Haley tries new tactic to keep momentum after receiving brunt of attacks in GOP debate

After being the target of most attacks during the latest Republican National Committee primary debate, former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley’s campaign released a new ad Friday, focusing on her husband Michael Haley’s service in the military.

The campaign’s second ad, “American Strength,” will air on broadcast, cable, and digital platforms in early nominating states Iowa and New Hampshire as a part of its previously announced $10 million ad reservation.

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“When Michael returned from Afghanistan, loud noises startled him. He couldn’t be in crowds. The transition was hard,” Nikki Haley said in the 30-second spot. Her husband, Michael Haley, is deployed in Africa with the South Carolina Army National Guard for a year.

“Joe Biden’s weakness shows us what happens when America retreats and cozies up to the dictators in Iran and China,” campaign spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas said in a statement. “Today, the world is on fire and Americans are less safe. Nikki Haley will stand up for America and stand up to our enemies just like she did at the United Nations. She will prevent war and make America more secure.”

In the ad, Nikki Haley responded to questions about why her husband chose to serve. “Some people ask, why sacrifice? Why serve? Why fight?” she recalled. “I know why. Because if Russia wins, China wins. If Hamas wins, Iran wins.”

“American strength doesn’t start wars. It prevents them. That’s what I’ll do as president,” she said.

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The ad comes after Haley appeared to field the most attacks during Wednesday’s Republican debate following significant momentum in the polls. However, Haley’s campaign said the ad was produced prior to the debate, according to CBS News.

Haley’s highlighting of her husband’s military service also coincides with Gov. Ron DeSantis’s (R-FL) recent attempts to underscore his own past service in the Navy for voters, noting that he is the only candidate who is a veteran.