In his final State of the Union address, President Obama called on Americans of all parties to put aside their differences and work together. But what was really unexpected was the Republican response, which actually agreed with Obama on this—and then took a few jabs at its party's own frontrunner.
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, often considered a front-runner for vice president, delivered the response Tuesday night. And though she didn't name names, everybody knew who she was talking about. She talked about her own experience as the daughter of Indian immigrants, and said that even though the U.S. needs to fight illegal immigration, "no one who is willing to work hard, abide by our laws, and love our traditions should ever feel unwelcome in this country." And then she called out politicians (cough, Trump) who are more bluster than substance:
In an interview with the Today show Wednesday morning, she confirmed that yup, she was talking about Trump, and she isn't backing down. "Mr. Trump has definitely contributed to what I think is just irresponsible talk," she said. But she added that he's not the only person using volume, not content, to get what he wants. "There's other people in the media, there's people in my state, I think we're seeing it across the country," she said.
In her speech, she said both Republicans and Democrats need to take a hard look at today's politics to figure out how to move forward. And no matter which party you belong to, that seems like sound advice. Watch her full speech below:
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
-
'Baby Reindeer' Is Netflix's Latest Viral Hit—Will It Get a Season 2?The miniseries from Richard Gadd has a very definite ending.
-
The Best Unisex Perfumes Were Made to Be SharedYours, mine, and ours.
-
The Spice Girls’ Mini-Reunion at Victoria Beckham’s 50th Birthday Party Is a Precursor for a Forthcoming Tour, Sources Say“I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want”...is this to be true.
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to MenIt's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If ReelectedKathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So CriticalAs we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
-
Tammy Duckworth: 'I’m Mad as Hell' About the Lack of Federal Action on Gun SafetyThe Illinois Senator won't let the memory of the Highland Park shooting just fade away.
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to KnowThe case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
-
Sex Trafficking Victims Are Being Punished. A New Law Could Change That.Victims of sexual abuse are quietly criminalized. Sara's Law protects kids that fight back.
-
My Family and I Live in Navajo Nation. We Don't Have Access to Clean Running Water"They say that the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Why are citizens still living with no access to clean water?"
