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The Republican primary race is in full swing. It’s bringing out the worst in everyone.
Because Nikki Haley is peddling this new insane lie about Donald Trump.
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley’s campaign is ramping up its efforts in South Carolina with an additional $2 million injected into its advertising budget, bringing the total to $6 million ahead of the state’s primary on Feb. 24.
In a strategic move, Haley’s campaign released a new television ad titled “More Chaos,” aimed squarely at Donald Trump. The 30-second spot, revealed exclusively to NBC News, employs language and themes reminiscent of criticisms often levied against the former president by Democrats.
The ad opens by highlighting the surrounding chaos and raises concerns about Trump’s proposed policies. Specifically, it calls attention to Trump’s suggestion of implementing a 10% tariff on trade imports, characterizing it as a potential tax hike that would exacerbate record-breaking debt.
Trump had initially floated the idea of a 10% tariff on imports in August, arguing that companies should be taxed when they bring products into the United States. However, this proposal was met with swift criticism from the Biden administration, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen cautioning that such tariffs would ultimately burden American consumers.
In a pivot, the ad addresses Trump’s recent remarks regarding NATO, wherein he indicated a willingness to allow Russia to act freely against NATO countries perceived as not paying their fair share. The ad characterizes this stance as a potential “Russian victory” that could escalate global tensions and lead to further conflict.
Haley, echoing sentiments expressed on the campaign trail, contends that Trump’s statements jeopardize not only military personnel but also the security of nations. Her campaign spokesperson, Olivia Perez-Cubas, asserts that amid a tumultuous global landscape, the United States cannot afford to embrace Trump’s chaotic and unpredictable policies.
The decision to bolster the ad buy comes amidst a surge in online fundraising driven by Haley’s criticisms of Trump. Despite trailing in public polling, Haley’s campaign remains confident in its ability to compete, with campaign manager Betsy Ankney affirming their readiness to persevere.
Since the New Hampshire primary, Haley’s campaign has already invested $3.4 million in advertising in South Carolina, as reported by AdImpact. However, despite these efforts, Haley still faces significant deficits in public opinion polling.
Nonetheless, with the increased investment in advertising and a strategic focus on contrasting Haley’s platform with Trump’s policies, the campaign aims to sway undecided voters and gain momentum leading up to the critical primary.
These comments from Nikki Haley are concerning for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, one of Donald Trump’s biggest achievements was the Tax Cuts and Jobs act which was introduced in the House of Representatives in November of 2017 and signed by Donald Trump just several weeks later on December 22nd.
In that legislation, individuals making between $9,525-$38,700 had their income tax dropped from 15% to 12%. Those making between $38,700-$82,500 had their tax burden reduced from 25% to 22%. And those making between $82,500-$157,000 would now pay just 24% under the new law.
Nikki Haley insisting that Donald Trump just wants to raise the tax burden on Americans is unfounded, to be completely frank.
Secondly, her comments simply play into the hands of the Democrats. She’s not seemingly carving her own path and trying to find legitimate reasons for why voters might want to choose her over former President Donald Trump.
There are reasons why voters may want to do so, but she’s not highlighting those by parroting the lies of the Democrats used to tear down Donald Trump at all costs.
If Nikki Haley wants a shot at winning the Republican primary, she needs to give the voters a real reason to ask themselves why they might want her over Donald Trump.
The issue with China having a free-for-all in international trade is a real problem, one that Donald Trump at least tried to address even if you may disagree with his ideas.
Nikki Haley should probably try actually proposing a solution to the problem, rather than falling prey to Trump Derangement Syndrome.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.