Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley took a veiled shot at front-runner Donald Trump in her first campaign ad Thursday, saying conservatives need a leader with “moral clarity.”
“It’s time for a new generation of conservative leadership,” she says in the ad. “We have to leave behind the chaos and drama of the past and strengthen our country, our pride, and our purpose.”
The 30-second ad comes ahead of the fourth GOP debate, as Ms. Haley rises in the polls. The spot will start being seen across broadcast, cable and digital platforms on Friday in Iowa and New Hampshire and is part of a $10 million ad buy in the two early contest states.
The ad features clips of the former South Carolina governor while she’s talking about the need for a president who has “moral clarity” and knows “the difference between good and evil.” It does not mention the former president by name.
Ms. Haley, a former U.N. ambassador, has continuously risen in the polls. An NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll from Iowa last month showed Mr. Trump in first place with 43%, and Ms. Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis tied for second with 16%.
She has received the backing of major donors and influential figures. On Wednesday, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon called on Democrats to help Ms. Haley defeat Mr. Trump.
Earlier this week, Americans for Prosperity Action – the conservative political network led by billionaire Charles Koch — announced that it is backing Ms. Haley.
“AFP Action is proud to throw our full support behind Nikki Haley, who offers America the opportunity to turn the page on the current political era, to win the Republican primary and defeat Joe Biden next November,” Emily Seidel, a senior AFP Advisor, said in a memo. “She has what it takes to lead a policy agenda to take on our nation’s biggest challenges and help ensure our country’s best days are ahead.”
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
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