Nikki Haley’s Presidential Campaign Releases TV Ad Criticizing Trump’s Handling of North Korea and Otto Warmbier
On the eve of the New Hampshire primary, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s presidential campaign is making waves with a three-minute television ad that takes aim at former President Donald Trump. The ad focuses on Trump’s handling of the U.S. relationship with North Korea and the tragic case of American college student Otto Warmbier, who was taken hostage by the regime in 2016.
The centerpiece of the ad is the emotional testimony of Warmbier’s mother, Cindy Warmbier. In a heartfelt speech delivered during Haley’s campaign launch in February 2023, Cindy Warmbier recounts the harrowing experience her family went through and praises Haley for her support throughout the negotiation process.
“When we were begging the Obama administration for help, they told us to be quiet and be patient,” Warmbier states in the ad. “Nikki told us the opposite. She told me it’s okay to be afraid, like I am now, but I had to push through the fear.” These powerful words highlight the stark difference in approach between the previous administration and Nikki Haley.
Cindy Warmbier goes on to describe Haley’s strength, compassion, and unwavering belief in fighting for every human being. “I will tell you that Nikki didn’t help me because it was her job,” she declares. “She did it as a mom, a friend, and a fighter who made my fight her own.” This personal connection between Haley and the Warmbier family underscores the genuine care and dedication she exhibited during her time as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Haley’s campaign strategically chose to feature the grieving mother’s story to shed light on Trump’s “friendly” approach to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. While acknowledging Trump’s role in bringing Otto’s body home and holding North Korea accountable, Haley’s campaign accuses him of changing his tune when he “fell in love” with Kim Jong Un.
The ad includes a controversial quote from Trump in 2019, where he stated, “Some really bad things happened to Otto, some really, really bad things. But [Kim] tells me that he didn’t know about it, and I will take him at his word.” This comment drew immense outrage at the time and continues to be a point of contention.
By releasing this ad, Haley’s campaign is launching yet another attack on Trump as she strives to close the gap in the New Hampshire primary. She is positioning herself as the alternative to Trump, directly confronting him in what she describes as a “two-person race.”
As the primaries heat up and candidates vie for the spotlight, Haley’s ad serves as a reminder of the importance of strong leadership and a steadfast commitment to American values. The tragic case of Otto Warmbier is a stark example of the challenges faced on the international stage, and it is crucial to have a leader who will prioritize the safety and well-being of American citizens above all else.
Nidia Cavazos, a 2024 campaign reporter for CBS News, brings attention to this pivotal moment in Haley’s campaign. As the nation watches closely, the outcome of the New Hampshire primary will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the future of American politics.
