Nikki Haley, the former US ambassador to the United Nations and a rising star in the Republican Party, is set to face intense scrutiny at the upcoming third Republican debate. Despite being in third place nationally behind Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump, Haley has seen a bump in recent opinion surveys and is gaining momentum in key nominating states such as New Hampshire and South Carolina.
Haley, born to Indian immigrants who ran a clothing store in rural South Carolina, has built a reputation as a solid conservative who can address issues of gender and race in a credible manner. She graduated from Clemson University with a degree in accounting and went on to help expand her parents’ business before entering politics. Haley won a seat in the South Carolina state legislature in 2004 and later became the first woman to serve as governor of the state, where she appointed her current rival, Tim Scott, to the US Senate.
While Haley’s political career has not been without controversy, her leadership during times of crisis has been widely praised. She responded to the 2015 murder of nine black churchgoers in South Carolina by signing a bill into law removing the Confederate flag from the state capitol. Her decision to describe the Confederate battle flag as a symbol of “heritage” for some Southerners has also sparked criticism.
Haley’s decision to run for president was seen as a surprise move, given her relatively short time in the public eye and her relatively unknown stance on key issues. However, she has sought to distinguish herself as a strong contender on foreign policy, taking a tough stance on China and supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.
Nikki Haley (Via Nikki Haley/Twitter)
Despite her efforts, Haley still faces an uphill battle in the crowded Republican field. She has been critical of former President Trump, accusing him of being too soft on adversaries and mishandling sensitive national security information. However, she has also acknowledged his importance in the Republican Party and has sought to distance herself from his divisive rhetoric.
As Haley prepares for the third Republican debate, she will be looking to further raise her profile and prove herself as a viable alternative to Trump and DeSantis. With her strong leadership skills and foreign policy experience, she may yet prove to be a force to be reckoned with in the 2024 Republican nominating contest.
