So who would be the strongest GOP candidate, instead of Trump?
IMO, Nikki Haley. For the following reasons:
- She's isn't aligned with the Never-Trumpers; she has served the President with distinction. Her tenure as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. was inspiring and very much in line with Trump's concept of America first. I can think of no one better qualified to keep the GOP coalition together.
- She's a solid conservative on most issues, but can, I think, appeal to independents as well.
- As female of Indian heritage, she counterbalances the Dem obsession with identity politics.
- She has a solid background of executive experience. I generally favor governors over Senators; the latter play games, the former make tough, real world decisions.