The 2024 presidential election is over. So I guess it’s time to start talking about 2028.

Many big political players get swallowed up and kicked to the curb during election season. But the ones who walk that fine line between independence and cooperation get to step back into the field of play when the next one begins. And in the recent election cycle, no one walked that line better than former UN ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R).

Haley consistently challenged Donald Trump while never walking away from his supporters. She proved herself to be a strong fundraiser and effective leader, building a grassroots network to be envied. While Ron DeSantis and his supporters were trapped in their intellectual bubbles, Haley and her supporters connected with the everyday American families who feel left out of the single person’s game of politics.

As Democrats scurry to rebuild a coalition for the midterms, Republicans will have a head start if they build upon the coalition that Haley built during her primary run. Trump has already said he won't nominate the former Haley to his Cabinet, so she is free to critique both the majority and minority powers. Haley can swing back and forth and build a more robust base for........

© The Hill