Parties react to Nikki Haley’s RNC speech, endorsement

AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) – Local Republicans and Democrats are reacting to former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s speech at the Republican National Convention. “Not only is the people of the convention ready to move forward, but I think this country’s ready to move forward,” Aiken Republican Club President KT Ruthven said.

Nikki Haley endorsed former President Donald Trump at the RNC Tuesday night. She praised his foreign policy, criticized President Joe Biden on immigration, and called GOP unity. It’s an about face for Haley. One local Republicans think helps with party unity. “It speaks volumes that someone who is very outspoken against the president, who served in his cabinet, who ran against him in the primary, went there and very strongly endorsed him saying that he is the president that this country needs at this time,” he said.

Haley emphasized national security and warned about what could happen if Kamala Harris were to become president through Biden. “I think after the last debate, we all know he and George Stephanopolis even said it, he can’t do four more years. He doesn’t have it in him. So, the vice president would have to step out to serve,” Ruthven added.

Alongside crime and inflation, the Aiken Republican Club president stressed that securing the southern border and boosting economic growth are top local priorities. “This town is growing. We really do want to make sure that we have a secure southern border to make sure that we grow with people who should be here legally,” he said.

Meanwhile, NewsChannel also spoke with Aiken Democratic Party members. “Even when Nikki Haley dropped out of the race, she would not endorse Donald Trump at the time. She is on the record calling him unfit for office, questioning his mental fitness,” Aiken Democratic Party Chair Cherise d’Abadie recalled. “Her flip flop is deeply cynical and unfortunately displays a glaring lack of integrity that I’m sure the have turned out for her in the primary as deeply disappointed by.

Voters are urged to research candidates ahead of Election Day on November 5.

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