During Wednesday night's Milwaukee debate, Nikki Haley stood as the sole woman on the stage, and in the initial half-hour of the event, she took measures to emphasize this distinction. The former governor of South Carolina and U.N. ambassador intervened in a dispute concerning climate change between former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and biotechnology entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
Haley invoked the words of Margaret Thatcher, stating, "This is exactly why Margaret Thatcher said, ‘If you want something done, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.’”
Soon after, Haley directed her attention towards former Vice President Mike Pence, who had asserted his intention to sign a 15-week abortion ban into federal law. Haley countered by highlighting the impracticality of passing such legislation due to insufficient Senate votes. She underscored that neither Republican nor Democratic presidents have the authority to ban abortions or override state laws, asserting, "Don’t make women feel like they have to decide on this issue when you know we don’t have 60 Senate votes."
Haley has been proactive in setting herself apart as the lone prominent female contender in a field dominated by male candidates. Despite her efforts, however, the gender factor has not been an automatic draw for support among GOP voters.