The Walker du jour for (some) Republican donors
By 
Paul recently observed that “one of the most fascinating pieces of psychological denial I’ve ever seen is the belief among so many deep pocketed Republicans that Donald Trump can somehow be stopped from getting the GOP nomination.” With DeSantis’s poll numbers seemingly permanently buried in a vat chocolate pudding, this delusion has to find a another object, Tim Scott has already dropped out and the astonishing return of Bobby Jindal apparently isn’t happening, so here’s another rando:
Late last month, Nikki Haley, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, got an unexpected call from Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase. Dimon said he was impressed by Haley’s knowledge of policy details and her open-minded approach to complex issues raised in the Republican presidential race, according to a person familiar with what they discussed. Keep it up, he told her.
He wasn’t the only business heavyweight to say so.
In recent weeks, a group of CEOs, hedge fund investors and corporate deal-makers from both parties have begun gravitating toward Haley and, in some cases, digging deeper into their pockets to help her.
Her ascent in the polls and strong debate performances have raised hopes among Republicans hungering to end the dominance of former President Donald Trump that maybe, just maybe, they have found a candidate who can do so.
“I’m a long way from making my mind up — something could change — but I’m very impressed with her,” said Kenneth Langone, the billionaire Home Depot co-founder, who has donated to Haley’s campaign and is considering giving more. “I think she’s a viable candidate. I would certainly like her over Trump.”
I do like the “in come cases” formulation for fundraising decisions. Seems like the Home Depot guy is more like “I’m very impressed with Nikki Haley, and will donate to her…if Donald Trump is killed by a runaway yacht.” It’s a shame — hoovering up money that would otherwise probably be used for worse purposes is the only constructive purpose served by also-ran Republican presidential candidates.