposition to the draft resolution among some RNC committee members. Critics argued that declaring Trump as the presumptive nominee insulted millions of primary voters. Trump himself later urged against moving forward with the plan, emphasizing the need for party unity.
Despite the scrapped resolution, tensions remain within the RNC about the efforts to bring the nomination battle to an early conclusion. Committee members are divided on the matter, with some feeling it is inevitable that Trump will be the nominee and others supporting the right of Trump allies to advocate for their candidate.
RNC Chairwoman’s comments draw criticism
RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel’s recent comments suggesting that Haley should reflect on the upcoming contests and consider the most important path forward did not sit well with some committee members. They argued that the RNC should remain neutral and that it is too early in the race to suggest suspending campaigns.
RNC’s focus and response
The RNC maintains that it is focused on delivering a turn-key infrastructure for the eventual nominee. They have deployed field staff in 15 states and engaged in 77 lawsuits to protect election integrity laws. The national party committee looks forward to a productive week in Las Vegas as they prepare to defeat President Joe Biden and win elections at all levels in November.
Early conclusion benefits the party, says McDaniel
McDaniel, in a recent interview, highlighted the benefits of the GOP nomination race ending early. She emphasized the organizational and fundraising advantages of uniting the party’s operations against President Biden rather than focusing on internal competition.