In his final State of the Union address (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
-
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 Safety
The 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 Know
The 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?"
-
30 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, show them these statistics.
-
Cory Booker and Rosario Dawson's Relationship Is No More
After three years of dating, the power couple have decided they're better off as friends.
