Gov. Nikki Haley’s Republican response to the State of the Union address got some kudos from political pundits and leaders on both sides of the aisle, but it was harshly panned by some of the GOP’s most prominent figures, including Trump.
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She added that Haley “should be on anyone’s short list for vice president based upon her record, based upon her leadership, her record as governor in SC and what she represents for the future”.
In part, Obama chided – although not by name – the leading Republican presidential contender, billionaire real estate tycoon Donald Trump, for his calls to keep Muslims from entering the country and to deport 11 million illegal immigrants already in the U.S.
“We need to reject any politics – any politics – that targets people because of race or religion”, the president said.
SC holds outsize influence over the Republican primary as the third early voting state, and at least one candidate praised Haley’s State of the Union response.
After sharing her tale as the daughter of immigrants, the nation’s second Indian American governor drew upon the example of unity following last year’s racially motivated mass shooting at a church in Charleston, South Carolina.
“I feel very strongly about illegal immigration”. “Because over the years, she’s asked me for a hell of a lot of money in campaign contributions”.
His comments ignored the larger thrust of Haley’s speech, which warned her party against the allure of Trump-esque vitriol in favor of a more inclusive tone that mirrored Obama’s forward-looking address.
In an apparent reference to Donald Trump Haley, Haley said, “Some people think that you have to be the loudest voice in the room to make a difference”. What I will tell you is, the Syrian refugees, I said when the Federal Bureau of Investigation director called and told me that he had no way of knowing what their past was, we said, well, we don’t want them.
Though an admirer of the governor, Limbaugh said on his show Wednesday that her speech was proof that the GOP would like to rid itself of conservatives.
At the same time, many in the GOP feel the party must do a better job of appealing to Hispanics and other minority voters if they are to compete effectively in national and many statewide elections. “We can’t afford to take that risk”, Haley said. You look at the African-Americans, they’re doing worse than they’ve ever done, and we have an African-American president. I mean, she’s very, very weak on it and it’s a problem.
Haley delivered her remarks without stumbling.
Speaking from the governor’s residence for nine minutes, Haley did not mention the GOP presidential race.
Haley’s her own biggest enemy.
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“I think she was presenting a case that Republicans could present a hopeful policy initiative, more so than just the anger we’ve tended to hear”, Dr. Bitzer said.
