The Live Showdown: Nikki Haley vs Ron DeSantis - The Battle Unfolds on the Debate Stage
Next week's debate stage will witness the intense showdown between Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis as they confront each other on critical issues like the Israel-Gaza conflict, Ukraine-Russia war, and China's expanding global influence A battle not to be missed!
Next week's third primary debate in Miami will finally provide the opportunity for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to confront each other directly on crucial issues such as the Israel-Hamas war, Ukraine's conflict with Russia, and China's growing global influence. Leading up to the debate, both candidates have been sharing their potential attack strategies through interviews, speeches, and advertisements. Their aim is to establish themselves as the Republican contender who can best replace former President Donald Trump. Governor DeSantis has criticized Haley, accusing her of favoring China during her time as governor, in an attempt to undermine her credibility in foreign policy. Conversely, Haley has portrayed Governor DeSantis' increased focus on her as desperate tactics from a campaign that is losing momentum.
With time running out to challenge Trump, DeSantis and Haley have escalated their attacks on each other. This Wednesday's event presents a crucial opportunity for them, as well as the dwindling GOP field, to make their case on a prime-time stage before the upcoming caucuses and primaries in early 2022.
Organized by NBC News, Salem Radio Network, and the Republican Jewish Coalition, this is the first face-off for the remaining qualifying candidates since the deadly terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 and Israel's subsequent retaliation. Foreign policy, particularly the Republican candidates' perspectives on America's global role, will be a significant focus of the debate.
Haley's campaign has heavily focused on the importance of a strong foreign policy for America, particularly in the face of a growing isolationist faction within the GOP. This debate provides an opportunity for Haley, the former United Nations ambassador, to capitalize on her previous strong performances and continue the momentum she has gained through increased donors and larger crowds. According to Haley campaign spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas, Haley has consistently been transparent and unapologetic about her stance on supporting Israel, countering Vladimir Putin, and standing up to China.
The debate provides an opportunity for DeSantis to portray Haley as disconnected from a party that has moved away from the neoconservative stance of the Bush administration.
"Assess my accomplishments and consider her track record," DeSantis stated during a campaign event in Grimes, Iowa, on Friday evening. "⦠Has she shown persistence, resilience, and success in the face of challenges? No, that's not the case. She represents a different style of leadership."
Hal Lambert, a prominent donor supporting DeSantis within the GOP, noted that the Florida governor believes certain politicians prioritize the security of foreign borders over America's own borders. Lambert highlighted the contrast between DeSantis and Haley, stating that Haley tends to adopt a more aggressive war-based approach, whereas DeSantis exhibits a more restrained stance.
Both candidates are running out of time to present their arguments effectively. According to New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, who has made appearances alongside both DeSantis and Haley in recent weeks, there is a noticeable surge in support for Haley among Republican primary voters. He believes that the upcoming Miami debate on Wednesday will serve as a crucial moment in the race.
Sununu mentioned that with fewer candidates on the stage compared to the first debate, each candidate will have more time to speak. However, he emphasized that repeating the same points from the previous debates will not be sufficient, and the candidates need to introduce fresh ideas. Sununu sees the third debate as a challenging yet opportune moment for both candidates.
A focus on China
Ahead of the debate, DeSantis and Never Back Down, the super PAC supporting him, have previewed a number of attacks designed to call her foreign policy judgment into question.
During an interview with DeSantis on Monday, Hugh Hewitt from Salem Radio Networks, one of the moderators for the upcoming debate, highlighted two significant policy distinctions between the Florida governor and former UN ambassador Haley. These differences relate to DeSantis' support for Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville's blockade of military promotions due to the Defense Department's abortion policy and Haley's opposition to it, as well as DeSantis' hesitance to increase aid to Ukraine. DeSantis, however, expressed his belief that these aren't the sole contrasting factors.
DeSantis and his allies are targeting her efforts in attracting Chinese investment to South Carolina during her tenure as governor from January 2011 to January 2017. Specifically, they are focusing on her involvement in securing a 200-acre land grant for China Jushi, a fiberglass company. The deal, struck in 2016, was expected to generate 400 job opportunities in the state, as confirmed by the South Carolina Department of Commerce.
During his campaign in Iowa, DeSantis emphasized the disparity between her rhetoric and her actual track record. He criticized her for attempting to portray a different stance on China, while her actions included writing complimentary letters to the Chinese ambassador, expressing friendship and admiration towards China. DeSantis firmly argued that China should not be regarded as a friend, but rather as an adversary.
DeSantis has signed a law in May that prohibits China and other concerning foreign countries from buying farmland and land within 10 miles of military installations and critical infrastructure, such as seaports, airports, power plants, space ports, chemical manufacturing, and telecom systems.
According to DeSantis' press secretary Bryan Griffin, DeSantis has shown a unique understanding of the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party. Throughout his time as governor, he has worked to sever existing state ties with China and strengthen protections against potential Chinese encroachment. In contrast, Haley, during her governorship, actively courted Chinese businesses to South Carolina, considering them as friends and neglecting to take corrective measures to safeguard her state from the CCP threat.
Two ads regarding the issue have been released by Never Back Down in the past two weeks. One of the ads states, "Gov. Nikki Haley assisted the Chinese company in establishing its presence just five miles from our base. The land was given to them by her, where they proudly display China's flag and prioritize China's interests." The ad goes on to label Haley as "too dangerous to lead."
Haley has faced scrutiny about the agreement during her campaign. At a town hall meeting in Boone, Iowa on October 9, she was asked if she had given away the land. She cleverly diverted the question, informing the audience that her state did not "sell" any land to China. The Washington Post fact check deemed her response as "misleading." Following the publication of the fact check, a voter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa confronted her about why she had not been truthful regarding the land donation.
"There is not a single candidate in this race who hasn't made efforts to attract Chinese companies, including Ron DeSantis," she responded. Haley emphasized that her actions back then were aimed at job creation for the state, but now the United States possesses a greater comprehension of China's actions.
"Feel free to discuss any events from 10 years ago," she stated. "However, my focus is on addressing the present and finding effective solutions."
Haley has referred to China as an "adversary" and the most significant threat to America's national security. In recent times, she outlined her intention to adopt a more assertive stance towards China compared to both Trump and Biden. This involves urging Congress to terminate trade ties until the inflow of fentanyl into the US is reduced and placing restrictions on federal funding for American universities that receive financial support from the Chinese government.
Chip Felkel, a Republican strategist from South Carolina not affiliated with any campaigns, expressed doubt that the attack would resonate with ordinary voters, particularly in the Palmetto State. "Whether this is a sensitive issue or not relies on her response," Felkel stated. "Consider the individuals residing in communities across the state who have greatly benefited from Chinese investments."
Other policy feuds
The debate over China policy isnt the first time Haley and DeSantis have clashed.
DeSantis' claim that Haley wanted to accept refugees from Gaza during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has been debunked by CNN in a fact check. SFA Fund, the super PAC supporting Haley, countered the allegations and other attacks in a recent ad, accusing DeSantis of tarnishing Haley's reputation.
The ad asserts, "He is spreading falsehoods out of desperation due to his declining position."
Earlier this year, DeSantis and Disney clashed over the company's stance against a legislation called "Don't Say Gay," aimed at restricting sex and gender education in schools. In response to this, Haley extended an invitation to Disney, encouraging them to bring their jobs and investments to South Carolina.
During the second debate, Haley criticized DeSantis for opposing fracking and offshore drilling in Florida. DeSantis had campaigned on safeguarding Florida's coastlines, which are crucial for tourism, and the state's voters approved a ban on offshore drilling. Despite this, DeSantis has expressed support for fracking and drilling in states where it is permitted.
With Haley's rise in the polls, the policy feuds have become more urgent and aggressive. The upcoming third debate is happening at a critical moment in the primary process, as the Republican field is narrowing down and fewer candidates are anticipated to participate on the debate stage. According to a recent Des Moines Register/NBC/Mediacom poll, Haley's support has increased to 16%, a significant rise of 10 percentage points since August, putting her in a tie with DeSantis for second place.
DeSantis' supporters claim that there is encouraging news for him in the Iowa poll - he emerges as the preferred second choice for both Trump and Haley supporters. Among Trump supporters, 41% named DeSantis as their second choice, while 34% of Haley supporters expressed the same sentiment.
Simultaneously, the poll depicted Haley experiencing a surge in popularity across various demographics, particularly among independents. Additionally, a CNN poll conducted among South Carolina GOP voters revealed that Haley secured the second position with 22% support in her home state, surpassing DeSantis who garnered 11%.
Trump continues to maintain a significant lead in the polls, capturing 43% in Iowa and 53% in South Carolina. However, DeSantis has persistently emphasized that this is a two-person contest, while Haley asserts herself as the frontrunner to challenge Trump. "In Iowa, I am currently in second place, just like in New Hampshire and South Carolina," Haley remarked on Monday while officially entering the South Carolina primary. "There is one more contender I need to surpass, and I am resolute in commencing the endeavor."
CNNs Jeff Zeleny and Steve Contorno contributed to this report.
