HIGHLIGHTS
- Nikki Haley reveals plans to challenge former President Donald Trump in the Republican primary during a town hall in Iowa. She expresses confidence in gaining momentum, particularly in her home state of South Carolina and in Iowa and New Hampshire.
- Haley addresses criticism over her remarks on Iowa’s significance and slavery’s legacy, clarifying her stance and emphasizing her commitment to addressing racism. She dismisses controversy around a comment on “correcting” Iowa’s choice, stating it was a joke.
- Increasingly critical of Trump, Haley highlights concerns about chaos and criminal indictments, asserting the need for a candidate without drama to face President Joe Biden. She rejects gun control measures, expressing condolences for a recent school shooting and advocating for addressing mental health issues. Haley remains confident that her gender won’t hinder her campaign, stating America is ready for a female president.
Washington, D.C. During a town hall meeting on Thursday in Iowa, Nikki Haley revealed her plans to unseat Republican front-runner and former president Donald Trump, as well as her attempts to overcome some of the challenges that stand in her way.
During the CNN event in Des Moines, the former governor of South Carolina declared, “We’ve got momentum,” anticipating strong results in her home state of South Carolina as well as in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Given Trump’s leads in the majority of polls, it won’t be easy, even though Haley is rising in a few New Hampshire surveys.
The former UN ambassador was also questioned over the recent issue that resulted from her remarks—or lack thereof—about the significance of Iowa votes and the legacy of slavery, as well as criticism from Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Some of the town hall conclusions were:
Haley and others have a plan.
Haley set the stage for the contest by claiming that victory in her home state of South Carolina (Feb. 24) and New Hampshire (Jan. 23) would follow an impressive showing in the Iowa caucuses on January 15.
Republican rivals think alike.
Speaking at a CNN town hall just prior to the Haley event, DeSantis predicts he will perform better in Iowa than anticipated, which will help him advance to subsequent contests.
Meanwhile, Trump claims that an overwhelming victory in Iowa ought to put an immediate end to the race, but that is probably not going to happen.
clearing out flubs
Haley, forced to defend herself, stated once more that she erred in citing slavery as the reason behind the American Civil War in the 1860s.
Haley stated, “I was thinking past slavery,” and she concentrated on the future of addressing racism. She brought up her decision to take down the Confederate flag from the South Carolina statehouse in the wake of the 2015 Charleston mass massacre that killed numerous Black churchgoers.
“You literally learn about slavery in second and third grade if you grow up in South Carolina,” Haley remarked.You know, I had Black friends when I was a child. You grow up and have them too.It is a topic of much discussion.”
In response to this another controversy, Haley said she was kidding when she told voters in New Hampshire that they could “correct” Iowa if that state chooses a different candidate in the caucuses.
Haley reminded Iowa voters, “We banter against each other on different things,” reaffirming her passion for the Hawkeye State. Iowa is made fun of by New Hampshire. South Carolina is made fun of by Iowa. That’s what we carry out.”
“I’m fighting for every state,” she continued.
Recalleding that DeSantis called her “correct” remark offensive to Iowa, Haley responded, “Of course he did.”
increasing the attacks on Trump
As the election draws closer, Haley—who was reluctant to criticize Trump in the early going—is becoming more critical of the former president.
Haley stated at the CNN town hall that while Trump was a wonderful president during his tenure, he is currently trailed by “chaos” and criminal indictments, which would make him a poor choice to face President Joe Biden in the general election.
“Not any more drama,” Haley declared. “No more taking things personally.”
In response to a pointed query from a voter, Haley stood by her promise to grant Trump a pardon if needed. Haley stated, “We have to move past that.”
Trump supporters attacked Haley on social media during the town hall on topics ranging from China policy to border security.
According to Trump senior adviser Jason Miller on X, formerly Twitter, “Nikki will say anything to anyone and take any position at anytime, as long as she thinks it will help her political career.”
No to gun control measures
Haley began by expressing her condolences for the victims of the Perry, Iowa, school shooting that had occurred earlier in the day.
Haley, who is running for the nomination of a party that supports gun rights, added that mental health issues should be addressed rather than imposing additional gun restrictions.
“We have got to deal with the cancer that is mental health,” Haley stated.
Haley was criticized by the Democratic National Committee, which said she “dodged answering for her anti-choice agenda and her support for election deniers.” Haley was compared to Trump. According to a DNC press release, Hillary “found new ways to prove her MAGA bona fides by callously siding with the gun lobby over the safety of America’s children.”
“The appropriate woman”
Haley is confident that her gender won’t be a barrier to her campaign.
She asserted that the country is prepared to choose a female president, but it must be “the right” woman.
“So is America ready for a female president?” stated Haley. “You bet they’re ready for a female president, and I’m going to be the one that makes them proud.”
