As Nikki Haley positions herself in the 2024 Republican primary race, her campaign has been shadowed by revived allegations of extramarital affairs dating back to before her tenure as Governor of South Carolina. These claims, which initially surfaced over a decade ago, have been brought to the fore through detailed affidavits and corroborations by multiple sources.
According to the Daily Mail, two men - Will Folks, Haley's former communications consultant, and Larry Marchant, a lobbyist in South Carolina - have alleged affairs with Haley. Their affidavits, signed in 2010, paint a picture of intimate encounters with the then-state representative.
Folks, in his affidavit, detailed the progression of their alleged relationship, stating, "Representative Haley and I shared our first kiss while sitting in her parked car outside of MacDougal's restaurant and bar in downtown Columbia, S.C." He described further encounters, saying, "There we slid back the seats of her Cadillac SUV so that Rep. Haley could climb on top of me."
Larry Marchant offered a similar narrative of his interactions with Haley. "After a night together of dinner and drinks with other participants of the conference, Representative Haley and I returned to the hotel together," he wrote in his affidavit. "We went back to her room where we had sexual intercourse, and I spent the remainder of the evening."
These allegations, vehemently denied by Haley, have surfaced amidst her mounting campaign for the presidential nomination. At the time of the initial accusations, Haley responded with a categorical denial, stating, "I have been 100% faithful to my husband throughout our 13 years of marriage. This claim against me is categorically and totally false."
The re-emergence of these claims poses a challenge to Haley's campaign, which has often highlighted her personal integrity and strong family values. Her marriage to Michael Haley, a major in the National Guard, has been a cornerstone of her public persona. In a campaign speech reported by CBS News in December, Haley emphasized her husband's role in her political journey: "I'm doing this for my husband and his military brothers and sisters. They need to know their sacrifice matters."
Despite the scandal, Haley's political career has been marked by resilience and a rise through the ranks of the Republican party. Her ability to navigate these accusations and maintain her political standing has been noted by political observers. A GOP insider, speaking to DailyMail.com, highlighted her skills, saying, "She's got an incredible ability to parry and power through bad press. She has the Southern charm of Bill Clinton and the ruthlessness of Richard Nixon."
As the presidential race heats up, the veracity and impact of these allegations on Haley's campaign are yet to be fully determined. The claims have introduced an element of personal controversy into a political narrative that, until now, had been largely focused on her professional accomplishments and political stance.
Nikki Haley's handling of these renewed allegations will be a test of her political acumen and public appeal. As she continues to campaign for the highest office in the land, her ability to address and move beyond these claims will be closely watched by voters and political analysts alike.
Daily Mail Barred from Nikki Haley's Campaign Events Following Cheating Allegations Report
Nikki Haley's presidential campaign team has barred The Daily Mail from covering her events. This decision follows the news outlet's publication of allegations regarding Haley's personal life, specifically accusations of infidelity during her tenure as Governor of South Carolina.
According to RadarOnline.com, The Daily Mail's staff reporter and photographer were asked to leave a campaign event at Mary Ann's Diner in Amherst, New Hampshire. Chaney Denton, a spokesperson for Haley, was quoted saying, "Daily Mail is not credentialed for any more events. I'm politely asking you to leave," and confirmed the ban would extend to future events.
This exclusion followed an earlier acceptance of The Daily Mail's press credentials for two events on Thursday. However, the tide turned with an email sent to the outlet's reporter, stating, "We apologize, but due to high volume of interest and limited space we CANNOT credential you for tonight's event in Manchester, NH. Please do not attempt to attend, as you will be turned away at the door."
While the Haley campaign has not directly linked the barring of The Daily Mail to its reporting on the allegations, the timing suggests a correlation. At the New Hampshire event, without directly mentioning The Daily Mail, Haley spoke about attacks against her character, emphasizing the impersonal nature of politics. "If people hit me, this is politics. For me, it's not personal," she told the crowd.
The incident highlights the often fraught relationship between political figures and the media, especially when sensitive personal matters are reported. The decision to exclude a major international news outlet raises questions about press freedom and the transparency of political campaigns.
As the campaign trail heats up, the Haley team's decision to limit press access could be a double-edged sword, potentially shielding her from further scrutiny but also drawing criticism for appearing to suppress unfavorable reporting.
