A Biden campaign official met with Nikki Haley supporters on a Zoom call following Haley’s announcement that she would be voting for Donald Trump. The call was organized by the Haley Voters Working Group and included conservative backers from various states. The official, Juan Peñalosa, engaged in a Q&A session with the supporters to understand their policy priorities. After Peñalosa left the call, the group discussed Haley’s decision and expressed disappointment, but also acknowledged that it was not a full endorsement of Trump.
Despite Haley’s support for Trump, the Haley Voters Working Group recognizes that many of its members are still loyal supporters of Haley and are looking ahead to her potential 2028 run. The Biden campaign is focusing on outreach to GOP voters, including those who align with Haley, with the goal of building a coalition and earning their support. The campaign emphasized the importance of engaging with Republican voters and addressing their policy concerns as the general election approaches.
During the Zoom call, Haley voters raised pressing policy concerns such as the southern border, Ukraine, and Israel. Some supporters expressed interest in Biden taking strong action on issues like the US-Mexico border. They also shared their disappointment over Haley’s decision to support Trump and their hesitation towards aligning with his campaign. The call with Peñalosa was seen as a starting point for a conversation about what it would take for these voters to consider supporting Biden.
Alissa Baker, a former Haley supporter from Virginia, described herself as politically homeless and undecided, considering all her options including Biden. She emphasized the need for substantive discussions and tangible actions from the Biden campaign to earn the support of Haley voters. Other participants, such as Chris Rauen from California, who identifies as a Reagan Republican, expressed an openness towards supporting Biden if the campaign addresses their concerns on foreign policy and taxes. These voters are looking for centrist policies and concrete actions to address pressing issues.
The Haley Voters Working Group and participants on the call expressed an interest in continued engagement with the Biden campaign, highlighting the need for the campaign to actively reach out and earn the support of Republican and conservative voters. The group emphasized the importance of not taking their support for granted and the opportunity for Biden to appeal to a broader coalition of voters. While some participants may be leaning towards Biden, there is a willingness to engage with both campaigns and seek solutions to pressing policy issues. Discussions on these matters are ongoing, with the hope of reaching a consensus on key policy priorities.
