Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina gave the GOP response on Tuesday night following the President’s State of the Union. Haley, who is a Republican daughter of Indian immigrants, is often referred to as a rising star in the GOP. She is the first female and first minority to be governor of South Carolina. Many predict her to be chosen as the Vice Presidential choice for whichever Republican gets the nomination.
Her address was received with both praise and outrage by her fellow party members. Speaking from the South Carolina state capitol, Haley criticized Obama’s address but also referenced shortcomings in her own party. "We need to be honest with each other, and with ourselves,” she said. “While Democrats in Washington bear much responsibility for the problems facing America today, they do not bear it alone. There is more than enough blame to go around."
In an apparent reference to Donald Trump Haley, Haley said, “Some people think that you have to be the loudest voice in the room to make a difference. That is just not true. Often, the best thing we can do is turn down the volume.” Trump responded to her comment in an interview with Fox and Wednesday morning saying that she is, "very weak on illegal immigration," and that "she certainly has no trouble asking me for campaign contributions." He continued, "Over the years she's asked me for a hell of a lot of money in campaign contributions," Trump said. "So, you know, it's sort of interesting to hear her."
Jeb Bush and Paul Ryan had a different had more positive responses to the address, praising Haley for her political integrity. Jeb Bush tweeted, “Proud of my friend @nikkihaley for delivering a positive & uplifting response to Pres. Obama’s #SOTU. Clear vision for a brighter future.” Ryan wrote in a statement, “Governor Haley drew a remarkable contrast with the president tonight. She is one of the most effective leaders in our party.” He spoke highly of her vision for the Republican party saying, “She has turned conservative principles into real solutions in South Carolina. The vision she outlined for our country was inclusive and optimistic, and perhaps most important, it was grounded in reality. This is someone who’s done the tough work of governing.”
J@s@sF-ingChr@st - even GOP response to Obama's SOTU is a paean to immigrants. And GOP can't figure out why Trump is sweeping the country.
— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) January 13, 2016
Proud of my friend @nikkihaley for delivering a positive & uplifting response to Pres. Obama’s #SOTU. Clear vision for a brighter future.
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) January 13, 2016
Here's my statement on @POTUS' #LastSOTU and @nikkihaley's response. pic.twitter.com/hMV9dOPULx
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) January 13, 2016
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ora Media, LLC, its affiliates, or its employees.
