I was pleasantly surprised by Nikki Haley. I was almost certain that when the time came for her to end her candidacy – this was evident for a long time – she would endorse Donald Trump.

She didn’t. Not only that, but, on the contrary, she suggested to him to carefully consider the reasons why she received so many votes. Like, for example, in Vermont, where she won. She gave him very good advice, which I doubt he will follow.

However, what is the meaning of her decision? Many will characterize it as ungrateful – she was his ambassador to the UN after all. Others say she’s not a good party soldier, since she doesn’t support her candidate. Both have some basis. For me, the most likely is that Haley reached the conclusion that this is the right political decision for her. Namely, to separate her positions from Trump’s, in order to be able to cash in on it in the future. Meanwhile, did you see Trump, after his triumphant sweeping victories – except Vermont – when all channels were broadcasting his speech live? Was this what you expected? Wasn’t this a moment for joy, for celebration? What conclusion did you draw from his speech? Did he give you the impression of triumph? The opposite, I would say. Wasn’t it like he was speaking at a funeral?

His speech, filled with references to America being “in some ways . . . a third-world country” was a vision of disaster, despair, misery. It was so negative that it gave the impression that he was referring… to Haiti or Bangladesh. Perhaps he was very tired.

Maybe. Or maybe he knows something that we don’t that is not pleasant for him. But he missed an opportunity.

Political battles are not won with such distortions of reality. With so much pessimism. Remember Ronald Reagan? His smile, his optimism for the country and its future? “It’s morning again in America,” he said. That’s how political battles are won. Optimism… and with – at least – a dose of truth.