Nikki Haley Defends Confederate Flag: CEOs Haven’t Complained (VIDEO)

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley speaks during a news conference at the BMW manufacturing plant in Greer, S.C., Friday, March 28, 2014. BMW announced a $1 billion expansion for the plant. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) said that voters should not be concerned that the statehouse flies a Confederate flag because she has gotten no complaints from the CEOs.

During the Tuesday night gubernatorial debate, Democratic candidate state Sen. Vincent Sheheen called for the state government to no longer display the Confederate flag, noting that many young people leave South Carolina “all too often.”

Haley retorted by claiming that the Confederate flag has not kept companies from coming to the state.

“What I can tell you is over the last three and a half years, I spent a lot of my days on the phones with CEOs and recruiting jobs to this state. I can honestly say I have not had one conversation with a single CEO about the Confederate flag,” she said.

She also said that she herself has helped combat the state’s image problem.

“But we really kind of fixed all that when you elected the first Indian-American female governor,” Haley said. “When we appointed the first African-American U.S. senator, that sent a huge message.”

Libertarian candidate Steve French said that while he doesn’t mind if individuals display the Confederate flag, he doesn’t think businesses should be able to.

“So, if you want to paint your house in the Confederate flag, I am completely fine with that,” he said.

Watch a clip via Raw Story:

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Notable Replies

  1. "noting that many young people leave South Carolina “all too often.”

    Haley retorted by claiming that the Confederate flag has not kept companies from coming to the state."


    Ah, but you know what will keep them from coming to the state? Lack of young people and a tiny labor force of unskilled laborers.

    People with any brains in their heads are fleeing states like this, which is why the GOP/Teatrolls operate them the way they do in the first place. Overall, their hope is that the minorities will leave most of all and “go somewhere they’re wanted.”

  2. Avatar for iann iann says:

    Of course the only opinion that counts is that of the CEOs. All heil the CEOs!

  3. Avatar for pac pac says:

    Yes, yes, and only CEOs should be allowed to vote.

  4. Avatar for dnl dnl says:

    Nikki epitomizes the fickle Cons values…

  5. So, the “Southern Swastika” is good for business then, Ms. Haley?

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