Haley, who is widely regarded as a likely presidential candidate in 2024, called Democrats and technology and social media companies “inflammation”[ing] the passions of the American people beyond constructive boundaries. “
But she also said that the GOP played a role, adding that “if we are part of personal responsibility, we need to take personal responsibility”.
“We can and should talk about our main differences,” said Haley. “But we must stop pitting the American people against each other – and this Republican Party must lead the way.”
Haley’s comments came on the second day of the annual RNC winter meeting, which attracts Republican Party officials from across the country. With Trump about to step down in two weeks, participants say they have been grappling with questions about the future of the party.
Among the topics being discussed are the party’s twin defeats in the second round of the Georgia Senate on Tuesday, which will give Democrats control of both chambers of Congress as well as the presidency later this month. Some participants privately blamed the president for the defeats, arguing that his relentless and unfounded accusations of electoral fraud reduced the Republican Party’s turnout.
Haley acknowledged that Republicans face a “harsh reality” and said they have “some decisions to make about the political situation” in which they find themselves.
“We can complain about that. We can complain about that. We can blame each other for that. Or we can do something about it. If you ask me, there is no complaint in the policy, ”she added.
Haley, a former South Carolina governor, is one of several candidates for 2024 to make an appearance at the RNC meeting. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul also made appearances on Thursday. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is due to speak Friday.
Haley – in what may be a preview of a future campaign platform – used part of her speech to highlight her background as a UN ambassador. And after an election in which the party was defeated in suburban areas, Haley suggested that the party embrace inclusion.
“This Republican Party is a home for everyone, because we defend the principles that matter to everyone. It is not the time to abandon these principles. It is time to proudly proclaim them from the suburbs to cities and farms across the country, ”she said.
Wednesday’s riot was one of the main points of discussion at the meeting. During a breakfast with RNC members earlier in the day, party president Ronna McDaniel acknowledged that images of Trump supporters invading the Capitol were hurting the party.