A book excerpt from Nikki Haley's past has once again come to the forefront, drawing attention amid the Republican primary. Nearly 12 years ago, the now-Republican presidential candidate shared a charming anecdote about renaming her husband, Michael Haley, adding a personal touch to her political journey.
The revelation is found in Haley's 2012 book, 'Can't Is Not an Option,' where she humorously recounts the decision to alter how people referred to her then-boyfriend, Bill, who now holds the title of South Carolina First Gentleman Michael Haley.
The excerpt, shared by a Vox correspondent, details the amusing conversation that sparked the name change. Early in their relationship, Haley decided to change his name from Bill to Michael. Bill did not match his appearance, so she opted for his full name, William Michael.
From that moment onward, Nikki began calling him Michael, and gradually, all her friends adopted the same. The nickname transitioned seamlessly. Before they knew it, he became universally known as Michael. As she humorously stated, 'He looks like a Michael.'
Nikki and Michael encountered each other during Nikki's first year at Clemson University in 1989, while Michael was enrolled at the nearby Anderson University.
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Haley changing her husband's name was initially reported in 2012 but is not widely known today. The post about this fact has gained over 1 million views. The story raises questions about the dynamics between the couple and Haley's assertiveness in renaming her then-boyfriend. Some view it as a display of leadership, while others see it as a peculiar aspect of their relationship. Haley's inclination to dictate names has also led to reflections on her views regarding transgender issues.
This viral moment attracted a lot of readers. Some X users disagree with Haley's decision to change his husband's name, claiming that he looks more like a 'Bill.'
Haley's book also tells her life story, showing her family's trip from India to South Carolina, the struggles they faced as the first Indian family in a small Southern town and the lessons of difficult work and determination taught by her parents.
Gaining media attention is not new to Haley. Prior to this, Haley recently went viral and faced scrutiny for not mentioning slavery when asked about the cause of the Civil War. She instead opted for the role of the government as an answer. In the past year, Haley received backlash from LGBTQ supporters and experts for connecting transgender athletes to a rise in suicidal thoughts among teenage girls.
Haley has experienced an increase in popularity in the polls in recent months. She gained support after performing well in the first three GOP presidential debates. Haley moved ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to secure second place in New Hampshire, a crucial state in the Republican nomination calendar. Looking ahead to Iowa, where polls indicate a close competition with DeSantis for a distant second place behind Trump, Haley remains a contender in the GOP nomination race.
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