May 15
Today, the Durham Report dropped. The four year long investigation by Special Counsel Robert Durham looked into the actions of federal agencies when responding to allegations of collusion between the Russians and the Trump campaign. In the 300-page report, Durham criticised the FBI’s handling of the investigation. He says that there was no concrete evidence, that they were disposed to investigating Trump for political/personal reasons and that they did not investigate correctly abroad.
Hillary Clinton is also implicated. It is said that she worked with other officials such as President Obama and the Directors of the CIA and FBI in order to promote the story.
This could have major implications for the presidential elections, especially regarding Trump’s candidacy. Nikki Haley released a statement on the matter:
‘The Durham report is damning evidence of the rot in our government. No party, no politician should weaponize government to go after political opponents.
There must be consequences or this will never end.’
Haley also condemned Biden’s actions on the border.
May 16
The issue of security and policing was Haley’s focus today.
Earlier this month, an incident happened on a New York Subway train. A homeless man named Jordan Neely was allegedly causing trouble during a journey when he was restrained by some other passengers. One of them was a Marine named Daniel Penny. Penny held Neely in a chokehold for about fifteen minutes. There were conflicting reports on whether Penny was deliberately hurting Neely or whether he was just trying to detain him. Either way, Neely eventually died as a result. Penny has been charged with second-degree manslaughter.
The story has caused a political and social firestorm. The aspect of racial issues is prominent due to the Neely being black and Penny being white. Neely’s history of both criminal activity and mental illness was focused on. His mental health spiralled after the murder of his mother. He was on New York’s ‘Top 50’ list of homeless people most in need of help. Despite numerous outreach attempts and some treatment, Neely remained without help. He also had been arrested over forty times, three of which were assaults on women.
Some believe that Penny should have been charged with murder, though others think that’s a tactical move as a manslaughter charge was more likely to stick. Others have dubbed Penny a hero for standing up to crime. Crime in New York is often highlighted and its government has been criticized for apparently being too soft. A crowdfunded for his legal fees has raised over $2 million as of writing.
Haley has defended Penny. She said the following:
‘This is upsetting because you have Alvin Bragg [NY County District Attorney], who is letting murderers go, he’s letting street crime happen all over New York City. And you have a former military guy, who it’s in their blood to defend and protect. He saw danger, he was trying to protect himself and the other people on that subway. The idea that Bragg would go and indict him this week without an investigation, without any sort of grand jury. The governor needs to pardon Penny, no question about it.’
She also criticised New York Governor Kathy Hochul for her apparent lack of focus on tackling crime in NYC.
Haley released a video that supported police and their efforts to fight crime.
May 17
Haley announced that she would be unveiling her new campaign group ‘Veterans for Nikki’ soon. Her husband Michael, a military veteran and current member of the South Carolina National Guard, will be honorary chair.
May 18
Haley was in Iowa today.
May 19
Haley continued her Iowa tour today. Polling has her once again on 3.9%.
May 20
Haley talked about several hot button issues today. These were the Daniel Penny/Jordan Neely case, the Durham Report, and the education system. Haley again supported Penny, and a proper investigation into the FBI.
Regarding education, Haley was commenting on a tweet by the Education Secretary Miguel Cardona. She stated that ‘we must trust parents.’ Education has become a very prominent issue in recent years, something Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin used to his electoral advantage. Parents have become concerned about things being taught to their children without their knowledge, particularly graphic sex ed. There have been cases of parents reportedly not being told of their children stating that they are transgender. It’s an issue that the right has chosen as a way to entice parent voters.
May 21
Haley once again ‘backed the blue’ and supported Daniel Penny.
Nikki Haley didn’t make too many waves this week, but one also supposed that can be a good thing. Then again, there is no such thing as bad publicity. Her views on certain issues were made clear. She’ll be heading to New Hampshire in the coming week.
