South Carolina Republican Gov. Nikki Haley delivered a sharp criticism of 2016 presidential front-runner Donald Trump in her response to President Barack Obama's final State of the Union address Tuesday, gaining widespread praise among the GOP's mainstream and the ire of its most conservative.
While Haley never mentioned Trump's name, it was clear that she was attempting to draw a distinction between a kinder and gentler version of the party that would be served well and the direction the party was taking because of the billionaire's campaign for the White House.
"Today, we live in a time of threats like few others in recent memory," she said in remarks aired from Columbia, Bloomberg reported. "During anxious times, it can be tempting to follow the siren call of the angriest voices. We must resist that temptation."
"Some people think that you have to be the loudest voice in the room to make a difference. That is just not true. Often, the best thing we can do is turn down the volume," she added.
However, beyond a presidential candidates, Haley said that the Republican party, in general, was ripe for criticism, explaining that it isn't just the Democratic party that is responsible for the "erosion of public trust."
"We need to be honest with each other, and with ourselves: while Democrats in Washington bear much responsibility for the problems facing America today, they do not bear it alone," she said, according to CNN. "There is more than enough blame to go around."
"We as Republicans need to own that truth," Haley continued, Politico reported. "We need to recognize our contributions to the erosion of the public trust in America's leadership."
Republican National Committee chair Reince Priebus congratulated Haley on her speech, taking special note that it signaled the diversity of the party.
Great job @nikkihaley ! Fantastic balance and substance. Our party is the new, young and diverse party.
— Reince Priebus (@Reince) January 13, 2016
However, some conservatives lashed out at Haley. That included a storm sparked by commentator Ann Coulter, who said on Twitter that Haley, who was born in South Carolina, should be deported.
Trump should deport Nikki Haley. — Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) January 13, 2016
Other prominent conservatives were also disappointed with the speech, including conservative columnist and former Ted Cruz communications director Amanda Carpenter, as well as conservative radio show host Laura Ingraham.
Nikki Haley's speech would've been good except for the GOP self-loathing. — Amanda Carpenter (@amandacarpenter) January 13, 2016
The country is lit up w/ a populist fever & the GOP responds by digging in, criticizing the GOP candidates dominating polls?! NOT SMART.
— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) January 13, 2016
