DeSantis seizes opportunity from Haley’s Civil War blunder 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.”
In a statement to the Washington Examiner, Haley’s campaign slammed DeSantis.
“Let me get this straight — the guy who won’t condemn neo-Nazis is attacking the South Carolina governor who took down the Confederate flag,” said Haley campaign communications director Nachama Soloveichik, alluding to DeSantis’s reaction to neo-Nazi demonstrations in Florida. “Just pack up your campaign and go home, Ron. It’s over.”
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.
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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.
Why is it important for political leaders to have a thorough understanding of American history, especially when discussing sensitive topics like the Civil War and the role of slavery
R spreading conspiracy theories. “Nikki Haley’s attempt to shift blame and play victim is a desperate ploy to distract from her blatant lack of knowledge on American history,” Romeo stated. “Her attempt to blame Democrats and President Biden for her own ignorance is deeply troubling and shows a complete lack of accountability.”
This latest feud between DeSantis and Haley is indicative of the larger struggle within the Republican Party to define its identity in the post-Trump era. Both candidates are vying for the support of Trump’s base, with DeSantis positioning himself as a staunch ally of the former president and Haley attempting to strike a balance between loyalty to Trump and a more moderate image.
However, when it comes to issues like the Civil War and the role of slavery, there should be no room for ambiguity or historical revisionism. The historical consensus is clear: the Civil War was fought primarily over the issue of slavery. Any attempt to downplay or ignore this fact is not only intellectually dishonest but also disrespectful to the millions of enslaved people who suffered and died as a result of this institution.
It is important for political leaders to have a thorough understanding of American history, especially when discussing such sensitive topics. The Civil War has had a profound impact on our nation and continues to shape our society today. Ignorance or deliberate misrepresentation of this history undermines the integrity of our leaders and their ability to make informed decisions.
As the 2024 presidential race begins to take shape, it is crucial for candidates to engage in substantive discussions about the pressing issues facing our country. While disagreements and debates are inevitable, it is essential that these conversations are grounded in facts and a nuanced understanding of history.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’s criticism of Nikki Haley’s comments on the Civil War is a reminder that candidates must be held accountable for their words and views. It is not enough to simply appeal to a base or engage in political posturing. The American people deserve leaders who are informed, thoughtful, and committed to upholding the values and principles of our nation.
In the coming months, as the Republican primary race heats up, it will be interesting to see how candidates like DeSantis and Haley navigate the complex issue of American history and its significance in shaping our present and future. The voters will ultimately decide who is best equipped to lead our country, but it is our collective responsibility to demand honesty, integrity, and a deep respect for historical truth from those who seek to hold public office.
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