Nikki Haley looked to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher for inspiration while announcing she is dropping out of the election race.
Haley made the speech one day after her humiliating Super Tuesday defeat at the hands of clear GOP favorite Donald Trump. She quoted the Iron Lady after confirming the suspension of her campaign.
Though she and Trump have been fierce rivals, often exchanging jabs at each other on social media, Haley went on to congratulate Trump, the soon-to-be winner of the Republican nomination.
She said: “I have always been a conservative Republican and always supported the Republican nominee. But on this question, as she did on so many others, Margaret Thatcher provided some good advice when she said, ‘Never just follow the crowd. Always make up your own mind.’
“It is now up to Donald Trump to earn the votes of those in our party and beyond it who did not support him, and I hope he does that.”
On Super Tuesday, Trump gained 14 victories in Alaska, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Alabama, Maine, Arkansas, Texas, Massachusetts, Colorado, Utah, Minnesota, and California’s Republican primaries.
Haley, on the other hand, only managed to secure one victory in Vermont, marking yet another crushing defeat against Trump. She swiftly announced her decision to drop out of the race after the disappointing result, but affirmed that she has “no regrets.”
She said: “I am filled with gratitude for the outpouring of support we’ve received from across our great country. But the time has now come to suspend my campaign. I said I wanted Americans to have their voices heard. I have done that. I have no regrets.
“And although I will no longer be a candidate, I will not stop using my voice for the things I believe in.”
Haley went on to slam “America’s retreat” and what she argued was a “road to socialism” that marks the “road to ruin for America.”
She maintained her commitment to supporting America’s allies across the world and warned of “more war” should America turn its back on said allies.
She said: “Our world is on fire because of America’s retreat. Standing by our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan is a moral imperative … If we retreat further, there will be more war, not less.”
Haley concluded her speech by thanking her country and its “greatness,” and sending out an encouraging message to women and girls across the country.
She said: “I end my campaign with the same words I began it from the Book of Joshua. I direct them to all Americans, but especially to so many of the women and girls out there who put their faith in our campaign.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. For God will be with you wherever you go. In this campaign, I have seen our country’s greatness. From the bottom of my heart – thank you America. God bless.”
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