In the intensifying run-up to the Republican presidential primary, a super PAC favoring Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has launched a significant ad campaign in Iowa, taking direct shots at GOP contender Nikki Haley. The advertisement, which cost over one and a half million dollars, draws parallels between Haley and former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
The political group, Fight Right, unveiled their strategy as DeSantis and Haley are poised to confront each other in an upcoming presidential primary debate. With the crucial Iowa caucuses on the horizon, the ad spotlights Haley’s previous praise for Clinton and juxtaposes her policy positions with those of Clinton, such as tax policy and immigration.
The ad echoes sentiments expressed by a high-profile Wall Street figure, Jamie Dinon, who has suggested Democrats with moderate views should consider supporting Haley to offer an alternative to the former President, Donald Trump. Fight Right’s commercial seizes upon this, insinuating that the same financial backers who supported Clinton are now behind Haley’s campaign efforts.
David Dewhirst, the chairman of Fight Right Inc., emphasized the importance of informing Iowa’s electorate about Haley’s record, which he claims aligns closely with Clinton’s, especially on issues like taxation and immigration.
The advertisement release coincides with a tight race for the GOP nomination, where DeSantis and Haley are vying for a solidified position behind Trump, the perceived frontrunner. This is not the first time Haley has been likened to Clinton; such comparisons have been a recurrent theme in the campaign, underscoring Haley’s earlier comments about Clinton inspiring her political aspirations.
However, these comparisons have been scrutinized for lacking context, particularly ignoring Haley’s clear demarcation of her political beliefs from those of Clinton. Haley has acknowledged Clinton’s influence as a catalyst for her political career but has distanced herself from Clinton’s political stance.
In a rebuttal, Haley’s campaign has cited her past criticisms of Clinton and has dismissed the ad campaign as a sign of desperation from a rival campaign. Haley’s spokesperson, Ken Farnaso, pointed to her rising popularity in key states as evidence of her solid standing as a candidate capable of challenging both Trump and President Joe Biden.
The upcoming debate stage will see both Haley and DeSantis, alongside other candidates, as they articulate their visions for America’s future. Notably absent from the debate will be Trump, who has chosen not to participate.