Standing out on the stage among seven men, Nikki Haley used her gender to try to win votes from the American people for the 2024 presidential election. Here’s how people reacted.
Her Gender Stood Out
Nikki Haley was the only woman on the stage at the first 2024 Republican Presidential Debate. She stood out among the men dressed in dark suits with red ties.
Haley’s gender may have stood out on the stage, but she used it to her benefit.
While Chris Christie and Vivek Ramaswamy debated back and forth on climate change, Haley stepped into the argument with her own opinion.
Haley interjected, “This is exactly why Margaret Thatcher said, ‘If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.’”
A Round of Applause for Her Margaret Thatcher Quote
The line Haley quoted originally came from the late British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher. Thatcher was the first female British prime minister and held office from 1979 through 1990.
Shortly after Haley drew applause from the crowd with her Margaret Thatcher quote, she fired back at Mike Pence for saying he would sign a 15-week abortion ban into law at the federal level.
Haley accused Pence of being dishonest with the people about what was politically possible. She told him to “be honest with the American people” about a federal ban.
Haley argued, “No Republican president can ban abortions any more than a Democrat president can ban all those state laws.” With a 60-vote filibuster threshold in the Senate, no Democratic or Republican president can set an abortion policy.
“Do Not Make Women Feel Like They Have To Decide on This Issue”
Haley told Pence, “Do not make women feel like they have to decide on this issue.”
There has been a strong divide among Republicans since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. While on the debate stage, the presidential candidates claimed to be “pro-life,” but no one agreed on whether or not they supported a 15-week abortion ban at the federal level.
Nikki Haley has been committed to setting herself apart in a field full of men. The reactions from those who watched the debate were mixed.
Several Twitter users called Haley a “warmonger” and said her Margaret Thatcher quote at the debate was “sexist.”
“I’m a Woman and That Turned Me Off”
Twitter user @ACES7012 commented, “I’m a woman and that turned me off,” in response to the quote made by Haley. Not everyone was a fan of Haley’s push on “identity politics.”
Another Twitter user said, “So wait – you condemn people who talk about their race, but it’s ok for you to talk about being a woman. Got it.” Nikki Haley is the first prominent woman of color to seek the Republican nomination but doesn’t want to make her campaign about race.
The compliments for Haley also rolled in on social media. One user said, “Have to admit she did the best! MHO.” Thomas Bell said, “Great job tonight!”
“Impressive Work Last Night. You Were the Standout Candidate”
Cameron Ventura said to Haley, “Impressive work last night. You were the standout candidate.” Nikki Haley’s use of gender politics was appealing to some viewers.
Republicans have been hesitant to embrace the idea of “identity politics.” Identity politics claims that race and gender can affect how a person approaches a policy.
While some voters still hold sexist political views, Haley seems to appeal to women voters who are against Trump.
The post Nikki Haley Shakes the Stage as She Uses the Gender Card in a Heated GOP Debate! first appeared on The Net Worth Of.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Juli Hansen. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
Source: Politico