Intensifying Hostilities: Haley and Ramaswamy Lock Horns in Fourth Debate
Former South Carolina Gov Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy's feud intensifies in the 4th debate, as they exchange heated remarks Ramaswamy accuses Haley of corruption, sparking further tension
During the fourth Republican primary debate in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy clashed, reigniting a contentious feud with Ramaswamy accusing Haley of being "corrupt." Ramaswamy criticized Haley for accepting donations from wealthy donors, including supporters of President Joe Biden, and for her stance on the US providing aid to Ukraine.
Haley brushed off criticisms of her increasing support from affluent contributors by labeling Ramaswamy as "simply envious" and asserted that she does not alter her stances to satisfy donors.
The tension between Haley and Ramaswamy has escalated as they exchanged verbal jabs during the last three debates. Their disagreements have primarily revolved around foreign policy matters, but their clashes have taken on a more personal nature over time. During Wednesday's debate, both candidates intensified their personal attacks, building on their history of confrontation.
During the debate, Ramaswamy once again went after Haleys connections to donors, eventually displaying a handwritten sign on his notepad that read "Nikki = Corrupt" to emphasize his defense against accusations of sexism. He reiterated his criticism of Ronna McDaniel and claimed that Haleys foreign dealings as a military contractor were corrupt, stating, "Nikki, I don't have a woman problem. You have a corruption problem. And I think that's what people need to know. Nikki is corrupt." He held up the sign, written in large font, for the audience to see.
When asked if she would like to respond to Ramaswamys blunt attack, Haley dismissively declined.
"No, its not worth my time to respond to him," she said.
Dick Cheney in three-inch heels
During the initial debate in Milwaukee, Haley participated alongside other candidates on the stage, such as former Vice President Mike Pence and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, in questioning Ramaswamy's stances on the conflict in Ukraine, the US alliance with Israel, and China.
Vivek's misunderstanding lies in his desire to hand Ukraine over to Russia, to allow China to take control of Taiwan, and to cease funding for Israel. According to Haley, such actions are not suitable for treating friends. She also criticized Ramaswamy for favoring a "murderer" like Russian President Vladimir Putin over a proud American country.
Ramaswamy responded to Haley's comments by implying that she supports America's involvement in global conflicts in order to benefit corporations that supply weapons to the US military. He quipped, "Nikki, I wish you success in your future endeavors on the boards of Lockheed and Raytheon."
Haley interrupted Ramaswamy to stress her stance that his policies would be detrimental to America's interests.
"You will put America at risk. Your lack of foreign policy experience is apparent and will make America less safe under your leadership," Haley asserted.
During the third debate in Miami, the two candidates persisted in their debate on foreign policy. Ramaswamy worked to distinguish himself from the former UN ambassador's foreign policy experience, depicting her as overly eager to involve the US in foreign conflicts and insinuating that she personally benefitted from US military contracts during her time on Boeing's board. He likened Haley to former Vice President Dick Cheney, who is seen by some as the influential figure behind the US's involvement in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan during the George W. Bush administration.
"Would you prefer a leader from a different generation who prioritizes this country, or Dick Cheney in three-inch heels?" Ramaswamy asked the audience. Haley, the only woman on the stage, addressed the comment about her shoes before standing by her endorsement of Israel's military actions against Hamas.
"I want to clarify that these are five-inch heels and I only wear them if I can run in them," Haley stated. "I wear heels not just for fashion, but also for protection."
During the debate on Wednesday night, Ramaswamy once again attempted to undermine Haley's foreign policy expertise, stating that experience is "not equivalent to wisdom in foreign policy," and daring her to name three provinces in eastern Ukraine on the debate stage.
"Let's not buy into the false idea that someone with a brief stint at the UN and who then makes 8 million dollars has real foreign policy experience. It takes an outsider to see this through," stated Ramaswamy.
As the audience booed Ramaswamy, he pointed to Haley and remarked, "Look at the blank expression. She doesn't even know the names of the provinces she wants to fight for."
Later in the debate, Haley did name multiple provinces being fought over in eastern Ukraine.
Youre just scum
In the second Simi Valley, California debate, Haley criticized Ramaswamy for recently joining TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. Ramaswamy defended his decision to reach out to younger voters, but Haley bluntly dismissed his reasoning by saying, "Every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber."
Haley persistently criticized Ramaswamy for his business transactions in China and strongly advocated for a complete prohibition of the social media app.
"We cannot trust you. We cannot trust you," she emphasized. "We cannot allow TikTok to be a part of our children's lives. It must be banned."
During the third debate in Miami, a new conflict arose when Ramaswamy brought up Haley's daughter's use of TikTok in defense of his own use of the app.
"In the previous debate, she mocked me for joining TikTok, yet her own daughter had been using the app for quite some time. Perhaps you should focus on your own family first," Ramaswamy stated.
Haley interjected, telling him to "leave my daughter out of your voice."
"Youre just scum," Haley muttered into the microphone as Ramaswamy continued his response, rolling her eyes.
