Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley said that Americans are "too smart" to vote for former President Donald Trump if he is convicted.
Haley shared the comments during a Sunday interview on CBS' "Face the Nation."
Clearly Republicans are too smart to vote for @NikkiHaley .
Nikki Haley: Americans Are Too 'Smart' to Vote for 'Convicted' Trump https://t.co/gjYY4Wsm9a
— Frank (@MegaMAGA7631) September 4, 2023
"We know that a vote for Joe Biden is a vote for a President Kamala Harris. It- first of all, he’s innocent until proven guilty. But you are implying that the American people are not smart," Haley said.
"The American people are not going to vote for a convicted criminal. The American people are going to vote for someone who can win a general election. I have faith in the American people. They know what they need to do," she added.
.@costareports: "You raised your hand and said you would still support [Trump] if he was convicted of a crime."
.@NikkiHaley: "Candidates on that stage said that they would do exactly what they signed and pledged to do, which is support the ... nominee." https://t.co/RHG1AXFckd
— Will Saletan (wsaletan on Threads) (@saletan) September 3, 2023
Haley responded, however, that she would personally vote for Trump if he becomes the party's nominee.
"You raised your hand and said you would still support [Trump] if he was convicted of a crime," she was asked.
"Candidates on that stage said that they would do exactly what they signed and pledged to do, which is support the ... nominee," she answered.
Haley was noted among the top performers in the first GOP presidential debate, standing out among the eight candidates despite Trump's absence.
The former South Carolina governor remains in single digits in national polls, however, signaling that her battle against the former president is lacking the momentum to win.
Haley's approach may be a positive one toward American voters, but so far has not been enough to bridge the gap with Trump's lead among GOP contenders.
