UN Ambassador Nikki Haley surprised almost everyone this week, announcing that at the end of the year he would give up his position.
By doing so, Haley did something special. He leaves Trump’s administration with his reputation not only intact, but even reinforced. It is popular among the right -wing factions of supporters and opponents of Trump, as well as among the shockingly vast number of independent and democrats. He has a long list of achievements and no shames and scandals. He is almost certainly the most popular politician in America.
Ok, full disclosure: I am biased and full of conflicts. I am biased because I am a fan of Haley. I also have doubts because my wife, Jessica Gavor, works for Haley as the author of her speeches and an adviser.
Since I am talking about it, let me also say that one of my more admirable (and annoying) features of my wife is that he never tells me chilly things. As far as I know, she has number 411 and knows what is happening in Zone 51. So if there is a secret scandal behind Haley’s resignation or a cunning plan, I don’t know what it is, like Jessica – unless she lies to me.
Regardless of what Haley thinks about, one thing is obvious: he has a better political sense than anyone else in the industry. He will leave the university only in January, but by announcing it now, it cannot be perceived as leaving the ship, if the average semesters go wrong.
There is such an elderly saying: “Better to be lucky than good.” Haley is both.
Being a declared criticism of Trump in the primaries, she was chosen by Trump as an ambassador at the UN. There are many theories explaining why Trump wanted her for this position. Some say that this was the only way to lead Haley out of the residence of the Governor of South Carolina to make room for her then vice -deterance, Henry Mcmaster, a much more fierce Trumpist.
Trump also likes to employ prominent critics so that they can confirm his victory over them. Others say he wanted to unite the party. Let’s recall his offer addressed to the edged critic of Trump, Governor Ohio John Kasich, to become his candidate. Trump eventually chose the governor of Indiana Mike Pence, who technically supported Ted Cruza in the primaries in 2016, despite the fact that he spent most of his time at the crimp.
Meanwhile, the moment of Haley’s departure before the end of the second term as a governor was accidental. She recently coped with both a particularly terrifying shooting in the church and the resulting painful debate about the flag of the confederation waving on the capital of the state.
Despite this, working at the UN was associated with a high risk for Haley. She had little experience in foreign policy and the risk that she would be forced either to defend what could not be defended or to resign in protest was high. Only in retrospect that it seems obvious that it was the best job in Trump’s administration and that she was the best person to do so.
First of all, the UN is the world’s best arena to choose the right enemies. In addition, the UN ambassador is beyond snake cavities in Washington, while being in the center of the media world. Haley was also lucky that Rex Tillerson, an insignificant politician, worked as a secretary of state.
Because this is a position devoted to foreign policy, Haley did not have to consider all the controversy around Trump. But when she did this – in connection with the movement of “me”, Russian interference, etc. – she did it in a way that distinguished her from Trump and his flatters, without giving the impression of disloyal or insolent.
Haley made everything look straightforward, partly because she was a good politician – the daughter of Indian immigrants from the state notable for his terrible policy, which two races were won to the governor.
But she is also ready to do something that few politicians who have grace and happiness on their side cannot afford: to do homework. Finally, at the age of 13 she began working as an accountant of the family.
The moment and the way she made the decision were almost perfect. Once again, he not only leaves in a large style, but goes away as the only prominent republican, who can also unite the party, and also speak to non-recubbles. (That’s why you can expect the knives to appear soon.)
If Trump is running in 2020, it is doubtful that anyone can take his nomination. If it does not start, Republicans may desperately need a minority woman who would be accepted by the divided GOP and voters repelled by Trump.
It all depends on the sensitivity of time, and at the age of 46 Haley is all the time he needs.
