Nikki Haley's Short and Cryptic Campaign Suspension Speech

AP Photo/Chris Carlson

As RedState reported, former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has suspended her campaign after massive losses on Super Tuesday. The only state Haley won was Vermont. 

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In an exceptionally brief, and somewhat stilted speech, Haley addressed the prognostications of pundits about how she would choose to end her campaign. Draped in red, Haley stepped to the podium without music or fanfare.

When I began, I said my campaign was grounded in my love for our country. My mother, a first generation immigrant, got to vote for her daughter for president. Only in America.

I am filled with gratitude for the outpouring of support we've received from all across our great country. But the time has now come for me to suspend my campaign.

I said I wanted Americans to have their voices heard. I have done that. I have no regrets. And although I will no longer be a candidate, I will not stop using my voice for the things I believe in.

Haley chose to outline what she believes needs to happen to move our nation forward.

Our national debt will eventually crush our economy. A smaller federal government is not only necessary for our freedom, it is necessary for our survival. The road to socialism is the road to ruin for America. Our Congress is dysfunctional and only getting worse. It is filled with followers, not leaders. Term limits for Washington politicians are needed now more than ever. Our world is on fire because of America's retreat. Standing by our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan is a moral imperative, but it is also more than that. If we retreat further, there will be more war, not less. As important, while we stand strong for the cause of freedom, we must bind together as Americans. We must turn away from the darkness of hatred and division.

I will continue to promote all those values, as is the right of every American. I sought the honor of being your president, but in our great country, being a private citizen is privilege enough in itself, and that's a privilege I very much look forward to enjoying.

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While much speculation still exists on whether Haley will attempt to ingratiate herself once again in a future Trump administration or attach herself to another campaign, her words gave the impression that she only plans to return to private life. While Haley stopped short of endorsing former President Donald Trump, she had gracious words folded into left-handed compliments.

In all likelihood Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee when our party convention meets in July. I congratulate him and wish him well. I wish anyone well who would be America's president. Our country is too precious to let our differences divide us.

Then Haley reasserted her conservative bona fides while establishing that she is her own person and that, whether she officially endorses Trump or not, it will be on her own terms.

I have always been a conservative Republican. and always supported the Republican nominee. But on this question, as she did on so many others, Margaret Thatcher provided some good advice, when she said, "Never just follow the crowd. Always make up your own mind." It is now up to Donald Trump to earn the votes of those in our party and beyond those who did not support him, and I hope he does that. At its best, politics is about bringing people into your cause, not turning them away. And our conservative cause badly needs more people. This is now his time for choosing. 

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Haley ended with more gracious words to her supporters, particularly the female ones.

I end my campaign with the same words I began it, from the book of Joshua. I direct them to all Americans but especially to so many of the women and girls out there who put their faith in our campaign. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for God will be with you wherever you go."

In this campaign, I've seen this country's greatness. From the bottom of my heart, thank you America. God Bless You.

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