The Biggest Highlights from the Republican Debate in Iowa: DeSantis and Haley Go Head-to-Head
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley squared off in the final debate before the Iowa caucuses, with both candidates accusing the other of dishonesty over a range of issues and trying to position themselves as the alternative to former President Donald Trump.
DeSantis and Haley Trade Barbs over Truthfulness to Kick Off Debate
The two candidates wasted little time before launching into critiques of one another on a stage that seemed empty compared to past debates, though both treaded lightly when it came to the former president, whose lead looms large over the contest.
DeSantis began by claiming that while he's running to pursue voter issues, Haley is running to serve her donors.
After briefly highlighting her record and arguing that the country needs a leader with her experience, Haley quickly launched into fierce critiques of the Florida governor, saying his 'campaign is exploding.' She accused him of going back on his policies and touted a website that she says features at least two dozen lies he's told about her.
DeSantis Puts Haley on the Defensive Over Immigration
DeSantis forced Haley to clarify comments she's made related to immigration, bringing up remarks she has made about undocumented immigrants and the border wall.
"Do not trust Nikki Haley with illegal immigration. That's like having the fox guard the henhouse. She's on tape at the Aspen Institute — she'll say she didn't say it — she was chastising conservatives saying it's disrespectful to illegal aliens to say that they're criminals," DeSantis said.
Debate moderator Jake Tapper read Haley's 2015 quote to her in which she said: 'We don't need to talk about them as criminals. They're not. They're families that want a better life and they're desperate to get here.'
Both Candidates Reiterate Support for Israel, and Haley Hits DeSantis for Campaigning with 'Anti-Israel' Congressman
When the moderators turned to the Israel-Hamas war, DeSantis was quick to criticize the Biden administration for 'kneecapping' Israel, saying the country needs U.S. support 'in word and in deed, in public and in private' and insisting that 'they need to be able to finish the job.'
The Florida governor highlighted what he called a disagreement between Haley and himself on the issue, saying she supported a two-state solution when she was ambassador to the United Nations, while he argued that a two-state solution wouldn't lead to a 'lasting peace.' A two-state solution would establish an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
In response, Haley said she had acknowledged during her time working with the U.N. that a two-state solution wasn't possible because the two sides wouldn't come to the table. And she reiterated that 'right now, we have to make sure that Israel has the support it needs.' Haley took the opportunity to criticize DeSantis for bringing 'the most anti-Israel Republican' in Congress to campaign with him in Iowa, an apparent reference to Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who recently voted against a House resolution condemning anti-semitism.
Haley Hits DeSantis on Campaign Spending
Haley launched an attack on DeSantis' ability to effectively lead the country, criticizing his campaign for burning through money while stagnating in the polls.
'Leadership is about getting things done. How did you blow through $150 million in your campaign and you were down in the polls?' she asked. 'You are not a manager.'
She said his campaign has been 'a revolving door' and cited reports that his strategists nearly came to blows.
