Nikki Haley is feeling the love in her South Carolina hometown
Nearly a year after Nikki Haley, a former governor of South Carolina, released a video announcing her presidential campaign, she returned to the place where it was shot: her hometown of Bamberg, SC.
Ms. Haley has been traveling around the state in recent weeks in an effort to overtake former President Donald J. Trump, who leads her by more than 30 points in the state polls. On Tuesday, she received a warm welcome at the Bamberg Veterans Park, where Ms. Haley, after hugging attendees on her way in as cheers and jingling cowbells rang out, occasionally deviated from her usual remarks to explain how the community has welcomed her had formed.
“This is the city that taught me strength, this is the city that taught me grace, this is the city that taught me faith,” she told the crowd of about 100 people. “And this is the city that taught me: neighbors take care of their neighbors.”
Mrs. Haley was introduced by the city's mayor, Nancy Foster, who recalled stories about Mrs. Haley from her childhood and noted that Mrs. Haley's brother, Mitti Randhawa, had played on her husband's tennis team.
“Nikki, Bamberg is so very proud of you, and we wish you the best in all your endeavors,” she said.
But even with the friendly crowd, her uphill battle to steal votes from Trump remained evident. Ms. Foster told a Times reporter after the event that she had not yet decided who to support at the ballot box.
The small town – 3,000 inhabitants – was hit by a tornado last month that destroyed parts of the downtown area. according to local news reports. Destroyed buildings with exposed wood were visible from where Ms. Haley spoke, and she appeared to be referring to the recent battle.
“This is a difficult time, and I know there is more healing to be done, and I know people have suffered,” she said. “But I know if there's one town that can get through, it's Bamberg.”
The audience, although small, was enthusiastic. Lyrics from Ms. Haley's stump speech that received polite applause at other recent campaign events were met with rapturous cheers on Tuesday, such as when she said, “We beat a dozen guys, we've only got one guy to overtake.”
She referenced Mr. Trump in her remarks but kept the focus largely on what she hoped to accomplish during her time in office — something that Marlene Workman, a Republican who owns a small business in Bamberg, said she appreciated.
“She's not trying to put anyone down — it's not a negative campaign,” said Ms. Workman, 57. But Ms. Workman acknowledged Ms. Haley's uphill battle in the state, saying that “a lot of people aren't giving her a good chance, they're listening not what she has to say.”
Tammy Smoak, a 60-year-old Bamberg resident who said she worked for a small business owned by Ms. Haley's parents, said the former governor made a “real” impression on her. Seeing Ms. Haley in person confirmed her decision to support Ms. Haley in the upcoming primary election on Feb. 24, she added.
“She hasn't forgotten where she came from and what made her, and she is a person of character,” Ms. Smoak said.