Nikki Haley says Trump has always been 'his own worst enemy’: Full interview

Summary

In an interview, Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley discusses the pressure from Trump and the RNC to drop out of the race. She stands firm, arguing the people should decide the nominee, not the party elite. Haley addresses Trump's personal attacks on her, saying they don't hurt her, but show he feels threatened. She argues Trump is declining mentally, ranting when insecure, and needs to step aside. Haley says Republicans and Democrats must secure the border immediately, no more excuses. She would not yet endorse a theoretical border security bill or commit to endorsing Trump as the nominee, focusing entirely on defeating him for the good of the country.

Takeaways

• 🔵 Nikki Haley emphasizes her resilience against what she perceives as bullying from Donald Trump and criticizes the political elite for inefficiency in addressing key issues like wasteful spending, border security, and global safety.
• 🔵 Haley expresses disagreement with the RNC's early push to unify the Republican Party around Trump, advocating for a democratic process that respects the choices of all American voters across all states.
• 🔵 Haley outlines her stance on term limits, mental competency tests for politicians, and accountability in budget management as measures to combat the inefficiency of the political class.
• 🔵 Despite Trump's significant lead and endorsements in South Carolina, Haley remains confident in her grassroots support and emphasizes her history of overcoming establishment opposition.
• 🔵 Haley critiques the RNC and Trump for attempting to prematurely decide the Republican nominee, advocating for a process that allows voters to have their say.
• 🔵 Haley is critical of Trump's legal distractions, arguing they divert attention from critical issues like the economy, border security, education, and law and order.
• 🔵 Haley commits to staying in the presidential race as long as she sees growth in her support per state, emphasizing a strategy focused on building momentum.
• 🔵 Haley questions the effectiveness of a potential pause in Israeli military operations in Gaza, highlighting concerns over giving Hamas time to regroup.
• 🔵 Responding to attacks from Trump, including questioning her eligibility for presidency based on her heritage, Haley dismisses these as signs of his insecurity and emphasizes her focus on policy over personal attacks.
• 🔵 Haley vehemently states she does not aim to be vice president under anyone, focusing solely on her presidential campaign and criticizing Trump's ability to lead effectively.

Q & A

What is Ambassador Haley's response to calls from Trump and the RNC for her to exit the presidential race?

Haley says Trump cannot 'bully his way through the nomination' and argues the RNC should not be deciding the nominee after only two states have voted. She wants to let the process play out.

Does Haley think she needs to win the South Carolina primary to stay viable?

Haley says she does not necessarily need an outright win in South Carolina but needs to build momentum by improving on her second place finish in New Hampshire. She plans to stay in the race through Super Tuesday.

How does Haley respond to Trump's attacks on her background and eligibility?

Haley laughs them off and says Trump lashes out when he feels threatened or insecure. She calls the attacks racist but does not directly say Trump is racist.

What is Haley's view on the border security negotiations in Congress?

Haley says Republicans and Democrats should not leave Washington until they reach a deal. She wants provisions like Remain in Mexico reinstated but is unsure if she would sign the current bill.

Would Haley support a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas?

Haley says the US should support the truce if Israel agrees, but she worries Hamas will use the time to rearm and plan further attacks on Israel.

How does Haley respond to a swatting incident at her home?

Haley says it endangered her elderly parents and law enforcement. She views it as an example of the chaos in the country that needs to end.

Is Haley concerned about political violence?

Yes, Haley says she has received threats on the campaign trail. She worries for her kids and says it shows the division in the country that needs healing.

Has Haley ruled out serving as Trump's running mate?

Yes, Haley reiterates she does not want to be anyone's vice president and is focused only on winning the Republican nomination.

Would Haley endorse Trump if he wins the nomination?

Haley avoids directly answering, only saying she is focused on defeating Trump for the nomination, not on endorsements.

What does Haley see as her path to beating Biden in a general election?

Haley says polls show she would beat Biden by double digits, giving her a mandate to cut wasteful spending and secure the border.