His lone remaining major competitor, Nikki Haley, tried to sound like a winner Tuesday despite trailing by about 10 to 12 points as the evening treaded on.
But even in that handy defeat, Haley’s showing was somewhat a political mirage. Exit polling showed she captured only about a quarter of registered Republicans who cast ballots.
Her strength? Independent or unaffiliated voters – some who lean Democrat – crossed over because Joe Biden chose not to appear on the New Hampshire ballot, giving his supporters a chance to try to run up Haley’s total and embarrass Trump.
