The economy, illegal immigration and an aging government were at the top of former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley’s agenda Monday night.
Fort Worth was Haley’s last stop hours before voters in 15 states vote to select the Republican nominee for president.
“Now, more than ever, we need a leader who has moral clarity,” Haley said to a crowd of about 300 people at a rally in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
The former UN ambassador in the Trump administration is now the only challenger to the former president.
Monday she promoted a reduction in federal spending, tax cuts for the middle class and improvements to healthcare for veterans.
Campaign draws young volunteers
Four TCU students volunteered at the rally, greeting guests and cheering Haley on during her speech.
“I think she’s super smart, I really like her policies and she’s a very moderate conservative, which I think appeals to a lot of people,” said TCU senior acting major Molly Berry, a volunteer for Haley’s campaign.
Also among Haley’s volunteers was Michael Watkins, 16, a student at Fort Worth’s I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA.
Watkins said he supported Trump in 2020, but Haley changed his mind with her track record on unemployment and the economy as governor of South Carolina.
Haley seen as alternative to Trump
Although Haley focused mostly on policy, she shifted her tone when addressing her Republican rival.
“Maybe the reason America keeps losing is because of Donald Trump,” Haley said.
Her supporters agreed.
“Donald Trump does not have the character to be president. He doesn’t have the policies to be president. He doesn’t have the bearings to be president,” Fort Worth resident Kevin Davies said.
Nikki Haley speaks to a crowd of supporters in Fort Worth, TX.
From left to right, TCU students Jordan Knotts, Tess McQuary, Maura Jones and Molly Berry volunteer for Nikki Haley’s campaign.
Nikki Haley signs posters after her campaign rally in Fort Worth.
Campaign T-shirts on sale at Haley’s rally.
Fort Worth mayor Mattie Parker and former mayor Betsy Price watch as Haley speaks.
Protestors interrupt rally
Police removed about a dozen people from the rally for being disruptive while Haley was speaking.
The crowd booed when someone shouted: “Nikki Haley, you support genocide!”
Haley smiled and paused 11 times while protestors were escorted out, one by one.
“Don’t get mad at them, because my husband and his military brothers and sisters sacrifice every day for their right to be able to do that,” she said.
15 states vote tomorrow
Haley urged supporters to show up at the polls on Tuesday.
“I’ll be voting for Nikki,” said Leeann Anderson, a Fort Worth resident, “and I will take 10 friends, like [Haley] said.”
Texas is among 15 states voting on Tuesday. Follow TCU 360 and PolitiFrog on Instagram to stay updated on the primaries.
