Nikki Haley On Running For President In 2024: ‘I Think I Could Be That Leader’

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley Fox News interviewed her Thursday night to say that she feels she could be the next president of the United States. She also said that she is exploring the possibility.

Haley is a possible candidate for the run despite her being ill. telling The Associated Press in 2013: “I would not run if President Trump ran.”

“When you’re looking at a run for president, you look at two things,” Haley said this to Fox News anchor Bret Bailey. “You first look at, does the current situation push for new leadership? The second question is, am I that person that could be that new leader, that, yes, we need to go in a new direction? And can I be that leader? Yes, I think I can be that leader.”

“I was — as governor, I took on a hurting state with double-digit unemployment, and we made it the beast of the Southeast,” She said. “As ambassador, I took on the world when they tried to disrespect us. And I think I showed what I’m capable of at the United Nations.”

“So, do I think I could be that leader? Yes,” She added. “But we are still working through things, and we will figure it out. I have never lost a race. I said that then. I still say that now. I’m not going to lose now. But stay tuned.”

BRET BAIER, FOX ANCHOR: Welcom back “Special Report.”

We are joined tonight at the table by Nikki Haley (ex-ambassador to the United Nations) and Nikki Haley (ex-Gouvernor of South Carolina).

We appreciate you joining us.

NIKKI Haley, FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR OF THE UNITED NATIONS – It is great to be with you.

BAIER: Let’s talk about some of the latest news with you. The handling of classified documents has been the topic that has received a lot of attention.

You handled classified documents. What did you see in this situation with President Biden?

HALEY: It is best to not take classified documents into an unsecure area.

So I believe that President Trump and Vice President Biden did it. Both should be investigated to ensure that there were no threats to national security. The thing that really upsets conservatives is the fact you can have Republicans doing the same thing as Democrats. Republicans are vilified while Democrats sweep it under the carpet.

And so that’s the FBI/DOJ double standard. At some point, something’s got to give. You can’t weaponize our agencies and have it play out this way.

BAIER: This week’s world stage is dominated by Davos, Switzerland and the World Economic Forum.

These speeches will show you that climate change is the greatest issue on the global stage. You have the Iranian protests. China is on the move on many fronts. What is the greatest challenge facing the world?

HALEY: That is so — Davos is so tone-deaf, because, if you look at the fact, families can’t afford their groceries, mothers can’t find baby formula.

There is an all-time high in crime. You have got inflation that’s up. You have got children who are so far behind in education, I don’t know that we’re going to catch them up. That’s great that they can go talk about the environment in Davos, but that’s not what Americans are feeling.

BAIER: You were the governor of South Carolina. While you were governor, the economy was strong. Republicans and Democrats have had a difficult time balancing federal funds.

HALEY: The governors must balance their budgets.

So, we do understand what it means to kind of pick and choose what you’re going to spend on. I think, when you look at the debt ceiling, we’re $31 trillion in debt. We borrow money to pay our interest. Our debt is greater than the economy. We haven’t had that since World War II.

We’re certainly in a place that is not sustainable.

BAIER: We spoke in the fall about what your ambitions are.

(BEGIN VIDEO CRIP)

BAIER: When do you make a decision whether you’re going to run for president?

Does it matter if former President Trump makes a decision?

HALEY: Look, I have said for a long time, if there’s a place for me, and I put my hat in, I have never lost a race. I’m not going to start now.

(END VIDEO CROP)

BAIER: After the holidays, you said you would look at it. Now, think about it. You would read the tea leaves in your own words.

We are now in the new Year. How do those tea leaves look? Is it possible to run for the presidency?

HALEY: Well, I’m not going to make an announcement here.

But when you’re looking at a run for president, you look at two things. First, you look at the current situation.

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