Nikki Haley mocks Ron DeSantis over height-boosting heel rumors
Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley compared her ‘honest’ use of high heels to the rumours that Ron DeSantis has denied
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Presidential candidate Nikki Haley made a low blow (literally) at her political opponent Ron DeSantis by mocking him for wearing heeled shoes to increase his height – a rumour the Florida governor has vehemently denied.
“I can tell you, I’ve always talked about my high heels, I’ve never hid that from anybody,” Ms Haley said during an appearance on The Daily Show on Wednesday.
Over the last few weeks, headlines about Mr DeSantis has been inundated with allegations that he wears shoe lifts or heeled shoes to make himself appear taller in an effort to appear more presidential and appeal to voters.
Though Mr DeSantis and his campaign have denied the frivolous allegations, viral videos and “expert analysis” have fueled the fire that the 2024 Republican candidate might be trying to give himself a boost.
“I’ve always said don’t wear ‘em if you can’t run in ‘em so we’ll see if he can run in them,” Ms Haley chuckled, alluding to the candidates’ anticipated appearance at the third GOP debate on 8 November.
As primary election and caucus dates grow closer, 2024 candidates are ramping up their attacks on each other while vying for voters’ support.
Like Ms Haley, another Republican candidate capitalised on Mr DeSantis’ heeled-shoe rumour to diminish his presence.
On Wednesday, Donald Trump’s campaign mocked Mr DeSantis for his choice of shoewear, calling it the ‘kiss of death’ in a lengthy statement.
“The embarrassing #BootGate story has longer legs than Ron DeSanctimonious,” Mr Trump’s campaign wrote.
Mr Trump is currently leading most Republican primary polls by a significant margin – Mr DeSantis and Ms Haley are trailing behind the ex-president, fighting for the second spot.
But Ms Haley is confident she will be able to convince the Republican Party to throw their support behind her.
“They just need some time,” she said on Wednesday.
Slowly but surely Ms Haley has been climbing in the polls gaining support in South Carolina and Iowa – though still behind Mr Trump.
Though Mr DeSantis began his campaign with more support behind him than Ms Haley, the ex-South Carolina governor has proved to be a strong candidate by positioning herself as a more moderate alternative to Mr Trump, Mr DeSantis, Tim Scott and other contenders.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments