THE NIKKI FACTOR – AT 10:47 A.M. ET:   It's not necessary to agree with South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley to realize that she made an impression last night, giving the GOP response to Obama's Mess of the Union address.   She knew that by seeming to take on Donald Trump, she'd make news and be invited back to interview shows.  And so it has been.  From Breitbart: 

Wednesday on NBC’s “Today,” Gov. Nikki Haley (R-SC) elaborated on her Republican response to last night’s State of the Union address.

Haley was asked by show co-host Matt Lauer if she was specifically referring to GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump when talking about her party’s “angriest voices,” to which she acknowledged she was indeed talking about Trump.

“He was one of them, yes — he was one,” Haley said. “There’s other people in the media, there’s people in my state. I think we’re seeing it across the country. But yes, Mr. Trump has definitely contributed to what I think is just irresponsible talk.”

When asked if she would consider being on the Republican presidential ticket, Haley thanked House Speaker Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)56% and Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)46%
for the opportunity, but would not commit to the possibility.

“I know that people in the media don’t believe that, but I was given an opportunity to say what I think, and I appreciate that from Speaker Ryan and Senator McConnell,” Haley replied.

“I think that that’s a big decision,” she added. “It’s a family decision. It’s a state decision. It’s something I’d have to think about. But absolutely would sit down with anyone that wanted to talk.”

COMMENT:  Nikki Haley has often been a factor when considering vice-presidential candidates.  She's now a more important and more visible factor.  Her timing couldn't be better.  The big primary after Iowa and New Hampshire will be held in her own state of South Carolina, on February 20th.  She'll be seen and heard. 

Will she endorse one candidate and roll the dice?  Maybe.  If she helps that candidate win the nomination, her name will be golden.

March 1st is Super Tuesday, when 14 states and one territory (American Samoa) hold their primary elections or caucuses.  If Haley is seen as a rising star, she'll be in demand as a speaker.  A female, a minority, a Southerner.  Someone who took on Trump. 

This is all speculative, and Haley may burn out in three days.   But she's a sitting governor with a high approval rating, and I would not underestimate her.

January 13, 2016