CHARLESTON S.C. — Former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley officially entered her name into the 2024 GOP presidential race earlier this week
The Political Beat’s Joe Bruno was in Charleston as Haley announced her campaign for the White House in front of a crowd of 1,500 lively supporters.
[ ADDITIONAL COVERAGE: Haley calls for generational change in launching 2024 bid ]
“For a strong America, for a proud America, I am running for president of the United States of America,” Haley said. “We won’t win the fight for the 21st century if we keep trusting politicians from the 20th century.”
Haley said our country needs a new generation of leadership. She’s never lost an election and says she doesn’t plan to now, but it won’t be an easy journey from the Palmetto State to D.C.
A spokesperson for the PAC supporting former President Donald Trump questioned Haley’s dedication to the job. Trump is the only other candidate to have announced a 2024 bid.
“She’s telling us she represents a ‘new generation.’ Sure just looks like more of the same, a career politician whose only fulfilled commitment is to herself,” they said.
[ ALSO READ: Operative jumps from Haley team to Pence amid 2024 jostling ]
Jamie Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee and a native of South Carolina, also questioned Haley’s run.
“Nikki Haley served for Trump, has embraced the extreme MAGA agenda and couldn’t even identify a single policy difference between herself and Trump,” Harrison said. “Her entrance officially kicks off a messy 2024 primary race for the MAGA base that has long been brewing.”
Meanwhile, former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory, a Republican who worked hand-in-hand with Haley, expects a competitive race and said she shouldn’t be underestimated.
“She will compete, she will fight and she’ll do it with a smile on her face, which makes it very effective,” McCrory said.
>>> In the video at the top of the page, Bruno breaks down Haley’s announcement.
(WATCH BELOW: Former SC Gov. Nikki Haley plans 2024 White House bid)
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