Haley pitches herself as a new direction for the GOP and the country
Former South Carolina governor and UN ambassador Nikki Haley visited Colorado on Tuesday, hoping to win over voters in the state’s presidential primary on March 5. Haley, who is running against her former boss Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, told a crowd of supporters at the Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight Museum in Centennial that she offers a new direction for the GOP and the country.
“We can either go with more of the same or we can go with something new,” Haley said. “More of the same is not just Joe Biden. More of the same is also Donald Trump.”
Haley criticized both Trump and Biden for their handling of various issues, such as the national debt, immigration, foreign policy, and veterans affairs. She said Trump has caused chaos and division, while Biden has been weak and ineffective. She said she has the experience, vision, and courage to lead the country in a better way.
“I know how to deal with dictators, I know how to deal with allies, and I know how to get things done,” Haley said. “I’m not afraid to stand up to anyone, whether it’s Donald Trump, Joe Biden, or Vladimir Putin.”
Haley appeals to unaffiliated voters in Colorado
Colorado is one of the states that allows unaffiliated voters, who make up about 40% of the electorate, to participate in either party’s primary. Haley said she believes she can attract those voters who are looking for a change from the status quo.
“You all know family, friends — and you’d be surprised how a lot of them are just general election voters,” Haley said. “In a general election, you’re given a choice. In a primary, you make your choice. This is the time for Colorado to make the choice.”
Haley said she wants to bring the Republican Party back to its core principles of fiscal responsibility, limited government, and individual freedom. She said she also wants to reach out to people of different backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives, and unite the country around common values and goals.
“We are not the party of Donald Trump. We are the party of Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, and Nikki Haley,” Haley said. “We are the party that believes in the greatness of America and the goodness of its people.”
Haley faces an uphill battle against Trump
Despite her optimism and enthusiasm, Haley faces a daunting challenge in her bid to defeat Trump, who remains the overwhelming favorite among Republican voters. Trump has won every state primary so far, including Haley’s home state of South Carolina, where he received more than 80% of the vote. He also has the endorsement of the Colorado Republican Party, which violated its own bylaws to support him before the primary.
Haley acknowledged that she is the underdog in the race, but said she is not giving up. She said she will continue to campaign in states with Super Tuesday primaries, such as Colorado, and try to persuade voters that she is the best candidate to take on Biden in the general election.
“I know it’s hard. I know it’s tough. But I also know it’s worth it,” Haley said. “Because this is not about me. This is not about Donald Trump. This is about you. This is about our country. This is about our future.”
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