Former South Carolina Governor and 2024 Republican Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley Faces Backlash for Civil War Comments

Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and current 2024 Republican presidential candidate, is under scrutiny for failing to acknowledge slavery as the cause of the Civil War during a recent town hall in New Hampshire. When asked about the Civil War, Haley stated, “I think the cause of the Civil War was basically how government was going to run,” avoiding any mention of slavery. Her response raised concerns and drew criticism, especially given her recent rise in GOP presidential primary polls.

During the town hall, an audience member expressed astonishment at her omission of the term “slavery.” In an attempt to mitigate the backlash, Haley clarified on a radio show that, indeed, the Civil War was about slavery. She also labeled the voter who raised the question as a “Democrat plant.” Despite her efforts to control the damage, Haley’s comments may impact her image, particularly among New Hampshire primary voters.

Haley has gained prominence as a top challenger to former President Donald Trump in recent GOP presidential primary polls. However, her comments on the Civil War could jeopardize her standing as a “reasonable” and “likable” candidate, particularly in New Hampshire. Critics argue that her reluctance to blame the Civil War on slavery aligns with her past efforts to avoid criticizing the Confederacy and maintain appeal with the far-right factions of her party.

Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison, who led the South Carolina Democratic Party during Haley’s governorship, commented that Haley’s remarks were not surprising for Black residents in South Carolina at that time. He urged people to reevaluate their perception of Haley.

As governor of South Carolina, Haley had a complex relationship with Confederate symbols. She initially supported the Confederate flag, stating that it represented heritage and tradition, not racism. However, after the 2015 Charleston church shooting by a White nationalist, she called for the removal of the Confederate flag from the state capitol.

Haley’s recent email to supporters highlighted her New Hampshire town hall events, emphasizing grassroots support. During a subsequent town hall, she explicitly acknowledged slavery as the cause of the Civil War, emphasizing the progress made and her role in removing the Confederate flag from the statehouse grounds.