Nikki Haley, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said she didn’t always agree with former President Donald Trump’s communications, style or approach but supported his policies. She was referring to Trump’s extended remarks Friday criticizing writer E. Jean Carroll and other women who have accused him of sexual misconduct or assault.
In an interview with CBS News’ “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that airs Sunday, Brennan asked Haley about Trump’s comments, which came after his brief appearance before a federal appeals court. The former president was in court for try to overthrow a $5 million judgment finding him guilty responsible for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. Brennan asked Haley whether airing grievances against women was the best use of Trump’s time, and what kind of message that sent to women voters.
“I think for me the focus is on politics,” Haley responded, while Brennan noted that Trump is the Republican presidential nominee.
“I’ve always said, ‘Look, if I thought Biden or Trump were good candidates, I wouldn’t have run for president,’” Haley said. “I ran because I thought I could do a better job.”
Brennan continued: “You don’t think he’s a good candidate?”
“I think he’s the Republican nominee,” Haley responded. “And I think pitting him against Kamala Harris, who’s the Democratic nominee, to me, it’s not a question. Do I agree with his style, do I agree with his approach, do I agree with his messaging? No.”
But when it comes to policy, Haley said, she said she agrees with Trump on many issues.
“These are the candidates that were presented to us,” Haley said.
Haley also told Brennan that she had not been asked to campaign for Trump and that she was not advising him or his campaign, but was “on standby.”
The former Republican presidential candidate said she spoke with Trump in June and offered her help. At the Republican convention, she offered him her “strong support” from Trump, even though Trump and Haley have proposed harsh assessments each other in the past.
“You know, he knows I’m ready to step up,” the former South Carolina governor said. “I talked to him in June. He knows I’m ready if he needs me to step up.”
With the first debate Between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, which will be held Tuesday, Haley said she does not advise the president, “and that’s his choice — whatever he decides to do with his campaign, he can do.” But “if he asks, I’m happy to help him.”
