The third Republican debate among presidential candidates Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy took a heated turn as personal insults were exchanged. The debate, held in Miami, saw the two contenders engage in a fiery exchange over various policy issues, with Ramaswamy criticizing Haley for allowing her daughter to use the social media app, TikTok.[0] In response, Haley vehemently defended her daughter, telling Ramaswamy to “leave my daughter out of your voice” and calling him “scum.”[1] This heated exchange highlighted the animosity between the two candidates and showcased the combative nature of Haley’s campaign.
Haley’s campaign has been gaining momentum in recent months, and she has emerged as one of the top contenders in the Republican primary race. Her rise in popularity has raised questions about whether former President Donald Trump would choose her as his running mate on the 2024 ticket.[2] Haley’s appeal to more moderate voters and her foreign policy experience as Trump’s U.N. ambassador have set her apart from other candidates in the crowded primary field.[2]
During the debate, Ramaswamy attempted to discredit Haley by comparing her to former Vice President Dick Cheney, saying, “Do you want a leader from a different generation who’s going to put this country first, or do you want Dick Cheney in three-inch heels?”[3] This comment further escalated tensions between the two candidates.[4]
Ramaswamy’s style of attacking his fellow candidates has rubbed Haley the wrong way from the start.[5] In a previous debate, Haley told Ramaswamy, “Every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber.”[6] This comment exemplifies Haley’s ability to stand her ground and assert her dominance in the debates.
The debate also touched on the issue of TikTok, with Ramaswamy defending his use of the app and criticizing Haley for mocking him while her own daughter had been using it for a long time.[4] TikTok has faced bipartisan backlash over allegations of spying on users and storing data on servers in China.[0] The federal government and many state governments have prohibited employees from using the app on their work-issued devices, and the company is under investigation by the Justice Department and Congress.[0]
Haley’s campaign is gaining momentum, and she is quickly becoming a viable rival to Trump for the Republican nomination. Her strong debate performances, rising popularity in national and state polls, and appeal to more moderate voters have positioned her as a potential alternative to Trump.[2] However, she still faces an uphill battle to secure the nomination, as Trump remains the frontrunner by a wide margin.
Overall, the heated exchange between Haley and Ramaswamy during the third Republican debate showcased the personal animosity between the two candidates. It also highlighted Haley’s ability to assert herself and defend her positions against attacks from her opponents. As the campaign progresses, it will be interesting to see how Haley’s momentum continues and whether she can emerge as a serious contender for the Republican nomination.
0. “‘You’re Just Scum’: Nikki Haley Blasts Vivek Ramaswamy Over Mentioning Her Daughter Using TikTok” Forbes, 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2023/11/08/youre-just-scum-nikki-haley-blasts-vivek-ramaswamy-over-mentioning-her-daughter-using-tiktok/
1. “Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy face off over TikTok at GOP debate” Business Insider, 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.businessinsider.com/nikki-haley-vivek-ramaswamy-tiktok-gop-debate-2023-11
2. “How Donald Trump Picking Nikki Haley for Vice President Would Unfold” Newsweek, 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.newsweek.com/how-donald-trump-picking-nikki-haley-vice-president-would-unfold-1842067
3. “GOP Debate Takeaways: Nikki Haley Takes Fire as She Jockeys for Second Place | Mint” Mint, 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.livemint.com/politics/gop-debate-takeaways-nikki-haley-takes-fire-as-she-jockeys-for-second-place-11699502461743.html
4. “Debate on TikTok gets personal between Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy” Times of India, 9 Nov. 2023, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/toi-original/debate-on-tiktok-gets-personal-between-nikki-haley-and-vivek-ramaswamy/videoshow/105102218.cms
5. “GOP Debate: DeSantis and Haley clash on luring Chinese companies to their states, but what’s true?” Fox Business, 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/gop-debate-desantis-haley-clash-luring-chinese-companies-states-true
6. “”Leave My Family Out”: Nikki Haley Attacks Vivek Ramaswamy On Debate Stage” NDTV, 9 Nov. 2023, https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/youre-just-scum-nikki-haley-hits-back-at-vivek-ramaswamy-4559207
