South Carolina Republican Primary: Trump vs. Haley
As the South Carolina Republican primary heats up, voters are faced with the decision of choosing between former President Donald Trump and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. Early exit poll results shed light on the factors that influenced voters’ decisions and provide a glimpse into the current state of the GOP electorate.
Rejecting Mental Fitness Concerns
Contrary to recent debates surrounding Trump’s mental fitness for office, most South Carolina GOP primary voters dismiss these concerns. According to early exit polls, they overwhelmingly refute this allegation and instead argue that it is Haley who lacks the physical and mental health required to effectively serve as president.
Dissatisfaction with the Country’s Direction
Furthermore, South Carolina Republican primary voters express significant dissatisfaction with the overall state of the country. A staggering nine in 10 voters claim to be dissatisfied with how things are going, with nearly half of them admitting to being angry about it. This sentiment surpasses the anger expressed by New Hampshire primary voters. Additionally, eight in 10 voters perceive the economy as either “not so good” or “poor.”
A Conservative Electorate
The South Carolina GOP primary electorate leans strongly conservative. Early exit polls indicate that over four in 10 Republican primary voters identify as “very conservative,” a higher percentage compared to the 2016 primary. This shift suggests a more conservative electorate than in previous years, which could impact the outcome of the primary.
MAGA Support and Evangelical Voters
Nearly half of South Carolina GOP primary voters align themselves with the “MAGA” movement, similar to Iowa GOP caucusgoers. This show of support for Trump and his policies reflects a significant base within the Republican Party. Additionally, approximately six in 10 voters identify as White evangelicals, outnumbering both New Hampshire and Iowa.
Independent Voters and Race
In terms of political affiliation, only a quarter of South Carolina Republican primary voters consider themselves independents, a lower percentage compared to New Hampshire. Interestingly, around 4% of primary voters identify as Democrats, indicating some crossover appeal. Furthermore, the electorate is predominantly White, with over 90% of voters falling into this category.
The Delegate Count
Heading into the South Carolina primary, Trump held an estimated 63 delegates, while Haley had 17. South Carolina allocates a total of 50 delegates, with 29 awarded based on the statewide vote and the remaining 21 allocated by congressional district. The winner of each district receives all three delegates from that district. These delegate numbers play a crucial role in the race for the Republican nomination.
Looking Ahead
As polls close in South Carolina at 7 p.m., the full results of the Republican primary will begin to trickle in. CBS News will be closely monitoring the outcome but will refrain from characterizing or projecting the winner until after the last polls have closed at 7 p.m. ET. The South Carolina primary will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the race for the Republican nomination and shape the future of the party.
Disclaimer: The above information is based on early exit polls and may be subject to change as more data becomes available.
