Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley finally got her wish to see Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark, catching the fourth-ranked Hawkeyes in between campaign stops Saturday. Haley walked into Carver-Hawkeye Arena alongside her son, Nalin, wearing an Iowa button on her jacket. The former South Carolina governor called Iowa coach Lisa Bluder a “rock star” and made a reference to her home-state Gamecocks, the current No. 1 team.
Quick Read
- Nikki Haley’s Iowa Visit: Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, alongside her son Nalin, attended an Iowa basketball game to see star player Caitlin Clark. Haley, a former South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador, expressed her excitement to be at the game, referencing her familiarity with women’s basketball due to South Carolina’s prominence in the sport.
- Haley’s Interest in Caitlin Clark: Haley has previously expressed interest in seeing Caitlin Clark play and meeting her. In November, during a campaign stop in Ankeny, Haley mentioned her desire to attend an Iowa game.
- Campaign Context: Haley’s visit to the basketball game comes amid her campaign efforts for the upcoming Iowa caucuses on January 15. She is seen as competing for what could be a second-place finish, with former President Donald Trump maintaining a significant presence in the party.
- Recognition of Iowa’s Basketball Talent: Haley acknowledged the talent of Iowa basketball, particularly praising coach Lisa Bluder. She also mentioned Iowa’s notable performance in last year’s NCAA tournament semifinal against her home-state team, South Carolina.
- Caitlin Clark’s Popularity: Clark, the reigning AP national player of the year, is a celebrated figure in women’s basketball with a significant following, even surpassing Haley’s Instagram follower count.
- Haley’s Interaction with Fans: During her visit to the game, Haley interacted with fans, demonstrating her engagement with the local community and sports culture.
The Associated Press has the story:
Haley cheers on Iowa hoops star Caitlin Clark in between campaign stops
Newslooks- IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP)
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley finally got her wish to see Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark, catching the fourth-ranked Hawkeyes in between campaign stops Saturday.
Haley walked into Carver-Hawkeye Arena alongside her son, Nalin, wearing an Iowa button on her jacket. The former South Carolina governor called Iowa coach Lisa Bluder a “rock star” and made a reference to her home-state Gamecocks, the current No. 1 team.
“We are used to women’s basketball in South Carolina,” Haley said. “We’re excited, so glad to be here. Go Lady Hawkeyes.” Last March, in an NCAA tournament semifinal, Clark scored 41 points as Iowa ended the perfect season of defending champion South Carolina.
Haley and her son sat with David Bluder, the coach’s husband.
Even as some fans approached Haley as she took her seat, all eyes were on Clark, the reigning Associated Press national player of the year.
Clark, who has earned fame and fortune with her once-in-a-generation game, has about 20,000 more followers on Instagram than does Haley, a former U.N. ambassador.
Earlier Saturday, at an appearance in Coralville, Haley flubbed the Iowa star’s name, calling her “Caitlin Collins,” perhaps with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins in mind.
But there’s no doubt Haley knows all about Clark. During a stop in Ankeny in November, Haley said that if there was a way to get to a game and meet Clark, she would be there.
On the campaign front, Haley is hoping to build on momentum as the Jan. 15 Iowa caucuses approach, battling Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for what may amount to a second-place finish. Former President Donald Trump continues to be a commanding force in the party, frustrating some Iowa voters who want a more competitive race.
