FROM OUR REPORTER
FRANKLIN – “If only we could get John McCain or Mitt Romney back, or a moderate candidate.” For example: James Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase. But no moderate can win,” said Eric Macy, 54, a former banker and independent voter (not registered with either party) who has voted for Obama in the past. Today he will vote for Nikki Haley in the New Hampshire Republican primary. “I have three children, I want the president to be a role model for them, but I don’t know if she can do that.”
With Ron DeSantis retiring, this is a two-horse race. On the eve of today's vote, Haley crisscrossed the state chasing Trump, who leads her by 17 points in the polls. If the former president has reshaped the party in his image, Haley wants to return it to pre-Trump principles, such as reducing the federal debt and taxes (issues close to the hearts of fiscal conservatives in New Hampshire) and reforming social programs , which contains Russia. He responds to the slogan “Make America Great Again” with a promise to make the Republican Party great again. And in this New England state that was one of the 13 original colonies, similar in size to Piedmont and proud of being the origin of the nation, there are people who hear this message.
At the Franklin War Veterans Center, population 8,000, the former mayor introduces them as if the results of the primary elections could lead to a new beginning for them: “This is where the Merrimack River begins, this is where the statesman Daniel Webster was born, this is where the first cap.” on property taxes.” But even among fans there is a feeling that his run is about to end. Without a win or a close second place, the pressure to pull away will increase.
And in all other states the gap to Trump is greater, including in South Carolina, where she was governor. His hope is a high turnout among independents, who make up 40% of New Hampshire voters. According to polls, however, Trump leads the Republicans (30%) by 65 to 25. Chris, a 60-year-old war veteran, is part of that 25 percent: “I don't like Trump's style, she has experience and is moderate, that's what's needed.” But Republicans usually win Republican primaries. “McCain had a surprise victory here, but he had some support in the party,” observes New Hampshire University political scientist Dante Scala. Haley has a serious deficit with Republicans. Asking independents to balance things out is too much.”
About 4,000 Democrats have registered as independents, in part because Biden's party changed the primary calendar (a serious insult in the eyes of many). “They may vote for Haley, but they wonder, and I don’t blame them, whether she will ultimately fall behind Trump.”
In the north of the state, past the toll plaza between Concord and Manchester (the latter more like Boston), hundreds of people lined up at Donald's rallies. Joshua, a taxi driver and Democratic voter, jokingly bought his wife one of the switchblades that Trump gives to his fans online and that she found at a flea market. It's called: Keep America Great. She didn't laugh.