Despite a humiliating loss in her home state of South Carolina, where she was a popular governor, GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley struck a defiant tone on Feb. 24, vowing to continue the race despite decreasing odds, saying, “I am a woman of my word.”
As of press time, former President Donald Trump leads Ms. Haley, 59.7 percent to 39.6 percent.
In a speech in Charleston, South Carolina, Ms. Haley congratulated President Trump on winning the contest.
“And I want to thank the people of South Carolina for using the power of your voice,” she said. “No matter the results, I love the people of our state. I love what we accomplished together.”
Ms. Haley, who led the Palmetto State during a church shooting where a white supremacist killed nine Black people, went on to say, “And I love how we united during our worst challenges and tragedies.”
She remarked that the country is frustrated but they need to pick someone who can beat President Joe Biden.
“I share it. I feel it to my core. I couldn’t be more worried for America. It seems like our country is coming apart,” she said.
“But here’s the thing. America will come apart if we make the wrong choices.”
Ms. Haley reiterated one of her main campaign talking points: President Trump would lose to President Biden in a general election matchup.
“I don’t believe Donald Trump can beat Joe Biden. Nearly every day, Trump drives people away, including with his comments just yesterday,” she said, referring to his saying that Black voters will come to his side even with his 91 charges across four indictments.
Moreover, Ms. Haley noted that getting some 40 percent of the vote is not a small thing, as it shows a significant plurality.
‘Voters Want an Alternative’
“There are huge numbers of voters in our Republican primaries who are saying they want an alternative,” she said, and the election should be about giving voters choices.
“South Carolina has spoken. We’re the fourth state to do so,” she said. “In the next ten days, another 21 states and territories will speak. They have the right to a real choice, not a Soviet-style election with only one candidate. And I have a duty to give them that choice.”
Additionally, Ms. Haley cited issues facing the United States.
“We can’t afford four more years of Biden’s failures or Trump’s lack of focus. We’re at $34 trillion in debt and counting,” she said. “Not even a third of our 8th graders are proficient in reading. Families can’t afford groceries. Nine million illegals have come to our border—with enough fentanyl to kill every single American.
“And beyond our borders, the world is on fire. War is spreading further every day. If we aren’t strong, those wars will draw America further in.”
Furthermore, Ms. Haley blasted President Biden and President Trump for being divisive.
“One of them calls his fellow Americans fascists,” she said, referring to President Biden calling President Trump’s MAGA movement “semi-fascism.”
“The other calls his fellow Americans vermin,” said Ms. Haley. a reference to President Trump’s describing his adversaries as “radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country.”
“They aren’t fighting for our country’s future,” said Ms. Haley. “They’re demanding we fight each other.”
The Campaign Continues
Finally, said Ms. Haley, her campaign continues.
“We’re headed to Michigan tomorrow,” she said. “And we’re headed to the Super Tuesday states throughout all of next week.
“We’ll keep fighting for America—and we won’t rest until America wins!”
Despite Ms. Haley’s loss, her supporters told The Epoch Times they are not deterred.
“She’s giving inspiration to go forward,” said Lynn Riker, a retired school psychologist.
Ms. Haley’s speech “was awesome. Very positive,” said Beth Stuckey, an executive assistant from Charleston.
“I’m going all the way with her,” she said when asked if she thinks Ms. Haley should take her campaign all the way to the summer convention.
Nathan Worcester contributed to this report.
From The Epoch Times
