Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. and Southerner Nikki Haley faces backlash after calling the Civil War about slavery. The GOP presidential candidate clarified her statements in response to a voter’s question during a New Hampshire town hall on Dec. 27, where she omitted mentioning slavery as a primary catalyst for the war. In a radio show on Dec. 28, she emphasized that the Civil War indeed ‘was about slavery’ and also the freedom of individuals.
Haley stood by her previous remarks, stating that the war also revolved around the government’s role in slavery versus freedom and that everyone deserves to be a free individual. She reminded everyone that as a Southern governor, she had successfully removed the Confederate flag from the Statehouse grounds and as a proud American, she believes in the importance of remembering the lesson of what it means to be a free individual.
Her comments sparked controversy after a voter posed a direct question about the cause of the Civil War during the New Hampshire town hall, where Haley’s response seemingly sidestepped the role of slavery, focusing more on the role of government and individual freedoms. The Democratic National Committee and President Joe Biden’s account on X, formerly Twitter, were among those who criticized her remarks.
Throughout her response, Haley emphasized the role of government and individual freedoms, advocating for limited government interference, capitalism, and economic freedom. She stressed the need for a society where individuals have the freedom to express themselves, practice their religion, and pursue their aspirations without government intervention.
Haley has previously highlighted the challenges she faced during her time as South Carolina governor, especially when she successfully spearheaded the removal of the Confederate flag from the state’s Capitol in 2015. She often tells the story of how the state didn’t have riots but vigils and didn’t have protests but hugs, setting an example to the rest of the world.
It’s essential to note that Haley’s recognition of slavery in the Civil War is not a novelty for her. She has consistently echoed her stance in her presidential campaign when discussing the removal of the Confederate flag from South Carolina’s Capitol following the tragic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church shooting in Charleston.
Her clarification of her previous comments highlights her commitment both as a Southerner and an American to stand for individual freedom and acknowledges the crucial role of acknowledging America’s history, including the many painful chapters it comprises. Her journey from a successful governor to a presidential hopeful may hold a unique perspective for addressing the nation’s historical wounds and setting a tone for the future.
