Nikki Haley Pushes For 'New Generation' of GOP Leadership at CPAC

Republican Presidential Candidate Nikki Haley spoke at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference just outside Washington, D.C. on Friday. In her speech, Haley argued for a “new generation” of GOP leadership.

Key Quotes: Haley, who formerly served as the governor of South Carolina and then as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, criticized the media response to her candidacy announcement, stating,  “the media can’t stand that I’m a conservative. Think about it. I’m a woman – a minority – and the daughter of immigrants. I am proof that liberals are wrong about everything they say about America.” Haley also criticized the Biden Administration's response to the Chinese spy balloon that flew over the continental U.S. last month, stating, “China thinks the American era has passed. So do our enemies, but they’re wrong. America is not past our prime. It’s just that our politicians are past theirs.” Generational shift was a key point in Haley’s address. She stated that current Republican leadership “have failed to win the confidence of a majority of Americans. That ends now. If you’re tired of losing, then put your trust in a new generation.”

For Context: A number of other potential or declared candidates for the Republican nomination are scheduled to speak at CPAC, such as former President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to speak Saturday evening.

How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum emphasized the predominant support for Trump among attendees of CPAC.