Former South Carolina Governor and Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley faced criticism after failing to mention slavery as the cause of the Civil War during a campaign event in Berlin, New Hampshire.
When a male attendee asked her about the cause of the Civil War, Haley responded by discussing the government’s role in the conflict, freedoms, and the rights of the people, without mentioning slavery.
When the attendee pressed her about not mentioning slavery, Haley responded, “What do you want me to say about slavery?” Her response was met with applause from some members of the audience, but it also garnered criticism on social media, including a tweet from President Biden clarifying that the Civil War was indeed about slavery.
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair, Jaime Harrison, criticized Haley’s response, stating that condemning slavery should be a baseline for anyone seeking to become President of the United States. Haley has been gaining momentum in New Hampshire, according to recent polls, and she has even gained ground on former President Donald Trump in the state.
Throughout her campaign, Haley has highlighted her role in the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina State House grounds in 2015, following the mass shooting at Mother Emanuel AME church in Charleston.
She has portrayed herself as a unifying figure who helped bridge divisions during this sensitive time.
Haley’s comments at the town hall event have sparked a discussion about the historical context of the Civil War and the role of slavery in it, especially within the broader political landscape.
Ms. Haley isn’t as dumb as she may seem. She clearly knows what caused the Civil War but didn’t want to offend the racist sect within her party.
