After South Carolina, Trump’s march to the nomination quickens

By LISA LERER

February 26, 2024

Charleston, S.C. — The truth has been apparent for some time since the former President Donald Trump dominated his adversaries across the icy fields and frozen highways of Iowa. But his undeniable victory on Saturday in South Carolina, where he defeated Nikki Haley in her home state, makes it all but ratified. The Republican nominating contest isn’t a contest. It’s a coronation.

The Iron Grip of Trump over the Republican Party

The winter party primaries held the optimal chance for Republicans averse to the former president to eject him from his dominant position in the GOP. The stakes were extraordinarily high: Several of his Republican adversaries perceive Trump as, at best, unelectable and, at worst, a threat to the American democracy’s foundation.

As the campaign maneuvers through the initial nominating contests, the race has not highlighted Trump’s weaknesses but brought to light the continued nature of his unshakeable hold over the Republican Party.

From the seclusion of Capitol Hill to New Hampshire’s town hall meetings to the courtrooms of New York City, Trump shows no hint of faltering from his commanding position within the party — not in 2024, and not in the visible future. “I believe the party will be done with Trump when Trump is done with the party,” said David Kochel, a seasoned Republican strategist opposing Trump.

Unfaltering Trump Loyalty

All of Trump’s primary rivals, except Haley, have capitulated and endorsed his candidacy. Trump has vanquished state parties and the Republican National Committee, positioning loyalists in crucial posts, and secured endorsement from vast numbers of Republican-elected officials.

What seemed to be extraordinary political liabilities initially—the 91 felony counts against him, his increasingly radical rhetoric, his role in the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol—has only succeeded in reinforcing his support among the Republican faithful.

Inevitable Nomination?

Trump’s decisive victory in South Carolina has led to his triumphant run in the early nominating contests—Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, South Carolina—an unparalleled achievement in a contested primary race. The Republican governor of South Carolina, Henry McMaster, who endorsed Trump over his predecessor, Haley, said Trump heads into Super Tuesday on March 5 with “maximum velocity,” where one-third of all GOP convention delegates will be awarded.

There isn’t anyone who doesn’t envision Trump as the nominee, including Nikki Haley. Whether you like it or don’t, everyone understands he is the perceived nominee,” said Ron Kaufman, a long-time Republican presidential strategist.