News

Nikki Haley needs big donors, but do they need her?

Published

2 years ago

January 28, 2024

Nikki Haley’s quest for the GOP nomination has taken a somewhat unconventional route.

While many candidates rely on securing votes from their party’s rank and file, Haley finds herself heavily reliant on big-money donors from the Wall Street donor class.

These wealthy individuals will play a crucial role in determining how long she can stay competitive against GOP front-runner Donald Trump.

Moderate politics

Haley’s challenge lies in her positioning as a moderate in a party that has shifted towards populism under Trump’s leadership.

The traditional country-club-types, Wall Street executives, and free-marketeers have taken a back seat to Trump’s “blue-collar” and anti-globalist agenda.

Unlike Trump, who primarily self-finances his campaigns and garners support from his base, candidates like Haley require financial backing from the non-populist, cash-rich minority to remain competitive.

Haley has made efforts to appeal to big-money donors, emphasizing her ability to compete against Joe Biden more effectively than Trump, who faces potential legal challenges.

Some donors are banking on Trump’s potential downfall, keeping her in the race as a backup option.

Struggled to gain traction

However, despite Haley’s significant fundraising efforts, she has struggled to gain traction with GOP voters.

She has faced defeats in the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary to Trump, and polls suggest she may lose her home state of South Carolina in February.

Wall Street donors are growing anxious.

Some have already withdrawn their support, while others, like Home Depot founder Ken Langone, are cautioning against investing in a losing campaign. If Langone pulls out, it could trigger a domino effect among other big-money donors.

Haley insists she will stay in the race until the end, but her fate may resemble that of Ron DeSantis, who dropped out when his donors withdrew their support.

To secure her path to the presidency, Haley will need to win a state at some point, or her “in it till the end” resolve may meet a similar fate.

News

Oscar winner Robert Duvall dies aged 95 leaving a towering legacy

Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, 95, dies, leaving a legacy that shaped modern cinema with iconic roles.

Published

4 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, 95, dies, leaving a legacy that shaped modern cinema with iconic roles.

Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall has died at the age of 95, marking the end of an era for one of Hollywood’s most respected performers. Best known for his role as Tom Hagen in The Godfather, Duvall built a career defined by power, restraint and authenticity on screen.

From early theatre work to standout performances in To Kill A Mockingbird and Apocalypse Now, Duvall became one of the most versatile actors of his generation. He later won the Academy Award for Tender Mercies, cementing his place among cinema’s elite.

Beyond acting, Duvall was also an accomplished director and musician, earning admiration for his dedication to craft and character. His legacy leaves an indelible mark on American film history.

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News

Iran nuclear talks resume as U.S. boosts military presence

Iran’s foreign minister meets IAEA chief amid nuclear talks with the US, as tensions rise with military movements in the region.

Published

4 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran’s foreign minister meets IAEA chief amid nuclear talks with the US, as tensions rise with military movements in the region.

Iran’s foreign minister has met with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency ahead of renewed talks between Washington and Tehran, signalling a fresh diplomatic push to resolve the long-running nuclear dispute. The discussions centre on Iran’s nuclear programme, which the U.S. and its allies fear could pave the way for weapons development.

Tehran insists it will only scale back nuclear activities if sanctions are lifted, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio admits negotiations remain challenging.

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Money

AI fears rattle global markets and investors

AI developments cause market volatility, with European software and US tech firms facing significant declines amid rising uncertainty.

Published

1 day ago

February 16, 2026

Harvey Vargas

AI developments cause market volatility, with European software and US tech firms facing significant declines amid rising uncertainty.

Global stock markets are experiencing heightened volatility as concerns about AI disruption sweep across industries. Investors are closely monitoring which sectors could be most affected as the technology continues to evolve.

Recent announcements from major US AI companies sent waves through international markets, highlighting the interconnected nature of global finance and technology. European software giants such as Dassault Systèmes and RELX saw significant declines, underscoring the global reach of AI developments.

UBS analysts warn that the impact of AI disruption could intensify in 2026 and 2027, with potential ramifications for a wide range of sectors.

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