Nikki Haly was among the first prominent Republicans to challenge Donald Trump for the presidential elections next year. The former South Carolina governor has also been the UN ambassador. At a 90-minute CNN town hall in Iowa, she made a case for her candidacy.
For Nikki Haley, it was an effort to step out of the low ratings in polls. She is yet to see her presidential campaign catch on. She emphasized her vision and experience. But will it strike a chord among voters?
Under Trump, Nikki Haley was ahead on policy issues, evenly tempered, and consistently upbeat. Though there was talk of her contrast with Trump, she has dodged chances to directly take him or President Biden on.
At the Town Hall, the audience was praiseworthy for her demeanor, which they termed as a breath of fresh air. Nikki Haley earned wholehearted appreciation from the Iowa Republicans who had turned up in full numbers.
Nikki Haley Has Been Conservative On Key Issues
On key issues, both foreign and domestic, Nikki Haley stuck to a typical GOP stance before the populism of Trump took over. In a race that has seen displays of total dominance, her reasoned manner came as a breath of fresh air. But she also remains an also-ran, the only woman in the R republican race so far. The town hall event with Nikki Haley was a total contrast with the much-criticized explosive and combative style of Trump. Missing was audience jeers and forceful interrogation.
Nikki Haley has presented herself as a new-generation leader and has not hidden her life experience being the daughter of Indian immigrants. She was viewed as a star, but her embrace of Trump has led to a decline in her popularity. On issues like transgender rights, gun restrictions, and abortion, she continues to toe a conservative line, though she admitted to the need for a more humane approach towards transgender kids.
