DeSantis seizes opportunity from Haley’s civil war misstep before Iowa caucuses

Gov.⁤ Ron DeSantis Takes Aim at Nikki Haley Over Civil War ⁤Comments

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) is seizing on ⁣fellow 2024 Republican rival Nikki Haley after she did not ⁤say the Civil War was caused by slavery‍ during a town hall event in New Hampshire.

DeSantis’s campaign has repeatedly slammed‌ Haley ‌over the comments, claiming she isn’t‍ “ready for​ primetime.”‌ The remark comes amid Haley’s recent rise in‍ the primary campaign, which could now be threatened by her gaffe. This ⁣is the latest dust-up between the two candidates who have bitterly battled for second​ place in the primary behind former President Donald Trump.

Nikki ‍Haley’s Civil War Flap Sparks Controversy

“I noticed that Nikki Haley⁤ has had some problems with some basic American history. She was asked a very ‌simple question and responded with just really incomprehensible word salad about this and that,” DeSantis said⁤ Thursday. “I just think that this shows, this ‍is not a ⁤candidate that’s ready for prime time. She’s gotten a pretty‍ free ride from a lot of the corporate press. ‍The ⁢minute that ⁢she faces any type of ⁢scrutiny she tends‌ to cave.”

Then, to⁢ twist the proverbial ​knife into ​Haley further, DeSantis explained his‍ own beliefs on the ​Civil War. “Not that difficult to identify⁤ and acknowledge the role slavery⁤ played in the Civil War,” he continued. “And yet that seemed to⁣ be something that was really difficult. I ⁢don’t ⁤even know what she was saying.”

He also reportedly said at⁣ a different campaign event in Iowa that‍ the Republican Party was “founded to put ⁢a stop to the ‌growth of slavery in​ this country,” which the GOP should be proud of.

Although Haley has ⁢since said that the​ war was caused ‌by slavery, ⁢she​ originally ​claimed that it ⁣was due to⁤ “how ⁤government ⁢was‌ going to run. The freedoms and what​ people couldn’t⁤ do” during a New Hampshire town hall on Wednesday when questioned⁤ by an audience member. She also claimed later on that the question⁣ was planted by Democrats to ⁢trip her up because President Joe Biden wants ‌to​ run against Trump in next year’s presidential elections.

The Florida governor’s rapid response team was quick to slam Haley over the⁤ remarks that very night. His rapid response team responded to Haley’s comments ⁤with ​a simple “Yikes” on social media followed by several posts attacking her.

Andrew Romeo, DeSantis’s campaign spokesman,⁢ excoriated Haley on X, the platform ⁣formerly known as Twitter, Thursday morning. ⁤”Embarrassing⁣ cleanup attempt,” he posted. “Even if ‌that is true … If she ‌can’t handle a question as basic as⁢ the cause of the⁣ Civil War, what does she think is going to happen to her in a⁤ general election. The Democrats ​would eat her lunch.”

The ‌controversy surrounding Haley⁣ is a welcome⁢ respite for the DeSantis campaign, which‌ has faced scrutiny over its viability before the crucial Jan. 15 Iowa‌ caucuses, which he has staked his‌ 2024​ bid on. Trump continues to dominate ‌his GOP rivals in⁣ national polls. A ReaClearPolitics‍ poll average shows the former president ⁣at 62.5%, DeSantis at 11.3%, less ‌than 1 percentage point above Haley⁤ at 11%.

Within the last month, six executives have left Never Back Down, the super PAC that has acted as a de facto campaign for DeSantis, further distracting from ⁤his ⁤bid to win over Iowans before they decide on⁤ who they want as the GOP nominee.⁣ Meanwhile, ⁤Haley is nipping at DeSantis’s heels for second place and, until this ‌week, had generally received better media coverage than he⁢ has.

Yet, DeSantis and Haley are ⁢set to face off on the debate stage on Jan. 10, likely the‍ last time before the Iowa caucuses. If this week is any indication, the Florida governor is likely to ⁣throw the Civil War controversy in Haley’s ⁤face one more time in‍ a bid to improve his status.

The Washington Examiner reached ⁣out to Haley’s campaign ‌for comment.

CLICK ‍HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE ⁤WASHINGTON EXAMINER

How does DeSantis’s response to Haley’s comments demonstrate the⁣ qualities necessary‍ for a potential ‍presidential candidate, such as a firm understanding of history and a willingness to confront difficult ‌truths

Ainst her in 2024.

The‍ controversy surrounding Haley’s comments has not only ignited a ‌feud between the two⁤ potential presidential candidates but has also sparked a broader debate⁢ about the understanding of American history among political figures. The Civil War, a defining moment in American history, was unequivocally caused⁤ by the⁢ institution of slavery. Its origins and consequences are well-documented, and any attempt to downplay or distort this fact is concerning.

DeSantis’s criticism of Haley’s remarks is warranted and highlights the importance of⁢ a comprehensive understanding of history,⁣ particularly for those who aspire to ⁤hold public⁣ office. It is essential for leaders to demonstrate a grasp of the complexities and​ nuances of historical events,​ as it shapes their worldview and the policies they advocate for.

By minimizing the role of slavery in the ⁤Civil War, Haley ⁤not only misrepresents historical facts ​but⁤ also dismisses ​the experiences of millions of enslaved individuals who suffered unimaginable hardships. It is irresponsible and disrespectful to ignore the ‌central role⁢ played by slavery⁣ in this dark chapter of American history.

Furthermore, Haley’s claim that the question was planted by Democrats to trip her up is a diversionary tactic that deflects from ‍the core issue at hand. Rather than addressing her mischaracterization of the ‌Civil War,‍ she attempts to portray herself as a victim of political manipulation. Such tactics ⁢undermine the public’s trust in political leaders and detract from substantive policy discussions.

DeSantis’s ​response, on the other hand,⁣ demonstrates⁣ a firm understanding of history and a ⁣willingness to confront difficult⁤ truths. By acknowledging the undeniable link between slavery and the Civil War, he showcases a ‍commitment to recognizing ​and learning from the mistakes of⁣ the past. This is a crucial quality in a potential presidential candidate, as it reflects an ability to make informed decisions and navigate complex challenges.

As the 2024 ⁢Republican primary heats up, it is important for voters to​ evaluate the candidates’ knowledge, integrity, and leadership abilities. The ⁣controversy surrounding ‍Nikki Haley’s comments on the Civil War raises valid concerns about her readiness for the national stage. History should not be forgotten or distorted for political expediency. Rather, it should serve as a guide and a cautionary tale to‍ help shape a more just⁢ and equitable⁤ future.

Ultimately, it is incumbent upon political leaders to accurately represent historical events and embrace their significance. Only by doing so can we learn from our past and strive for a better future.

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