The D Files: Haley’s Role Model

When you make purchases through our links we may earn a small commission.

A symbolic digital illustration featuring a split-screen design. On one side, a silhouette of a politician speaks into a microphone, while on the other, a social media feed displays exaggerated headlines and out-of-context quotes. The background includes abstract digital elements such as floating text, news articles, and a distorted magnifying glass, symbolizing misinformation and political manipulation.
Did Nikki Haley really call Hillary Clinton her “role model”? A political ad says yes—but the truth tells a different story. This fact-check uncovers the selective editing, logical fallacies, and the role of social media in distorting political narratives.
Facebook
Twitter
Reddit
Share
Article Contents

The Claim

A super PAC supporting Ron DeSantis aired an ad suggesting that Nikki Haley considers Hillary Clinton her “role model”and that Clinton was a key inspiration for Haley’s political career. The ad features clips of Haley discussing Clinton’s influence, implying a deep ideological connection between the two.

The Truth

Haley has spoken about attending a 2003 event where Clinton encouraged women to enter politics despite obstacles. While she found Clinton’s message empowering, Haley has repeatedly clarified that she does not share Clinton’s political beliefs. She has explicitly stated, “I don’t agree with anything that she has to say.” The ad selectively edited her comments to remove these clarifications, distorting the full context of her remarks.

Logical Fallacies Used

  • Cherry-Picking: The ad selectively includes statements that support its narrative while omitting Haley’s clear disclaimers about not agreeing with Clinton politically.

  • Guilt by Association: It implies that because Haley found one aspect of Clinton’s message inspiring, she must therefore align with Clinton’s broader political ideology.

  • Strawman Argument: The ad builds a misleading version of Haley’s position—one where she idolizes Clinton—when in reality, she merely acknowledged Clinton’s message about women in politics without endorsing her policies.

The Bigger Problem

Social Media and Influencer-Driven Misinformation

This misleading ad highlights a broader issue—many Americans get their news from social media and influencer-driven platforms where context is often stripped away. Soundbites, out-of-context quotes, and viral clips shape political narratives, fueling misinformation and partisan attacks. When complex realities are reduced to simplified, emotionally charged messages, critical thinking is replaced by reactionary outrage. As this case shows, even fact-based statements can be manipulated to create false impressions, reinforcing biases rather than informing the public.

Moral of the Story

Always question narratives that seem designed to provoke rather than inform—especially when they come from campaign ads and viral political content.

Subscribe

You’ll get more articles like this – and our favorite promotional offers delivered straight to your inbox.

By submitting this form you agree to our terms and conditions. You can unsubscribe at any time.

A stylized digital illustration of a Black Hawk helicopter flying over Washington, D.C., with a stormy sky and social media icons fading into the clouds, symbolizing misinformation.

The F-Files: Unmasking the Misidentification of a Fallen Pilot

When tragedy strikes, misinformation spreads fast. A viral wave of false claims misidentified a fallen Black Hawk pilot, linking her to a transgender woman and a former White House aide. This F-Files investigation breaks down the truth, the logical fallacies used, and the dangers of unchecked social media narratives.

Read More »
An oil drilling rig with a large red "NO" sign over it, symbolizing Big Oil's reluctance to expand drilling, with executives in a corporate boardroom analyzing financial charts in the background.

To ‘Drill, Baby, Drill’ Big Oil Is Saying ‘No, Thanks’

Despite political calls for more drilling, Big Oil is resisting. Instead of expanding operations, major oil companies are prioritizing stock buybacks, dividends, and a cautious approach to long-term investments. Learn why the oil industry is reluctant to drill more, even as energy prices remain high.

Read More »