Slavery Ignites Controversy
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley faced backlash after comments she made regarding the Civil War and its causes. Haley initially stated that the war was about government control and “freedoms and what people could and couldn’t do.” However, she later clarified that she believes slavery was the spark that ignited the war, but the “bigger issue” was the role of government in people’s lives. This attempt to amend her stance did little to appease media pundits, fellow GOP contenders, and Democratic opponents.
Voters Less Concerned
Despite the uproar, reports reveal that voters were not as bothered by Haley’s remarks as the media and politicians. Many voters expressed fatigue with the ongoing focus on divisive issues such as slavery, racism, and transgender rights. Alison Bolt, a self-described moderate Republican, stated, “Everybody knows [the Civil War] was about slavery, and what else can you say about it? I want to get back to things that are going to help or destroy this country.” Others, like Robin Smith, suspected that the question was a setup designed to make Haley look bad.
Undecided Iowans Unfazed
In Iowa, where the primary caucus is just around the corner, several undecided voters either hadn’t heard about Haley’s comments or were not bothered by them. Frank Wilson, an Iowa Republican, dismissed the controversy as a mere slip of the tongue, saying, “If your living is to talk all day, every day, something goofy is bound to come out.”
Haley Receives Support
Not all voices were critical of Haley’s remarks. Republican Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire commended her for acknowledging that slavery was the issue at the heart of the Civil War. He stated, “Spot on. That’s it. The war is about slavery. She acknowledged it. Moving on.”
In summary, while Haley’s remarks on the Civil War received widespread criticism, many voters seemed less concerned, expressing a desire to focus on other pressing matters.