Haley calls for generational change in launching 2024 bid

Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador, launches her 2024 presidential campaign on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, in Charleston, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard)

Nikki Haley launched her campaign for the Republican presidential nomination on Wednesday with a call for generational change in Washington and a rejection of what she derided as “identity politics” dividing the United States.

Speaking from the historic coastal city of Charleston, the former South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador struck themes intended to resonate with the Republican voters she will court as the first major GOP challenger to former President Donald Trump.

She blasted President Joe Biden and his fellow Democrats as too liberal and insisted there’s not a problem with racism in the U.S. as they contend. But there were occasional notes that could appeal beyond the GOP base, including appeals for unity and criticism of corporate bailouts.