Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is brushing off a debate challenge by one of her fellow 2024 Republican presidential hopefuls.
Haley appeared on Fox New’ Sean Hannity’s show and was asked about Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) desire to debate her on the program.
“I’ve debated him four times. I love debates, I have no issue with that,” she answered.
However, she stated, “Quite honestly, Sean, the person I want to debate is Donald Trump. If you can get him on your show, that’s who I want to debate.”
Watch the video below:
Hannity: DeSantis wants to debate you right here on this program. What would your answer be?
— Acyn (@Acyn) December 15, 2023
Haley: I've debated him four times, I have no issue with that. But honestly, the person I want to debate is Donald Trump. If you can get him on your show, that's who I want to debate. pic.twitter.com/BXDKzKPZXA
Haley went on:
“That’s who we’re looking at… you know, we’re second place in Iowa, second place in New Hampshire, second place in South Carolina. Donald Trump’s the one we’re looking [at] in the windshield, and that’s the one that I think needs to get up on the debate stage. I think you’d be great at it, I welcome you to try and get that together.”
Finally, she reiterated, “Our focus right now is getting Donald Trump on a debate stage.”
Hannity joked, “Any debate stage that does not have Chris Christie on it is one that I’ll approve of.”
The exchange comes as DeSantis and Haley are nearly tied for second place in the race, according to RealClearPolitics’ average of polls.
However, former President Donald Trump leads both of them by roughly 50 points.