DeSantis Scorches Nikki Haley for Playing to the Left on Abortion

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA — During a speech at the South Carolina Federation of Republican Women on Thursday, Ron DeSantis argued against rival Nikki Haley’s stance on abortion, saying Haley is “indulging media narratives.”

“DON’T ACCEPT MEDIA NARRATIVES”

“I think she’s playing into some of the stereotypes that the left uses against conservatives,” DeSantis told the crowd of women. “Don’t accept the media narratives. Fight back against the media narrative. I’m not trying to please the media. I’m trying to do what’s right.”

Repeatedly arguing that Republican attempts to ban abortion at a federal level are misguided, Haley said the GOP should focus on state-level legislation and ensure that women are not jailed for getting abortions.

A “BOTTOM-UP” ISSUE

Already a hot topic in the 2024 presidential election, the abortion issue is making waves in the Republican primary, with candidates split on whether they would back a national abortion ban.

DeSantis did agree with Haley that abortion is a “bottom-up” issue and states should work to advance protections for the unborn. But the Florida Governor said Haley’s characterization of Republicans is inaccurate, asserting that “no pro-lifer has ever argued for jailing women” for getting abortions.

Criticizing GOP policy on abortion, Haley is urging for more restraint on restrictions at the national level. Former President Trump has taken a similar position, saying Republicans’ emphasis on abortion was a “mistake” in the 2022 midterms, leading to GOP underperformance nationwide.

While DeSantis has stated that a national abortion ban is “unlikely,” he did say last month that he would back a 15-week nationwide abortion ban if Congress could gather enough votes.