Nikki Haley's stance on Civil War questioned, momentum remains strong

• Nikki Haley firmly believes that the Civil War was about slavery.

• She rejects the idea of slavery being viewed as a jobs program.

• Haley's stance on the Civil War is clear and consistent.

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks during a town hall, Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, in Nevada, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

AP

In a recent interview, former Congressman Will Hurd expressed his unwavering support for Republican candidate Nikki Haley, dismissing the controversy surrounding her recent comments on the Civil War. Hurd, who believes Haley is the best contender to challenge Donald Trump in the primary, praised her clarity and leadership in addressing the issue.

During a public appearance, Haley was asked about the cause of the Civil War and responded by stating it was fought for 'freedom,' neglecting to specifically mention slavery. While critics argued that her response was imprecise, Hurd emphasized that Haley quickly clarified her stance, acknowledging that slavery was indeed the cause of the conflict. He commended her for taking responsibility and rectifying any misunderstanding.

Hurd also highlighted Haley's successful track record, asserting that she is a leader capable of unifying the country. He praised her ability to appeal to Democrats who have grown increasingly disappointed with the current administration. Citing polling data, Hurd pointed out that Haley holds a significant double-digit lead over Joe Biden, further solidifying her position as the strongest candidate to challenge Trump.

When asked about the potential impact of the controversy on Haley's appeal to moderate Republican voters, Hurd remained confident that it would not hinder her momentum. He reiterated Haley's clarity on the issue and dismissed the incident as a mere misspeaking, given the demanding schedule of numerous events she had participated in throughout the day.

Hurd acknowledged the likely attempts by opponents to exploit the situation to attack Haley's candidacy, attributing it to their fear of her rising popularity. According to the former congressman, Democrats and fellow Republicans alike view Haley as a formidable threat and will seize any opportunity to undermine her.

While Hurd firmly supported and endorsed Haley, he also acknowledged that her initial response could have been better. However, he argued that Haley's subsequent clarification and consistent messaging on the matter should not be disregarded. In his view, the controversy surrounding the Civil War comments is unlikely to impede Haley's momentum as she continues to gain traction in the polls.

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