'Desperate for votes': Internet unimpressed as Nikki Haley tries to clarify Civil War comment on 'SNL'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley made a surprise appearance on this week's 'Saturday Night Live' and admitted she should have said slavery was the cause of the Civil War, reported Daily Mail.

The episode began with a townhall skit where the former South Carolina Governor was asked, "What would you say was the main cause of the Civil War - and do you think it starts with an 'S' and ends with a 'slavery.'"

"Yep, I probably should have said that the first time," Haley replied during the cameo appearance, delivering the iconic line "Live from New York."

The former UN Ambassador received widespread backlash in December 2023 when she refused to say slavery was the cause of the Civil War during a town hall event. Later, though she admitted her mistake and attempted to clarify the statement, the controversy overshadowed her campaign.

Nikki Haley takes swipe at Trump during 'SNL' appearance

Haley, who will face her only GOP opponent, Donald Trump, in her home state South Carolina's primary on February 24, used her 'SNL' appearance to mock the former President.

The White House hopeful took the role of a "concerned South Carolina voter" and asked Trump, played by James Austin Johnson, "My question is, why won't you debate Nikki Haley?"

Johnson imitated the ex-President and wittily responded, "Oh my God, it's the woman who was in charge of security on January 6. It's Nancy Pelosi."

She further took a jab at Trump's cognitive ability, asking, "Are you doing okay, Donald? You might need a mental competency test."

Trump's defamation trial loss against E Jean Carroll also brought laughter from the audience. Imitating Trump, Johnson said that women are incompetent to run the economy, pointing out that a woman recently asked him for $83.3 million.

"And you spent 50 million in your own legal defense. Do you need to borrow some money"?" Haley quipped.

Haley, trailing behind Trump in her home state, has stepped up her attacks against him, calling him the "weakest general election candidate ever." However, the former President's wins in Iowa and New Hampshire have cemented his position as the GOP forerunner.

Internet reacts to Nikki Haley's slavery remarks on 'SNL'

Netizens slammed Haley for trying to whitewash the controversy, pointing out her 'SNL' appearance to admit the mistake was "abhorrent."

One user remarked, "Her appearance was so disappointing and disgusting—and not at all funny."

Another said, "Not looking desperate for votes there at all."

"Why did they invite Nikki Haley on SNL," asked a third user. A fourth added, "Absolutely abhorrent."

One user said, "She really is just gonna laugh it off and act like it was some kind of slip up on words, and not that she genuinely thought the civil war was caused by something other than slavery…"

"This is so stupid and horrible," read a response. Another asked, "Oh is she using that as an excuse for losing drastically to Trump?"

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