Haley Claims Victory In First SCGOP Debate

By fitsnews • on September 23, 2009

Despite conflicting data from other polls, mixed reviews from critics and a “ho-hum” reaction from our all-knowing founding editor, S.C. Rep. Nikki Haley declared herself the victor of Tuesday night’s SCGOP gubernatorial debate – the first debate of the 2010 election season.

Citing the “final results” taken from a poll of WIS viewers who were watching the debate online, Haley proclaimed her victory in an email sent to supporters Wednesday night.

“Nearly half of those watching the debate thought our message of getting government back to work for the people, protecting taxpayers, creating a healthy, competitive business climate through tax reform, and bringing transparency to government is exactly what this state needs,” Haley said. “In fact, the debate went so well our support was almost twice that of our closest competitor.”

Um, that’s a poll of online debate watchers, Nikki. Big difference. While a ton of people are now getting their print news online, television still trumps the Internet when it comes to watching debates.

Anyway, the poll results Haley cites were posted Tuesday evening on the WIS TV Facebook page shortly after the debate concluded in Newberry, S.C. In that tally, 44% of online viewers thought Haley won, compared to 23% for S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster, 13% for S.C. Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, 11% for S.C. Sen. Larry Grooms and 9% for U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett.

Of course, a WIS TV 10 poll posted Wednesday had Haley finishing second in the debate. As of this writing, 54% of respondents to that poll thought that Bauer won the debate, compared to 21% for Haley, 14% for McMaster, 7% for Barrett and 4% for Grooms.

A FITS poll posted Wednesday tells yet another story. According to that survey, 31% of respondents thought McMaster won the debate, compared to 25% for Bauer, 15% for Haley and 14% apiece for Grooms and Barrett.

Comments

By CNSYD on September 23rd, 2009 at 7:25 pm

What did Sanfraud think?

By vern on September 23rd, 2009 at 7:36 pm

She won the debate, sure she did. The people of South Carolina are standing firm with the Luv Guv and have put all of his drama and shame behind them too.
Word of advice Nikki…. do not believe your own PR.

By SC Integrity on September 23rd, 2009 at 7:58 pm

Sounding more like Sanfraud every day, delusional and hyperbolic. Guess she too is group hugged incessantly by SCers with a tremendous capacity for forgiveness.

Wonder how many Rotarians participated that FB poll. Probably also includes the idiots on her website who always post asap after her updates “Nikki is exactly correct, Nikki is 100% right.”

Bet she’s still in denial and shock about how done she is. Ever since she was majorly mis-purported as a rising GOP star Haley can’t accept that she’s just an SC rep and that’s her destiny thanks to her politically criminal connections and disgraceful decision making.

By yessir on September 23rd, 2009 at 8:16 pm

Nikki really is detached from reality. That doesn’t mean she can’t recite policy positions well or take good stands. In fact she can. BUT, she’s nuts.

By Elmer on September 23rd, 2009 at 8:25 pm

Well coming in first and second in two polls after the first debate is worth mentioning and sure is not negative. I bet the other boys wish they could brag about it.

People like transparency and are tired of the good ol boy business as usual politics.

By Huhhh??? on September 23rd, 2009 at 8:29 pm

I am sorry.
I voted for Obama and am not one bit sorry.
I am not ready to vote for a hotel, motel, patel for governor.

By Karla M. McGowan on September 23rd, 2009 at 9:08 pm

She’s the only one who thinks she won the debate. All of my contacts think Bauer won. They think McMaster was weak/bland.

By Libb on September 23rd, 2009 at 9:28 pm

Not surprised that Miss Nikki would “slant” the debate results. I see a trend of nontransparent transparency emerging from her.

Her website encourages you to “speak your mind” I did just that in early Sept after she posted another blog defending her decision to “sit on her hands” about Sanford. I merely indicated that her decision to do nothing while SC continues to be the laughingstock of the nation was unacceptable and would cost her my vote. My comment stayed in moderation for almost a week and was then deleted. No dissenting opinions allowed on Miss Nikki’s web site apparently. No ray of light there, folks.

By BIN News on September 23rd, 2009 at 9:29 pm

Yawn. Yawn. Yawn.

By scguy123 on September 23rd, 2009 at 10:14 pm

Hate to break it to you Nikki and Co. but looks like Bauer won.

Watch this video to see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq9RYVKalF0

By Barney Fife on September 23rd, 2009 at 10:17 pm

Who is Haley?

By beentook2 on September 23rd, 2009 at 10:43 pm

Following in the footsteps of Haley’s Comet I hereby declare myself Emperor and Grand Master of the Universe. My first official action is to banish Little Cisco Bauer to Dorkdom along with his sidecar, Fat Poncho Knotts. May they both forever fly united in a world only they understand.

By Wildman on September 23rd, 2009 at 10:49 pm

Shes is as nuts as Sanfraud, period.

By alaindelon on September 23rd, 2009 at 11:17 pm

Hey Nikki,you drank the Sanfraud coolaid too.Considered Sanfraud branded.
So goodbye!

By Strom's Daughter on September 23rd, 2009 at 11:21 pm

It’s obvious that Andre blew away the competition, except for Haley.

By Calhoun Fawls on September 24th, 2009 at 2:59 am

Just tell me that Brother Cubby is not her spiritual adviser.

By SC Integrity on September 24th, 2009 at 7:45 am

Wonder if Haley’s statement could make the mold for a grand mal type delusion in the DSMV…

“That we so convincingly won the first major event of this campaign is huge, and gives us exactly the kind of the momentum that will carry us across the finish line next June.”

A diagnosis could help her justify the China flight class early onset senior moment.

Still have some questions about that debacle. For exactly how many days did Haley share a room with one of the Gov’s female staffers? Her website claims:

“When offered a private hotel room for the entire trip, Nikki told Commerce that a private hotel room was not necessary and instead shared a room with a female member of the governor’s staff in order to keep expenses down.”

ENTIRE seems to be the operative modifier.

Plus, “The trip was run by the Commerce Department, which means all her travel arrangements were scheduled by Commerce. During the trip Nikki flew Business Class, as did all legislators asked to travel to China.”

Yet she conversed with Commerce prior to insist upon sharing a room and somehow cheaper airfare never entered Haley’s mind. Selectively entitled, hmmm… maybe she is a step up from Sanfraud.

By Toyota Kawaski on September 24th, 2009 at 8:00 am

Calhoun Fawls no it Miss Cleo.

By Toyota Kawaski on September 24th, 2009 at 8:00 am

Only thing she won was a chutney making contest

By proudofsc on September 24th, 2009 at 8:51 am

Fits, can you confirm whether N. Haley has left her husband?

By joe the barber on September 24th, 2009 at 9:23 am

Yo, you’s guys!! Is dat Henry McMaster growin’ a mullet? Wat’s up wid the curly stuff around his ears? I gots lotsa guys come in duh shop, wanna keep a lil goiong’ on the side – if ya know whut I mean – but dat stuff on his haid makes him look like he juss stepped out on duh porch wit a mint julep in his paw… like an ole plantataion owner – or maybe a country clubber – oops, did I mention Forest Lake – you’s guys know – no jews, no blacks….

Sheech.. grow it or mow it I always says…. Muss be whut Henry does dese days – instead of takin a peek inta Marky Mark Sandyfoot, likes he’s supposed to do as de atturney in general – you know – dis state’s top lawman – ha ha ha, he’s spendin time wit a curlin’ iron for Christ’s sake…. sheech……. Hank, grow it or mow it….. Oh and while you’s got de time, do a lil work for dat big-azzed salaray, car and dat driver you got…..

Dis is joe, over an out

By Sheila on September 24th, 2009 at 9:56 am

Newberry loves Nikki Haley!!!! Nikki Haley for Governor!!!!

By Left leaning Moderate that votes right on September 24th, 2009 at 10:00 am

Andre has always been well liked among average citizens. It’s all the people in politics and those that call themselves conservative that don’t like him.

I’ve met all candidates except Haley and I think that in face to face conversations, Gresham Barrett comes out best and most personable. Policy wise, I don’t know who the best candidate is yet…still waiting to see more…

By Richard on September 24th, 2009 at 10:00 am

Let’s be real, she is the only candidate that answered most all of the questions with real conservative ideals and true to the republican format. Two answered none of the questions, one is so mechanical, one is just a little out there.

By Workin' Tommy C on September 24th, 2009 at 10:32 am

If you want the same crooks in charge that we’ve had in SC government for decades, then vote for Barretbauermcmastah–the unholy trinity of the good, the bad, and the ugly (you decide) versions of the iconic good ol’ boy.

Do you REALLY want to give one of those neo-con crooks a “promotion” for his many years of corruption? I’ll vote for a stinking Democrat as a protest vote before voting for “Boo-Boo” Barret, “Crash & Burn” Bauer, or “Foghorn Leghorn” McMastah.

If you want real change and more transparency and LESS CORRUPTION, vote for Nikki Haley. She’s one of us everyday folks–unlike most of the posters above.

By SC Integrity on September 24th, 2009 at 11:22 am

Less corruption you say, Tommy workin’ for NikkiHaley.com? How about we dare dream of NO corruption, or is that aiming too high for Haley supporters?

If Haley’s one of you, tommy, richard, etc… nikkihaley crew who conveniently just posted in a block, then do you all too:

1. Forget vital info, lie or spin when you fly on your company’s dime?

2. Continually vouch for an employee in your company who left his post for five plus days and broke umpteenth professional ethics codes.

3. Reserve judgment on an employee in your company who admittedly stole at least $3300 (that’s what it’s called in the real world where most of us everyday folks posting can’t take money out of the coffers to maybe be paid back later)

4. Don’t understand the definition of or recognize transparency (true that so far there may not be an example of this rare species in SC but you claim it’s Haley?!)

5. “answer all most questions with real conservative ideals and true to republican format”
Scaaaary indeed to buy BS and cling to memorized ramblings from a hypocrite like Haley. Just like with Sanfraud, I always worry more about the senseless (blind, deaf, and unable to smell rat stench) peeps supporting him.

As a conservative, integrity craving independent I vow now to vote for any democrat over Haley, but fortunately it won’t come to that choice based on broad polling data of informed voters thus far.

By the way, Tommy, if you’re considered one of the most vocal Haley online supporters and that’s your best argument (of she’s the best of the worst and WAHHHHH blah blah they did it too, hmmm where have we heard this pitiful rationalizing before), you’re doing far more damage for Haley so keep it up!

By Neocon on September 24th, 2009 at 11:39 am

She’s a bitch…
A dumb one…

By Not so Much on September 24th, 2009 at 11:51 am

I have no problem with someone with Indian heritage being my governor. I have no problem with anyone, any creed, religion, race, heritage, or sexual orientation being governor. You cannot tell any kid that because you are “X” you can never be governor, or president, or whatever. That is so un-American. We are the land of equality and opportunity.

That said, I have seen and heard Nikki Haley and she is a Sanford clone. Same exact political DNA. Sanford has darn near ruined this state, and I think she would just finish the job.

All I want out of our next governor is someone who will care about all the people of SC, the big and the little, more than about their own political future, more than their own welfare, and lead us out of the 19th century in our education system, out of our poverty, and give us some credibility on the national front. That’s a tall order.

Dick Riley was that kind of man. So were many others. No right thinking person would knock Haley for her heritage. That is mean and racist. But the last thing we need is Sanford redux.

By Strom's Daughter on September 24th, 2009 at 12:35 pm

It’s Bobby Jindal in drag!

The things they can do with make-up and lighting these days!

But he’s acting dumbed-down for some reason.

Oh, yeah . . . it’s South Carolina.

By peyton manning sucks on September 24th, 2009 at 1:44 pm

Has she ever had a job? I don’t mean a job working for your mom and dad or glad-handing for a hospital or even “working” in the legislature. I mean a real job?

By SC Integrity on September 24th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

Ironically, Haley’s expertise and work experience is Accounting. Adds up doesn’t it? Perfect fit for a hypocrite.

Doesn’t know or question the price of a comfy cozy flight to China.

Didn’t demand Sanford turn over the keys to the kingdom while missing, off the books, for 5 plus days.

Doesn’t confront the issues of a public servant stealing.

2 hypocrites
plus
X in SC resources
equals
exponential flights, days off with pay, political galas, non-fruitful first class international conventions

By Strom's Daughter on September 24th, 2009 at 3:59 pm

I sure hope Nikki can curry favor in a state loaded with Shi’ite Baptists.

It’d be a damn shame if she couldn’t.

After all, South Carolina’s summers are very similar to India’s.

Winston Churchill visited Columbia on a hellish summer day during World War II.

As he toured Fort Jackson, Churchill remarked: “I have not felt such heat since the plains of India.”

By Soft Sigh From Hell on September 24th, 2009 at 8:28 pm

“Churchill remarked: ‘I have not felt such heat since the plains of India.’”

Great story.

He may have re-evaluated now in Hell, for he too–like Saddam–poison gassed the Kurds.

By Soft Sigh From Hell on September 24th, 2009 at 10:44 pm

A couple more arms like Shiva might be handy (sorry) for a politician. All the better to point in several different directions at once in campaigning or casting blame. Or for slipping hands into the pockets of multiple others simultaneously, or receiving several plain unmarked fat envelopes from far different corners.

(Perhaps she can sikh favor as well.)