US Republican Haley belt found shot dead in presidential election campaign: Russian general allegedly committed suicide after resignation

Former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has officially launched her presidential campaign calling for a generational shift in the country’s political leadership. “We will not win the battle for the 21st century if we continue to trust the politicians of the 20th century,” the Republican said during her first campaign appearance in Charleston, South Carolina, on Wednesday. “We are more than ready for a new generation to lead us into the future.” The 51-year-old announced her application for the 2024 presidential election in a video on Tuesday. She is the first Republican candidate to run against former US President Donald Trump.

America is falling behind, the country’s future is at stake, leadership is failing people, Haley said in her aggressive appearance. “No one embodies this failure more than Joe Biden,” she lamented, looking at the incumbent president and accusing him of poor leadership.

Haley repeatedly referred to the advanced age of political competitors without explicitly mentioning Biden (80) or Trump (76). “America is not past its prime, only its politicians are,” she said, calling for term limits to be introduced in Congress — and “mandatory mental aptitude tests for politicians over 75.”

Addressing the people of the land, Haley said, “When you’re tired of losing, trust in a new generation.” Now is the time to prevent the country from sliding into socialism. Haley made a conspicuous effort not to dwell too much on horror scenarios about a country under Democratic leadership, but instead to inspire confidence and paint a positive picture of America under her leadership. She wants a strong and proud America, with economic power, world-class education, a strong police force and secure borders.

“America is not a racist country,” said the daughter of Indian immigrants to cheers from her supporters. The Biden administration is telling the people that the United States is corrupt and full of hate. “Nothing could be further from the truth.”

The former UN ambassador also gave a lot of room to foreign policy. She argued for a course of strength to countries such as China, Russia, Iran or North Korea. It takes a lot of effort, will and faith to save the country, she said. And the country needs to do things it’s never done before: “send a tough woman to the White House.” There has never been a female president in US history. Haley is one of the few women to even run as a Republican presidential candidate in recent years.

Haley must assert himself in party primaries against Trump, who has already announced his candidacy. The Republican served as ambassador to the United Nations from January 2017 to the end of 2018 during Trump’s term — and from 2011 to 2017, she was the first woman to serve as governor of South Carolina. As ambassador, Haley also stood for Trump’s UN policy, which many diplomats viewed critically. Nevertheless, Haley earned respect across party lines. The arch-conservative politician was repeatedly exchanged for higher offices. After her time at the UN, she was briefly a member of the board of directors of aircraft manufacturer Boeing.

The relationship between Trump and Haley is divided. In fact, Haley had stated that he would not run for the White House against the 76-year-old if he entered. Trump announced his candidacy in November. More prominent Republicans are expected to throw their hats in the ring in the coming months, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence. So far, Haley hasn’t done well in polls compared to her potential Republican opponents — her scores are in the low single digits.

Haley stressed that she was often underestimated in her career – “it’s always funny”. As she embarks on this new adventure, her message is “May the best woman win.” (sda/dpa)