'Admits she is a fake': Nikki Hakey mocked over 'change personalities' comment ahead of Iowa Caucus

WASHINGTON, DC: Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has sparked controversy within conservative circles with her recent comments about "changing personalities" while discussing the GOP primary process.

The former South Carolina governor's remarks came during an interview on a local Iowa PBS station, where she discussed the unique dynamics of the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary.

"The structure of it is really amazing," Haley commented on the GOP primary process. "Iowa starts it. You change personalities, you go into New Hampshire." The statement raised eyebrows among conservatives, even leading to an exchange with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has seen a tightening race against Haley.

At an Iowa event, Haley characterized Iowans as "patriotic," "hardworking," and "very careful," while noting that New Hampshire voters wear their "feelings on their sleeves," and South Carolinians can "kick you with a smile."

Governor DeSantis responded to Haley's comments during an event in Des Moines, expressing concern over her ability to handle media scrutiny. "I think she’s not showing an ability to be able to withstand that and to be able to answer the type of questions that you need," DeSantis remarked, citing her controversial remarks about changing personalities.

"I mean you obviously saw she’s dealing with history, having trouble there, dissing Iowa with the things she said there … and now this saying that you change personalities once you leave Iowa and go to New Hampshire," he added.

Texas Representative Chip Roy, a supporter of DeSantis, took to social media to criticize Haley. He wrote, "So - @NikkiHaley (allies) dump another $1.8 million against @RonDeSantis … so she can ‘change personalities’ to go to NH to ‘correct’ Iowans… & audition to be Trump’s VP… to advance forever wars, open borders, & corporate interests. Got it. #DeSantis2024."

Haley's campaign responded to the attacks, with spokeswoman AnneMarie Graham-Barnes stating, "Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump are getting more and more desperate by the hour. Nikki's momentum is real, and her vision is resonating, so they're grasping at straws. Voters see right through it."

Social media backlash

However, Haley faced further criticism on social media for her "changing personalities" comment.

"She is really bad at this," one posted on X.

"Yes, which mask do you want her to wear today?" another quipped.

"Shift shaper, split personality, nope! Nikki admits she is a fake and a phony, that panders to the audience!" a comment read.

"How many personalities does she have? Are these other personalities in the room with her right now?" someone else joked.

"In other words, when she gets to another state she sticks her finger to the wind to see how she needs to lie and on what issues to change positions on," another added.

Recent polls in Iowa show former President Trump with a substantial lead over other candidates, including Haley and DeSantis, who are vying for second place.

Trump adviser Jason Miller told Politico, "President Trump has long said he’d train his sights on whomever is number two in the race. Rob DeSanctimonious is approaching single digits everywhere and his campaign is on life support, which means it’s Nikki Haley’s turn in the barrel."

Nikki Haley's past controversies and defiance

Haley has grappled with other controversies, including her recent town hall answer in New Hampshire that failed to mention slavery as the cause of the Civil War. Despite walking back the comments, opponents continue to criticize her.

Additionally, she faced backlash for telling New Hampshire voters, "You know Iowa starts it. You know that you correct it… you know that my sweet state of South Carolina brings it home," which she later described as a joke.

Amid increased attacks from Trump and other opponents, Haley remains defiant. During a town hall in Iowa, she remarked, "All these fellas are showing me way too much attention." She also criticized Trump for a recent attack ad, insisting that her stance on border security was more nuanced than portrayed.

"They're taking little pieces and putting it together to make it look like what they want you to see," Haley said of her opponents' attacks. "But you know what it all means. If they're lying, it's because they know they're losing. It's that simple. And if they're going to lie about me, I'm going to tell you the truth about them," she added.

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