Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley addressed attendees at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, highlighting the importance of assisting women who undergo abortions despite her pro-life stance. The 51-year-old Republican presidential candidate spoke at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox event, expressing skepticism about the possibility of Republicans passing a nationwide abortion ban. Haley urged the party to avoid vilifying women who make the decision to have an abortion.
Since the Supreme Court’s recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, some states have allowed abortions to persist, while others, including Iowa, have enforced almost complete bans under the banner of being “pro-life,” according to Haley. However, she emphasized that given the current composition of Congress, it would be difficult for any Republican administration to enact a federal abortion ban.
Haley pointed out the significant legislative hurdles: “To pass a federal law, you need a majority in the House, 60 Senate votes, and a presidential signature. We haven’t achieved 60 Senate votes in over a century. We might have 45. Therefore, neither Republicans nor Democrats can unilaterally ban abortion at federal or state levels.”
In South Carolina, where Haley served as governor from 2011 to 2017, some Republicans proposed subjecting women who have abortions to the state’s homicide laws, which could result in severe penalties. However, Haley contended that this approach is misguided, drawing attention to her personal connection to the issue through a college roommate who was raped. She advocated for a compassionate approach and stressed the need to shift the discourse: “Rather than demonizing this matter, we must humanize it. Our focus should be on saving babies and supporting mothers.”
Throughout her campaign, Haley has emphasized the necessity of a tougher stance against global adversaries such as China, Russia, and Iran. She has labeled China a “national” threat due to its infiltration of the U.S. SFA Fund, a federal Super PAC supporting her campaign, recently released a political TV ad in Iowa and New Hampshire, prominently featuring Haley’s stance against China.
During her Soapbox appearance, Haley underscored Chinese businesses’ acquisition of Iowa land and hog farms: “Addressing the China threat is an urgent matter, and Iowa is at the forefront. While many attribute Iowa’s significance to its caucus, it’s also essential in the context of China’s alarming influence.” She voiced concerns about Chinese companies stealing research from American colleges and disseminating Chinese propaganda, estimating an annual theft of $600 billion in intellectual property.
Drawing on her experience as a former U.N. ambassador, Haley shared her approach to negotiating with China and Russia, advocating for assertiveness: “We must prevent them from purchasing U.S. land and reclaim what they’ve already bought. We need to demand that our universities choose between Chinese and American funds, ending the practice of accepting both. Eradicating this infiltration from our educational institutions is vital. With China, we must communicate that normal trade relations hinge on stopping actions that endanger American lives.”
In summary, Nikki Haley’s remarks at the Iowa State Fair highlighted her complex stance on abortion and her determination to address China’s growing threat to the U.S. She emphasized the importance of compassionate discourse around abortion and the need for strategic measures against global adversaries.
