Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley defended her comments about New Hampshire voters “correcting” Iowa caucus voters in an interview with Iowa’s PBS affiliate. She called the primary system fascinating, saying candidates must “change personalities” as they move through states.
Nikki Haley Supports Traditional Sequence of Early Voting States in Presidential Primaries
Haley recognized the importance of early voting in states like Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. She stressed how important these states are in shaping national politics. Haley respected the process and each state’s role despite occasional teasing.
Asked about the changed Democratic nominating calendar, where Iowa is no longer the first state, Haley said she supports the old sequence. Former Governor of an early state, she stressed the importance of each state’s unique roles: Iowa as the first caucus, New Hampshire as the first-in-the-nation primary, and South Carolina as the first in the South.
She said the states have always protected each other’s positions and respect and wish to preserve them.
Nikki Haley Advocates for Democratic Caucuses’ Return to Iowa, Citing Economic Concerns
Haley wanted the Democratic caucuses back in Iowa and in order. She was surprised that Democrats were not contesting the move, which has political and economic consequences. Haley claimed that Democratic calendar changes draw attention and resources away from Iowa, hurting its economy.
Nikki Haley commended the primary system’s distinctive and powerful procedure. She explained that joking between states is part of friendship and defended her past views about state interactions. Haley supported the conventional order of early voting states and worried about Iowa’s economic impact because of the Democratic nominating schedule adjustments.